Wheel question.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

boraxman · 08-15-2003, 09:54 PM

Gonna convert my'70 to disc brakes and 5 lug all the way around. Question is how much and how little backspacing can I get away with?

Im gonna add some info:

The truck is lowered but not slammed.
It has 15x10 rims w/ 60's all the way around.
I want to use 15x8.5 w/ 4" backspace rims (found deal)

ChevLoRay · 08-15-2003, 11:41 PM

Don't know for sure about your situation, but I converted my '69 to discs, and stayed with the 6-lug pattern because I already had a good set of 15x8 aluminum wheels. I had to go to a 15x7 on the front to keep the tires from sticking out past the fenders, due to disc brake front ends having a slightly wider track than drums. I used Early Classic Enterprises components.

On my sons' '96 GMC Sportside, which had a set of 15x8's all the way, I had to go to a 15x7, with 3-inch back space to allow the inside of the wheel enough room to clear the tie rod end. Using a larger diameter wheel would solve that problem, too. I didn't have that option, since I was matching wheels already on the truck. I also had to get a spare tire from a late model Caprice to use as a spare for the front. The standard spare will work for the rear, with its' 3.5-inch back spacing. Again, the stock wheel would not clear the tie rod ends, on the DJM-lowered spindles on his '96.

Don't know if this will help, but thought you'd like to hear it, anyway.

miket · 08-15-2003, 11:44 PM

Wheel Vintiques told me 4" only on the front and 4-1/2" is normal on the rear....

71 with disks up front/drums rear/275/60 all the way around, 15X8 front/15X10 rear.

ACP427 · 08-16-2003, 09:17 AM

Hey ray, when you go with the 6 lug discs and you need to replace them do you have to get them from early classics? or do they match up with stock rotors of some other year?

ChevLoRay · 08-16-2003, 05:56 PM

I guess you'd have to get them from ECE, but you could also just use a standard replacement 12-inch GM rotor and have a 5-lug pattern. That is the only downfall that I have found. However, I don't plan on needing to replace my rotors before I die. I'm almost 56, and I have put almost 12K miles on the truck in 4 years. Therefore, even if I have to replace the pads and turn the rotors, I figure that will take many years to be needed.

All of Early Classic Enterprises stuff is GM, or name brand, like NOS stuff. It isn't made in Taiwan, or China, or VietNam. It's all made in the good 'ole US of A. Just like our trucks....

JayDubBlazer · 08-17-2003, 02:31 AM

Is that 4 and 4 1/2 inch back spacing for 4x4 or 2wd only?

miket · 08-17-2003, 10:49 AM

Jaydub:

not sure if that question was for me but I believe it is 2wd specific....they said 4-1/2 would hit tie rod ends.

ACP427 · 08-17-2003, 11:04 AM

Hey guys, Does anyone know if the 6 bolt rotors will go on the 5 bolt spindals, I have a 5 disc setup but I want to use my six bolt rims, since i need new rotors anyway I want get the six bolt ones if they will fit? thanks

08-15-2003, 09:54 PM	#1
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Wheel question.... Gonna convert my'70 to disc brakes and 5 lug all the way around. Question is how much and how little backspacing can I get away with? Im gonna add some info: The truck is lowered but not slammed. It has 15x10 rims w/ 60's all the way around. I want to use 15x8.5 w/ 4" backspace rims (found deal) Last edited by boraxman; 08-15-2003 at 10:21 PM.

08-15-2003, 11:41 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Don't know for sure about your situation, but I converted my '69 to discs, and stayed with the 6-lug pattern because I already had a good set of 15x8 aluminum wheels. I had to go to a 15x7 on the front to keep the tires from sticking out past the fenders, due to disc brake front ends having a slightly wider track than drums. I used Early Classic Enterprises components. On my sons' '96 GMC Sportside, which had a set of 15x8's all the way, I had to go to a 15x7, with 3-inch back space to allow the inside of the wheel enough room to clear the tie rod end. Using a larger diameter wheel would solve that problem, too. I didn't have that option, since I was matching wheels already on the truck. I also had to get a spare tire from a late model Caprice to use as a spare for the front. The standard spare will work for the rear, with its' 3.5-inch back spacing. Again, the stock wheel would not clear the tie rod ends, on the DJM-lowered spindles on his '96. Don't know if this will help, but thought you'd like to hear it, anyway. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-15-2003, 11:44 PM	#3
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Wheel Vintiques told me 4" only on the front and 4-1/2" is normal on the rear.... 71 with disks up front/drums rear/275/60 all the way around, 15X8 front/15X10 rear. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-16-2003, 09:17 AM	#4
ACP427 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Syracuse, NY Posts: 160	6" discs Hey ray, when you go with the 6 lug discs and you need to replace them do you have to get them from early classics? or do they match up with stock rotors of some other year?

08-16-2003, 05:56 PM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I guess you'd have to get them from ECE, but you could also just use a standard replacement 12-inch GM rotor and have a 5-lug pattern. That is the only downfall that I have found. However, I don't plan on needing to replace my rotors before I die. I'm almost 56, and I have put almost 12K miles on the truck in 4 years. Therefore, even if I have to replace the pads and turn the rotors, I figure that will take many years to be needed. All of Early Classic Enterprises stuff is GM, or name brand, like NOS stuff. It isn't made in Taiwan, or China, or VietNam. It's all made in the good 'ole US of A. Just like our trucks.... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-17-2003, 02:31 AM	#6
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,885	Is that 4 and 4 1/2 inch back spacing for 4x4 or 2wd only? __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

08-17-2003, 10:49 AM	#7
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Jaydub: not sure if that question was for me but I believe it is 2wd specific....they said 4-1/2 would hit tie rod ends. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-17-2003, 11:04 AM	#8
ACP427 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Syracuse, NY Posts: 160	discs Hey guys, Does anyone know if the 6 bolt rotors will go on the 5 bolt spindals, I have a 5 disc setup but I want to use my six bolt rims, since i need new rotors anyway I want get the six bolt ones if they will fit? thanks

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