Specific wheel/tire fitment ?

[panhead59]

I'VE got a new set of 275/15 tires i want to use on the back of my 68 swb fleetside truck. I want to buy some Crager 15" x 8" wheels for it but I like the "deep set" look for the rear. Summit has a 15/8 with 2 1/2" backspace. That is the "deepest" Crager I've found. Question is - Any issue with tire rub with this backspace? (Stock rear, 4/6 drop on suspention)

[Mike C]

IME, they will stick out way too far. It is the antithesis to the look I would go for.

I have 275 55 17 on the rear of my truck (which is a shortbed and has the 70-72 length axle). Mounted on a 17x9 inch rim with a 7" drop they are evenly spaced from the inner and outer sheet metal. My rims have a 5" backspace (which is zero offset on a 9" rim.)

If you want the truck lowered and you want clearance, my experience again is a 4 1/2" backspace on the 8" rim is what you want. Certainly not the 2 1/2" "bearing burner" offset.

[CC69Rat]

Couple things to check.

The first thing you want to know is which axle you have under your truck now. Take a tape measure and lay under your truck. Hold the end of the tape on one side of the inside edge of the rear brake backing plate, then have your buddy / wife / whoever to pull the tape over to the same point on the other side. Also commonly referred to as 'Plate-to-Plate' measurement. This is just an easy way to measure it in a junk yard, or with the rear axle in a truck and you dont even have to take the wheels off to do it.

The 67-68 model year axle is going to be 55.5" long 'plate to plate'. The later one is going to be 57" long at this same measurement.

If you have the early housing, you MIGHT be ok if you roll the edge of the lip under. The reason I say this, I have the 68 housing under my truck now. It has been converted to 5 lug, but it's after market. My rear wheels are 20x10 with 5" backspacing. 295/45/20 Mine rubs just barely on the inside of the bedside when it's really twisted in a bind.

SOOO -- a 15x8 with 2.5" backspacing is going to be .5" further out than this.. (sit further out toward the edge of the fender lip. ) its going to be TIGHT in the fender and probably rub if you get it in a bind pulling into a driveway or something.

I'm going to say no. I wouldnt do it. Especially, If it's the later housing, no way.