What is the biggest tire size I can run 71 sb

[bmfpeterson]

I have a 71 short bed I'm building. I have the block almost done with a tranny and am working on the rear suspension now. I want to keep the 12 bolt rear end and leave the frame in tact. I plan on running tubs in the bed to fit the biggest (widest) tire that I can. Does anyone know how big i can plan on with that all said?

Any help would be greatly appropriated!!!!!

[LuckyHenriksen]

I hear the 12 inch wide wheels with 7.5 inch backspace will clear no probem. Im guessing up to a 325 or bigger will fit

[VA72C10]

Every truck can be slightly different so it's always better to mock up first. If you have the stock 71 rear, it's a little wider than a 67-70 rear so you won't fit the widest rim or tire possible. There's lots of variables including how much you're willing to trim off the bedsides where the inner parts hang down below the tubs.

[Ackattack]

I'VE GOT 315/35/20 on mine and have a lot of room for more with mine tubbed. My tires are pushed out as far as possible

[bmfpeterson]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Every truck can be slightly different so it's always better to mock up first. If you have the stock 71 rear, it's a little wider than a 67-70 rear so you won't fit the widest rim or tire possible. There's lots of variables including how much you're willing to trim off the bedsides where the inner parts hang down below the tubs.

thank you for the help!
I have no problem taking whatever i need out of the bed sides. I have a plasma and a cut off wheel!!! haha. I am going to mock up maybe this weekend, I just want the biggest footprint that will work without having to back half and tub the rear end. I am going to run a four link kit so the springs and trail arms will be out of the way. just a matter of measuring, I was hoping to get on here and have someone tell me the magic number but I probably wouldnt have listened to it anyway.haha

Thanks for all the help if any more input please let me know.

[SCOTI]

With the trailing arm/coil suspension, you can run 14" wide wheels w/9-9.5"bs & 31x18.50 tires. The only mods required are custom back-spaced wheels & removing the rear bumpstop + bracket from the framerail.

[ratrod67]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

With the trailing arm/coil suspension, you can run 14" wide wheels w/9-9.5"bs & 31x18.50 tires. The only mods required are custom back-spaced wheels & removing the rear bumpstop + bracket from the framerail.

I'd like to see pics of that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ratrod67

I'd like to see pics of that.

I only have pics from wayyyy back in the day. When I tried to scan them, the underside of the truck was too dark to get a clear idea on the proportions of everything.