pre 69 or later axle for my application? wheels..

[dmartin1]

What do you guys think is the best bet for me at the moment on the rear axle.

1969 shortbed fleetside, its got the narrow rear axle.
4/6 ece lowering kit.
This truck will eventually be going on airride suspension.
I plan on going woth 20" wheels.

What i really need to know is shoud i retain the narrower axle? Am i wrong to think this is better as it will allow more wiggle room for backspacing?

Or is there an advantage to the later and wider 5 lug axles as far as wheels and spacing goes?

cost and parts aside, just confused on what is going to be better for my application.getting a headache over this

any advice is greatly appreciated

[Mmorgan32]

If u plan on switching to disc go with the wider axle. I just put my disc brake kit on my 70 and didn't realize how much more my front wheels would stick out. It looks weird! Now I have to either buy new wheels or use a spacer. I had 17x10 on my old 72 ( wider rearend) they fit fine. It's all in the back spacing. But u could save the money keep the narrow rearend and get wider rear wheels with a different backspace. I personally like fat rear tires. I like the 70s style

[67 chevelle]

Originally Posted by Mmorgan32

If u plan on switching to disc go with the wider axle. I just put my disc brake kit on my 70 and didn't realize how much more my front wheels would stick out. It looks weird! Now I have to either buy new wheels or use a spacer. I had 17x10 on my old 72 ( wider rearend) they fit fine. It's all in the back spacing. But u could save the money keep the narrow rearend and get wider rear wheels with a different backspace. I personally like fat rear tires. I like the 70s style

Most of the disc brake kits keep the rim in the stock location , the ones that use the original drum spindles move the rim outward , or wider

[Mmorgan32]

Originally Posted by 67 chevelle

Most of the disc brake kits keep the rim in the stock location , the ones that use the original drum spindles move the rim outward , or wider

Not the kit I used but mine is a 3/4 ton so ya mines about an inch and 3/4 wider in the front now. My kit is 71-87 disc brake spindles with 71-87 ball joints in my original control arms. I have never heard of a disc brake kit where you use your original drum spindle.