Wheel Backspacing With 73-87 Drop Spindles and QA1 Coilovers?

[RoyL]

Running 15x8 (5x5 bolt pattern) rallies and wheels hit the QA1 lower control arm, barely scrapes the inside of the wheel right under the lip, with 1/4 spacer it clears. I believe a stock (non-dropped) spindle would clear.

Looking for wheels that will clear without a spacer. Anybody have QA1 upper and lower Control Arms and coil overs? What wheels are you using?

15x8 with 3.75" BS would work, but moves the wheels out.
17x8 or 18x8 with 4" BS should work. But looking at 17 or 18" wheels, many 17x8 or 18x8 have 4.5" BS, limiting my choices... I'm uncertain if this much BS would work. Once I nail down the wheels will look at tires. I'm running 235-75/R15 now. Have to raise up the coilovers because the tire will hit the fender bolt on big bumps. This picture shows one setting, it's too low, currently raised up a bit.



Thanks for any insights!

Roy

[lolife99]

Can you run a 15x7 rally wheel?
They have less backspacing than the 8” wheel.
And make sure you don’t get a 15x6.5 van rally.
They have the same backspacing as a 15x8.

[theastronaut]

You could get away with more backspacing on bigger wheels since the diameter pushes the rim away from the LCA.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Can you run a 15x7 rally wheel?
They have less backspacing than the 8” wheel.
And make sure you don’t get a 15x6.5 van rally.
They have the same backspacing as a 15x8.

Thanks, maybe. Seems like the ones I've run across are still 4" or 4.25" bs.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

You could get away with more backspacing on bigger wheels since the diameter pushes the rim away from the LCA.

That's what I'm thinking but need to verify they will clear before jumping in. Local "custom" wheel shop was not much help on checking fit cause they had to order wheels.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by RoyL

Thanks, maybe. Seems like the ones I've run across are still 4" or 4.25" bs.

A 15x7 5-lug rally wheel should have a 3-5/8” backspace.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by lolife99

A 15x7 5-lug rally wheel should have a 3-5/8” backspace.

I assume you are talking about used ones? I haven't looked for used. I haven't seen any reproductions options with this zero offset (3.5" bs) for 15x7s...

I like the idea of a reproduction wheels that will allow you to put on the original hubcaps, but haven't found ones that might work. I've only seen 15s with 4" or more bs...

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by RoyL

That's what I'm thinking but need to verify they will clear before jumping in. Local "custom" wheel shop was not much help on checking fit cause they had to order wheels.

Thinking these might work 17x8 with 4.5" bs,
https://www.visionwheel.com/wheel/52...rt=141H7873GM0

but worried about the steering knuckle cause the deeper backspace moves closer to it. Vision wheels website says they'll fit a 1985 c10, so maybe it will.

[SCOTI]

Keep in mind that aftermarket aluminum wheels that are more affordable usually means they're 'cast aluminum'. 'Cast' wheels are thicker in some areas vs. steel so that adds another watch-out.

'Flow Formed' wheels are also aluminum. They're just an updated method of construction that allows for less material in select areas. The ones I've seen are larger than 17" diameter usually so not sure if there are smaller diameter versions as well.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by RoyL

Thinking these might work 17x8 with 4.5" bs,
https://www.visionwheel.com/wheel/52...rt=141H7873GM0

but worried about the steering knuckle cause the deeper backspace moves closer to it. Vision wheels website says they'll fit a 1985 c10, so maybe it will.

Test fit one of the Vision 141s, 17x8 with 4.5" bs. All clears!

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Keep in mind that aftermarket aluminum wheels that are more affordable usually means they're 'cast aluminum'. 'Cast' wheels are thicker in some areas vs. steel so that adds another watch-out.

'Flow Formed' wheels are also aluminum. They're just an updated method of construction that allows for less material in select areas. The ones I've seen are larger than 17" diameter usually so not sure if there are smaller diameter versions as well.

Thanks for the reminder, Scoti. I've seen FF Halibrand 20x8.5s from Holley for under $150!https://www.holley.com/products/whee...arts/HB007-007

I chose these cause I haven't found what I really want in the fitment I need and they have a Vision warehouse next to the tire shop close by in Decatur, AL and they allowed me to test fit them.

Another thing that I just learned about. Hub centric vs lug centric. From Vision's website... Factory wheels have a center bore that is designed for each specific car, which places the stress of centering the wheel on the mounting hub of the car. After-market wheels are designed to fit a variety of vehicles. If mounted without a hub centric ring, these wheels will be centered primarily by the lug nuts, which can cause vibrations. It is advisable that you use a hub centric ring."
Haven't seen anywhere they sell these rings. [note: meant Vision doesn't show them in their catalog... I see them out there in plastic or aluminum.]

The Halibrands are hub centric.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by RoyL

Test fit one of the Vision 141s, 17x8 with 4.5" bs. All clears!

Update, I went with the Vision 141s, 17x8 with 4.5" backspace. All clears, no issues.




Still a little high in the front...