Lift and tire suggestions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gman · 12-06-2002, 04:07 PM

Looking at getting a 2-2 1/2 inch lift put on the truck eventually but need tires first. 1972 SWB K10, 3.73 gears and stock spring setup right now. Am thinking I'd be safe putting 32's (BFG's) on right now and then in 6 months adding lift. Are these likely to fit without rubbing for the 6 months and once I get the lift (Skyjacker) will they look alright or will they look too small in the wheel wells? Don't want any taller lift with SWB. Two other board members have agreed. Just looking to hear a few other opinions and from those who have similar situation or know of similar setups. Appreciate all opinions. Thanks everyone!

**Yukon Jack** · 12-06-2002, 05:52 PM

I'm thinking 32's should be fine and ought to look okay with a 2 lift. My truck had tires that measured at just under 32" tall with a stock suspension (K20 suspension) and they didn't rub at all and looked fine. If you go to my web page you can see some pre lift pics of these ~ 32" tires on my truck.

LeRoy · 12-06-2002, 07:51 PM

I bought a 72 C10 2wd. and it had 32x10.50x15 BFG AT's on it and they fit fine. They were mounted on 10" rims but not sure about the backspacing. I'd have to check. The truck still was still running the original coils to. I'd say they'd look okay with a 2 1/2" lift. Why are you only going 2 1/2"?

red71cheyenne · 12-06-2002, 08:10 PM

The tires on the truck are 31's and they clear fine. The ones on the Blazer are 32's and they are in no danger of touching. Don't know how much lift I have on it though. Its at least 4 though. Jeff.

travis martin · 12-06-2002, 09:56 PM

I bought a 72 K10 with no lift with 33's they didn't rub but it didn't have any room for flexing. I put a 4inch lift kit and it looks good now.

RON WOODGEARD · 12-07-2002, 01:33 AM

GMAN,

You didn't say if it was two wheel drive or 4...... Here's my 70 when it was raised, It had 33-12/50 Big "O"s. I had 3" springs and 2" body lift. The 33s rubbed without the body lift.

RON

gman · 12-07-2002, 03:27 AM

Leroy,

I don't want to have to change gearing at the moment. Larger lift means I'll need larger tires which means ultimately higher recognized gear ratio. Afraid I might be losing a lot of felt power with anything more than 32's. Anymore lift than 2 1/2 most likely would require driveshaft changes, etc., as Yukon Jack states in his web site. Also, don't want to have to carry a ladder around so the squeeze can get in.

I know.......leave her at home.

Thanks everyone for the input. I think the 32's and the 2-2 1/2 lift is the ticket. Uncertain about the required backspacing and offset though. More research..........

Blaze69 · 12-07-2002, 05:36 AM

gman,

My Blazer looked alot like red71's before I got it painted. I'm running 32/11.50-15's on 10-15's and I have no problem with rubbing. If you're only going to lift it 2-3" you should have no problem. It should look pretty good. My backspacing looks pretty close to what red71 show's in the picture. I'd go with it and wouldn't even worry about it.

gman · 12-07-2002, 10:59 PM

Blaze69,

Do you happen to know what your backspacing is?

LT 72 Jimmy · 12-08-2002, 02:01 AM

Would someone please define "backspacing"?

Thanks

LT

Hutch · 12-08-2002, 02:38 AM

This link will help you to define wheel backspace

Wheel Vintiques

I have always thought that the back space of a wheel could be measured with the wheel laying on a flat surface, outside up then measure from the inside mounting surface to the flat surface.

Hope this helps

BLAZERMAN · 12-08-2002, 02:09 PM

Here's a pic of gmans 72 swb k-10, I would go with 33's and a 2-1/2" lift, since you have 3:73s I woudnt worry about any loss in power.

Blaze69 · 12-12-2002, 05:56 AM

Gman,
Off the top of my head I believe the spacing to be ~3.5-4".

stknrdr · 12-12-2002, 01:30 PM

Couple of things, really think about what you are going to use the truck for - if you are just wanting it to look a bit tougher then 2" of lift and 32's ought to be fine.

I have 4" of lift and 35's on mine and its is wayyyy too big for practical purposes, (it looks good though heheh) but I am getting tired of jumping in and out, tired of not being able to stop as quickly as I should, tired of the power robbing big tires, etc.

On the other hand, I have 35's on a 77 bronco that I use exclusively for wheeling, and they are too short, wish I had 38's.

I want to go back down to 31's or 32's on my truck, and get a better riding 2" lift.

Anybody want to trade some good 31's or 32's for a set of new 35" bfg at's?

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-12-2002, 07:55 PM

I'm running 325/60R15 BFG ATs on 15x10 white wagonwheels w/ 4" backspacing. The tires are supposedly 31/12.5 equivalent but the tread is slightly wider than the tread on a 33/12.5R15 BFG mounted on a 10" wide rim. The tires do hit the front of the fender during turning. I just ordered 2" tuff country lift w/ shocks from ORD and hopefully by the 1st I'll have some before and after pics. If you mount your 32" tires on 8" wide rims you should have no problems really would not need lift. I plan on installing 33s by the summer time.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 12-12-2002, 10:18 PM

back spacing is from the inside bead of the rim to where the rim seats against the brake drum. Lay a strait board acros the wheel ( not the tire) and measur down to where the center of the wheel.
mine are 3 7/8 ..
randy

**MJN** · 12-12-2002, 11:26 PM

On our '72 K/5 we've got a 4" suspension lift and 35" tires, I wouldn't recommend this for serious off-raoding since the tires will rub but in mud it works nice. If going with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch lift I would probably go with 32's or 33's at the most.

gman · 12-13-2002, 11:12 AM

Man, I appreciate all the input. This is great. I've been thinking about putting 32's on my original rims after blasting and painting them. I also have a set of original hub caps to use that are in extremely good shape. I like the looks of the white original rims with the chrome caps and some larger tires. But not sure 32's would fit the rims. I believe the original rims are 7" wide. I might end up with two sets of tires and rims in the end. Thanks for all the input. It really helps.

Mike C · 12-13-2002, 09:27 PM

I ran 33 14.5 MT Bajas on 15x8 chrome spokes with 3.5" backspacing with no lift. If they rubbed, it was only slightly on the front springs when turning sharply. You should have no troubles with 33 12.5 but see if you can find a buddy to loan you a setup. There is a little more clearnace with the 8" rim than the 10. That and not everyones tire is the same height even though they may be called the same.

12-06-2002, 04:07 PM	#1
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Lift and tire suggestions Looking at getting a 2-2 1/2 inch lift put on the truck eventually but need tires first. 1972 SWB K10, 3.73 gears and stock spring setup right now. Am thinking I'd be safe putting 32's (BFG's) on right now and then in 6 months adding lift. Are these likely to fit without rubbing for the 6 months and once I get the lift (Skyjacker) will they look alright or will they look too small in the wheel wells? Don't want any taller lift with SWB. Two other board members have agreed. Just looking to hear a few other opinions and from those who have similar situation or know of similar setups. Appreciate all opinions. Thanks everyone! __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

12-06-2002, 05:52 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	I'm thinking 32's should be fine and ought to look okay with a 2 lift. My truck had tires that measured at just under 32" tall with a stock suspension (K20 suspension) and they didn't rub at all and looked fine. If you go to my web page you can see some pre lift pics of these ~ 32" tires on my truck. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

12-06-2002, 07:51 PM	#3
LeRoy Registered truck nut Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA Posts: 1,584	I bought a 72 C10 2wd. and it had 32x10.50x15 BFG AT's on it and they fit fine. They were mounted on 10" rims but not sure about the backspacing. I'd have to check. The truck still was still running the original coils to. I'd say they'd look okay with a 2 1/2" lift. Why are you only going 2 1/2"? __________________ MOUNT VERNON, WASH. STATE Need a part? Just PM me

12-06-2002, 08:10 PM	#4
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	The tires on the truck are 31's and they clear fine. The ones on the Blazer are 32's and they are in no danger of touching. Don't know how much lift I have on it though. Its at least 4 though. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty Last edited by red71cheyenne; 10-04-2007 at 08:35 PM.

12-06-2002, 09:56 PM	#5
travis martin CoonHunter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: valley falls ks Posts: 346	I bought a 72 K10 with no lift with 33's they didn't rub but it didn't have any room for flexing. I put a 4inch lift kit and it looks good now. __________________ 72 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 4" inch lift. 2000 Chevy Malibu

12-07-2002, 01:33 AM	#6
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	GMAN, You didn't say if it was two wheel drive or 4...... Here's my 70 when it was raised, It had 33-12/50 Big "O"s. I had 3" springs and 2" body lift. The 33s rubbed without the body lift. RON Attached Images

12-07-2002, 03:27 AM	#7
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Leroy, I don't want to have to change gearing at the moment. Larger lift means I'll need larger tires which means ultimately higher recognized gear ratio. Afraid I might be losing a lot of felt power with anything more than 32's. Anymore lift than 2 1/2 most likely would require driveshaft changes, etc., as Yukon Jack states in his web site. Also, don't want to have to carry a ladder around so the squeeze can get in. I know.......leave her at home. Thanks everyone for the input. I think the 32's and the 2-2 1/2 lift is the ticket. Uncertain about the required backspacing and offset though. More research.......... __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

12-07-2002, 05:36 AM	#8
Blaze69 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 147	gman, My Blazer looked alot like red71's before I got it painted. I'm running 32/11.50-15's on 10-15's and I have no problem with rubbing. If you're only going to lift it 2-3" you should have no problem. It should look pretty good. My backspacing looks pretty close to what red71 show's in the picture. I'd go with it and wouldn't even worry about it. __________________ 1969 Blazer: 350/350, 4X4, HEI, Edlebrock carb/intake, dual flowmasters, np205, 3:07's and the rest is mostly stock. The front end disc swap is finally complete 2002 Z71 Tahoe. CAI, Flowmaster 40, Silverstars in high, low and fogs and a bunch of mods (upgrades) inside and out.

12-07-2002, 10:59 PM	#9
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Blaze69, Do you happen to know what your backspacing is? __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

12-08-2002, 02:01 AM	#10
LT 72 Jimmy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 252	backspacing Would someone please define "backspacing"? Thanks LT

12-08-2002, 02:38 AM	#11
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	This link will help you to define wheel backspace Wheel Vintiques I have always thought that the back space of a wheel could be measured with the wheel laying on a flat surface, outside up then measure from the inside mounting surface to the flat surface. Hope this helps __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

12-08-2002, 02:09 PM	#12
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Here's a pic of gmans 72 swb k-10, I would go with 33's and a 2-1/2" lift, since you have 3:73s I woudnt worry about any loss in power. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

12-12-2002, 05:56 AM	#13
Blaze69 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 147	Gman, Off the top of my head I believe the spacing to be ~3.5-4". __________________ 1969 Blazer: 350/350, 4X4, HEI, Edlebrock carb/intake, dual flowmasters, np205, 3:07's and the rest is mostly stock. The front end disc swap is finally complete 2002 Z71 Tahoe. CAI, Flowmaster 40, Silverstars in high, low and fogs and a bunch of mods (upgrades) inside and out.

12-12-2002, 01:30 PM	#14
stknrdr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Utah USA Posts: 27	Couple of things, really think about what you are going to use the truck for - if you are just wanting it to look a bit tougher then 2" of lift and 32's ought to be fine. I have 4" of lift and 35's on mine and its is wayyyy too big for practical purposes, (it looks good though heheh) but I am getting tired of jumping in and out, tired of not being able to stop as quickly as I should, tired of the power robbing big tires, etc. On the other hand, I have 35's on a 77 bronco that I use exclusively for wheeling, and they are too short, wish I had 38's. I want to go back down to 31's or 32's on my truck, and get a better riding 2" lift. Anybody want to trade some good 31's or 32's for a set of new 35" bfg at's? __________________ 72 C/10 Fully Restored Hugger Orange - 355, 4" lift 35's Auburn limited slip diffs front and rear, 4.56 gears. Vortec Heads, 700r4/NP208 combo. On the burner: Roller Cam, Blower 77 Ford Bronco Rockcrawler 93 BMW 325IS Have-fun-on-the-way-to-work-car.

12-12-2002, 07:55 PM	#15
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I'm running 325/60R15 BFG ATs on 15x10 white wagonwheels w/ 4" backspacing. The tires are supposedly 31/12.5 equivalent but the tread is slightly wider than the tread on a 33/12.5R15 BFG mounted on a 10" wide rim. The tires do hit the front of the fender during turning. I just ordered 2" tuff country lift w/ shocks from ORD and hopefully by the 1st I'll have some before and after pics. If you mount your 32" tires on 8" wide rims you should have no problems really would not need lift. I plan on installing 33s by the summer time. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm



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12-12-2002, 10:18 PM	#16
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	back spacing is from the inside bead of the rim to where the rim seats against the brake drum. Lay a strait board acros the wheel ( not the tire) and measur down to where the center of the wheel. mine are 3 7/8 .. randy __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

12-12-2002, 11:26 PM	#17
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,052	On our '72 K/5 we've got a 4" suspension lift and 35" tires, I wouldn't recommend this for serious off-raoding since the tires will rub but in mud it works nice. If going with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch lift I would probably go with 32's or 33's at the most. __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

12-13-2002, 11:12 AM	#18
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Man, I appreciate all the input. This is great. I've been thinking about putting 32's on my original rims after blasting and painting them. I also have a set of original hub caps to use that are in extremely good shape. I like the looks of the white original rims with the chrome caps and some larger tires. But not sure 32's would fit the rims. I believe the original rims are 7" wide. I might end up with two sets of tires and rims in the end. Thanks for all the input. It really helps. __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

12-13-2002, 09:27 PM	#19
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	I ran 33 14.5 MT Bajas on 15x8 chrome spokes with 3.5" backspacing with no lift. If they rubbed, it was only slightly on the front springs when turning sharply. You should have no troubles with 33 12.5 but see if you can find a buddy to loan you a setup. There is a little more clearnace with the 8" rim than the 10. That and not everyones tire is the same height even though they may be called the same. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

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