HELP! Wheels hitting calipers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

john02fxdl · 02-07-2009, 10:56 PM

OK, so I just did my six lug disc brake conversion today on ECE drop spindles on my 70 stepper. I went and mounted my wheels and they won't turn! So I take them back off and sure enough, it's the caliper hitting the wheel. These are stock steel wheels, not aftermarket. I can get them to clear w/ a 1/4" wheel spacer, but WTF? Has anyone else have this problem and what did you do to correct it? I didn't really want to buy new wheels, I'd rather keep my stock steelies for the old school look

chipflyer · 02-07-2009, 11:00 PM

Your going to need the 71-86 or 87 (can't remember which year they changed) six lug steel wheels, they have a deeper offset than the older wheels to clear the calipers.

Jeff

Cyclone · 02-07-2009, 11:04 PM

Do a search here, theres been lots of posts about grinding the calipers for clearance. Many 4x4 builders grind the calipers for 15" wheel clearance.

jc · 02-07-2009, 11:11 PM

4x4 71-72 blazer wheels should work but i think it will bump out your tire 3/4 of an inch on each side.

i have a set for sale if you need em .

zip is 08527 there somewhere on the parts board . if wanna go that route ill send you a link

(edit) heres the link
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317824

chipflyer · 02-07-2009, 11:30 PM

Careful with that caliper grinding to clear the old wheels, it may not be that great of an idea to grind on something that is so critical to stopping your truck. When Disc bakes became available in 71 GM didn't just grind the calipers to make them fit, they redesigned the wheels to clear the calipers. There are lots of 71 and up 1/2 ton 6 lug 4x4 wheels out there.
Just something to think about.

Jeff

cdowns · 02-08-2009, 12:02 AM

later wheels is the answer the early wheels both 5 and 6 lugs are cars and trucks have different construction and dont clear disc brakes// grinding calipers IMO BAD IDEA

Andy4639 · 02-08-2009, 08:50 AM

Do it right and do it safely for you, your family and my family please. Buy new wheels.
As stated above Chevy didn't grind the caliper's for the 71,72 models.
I know buying more wheels wasn't in the plan but it's the right thing to do. Spacers are better than grinding but the wheels would be the answer.

STOCKISH · 02-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Throw some six lug ralleys on there, they look cool and still give it the old school look.

70jnktrk · 02-08-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Throw some six lug ralleys on there, they look cool and still give it the old school look.

Six lug ralleys...ESC dropped spindles on the front...stock wheels will not clear.

**70cst** · 02-08-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70jnktrk

Six lug ralleys...ESC dropped spindles on the front...stock wheels will not clear.

Bingo...as has been said 70jnktrk;3131373 is spot on. I ran into the same isues when I dropped my truck 2/4. I also had rubbing issues with factory Rally's but only on sharp turns. I ended up buying a set of used Torq II's off this forum. Problem solved.

PanelDeland · 02-08-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70jnktrk

Six lug ralleys...ESC dropped spindles on the front...stock wheels will not clear.

Not to Hijack but I would appreciate a where/how on the wheel covers.I don't like the 6 lug center caps but don't have the 'nubs' for hubcaps.

70jnktrk · 02-08-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Not to Hijack but I would appreciate a where/how on the wheel covers.I don't like the 6 lug center caps but don't have the 'nubs' for hubcaps.

Mine are Wheel Vintiques {spelling?} from Summit..outstand/fast service..nubs for police caps are there....hope this helps

ChevLoRay · 02-08-2009, 12:55 PM

When I pulled the Wheel Vintiques off of my truck for the body/paint, I purchased a set of 6-lug wheels off of a '61 for 20 bucks. All good wheels. Took them and bought a set of used tires and had them mounted. When I went to pick up the truck at the tire shop, the front wheels were still on it, and the ugly wheels were on the back. yep, same problem you had. I found two of the 73-87 style spoked 4wd 6-lug wheels for 30 bucks and had the tires mounted on them. They cleared the calipers.

sick69 · 02-08-2009, 01:12 PM

The early wheels are for drum brakes, which have a different shape on the inside of the wheel than disk brake wheels. You'll have to use later wheels(71+) or aftermarket.

Frank

SouthernRodder · 01-26-2020, 09:06 PM

Guys thanks for all your input. I can assure you that I won’t do anything to jeopardize mine or my family’s safety. I have two girls that both love hotrods. I want them to have fond memories of the truck in there childhood just like I have.
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy4639 · 01-30-2020, 10:44 AM

**special-K** · 01-30-2020, 12:07 PM

The right wheels, '71-'91 4wd, will do the trick. But on grinding rotors, I know to fit 15" wheels on a 3/4t truck all you do is grind the casting ridge which is excess material. The radiused area that conforms to the wheel 'peaks' at that ridge and you just flatten it out some. Still more material in that area than the rest of the caliper. I did this years ago with no adverse affect what so ever.

BigBird05 · 01-30-2020, 07:41 PM

X2 for special K, In the past I have ground Calipers. Your not grinding the back side were the piston is. Your grinding the top front(outside) and only grinding a little. We had to do it when I worked in Experimental @ GM. We didn't have any new wheels to use yet. But for the look of a restored truck I would buy new wheels.

02-07-2009, 10:56 PM	#1
john02fxdl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Avondale, PA. South east corner of the state Posts: 75	HELP! Wheels hitting calipers OK, so I just did my six lug disc brake conversion today on ECE drop spindles on my 70 stepper. I went and mounted my wheels and they won't turn! So I take them back off and sure enough, it's the caliper hitting the wheel. These are stock steel wheels, not aftermarket. I can get them to clear w/ a 1/4" wheel spacer, but WTF? Has anyone else have this problem and what did you do to correct it? I didn't really want to buy new wheels, I'd rather keep my stock steelies for the old school look

02-07-2009, 11:00 PM	#2
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers Your going to need the 71-86 or 87 (can't remember which year they changed) six lug steel wheels, they have a deeper offset than the older wheels to clear the calipers. Jeff __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

02-07-2009, 11:04 PM	#3
Cyclone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 318	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers Do a search here, theres been lots of posts about grinding the calipers for clearance. Many 4x4 builders grind the calipers for 15" wheel clearance.

02-07-2009, 11:11 PM	#4
jc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Jackson, New Jersey Posts: 1,560	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers 4x4 71-72 blazer wheels should work but i think it will bump out your tire 3/4 of an inch on each side. i have a set for sale if you need em . zip is 08527 there somewhere on the parts board . if wanna go that route ill send you a link (edit) heres the link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317824 __________________ 2004 Silverado 2500HD Crewcab 4x4 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1971 CHEYENNE LWB (THE LOVE SHACK) 1967 c-10 lwb (THE FARMERS DAUGHTER) Last edited by jc; 02-07-2009 at 11:15 PM.

02-07-2009, 11:30 PM	#5
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers Careful with that caliper grinding to clear the old wheels, it may not be that great of an idea to grind on something that is so critical to stopping your truck. When Disc bakes became available in 71 GM didn't just grind the calipers to make them fit, they redesigned the wheels to clear the calipers. There are lots of 71 and up 1/2 ton 6 lug 4x4 wheels out there. Just something to think about. Jeff __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

02-08-2009, 12:02 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers later wheels is the answer the early wheels both 5 and 6 lugs are cars and trucks have different construction and dont clear disc brakes// grinding calipers IMO BAD IDEA __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

02-08-2009, 08:50 AM	#7
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers Do it right and do it safely for you, your family and my family please. Buy new wheels. As stated above Chevy didn't grind the caliper's for the 71,72 models. I know buying more wheels wasn't in the plan but it's the right thing to do. Spacers are better than grinding but the wheels would be the answer. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-08-2009, 08:56 AM	#8
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers Throw some six lug ralleys on there, they look cool and still give it the old school look. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

02-08-2009, 12:55 PM	#13
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers When I pulled the Wheel Vintiques off of my truck for the body/paint, I purchased a set of 6-lug wheels off of a '61 for 20 bucks. All good wheels. Took them and bought a set of used tires and had them mounted. When I went to pick up the truck at the tire shop, the front wheels were still on it, and the ugly wheels were on the back. yep, same problem you had. I found two of the 73-87 style spoked 4wd 6-lug wheels for 30 bucks and had the tires mounted on them. They cleared the calipers. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-08-2009, 01:12 PM	#14
sick69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: colorado springs colorado Posts: 737	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers The early wheels are for drum brakes, which have a different shape on the inside of the wheel than disk brake wheels. You'll have to use later wheels(71+) or aftermarket. Frank __________________ 70 chevy lwb c10 454/th400 and a 9" rearend suicide doors, marker light fuel fill, 4" cowl , mini tub Last edited by sick69; 02-08-2009 at 01:13 PM.

01-26-2020, 09:06 PM	#15
SouthernRodder Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Corinth, MS Posts: 13	Guys thanks for all your input. I can assure you that I won’t do anything to jeopardize mine or my family’s safety. I have two girls that both love hotrods. I want them to have fond memories of the truck in there childhood just like I have. Posted via Mobile Device

01-30-2020, 10:44 AM	#16
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-30-2020, 12:07 PM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers The right wheels, '71-'91 4wd, will do the trick. But on grinding rotors, I know to fit 15" wheels on a 3/4t truck all you do is grind the casting ridge which is excess material. The radiused area that conforms to the wheel 'peaks' at that ridge and you just flatten it out some. Still more material in that area than the rest of the caliper. I did this years ago with no adverse affect what so ever. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-30-2020, 07:41 PM	#18
BigBird05 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Cheraw Posts: 1,305	Re: HELP! Wheels hitting calipers X2 for special K, In the past I have ground Calipers. Your not grinding the back side were the piston is. Your grinding the top front(outside) and only grinding a little. We had to do it when I worked in Experimental @ GM. We didn't have any new wheels to use yet. But for the look of a restored truck I would buy new wheels.



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