C-20 front wheel rubbing

[steves1967]

I added 20" Detroit steel wheels to my 71 c-20. I have as much offset as DS can build into the wheels but the front wheels still rub the inside lip of the fender when the suspension compresses. Ive looked at other trucks that seem to have no problem tucking the wheel into the wheel well. Could this be a wheel issue, and disk brake issue, or maybe it's the 2" dropped spindle issue? I know on other cars adding disk brakes pushes the wheel out a bit... any ideas? Id like to lower the front some more.

[weq92f]

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Seems I've read on this site about some spindles increasing the front track....which could/would reduce clearance. The options you have include modifying the fender slightly (rolling), dialing in additional negative camber or both. Not sure if our fenders are good candidates for rolling though

https://low-offset.com/workshop/what...-roll-fenders/

I suppose you could also attempt fitting shorter/narrower tires?

Hth,

-Kevin

[SCOTI]

Most drop spindles do push the track width out (usual number is .375" per side).

What size are the wheels (width & back-spacing)?
What size are the tires?
What are the drop specs?
What are the alignment specs?

[Accelo]

With the max amount of wheel offset already built in consider a wheel spacer of maybe 1/2". Might be all that is needed. However, you really didn't specify if you have room to go out before hitting.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Accelo

With the max amount of wheel offset already built in consider a wheel spacer of maybe 1/2". Might be all that is needed. However, you really didn't specify if you have room to go out before hitting.

Might not be seeing this right? He is already hitting the fender lip. A spacer would make it worse. Rolling the lip or a narrower shorter tire as mentioned are the options I see. Well, there is also a different set of wheels as well. Also raising the front and lowering bump stops is another option.

[dagnabbitt]

I assume he means the inner fender. Some tubbed wheels wells can keep that great looking stance as it is.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

I assume he means the inner fender. Some tubbed wheels wells can keep that great looking stance as it is.

Originally Posted by steves1967

I added 20" Detroit steel wheels to my 71 c-20. I have as much offset as DS can build into the wheels but the front wheels still rub the inside lip of the fender when the suspension compresses. Ive looked at other trucks that seem to have no problem tucking the wheel into the wheel well. Could this be a wheel issue, and disk brake issue, or maybe it's the 2" dropped spindle issue? I know on other cars adding disk brakes pushes the wheel out a bit... any ideas? Id like to lower the front some more.

It could be either depending on the specifics since both are within the realm of making contact.

That being said, I'd bet the wheel needs a different backspace/offset to tuck it in (knowing the Detroit Steel wheel dimension limitations). Need more info on the set-up first.

[connorm]

Being a '71 C20, you will have the disk brake front end. This is 1.5" wider, 3/4" wider per side. It's possible some of the other trucks that you saw had these wheels on the narrower drum brake front end and could tuck the wheels.

[Richard]

Yes maybe wrong. I try to stick to what is said in the inquiry which was "rub the inside lip of the fender" Not inner fender, not wheel well or wheel tubs. Also contact with fender is more common to boot. Hope the OP clarifies to eliminate any questions.

[steves1967]

Yeah its rubbing the inside of the fender lip. It's a 20 x 8 wheel with 4.5" of back spacing. Detroit Steel says the max back spacing they can do is 4.75". I'd hate to drop $1k just to "see" if the extra 1/4" fixes my problem. The truck is lowered 3" in front. 2" from drop spindles and I cut an inch off the springs. Seems like custom tube a-arms would be the way to go to guarantee everything fits.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by steves1967

Yeah its rubbing the inside of the fender lip. It's a 20 x 8 wheel with 4.5" of back spacing. Detroit Steel says the max back spacing they can do is 4.75". I'd hate to drop $1k just to "see" if the extra 1/4" fixes my problem. The truck is lowered 3" in front. 2" from drop spindles and I cut an inch off the springs. Seems like custom tube a-arms would be the way to go to guarantee everything fits.

You'll prob want more than .250" change. Common front BS is 5 - 5.25" to keep the tire away from the fender lip.

Narrowed front arms would help.
More NEG Camber might help (you didn't list the alignment specs).