1987 GMC V1500 Need Wheel/Tire/Lift options help.

[NastyBuzzard]

Here is how much truck sits as of yesterday. I am doing a pretty extensive LS swap.




I need tires but due to a brake upgrade I will be performing soon I need at least 16" wheels but I want 17"s, with probably 265/70R17 most likely. She is going to be a driver, with possibly 2-3" lift.

Who has aftermarket wheels for their 4x4? Anyone have pictures?

Anyone know of some 17" that will fit without spacers?

I mostly like 5 star or 6 spoke designs that are simple, something like torque thruster IIs or something like that.

[andrewmp6]

You can get 6 lug steel rims off a newer truck but not sure on the lug pattern the same or not.Cragar makes a steel d window rim in 16s and 17s that will fit.

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

You can get 6 lug steel rims off a newer truck but not sure on the lug pattern the same or not.Cragar makes a steel d window rim in 16s and 17s that will fit.

The bolt pattern is the same but the hub bore and offset is different. So I would have to mill or bore out the center of the wheels to fit over my front hub, also have to use like 1.75" spacers up front. I already have a set of H3 hummer 6 lug wheels that go on but just need spacers. They are 16."

Do you have a link to these cragar wheels? I wouldn't mind using just some cheap steel wheels if they are in face cheap. I just want to drive this thing during the winter.

[rich weyand]

Tuff Country EZ-Ride +2/+3 lift. Mixed lift, so you are best off going to Tuff Country direct and having them put the kit together for you. They have frequent sales. For a lift same front and rear you can go through a dealer. Tires are BFG 31x10.5R15. Wheels are the Cragar D-Window Steelies mentioned above, in 15s.

[NastyBuzzard]

That is a good looking truck Rich! I am upgrading the front brakes to a H3 hummer 4 piston caliper set up with almost a 12.5" rotor, so I can't run 15" wheels unfortunately.

However, I didn't think the truck would look right with lift and 31s but your truck looks great!

[77K10Silverado]

If you want bigger wheels but the factory look, look no further!!

http://www.mhtwheels.com/chevrolet-c...42-g-16992.htm

I have no relation with US Mags but just think this is sweet!

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by 77K10Silverado

If you want bigger wheels but the factory look, look no further!!

http://www.mhtwheels.com/chevrolet-c...42-g-16992.htm

I have no relation with US Mags but just think this is sweet!

As cool as that is, I would prefer something cheaper!

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

As cool as that is, I would prefer something cheaper!

If your going to use this for actually off roading stick with a 16" rim as you'll have more sidewall.

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by enaberif

If your going to use this for actually off roading stick with a 16" rim as you'll have more sidewall.

Occasional off roading but only because I live in the country. No rock crawling, and after all I have done to it over the past year and a half with the ls swap, she wont ever see mud again intentionally. Ive had too much dirt and red clay fall down in my face and eyes since I have been working on it.

[rich weyand]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

That is a good looking truck Rich! I am upgrading the front brakes to a H3 hummer 4 piston caliper set up with almost a 12.5" rotor, so I can't run 15" wheels unfortunately.

However, I didn't think the truck would look right with lift and 31s but your truck looks great!

Thanks. I wanted at least a 2" lift in the front to get some positive arch in the springs for ride quality. I wanted an extra inch in the back to even out the fender openings, which are shallower in the back and always made it look to me like she was dragging tail. And I didn't want to mess with the axle ratios, so I didn't want to go bigger than 31s on the 3.73:1 axles. It worked out. Very happy with how it turned out.

Those D-Window artillery-style wheels are available in 16x7 but that's kind of narrow. 16x8 and 17x8 are available in other Cragar artillery-style steelies, but watch your lug spacing and back spacing. These look interesting.

http://www.cragarwheel.com/images/me...0552E7E6BD.pdf

[NastyBuzzard]

Yeah those look interesting however I think the backspacing would make me use wheel spacers or something. I think I need like a -12mm back spacing or something like that. I know it is supposed to be around 4" backspacing.

[andrewmp6]

For the lift look at http://offroaddesign.com/ for the rims cragar makes a d window and soft 8 both that will fit and both are steel rims.For prices shop around online everywhere sells them summit racing jegs etc etc.

[NastyBuzzard]

I will try and search again for the steel wheels. I would prefer a 17x8 wheel, just something cheap that will fit.


I am familiar with ORD but I would like only a 2-3" lift that is also gives a "comfortable" ride. I want to be able to drive the hell out of this truck anywhere and anytime.

[andrewmp6]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-3978860/overview/ http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-3428860/overview/ but i would look at tire prices for the 16s and 17s see which way will be cheaper on you.

[NastyBuzzard]

Thank you for that! $380 for a set of 17"s isn't too bad of a price!

[andrewmp6]

If you want a better deal maybe talk to some of our rim vendors on here,Maybe they can get you a better price.

[NastyBuzzard]

That is a great idea! I will see what I can find.

[NastyBuzzard]

Just ordered some of these Vision (P# 84H7883NS) 17x8 Wheels with 4" backspacing and 108mm(4.25") center bore. They are only like $72 a piece from Summit/Ebay with free expedited shipping. If I would have known getting 17" wheels for a 73-87 4x4 where this cheap I would have done it loooong ago!



Some of my brake upgrade parts have come in as well.. Soon to be upgrading to 4piston calipers upfront on the Dana44