Fitting 15 in rims on a 3/4 ton

[eichenberg22]

I have a 76 K-20 and I wondered what needed to be done to fit 15 inch rims on it. I have heard of people doing this and I would like to do the same. Any info would be appreciated.

[wrathchild]

Most tire shops in my area sell a rim thats 8 bolt pattern and accepts 15 in. tire... pricey tho..but alot of Mudder's and Rock guys like the bead lip the 15 in.offers compared to the 16.5.
As far making them fit up front,a little grinding on the caliper & backing plate works,make sure they spin freely.
.....wrath

[TX_Mudder]

The problem with fitting 15s on 8-lug Chevys is the front calipers and the caliper mount itself. The rear clears easily.

You can buy 15" wheels with backspacing at around 2.5" and they will clear your front calipers. The problem with this is that is places the wheels further out (in relation to your fender.) This places extra stress on the balljoints because the axis of rotation for the balljoint is further away from the middle of the tire.

You can buy 15" wheels with more backspacing (around 4") and this will put your tire in a better relationship with your balljoint axis and your balljoints will thank you, but then you have to grind the calipers to fit the wheels. This is not a big deal, just a little labor. Do a search on Coloradok5.com and you will find lots of information.

I did the latter and it worked great. I later got a 1 ton front axle and had to grind the calipers to fit the same 15's and it works great too.

Check out the rockcralwer line of wheels at 4 Wheel Parts. About $50 a wheel for 8 lug 15's, black, in your choice of backspacing.
-- Mike

[orionwy2002]

summit has 15x10 white spoke with 4.5" backspacing in 8 lug for $35. I ordered 1 the other day for my spare. It only takes a litttle grinding on the calipers an dplates if it is a 10 bolt or D44. If you have a 1 ton D60 it takes a little more grinding.