Need help with tire size and lowering and traction..

[smoknbarrels]

Hey there,
I am just getting into the phase of lowering my '67 long box fleet side with a 454. I am thinking of lowering it 4 front 5 rear. can anyone tell me what is the max tire size i can fit in this configuration? and I was planning on going with 8" rims front and 10" rear.. any idea what back spacing will be needed to optimise at least a 295 tire in the rear?? which leads to my last question.. will i get any traction running 550HP, or am i just wasting my time?
should I just tub it and use mickeys??

[ChevLoRay]

Gonna lower it with a 454, huh? Just kidding. Welcome to the site. You'll find a wealth of informative people who will offer you all sorts of help.

I don't have a big block in my '69SWB, but I did lower it 2.5 inches in front and 4 inches in back. Front was done with spindles and stock height springs. Rear was done with springs (coils on rear), relocated shock mounts and an adjustable track bar (Panhard rod).

On the front, I am running Wheel Vintique 15x8's, with a 4-inch back space. On the rear, you will find same brand of wheel, in 15x10, with a 4.5-inch back space. Up front, I am running BFG Radial T/A's in 245R60-15 size. The rear has BFG 275R60-15's. The diameter is moot, but the back spacing isn't. I asked Early Classic Enterprises (the source of my chassis parts) for their suggestions for back spacing, and that is what I used on my truck.

As to the abilities of the chassis to handle the horsepower, there are plenty of others who have that kind of power and can more than assist you in your quest.

Glad to have you on board, so Welcome from Central Arkansas.

[Robznob11]

i got 12in 6.5bs welds on the back with mickys an all i had to do was remove the rear wells. im running 8.5 drop front 9 drop-n back with 496 not running yet though... i body droped mine 3in so you can figure my suspension drop....

[ratrod67]

I'm running a 15X10 with 5 inch backspacing. BFG 345/55 Drag Radial on my 72 LWB.
Also running a 15X10 with 4 inch backspacing. M/T Sportsman 29/12.5 on my 67 SWB.

[smoknbarrels]

So, I guess I will have to tubb the rear to fit 295's inside the fenders?? or will it fit? I tried measuring it, but it seems to close to call..

[ratrod67]

Originally Posted by smoknbarrels

So, I guess I will have to tubb the rear to fit 295's inside the fenders?? or will it fit? I tried measuring it, but it seems to close to call..

295's will fit. Easily. They have a 12 inch tread width just like my 29/12.5 M/T's. As far as traction goes, you will spin them if you have a true 550 HP. You will need slicks or at least Drag Radials. My 72 LWB has a 612 rear wheel dyno'ed BBC and will spin the Drag Radials any time I want. I also have 4:10 rear gears which helps it transfer power better. I have to ease into the throttle if I'm trying to hook up.

[smoknbarrels]

Also, will a set of 295 BFG's even hook up with 550HP or am i just wasting my time, and later end up going with mickeys ($$) . I just like the price of them, since i do enjoy a good burnout often...but at the same time if i see a rice rocket next to me at the light, the 'ol chevy better destroy it.

[smoknbarrels]

I haven't dropped my motor in yet, but it should have that at the flywheel(ported heads, roller everything)... how much is your '72 lowered? from the photo it looks like the tires go past the fenders. when you bought front springs, does a 2 inch drop spring become a 3 when using a big block? or no? looks like i can't get away with cheap tires..

[ratrod67]

I have 2 inch spindles and 3 inch drop springs in front and 4 inch springs and a set of 2 inch blocks out back. My back tires don't go past the fender lips.

[smoknbarrels]

perhaps i should go lower? I've had 4f and 5r before in a 90's chevy and it was quite driveable everywhere, I am wondering what depth I can go on my '67 before the truck is too low to get up and down driveways or speed bumps easily. at the same time though I do realize I am driving a lowered truck, so i don't expect it to cross the median if I miss my ramp.

if you guys have some advice for me at what height things start to rub it would help a lot!

[see ten]

Try this for some drop ideas along with tire and wheel sizes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=143835