Help with wheels for my 68 stepside

[ncsurveyor]

I’ve got a 68 short stepside and I’m looking at wheels. Im putting 5 lug axles in it and I like the Ridler 695 wheels. I’m gonna have a 4/6 drop and I’m wondering if the 20x10s will work in the back? Looks like they have a 0 offset and 5.5 backspacing.

[jessemthompson]

I can tell you that they work on a fleet side. They are the same wheels I run.

[Mike C]

I have 17x9.5" on back of my '69 stepside with zero or 5" backspace. Tire is a 275 55 17. I converted to 5 lug and am running the wider '71-'72 rear axle. Clearance inside and out is about the same. My truck is leaf spring with a DJM flip kit that netted 7" drop.

You MIGHT get a 285 55 17 on that without rubbing. The 10" rim might work with a 40 profile or lower tire no wider than 285, but it is going to be TIGHT.

It will absolutely NOT work if you have the earlier, narrow axle. The stepside bed limits tire size drastically compared to a fleet. Now if you are willing to mini'tub the inner bedside you have a lot more clearance. Especially a coil spring truck.

[68Stepbed]

You'll want a 5" backspace, or run 1/2" spacers with those wheels. You will only be able to fit a 275 tire. 295's will fit, but will rub the inside edge of the bed on corners when the chassis flexes.

EDIT- This information is only good if you have the wider 71-72 axle. If you're only putting 5 lug axles in your current rearend, you'll need a 4.5" backspace, or run 1" wheel adapter style spacers.

[ncsurveyor]

Thanks for the advice guys. So if I go with the 20x8.5 with 4.75 backspace, those should work fine?

[ncsurveyor]

I'm putting 5 lug axles in the truck, can I just put these longer 31.5" axles in? Will these work?
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-Bolt-Pattern/

I was planning on ordering these:
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-Bolt-Pattern/

Is there a difference other than the length and will the longer ones work with my rear end and allow me to run the 20x10" wheels?

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by ncsurveyor

I'm putting 5 lug axles in the truck, can I just put these longer 31.5" axles in? Will these work?
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-Bolt-Pattern/

I was planning on ordering these:
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-Bolt-Pattern/

Is there a difference other than the length and will the longer ones work with my rear end and allow me to run the 20x10" wheels?

The longer axles won't work. They're made for the longer axle housing. 1970 was one of those oddball years. Early models had the shorter rearends, and a few later models had the wider rearend. It's kinda weird.

You could still run the 20x10s, but you'll have to run adapter spacers unless you get custom wheels made. It's just the nature of the beast.

[68Stepbed]

What are your plans for rear brakes?

[ncsurveyor]

I've got this kit picked out or something similar for the rear. Will this work?
https://www.performanceonline.com/71...it-rear-5-lug/

[ncsurveyor]

I'm pretty new at this and still learning and researching before I order my parts. Gonna try to do the suspension and brakes and new wheels/tires myself, then take it to a shop to do the engine swap. I'm leaning toward an LS1.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by ncsurveyor

I've got this kit picked out or something similar for the rear. Will this work?
https://www.performanceonline.com/71...it-rear-5-lug/

I don't see any reason that kit wouldn't work, but here's another option. https://azproperformance.com/collect...-kit-71-87-c10

They're also pretty good at offering discounts to board members, and members of their Facebook page: C10 Addiction. https://www.facebook.com/groups/7918...epa=SEARCH_BOX

From their page if you're not on FB.
"This is a Pro Performance ran group, and we do offer member discount on most items. Enter coupon code "c10member" on our website. Or call or email us too! 480-420-8175 or sales@azproperformance.com

If messaging, make sure to send directly to the Pro Performance business page. "