new wheels on old truck question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Custom 68 · 06-06-2005, 10:03 AM

I have some wheels I ran on my 96 Tahoe I would like to run on my 68 both are 6 lug but my hub in larger (3.5 vs 3 inch) on the 68, do you run a spacer if it will fit or have them machined or what? The backspacing on teh new ones are 4.5 I think the wheels are just 8 inches wide.
Dave

**kwmech** · 06-06-2005, 10:18 AM

The only issue is the back spacing, the rim or the tire itself may hit or rub on something. You'll just have to bolt them on and cycle the steering wheel back and forth.

**Palf70Step** · 06-06-2005, 06:00 PM

I would not run a spacer. If you like them I would have them machined out. If it is a 4.5 backspace you are probably OK. If they are factory wheels they will be 7". I don't know of any fatory 8" wheels from the later models.

I don't like spacers, I have see to many folks lose wheels because of spacers.

SCOTI · 06-06-2005, 06:12 PM

I tried bolting a set of stock 6-lug aluminum late model wheels to the '67 rolling chassis I have on my trailer & they would not fit the front hubs. I had to space them out @ least 1/4" & then the studs were too short for the lug nuts to thread more than a couple of turns.

The backs fit w/o issue.

Aftermarket wheels might have a different diameter (larger) center bore & might not be a problem.

70 longbed · 06-06-2005, 08:46 PM

I would not use spacers either. You can buy adapters, bolt onto your existing hub, and then the new wheel bolts on to the adapter. The center hub needs bored out for the size of the older hub, but your local machine shop should be able to handle that for you.

There are some older threads on this topic, just not sure how to find them.

Custom 68 · 06-07-2005, 09:14 AM

Thanks guys, I figured there was some old posts but didnt know how to find them either. They are aftermarket American Racing I had on my Tahoe I sold it but kept the wheels (my folks put them on their Blazer) anyway I measured the hub diameter and found it wont fit I might do some checking on machine work I dont knwo if it would be worth it or not.
Thanks
Dave

06-06-2005, 10:03 AM	#1
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,929	new wheels on old truck question I have some wheels I ran on my 96 Tahoe I would like to run on my 68 both are 6 lug but my hub in larger (3.5 vs 3 inch) on the 68, do you run a spacer if it will fit or have them machined or what? The backspacing on teh new ones are 4.5 I think the wheels are just 8 inches wide. Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

06-06-2005, 06:00 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	I would not run a spacer. If you like them I would have them machined out. If it is a 4.5 backspace you are probably OK. If they are factory wheels they will be 7". I don't know of any fatory 8" wheels from the later models. I don't like spacers, I have see to many folks lose wheels because of spacers. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

06-06-2005, 06:12 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,948	I tried bolting a set of stock 6-lug aluminum late model wheels to the '67 rolling chassis I have on my trailer & they would not fit the front hubs. I had to space them out @ least 1/4" & then the studs were too short for the lug nuts to thread more than a couple of turns. The backs fit w/o issue. Aftermarket wheels might have a different diameter (larger) center bore & might not be a problem. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 06-06-2005 at 06:14 PM.

06-06-2005, 08:46 PM	#5
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	I would not use spacers either. You can buy adapters, bolt onto your existing hub, and then the new wheel bolts on to the adapter. The center hub needs bored out for the size of the older hub, but your local machine shop should be able to handle that for you. There are some older threads on this topic, just not sure how to find them. __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

06-07-2005, 09:14 AM	#6
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,929	Thanks guys, I figured there was some old posts but didnt know how to find them either. They are aftermarket American Racing I had on my Tahoe I sold it but kept the wheels (my folks put them on their Blazer) anyway I measured the hub diameter and found it wont fit I might do some checking on machine work I dont knwo if it would be worth it or not. Thanks Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

06-06-2005, 10:18 AM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,504	The only issue is the back spacing, the rim or the tire itself may hit or rub on something. You'll just have to bolt them on and cycle the steering wheel back and forth.



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