Min Wheel Dia to clear discs and 2.5 spindles?

[stllookn]

Going to the next phase with the '67. 2.5" Western spindles, bags and '69 discs up front. My current wheels, 8.5" (4" bs) w/275-60 15 tires, are too wide to clear the inside of the fender. I don't want to end up grinding the spindles like I did last time when I tried this with 15" wheels. Are 16" steel wheels going to clear the discs? I am trying to retain the old school (low cost) look so no 18-20's! I am thinking a 16 x 8 steel wheel with 4" bs and 225 tire...poverty look with some tire width. Any suggestions?

[smbrouss70]

15" steel or aluminum wheels will clear the discs and calipers just fine. Are you talking about having to clearance the control arm because of the backspacing mixed with the drop spindle?

[stllookn]

Yes, last time I did this with DJM spindles on a '77 they did not clear and I had to grind material off the spindles in places. It was pain! It would only happen on hard cornering when the wheels would flex...but still a pain. The wheels were Crager SS. Thicker alumninum wheels would have been worse. I think jumping to a 16" will add an additional 0.5" on the diameter and should be fine and still be very cheap. This is a minimalist build...LOL!

Thanks

[smbrouss70]

I can't say for sure, (never tried 16's) but it sounds logical. Maybe someone else will chime in with some real-world experience.

[lolife99]

I've never had to grind the spindle itself. I've had to grind/clearance the outer edge of the lower control arm. If you run a 15" wheel with more than 3.5" of backspacing, (as in 15x8 ralley with a 4" BS), you will need to do the trimming. I say trim the lower arm and buy whatever wheels you want. You never know when you might have to bolt on a set of 15's. Whatever you decide,... the spindle manufacturer puts the task of checking all clearances on YOU. I usually have to tweek the "metal part of the caliper brake line also. No big deal.

[smashingchuck]

I normally run a 17x8 with 4.5" of back spacing. I have been rolling the truck around on a set of caprice rally's that are 15x7, not sure on the back spacing but there is alot. I have 3" drop spindles and have noticed no problems with clearance issues, but like I said I have not driven it with those wheels just moved it around in the garage. Also I have tubular control arms... that might do away with clearance issues as well, but I'm not sure.

[stllookn]

Thanks for reminding me about the LCA's with the 15-in. wheels. I had another member remind me today about that when I diagnosed (last year) his clearance problems...LOL! I guess I can probably get by with 15's then. I now have to see if I can work a swap with another local member that wants my 15" slots.

[SCOTI]

It's the back-spacing that's more critical vs. wheel diameter. As was mentioned, keep the BS to a minimum & you'll have less issue w/interference. My 74 has 18x8's & they rub the control arms when it gets close to full lock because my wheels have 5.25" BS.

I had 15x6.5" van ralleys w/2.5" WesternChassis spindles on my 68 & they didn't rub anywhere.

[70c10]

Scoti is right about the backspace. My drop spindles make the wheels stick out further. I wish my rims were 7" front with narrower tires. I have 275/60/15 and 15x 8 with 3.75" backspace with wheel weights on the back of the rim and I had to grind a little off the spindle.

[slammed1]

I have 15x8 Chevy Truck rally wheels on my truck,with a ECE 2.5 spindle and a 3" coil,and there are no issues so far but I have heard and seen issues with lower control arm trimming. I was planning on a 15x6 frt rally and a 15x10 rear rally so Im suree I will have even more clearance with that combo.

[stllookn]

Hmmmmm....sounding more like 7" rim, with 3.4-4 bs which should be easier to find. Thanks.