72 Lowered Stepside Tire/ wheel size advice needed

[WIDESIDE72]

I am to the point of buying some wheels and tires for my mine and mydad's 72 stepside. It is static lowered 3/4". I was considering a set of Ridler 695 in either 18x8, 18x9.5 or staggered 18x8 front, 18x9.5 rear. I have a set of factory Impala SS 17's on it right now, but they look better on the beater 91 olds wagon that I originally bought them for. Does anyone have any advice they could lend as far as personal experience regarding these wheels/ sizes?

Also, I have a line on a set of nearly new Michelin mxv4 take off tires in P255/55r18. They are asking less that half the cost of even the cheaper set of ne tires from Discount Tire. Any input on the size? I have similar michelins on my HHR SS and am more than happy as far as the tire type.

I am also looking at p245/45r18 tires. I do not like the low profile rubber band look, but don't want too tall either.

Iirc, the imp SS wheels are 9" wide...so how wide wheel wise can I safely go on front?

Here's a link to the build with photos:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=388241&page=7
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[Lloyd C.]

Ah, the old wheel/tire dilemma once again rears it's head. This is one of those areas that is so much up to the individual's taste, it's difficult to advise someone on the subject. However, I'm with you on avoiding the "Rubber Band Look".

I have a 68 Stepside that I static lowered 5" front and 8" rear (bags are for grocers). I'm running 17 x 10's w/ 4 1/2" BS on the rear and 17 x 8's w/ 4.4" BS on the front. Tire sizes are 275/55/17 and 225/55/17. With the inside flange of the rear fenders rolled in a much as possible, I can almost (but not quite) get my fingers between the fenders and the tires. Yes, with anything more than a beer cooler in the bed, I do rub occasionally, but I get lots of compliments on the stance of my truck.

As a side note: I may have imagined this, but it seems to me that the width across the rear fenders of the Stepsides is just a teeny bit narrower than the Fleetsides. So, just because a certain combination works on Joe Butt's Fleetside, doesn't necessarily mean it will work on your tuck. Be sure to check your clearances before making that final decision.

[ksbrktracer]

Originally Posted by Lloyd C.

Ah, the old wheel/tire dilemma once again rears it's head. This is one of those areas that is so much up to the individual's taste, it's difficult to advise someone on the subject. However, I'm with you on avoiding the "Rubber Band Look".

I have a 68 Stepside that I static lowered 5" front and 8" rear (bags are for grocers). I'm running 17 x 10's w/ 4 1/2" BS on the rear and 17 x 8's w/ 4.4" BS on the front. Tire sizes are 275/55/17 and 225/55/17. With the inside flange of the rear fenders rolled in a much as possible, I can almost (but not quite) get my fingers between the fenders and the tires. Yes, with anything more than a beer cooler in the bed, I do rub occasionally, but I get lots of compliments on the stance of my truck.

As a side note: I may have imagined this, but it seems to me that the width across the rear fenders of the Stepsides is just a teeny bit narrower than the Fleetsides. So, just because a certain combination works on Joe Butt's Fleetside, doesn't necessarily mean it will work on your tuck. Be sure to check your clearances before making that final decision.

I have a question .... What rearend do you have in this truck .... Is still a 68 rear or is it 71-72 ...... Definitely affect wheel setup.... Based on what you said I am assuming it is still a 68 diff.... Due to 4-1/2 backspace , I know you can do 5-1/2 backspace on 71-72 rear diff ..... AT LEAST ON A FLEETSIDE.

[WIDESIDE72]

Thanks for the input! You are right about stepside fender wells being narrower. I am pretty well set on the wheel type, just wanted to know if anyone had bought them and had good or bad feedback. I am thinking i can get away with a little wider wheel since i am not as low as you.
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[Lloyd C.]

I certainly wouldn't go any wider than a 10" wheel in back. With the 4 1/2" back set and the 275/55/17 tires, I can barely get my fingers between the tire and the box on the inside and you've already heard about the outside clearance. However, since you're not as low as I am, you can probably get away with a slightly larger tire. My rears are 29" in diameter and fill the wheel well up nicely.

BTW, it must be early onset Altzeimers (sp?), I'm only down 7 inches in the rear, not 8 inches.

[WIDESIDE72]

I figured out that the impala ss wheels are actually 8.5"wide.
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[westbrookw]

18x8/9.5 ridlers. 245/45/18 & 255/45/18, I believe. I can't remember what I have on it. I would have to look when I get to the house.

[WIDESIDE72]

Sweet. Thanks.
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[WIDESIDE72]

Oir trucks would be "yin/yang"!

I cant decide between grey black or polished center though...
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[WIDESIDE72]

The 67-70 rear is narrower, correct?
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[ksbrktracer]

Yes