tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Hey guys this is my first post. I have read a lot of the threads about drops of different heights and wheel and tire combos. I am restoring my 77 sierra grande. My Dad bought it new in 77. It was my high school truck. I hope for my son to drive it when he is 16. (He's almost 1 now!)...

Any way I think I am going to go with a 2.5-4 drop to start. I would like it a little lower, but my Dad doesn't want too low. I am looking to just be at or just above the height of the tire. I may cut the front coils and remove a leaf if it is too high. I am going with 20x10 in the rear and 20x8.5 in the front. What back space and tire size would you recommend? I am wanting to stay the same diameter that I have now. (235/75/15) About 27.5-28 inches tall.

I will post some build pics soon. Here is what I have planned:

1. 2-tone orange metallic with pearl white. I am going to paint the top of the cab pearl white also. Same old look with updated paint colors.
2. 4 wheel disc brakes
3. Full trim package.
4. New stock interior.

More details later. Thanks!

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Sorry about the long post. Any tire size suggestions?

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

As far as your drop goes I would do at least a 3-5 drop. I am currently saving for my drop and just from looking at pictures it looks like 3-5 sits about an inch above tires, 4/6 sits level with the top of tires, and 5-7 tucks about an inch.

As far as backspacing goes I can't help you there yet but I am sure others will chime in.

Sounds like a fun project by the way. My Dad and I are working on my 83' dime together.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

here is a tire size calculator, you can start looking at diff sizes
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit
your offset on the rear needs to be between 3-5 so the wheel sets just inside the fender, the front needs to be between 4-5

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Thanks for the info. What's the best way to get a 5 inch drop in the back? I was going to get a 4 inch kit with hangers and shackles. I know that a lot of guys recommend a c-notch with 5 or more inches or drop. Initially I was going to get a 5.5 inch rear flip kit from classic performace with a with a c-notch for the rear, and a 12 inch disc brake kit with 2" drop spindles and 2 inch coils for the front. I am also going with tubular control arms.

I think the 4/5.5 will be too low for my Dad's taste and also not enough rake for mine. Would you get 1 inch new coils or just cut my existing ones? On the rear should I get the 4 inch drop and remove a leaf? Do I need to c-notch? I don't really want any bottoming out issues.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Do the flip kit from the beginning the shackles and hangers might not be low enough for you.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Do the flip kit. Check out my build thread for some pictures. I am running a 215/70/15 on a 6.5" van ralley in the front, and a 255/70/15 on an 8" truck ralley on the rear. The front has a coil cut, with a 2.5" spindle, and the rear is flipped. I am very pleased with the way it sits, and it hadn't hit the frame without the C- Notch. That being said, it is in my shop now with the bed off and the c-notches being installed, just in case. CPP had really great prices on the stuff, so I got it all from Jeff.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Tire sizes I recommend for those wheel sizes & proposed drop (4/6 max drop) would be 255-40-20 @ 28" tall (F) & 295-40-20 @ 29" tall (R).

Backspacing is subjective to the owner. Some guys want the wheels tucked in; others like them 'flush' w/the body. Which do you prefer?

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Beautiful truck Jonboy. I like your stance a lot. Just have to talk my Dad into it. He is leaning toward a 3/4 drop. 2 inch drop spidles with 1 inch coils in the front. Hangers and shackles in the back. We'll see....

Scoti I have decided on the exact tires you recommended. I think I want the tires slightly inside the fenders. I was thinking 4 3/4 for the front backspacing and 5 1/2 for the rear. Does this sound right?

Thanks for the replies.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

baclay9, that's cool you are working on yours with your Dad too. I'd love to see a picture.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Those numbers would work but...... I feel 5.00" back spacing front & rear would be better. It would tuck the front tire in a little more to keep it away from the outer wheel well lip & on the rear it will keep it centered while giving a little more 'dish' to the rim.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

Thanks Scoti,

I know that I have seen it on the forum somewhere, but what drop and backspacing to you have?

I think I would like mine just a touch higher.

Re: tire and wheel question again...from the new guy
 

My 74 is about a 5/7 (closer to 6/8) w/3" spindles & 1-coil cut up front; flip kit w/shackles out back. I have had several different wheel tire combos:

18/20" Polished TT's
18x8 w/5.25" bs 245-45-18 Dunlop SP9000's
20x10 w/5.00 bs 295-40-20 Dunlop SP9000's


20" Coys
20x8.5 w/5.25" bs 255-40-20 Toyo Proxes
20x10 w/5.50" bs 295-40-20's Toyo Proxes

Old School
15x6.5 OE van ralley 215-70-15 BFG Radial TA
15x8 OE truck ralley 255-70-15 BFG Radial TA