47-55.1 '54 front tire/wheel situation

[mike.v]

I just bought a '54 GMC step side short box sitting a '69 C10 frame. As you can see in the picture, the front wheels sit almost flush with the outside edge of the front fender. The wheels are 15" x 6" with a 2 3/4" setback from the outside edge of the rim to the mounting surface of the lug nuts. I would like to put taller tires on that would stick up into the wheel wheels. I see 2 possible solutions. Have wheels made with more offset to the inside (probably an additional 2", which I don't know if that's doable or not. That would mean a wheel with only about 3/4" offset to the outside. The other would be to get some shorter A arms that would pull the wheel in (see pic). It looks like (if they are available) I could move in about 2". Anyone have any suggestions on these ideas or some other option?

[mr48chev]

That just flat goes with the territory when you swap a 69 or later chassis under an AD truck. They are too wide to run anything except wheels with a lot of backspacing. That has been discussed on the net time and time again when guys think they are going to go cheap with one of those chassis.

[MiraclePieCo]

1) Cut out that suspension and install an aftermarket Mustang II?

2) Widen your fenders? I saw a truck for sale on CL that had added a 4" strip of metal down the center of front and rear fenders. It actually looked great.

3) Sell that truck and buy another that's set up the way you want?

[mike.v]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

That just flat goes with the territory when you swap a 69 or later chassis under an AD truck. They are too wide to run anything except wheels with a lot of backspacing. That has been discussed on the net time and time again when guys think they are going to go cheap with one of those chassis.

So what is the issue with using wheels with more backspacing? Are they not available? Other than the width of the frontend, it seems to be a great setup. And why do you say "go cheap with one of those chassis"? Just trying to gather info on what I bought - I like what I have, just trying to make some improvements is all.

[mike.v]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

1) Cut out that suspension and install an aftermarket Mustang II?

2) Widen your fenders? I saw a truck for sale on CL that had added a 4" strip of metal down the center of front and rear fenders. It actually looked great.

3) Sell that truck and buy another that's set up the way you want?

I really don't want to go to the cost and effort of the Mustang swap, and although I have also seen some widened fenders, I really like my patina the way it is so widening the fenders isn't an option either. I love the truck and the guy that did it, did a really nice job. It's put together the right way - other than the width of that front end which isn't a show stopper. I just want a little different look is all. I figured the offset rims would be an easy fix and possibly the A arms. No experience with shorter A arms?

[jweb]

1 - If you have fab skills you could cut and narrow the stock A arms, I'm sure there is some info on this in the 67-72 section of this forum.

2 - You can buy narrow A arms from Porterbuilt, Choppin Block or other vendors, I think they're around $1000.

3 - Depending on the style of wheel you want I would think you could find some with a high offset if you don't mind the look.

[mike.v]

Originally Posted by jweb

1 - If you have fab skills you could cut and narrow the stock A arms, I'm sure there is some info on this in the 67-72 section of this forum.

2 - You can buy narrow A arms from Porterbuilt, Choppin Block or other vendors, I think they're around $1000.

3 - Depending on the style of wheel you want I would think you could find some with a high offset if you don't mind the look.

Thank you for the info. I will look into the A arms and am working with Detroit Steel Wheel on custom building what I need. I ran across their company on an internet search.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by mike.v

So what is the issue with using wheels with more backspacing?

more backspacing typically start hitting things like the tie rod ends or A arms when turning

[mike.v]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

more backspacing typically start hitting things like the tie rod ends or A arms when turning

I think I can mock up a wheel using wood and cardboard that I could bolt on and turn each way to see how close it gets to other items. It looks like I will need to go to 18" or possibly 20" wheels to clear the upper ball joint. Anyone else have any suggestions on how to figure out what will and what won't work? Fender clearance won't be an issue - there is a lot of room in there!

[jweb]

Originally Posted by mike.v

I think I can mock up a wheel using wood and cardboard that I could bolt on and turn each way to see how close it gets to other items. It looks like I will need to go to 18" or possibly 20" wheels to clear the upper ball joint. Anyone else have any suggestions on how to figure out what will and what won't work? Fender clearance won't be an issue - there is a lot of room in there!

Not the cheapest, but here's a tool to measure everything
https://www.ifabspeed.com/product-page/wheel-tool-2

If you're going really low you may have an issue with your tire rubbing the inner fender at the rear.

[Second Series]

I'll be looking for rims when my project is nearing completion. I saw the Detroit Steel Wheel site, it does look custom. I'm interested in a stock look. I found the site for US Wheel, seems to have a lot of offerings, and stock hubcaps.

[mike.v]

Originally Posted by jweb

Not the cheapest, but here's a tool to measure everything
https://www.ifabspeed.com/product-page/wheel-tool-2

If you're going really low you may have an issue with your tire rubbing the inner fender at the rear.

Wow that measuring device is pretty darn cool! Thanks for sharing that. That's one of those items where spending $110 could save you getting custom made wheels at $250 - $300 a piece that you find out don't fit.......

And I'm not going super low, just want the tops of the tires inside of the opening and maybe an inch or two up in the wheel well.