Got some new wheels: Boss 338's in 20x10 and 20x8.5

[thebrown83]

actually these don't fit on the 88-98s either. My friend bought 18x9.5s for his 97 silverado and they would not go all the way over the front hub to sit flat. He had to return them and get boss 335s which look good also and actually fit.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by chuckmc8

The only other thing to check is if 88 & up spindles (with these smaller rotors & brake components)
would work on 67-72 suspensions.....if not, the grinding/lathe turning proceedure will be the only way to run these wheels.
Maybe useless info, but it doesnt cost anything to gather......and maybe help someone else

This works but you have to change a few things. The 88 up lower ball joint is larger in diameter in the part that presses into the lower a arm. It is the same diameter as the ones for a 3/4 ton lower a arm. The upper ball joint mounts the same as the 71-87 upper ball joint so that the upper a arm will work. You would need to change to a 3/4 ton lower a arm and use teh 88-up ball joints, otherwise it works...

[nlped]

Hhhhmmm! I actually have a pair of 18x9.5 338's sitting next to me that I am using on the rear of my '87 and am waiting on the 18x8's to come in. I know they won't fit directly onto my set up, but I'm gonna try "fabbing" up a sealed hub/slide on rotor type hub. We shall see!

[lolife99]

Does anyone have Wilwood or Baer brakes/rotors on their truck? I would be interested to know if any aftermarket disc brake rotors would work.

[greystoke]

I have baer on mine, if you want to provide me the measurement from the back of the boss wheel to where the cap mounts and the diameter I will check for you. I don't run these wheels but have an interest in them.

Dano

[lolife99]

That would be great greystoke.
I actually took some measurements the other day.

On the wheel itself:
From the wheel mounting flange to the opening (where the chrome boss cap snaps in) is 2-5/8" tall.

The rotor center hub height is 2" tall with the dust cap removed.
(these are auto parts 5-lug rotors purchased locally)

At the end of the rotor hub (where the dust cap presses on) the diameter is approximately 2.800". This is using my cheap plastic dial calipers that I have at home.

The diameter of the opening of the wheel (where the center hub dust cap sticks thru) is only 2.410".

If you could measure your Baer rotors center hub "height" (minus the dust cap),... and a diameter of the center hub, (right at the base of the dust cap),... that would be great!

[greystoke]

I will check this out, I'm at work right now. My first thought is that there will still be a fitment problem but I've been wrong before and will be again.

[greystoke]

ok lowlife99....I pulled the tire off and looked at the baer front hub. I don't have a fancy measuring deal so with a tape this is what I have.

From the face of the rotor ( where the wheel mounts ) to the hub edge is about 1 7/8"

Same spot to the end of the spindle nut is about 2 1/2"

The hub at the top is about 2 3/4" outside to outside.

The problem is there is a step at the base of the hub which is probably a tad over 3", it would seem the opening of the Boss 338 wheel would need to be machined a bit larger. that seems like a viable option.

[lolife99]

Thanks for checking. I appreciate all your effort.
Which Baer kit do you have?

[greystoke]

Baer GT

what do you think about machining the mounting flange hole a little bigger. I don't know if it's such a good idea.

[lolife99]

I would rather machine on the rotor,... but there is a step inside the wheel center,... that appears to be causing some interference. It will be awhile before I address these issues, but I will be looking at Wilwood's website to try to find out more.
Thanks again.

[greystoke]

then there's always the simple route of using a spacer. I feel once it cleared the step it would fit fine.

[lolife99]

I'm not using a spacer.
The 8.5" wheel with a 5.25" BS is perfect for me.
It would be easier for me to machine a disc rotor "style" hub,... that use a disc rotor "hat", that slides over a seperate hub.
Maybe the big brake kit from McGaughys.

[BlueJeep]

How does the finish and quality appear to be on these wheels. Looks like a VERY reasonably priced wheel...which has peaked my interest as well!

[nlped]

The finish of the wheel is great. The lack of a thick mounting pad is kinda dumb though.

[69gmcshorty]

SUBSCRIBED. I am fairly new to the site but my career is in wheels and tires. I have a boss dealer that we "deal" with and i am in love with the wheels. I will have a chat with him tomorrow if their open on saturdays and see what he has to say about future upgrades.

[rodstored-72]

i am glad that people are sharing these issues on here. it is good to be a member of a board & have people actually give real life issues. i am looking for wheels as well & for a long time now, because i am not wanting any "fitment" issues. i guess i am old fashioned" that way... after reading all this i am wondering with all the issues for the wheel to fit what exactly was the original vehicle application intent from boss?? and i guess the same question for the coy's as well?? do the majority of manufact. just make wheels to "fit" on camaros & mustangs??? i would think that if i was making a wheel nowa days i would see about making a wheel to "fit" our trucks & the such & if needed "charge" a little more to make up for the "mods" needed to fit. anyways it seems that for all the trouble i have read & heard about getting what seems to be the most "popular" wheels to fit these trucks it would be in a manufact. good interest to see what could be done. i myself still like the idea of buying something for a vehicle & it fit!!! i am not saying that what is being discussed here is the buyer's fault or is, i just always here about wheels not fitting our trucks & wish that it is was "easier" to get a great wheel & not have to modify anything. anyways sorry if it sounds like a rant & i dont want to hijack i just really like the wheels & wished it wasn't soooo complicated to use them.. good post anyways thanks!!!

[69gmcshorty]

I spoke with our rep. and they have just recently he said in the past week changed the design to fit out trucks. in his footnotes they have all the problems and issues people have been having and now there new design that is coming out have a larger hub bore and a thicker mounting pad to allow the dust cap to stay unmodified and the wheel fit perfect with no spacers or machining of the rotor. NOW: i was asking only for the 20x8.5 all chrome but i assume that they will make changes to all. they are +14mm offset and 5.239 b/s.

NOW I JUST NEED THE OK FROM THE OLD LADY TO BUY THEM

[au03z71]

Originally Posted by 69gmcshorty

I spoke with our rep. and they have just recently he said in the past week changed the design to fit out trucks. in his footnotes they have all the problems and issues people have been having and now there new design that is coming out have a larger hub bore and a thicker mounting pad to allow the dust cap to stay unmodified and the wheel fit perfect with no spacers or machining of the rotor. NOW: i was asking only for the 20x8.5 all chrome but i assume that they will make changes to all. they are +14mm offset and 5.239 b/s.

NOW I JUST NEED THE OK FROM THE OLD LADY TO BUY THEM

The skeptic inside me is still saying wait until someone buys and tries these on our trucks... Waiting and watching...

[nlped]

That would be great. I'll call the "local" Boss/Eagle wheel distributor and verify this tomorrow. I really have myself convinced that I want these wheels. I'll let you guys know as soon as I know.

Ed

[chuckmc8]

"I spoke with our rep. and they have just recently he said in the past week changed the design to fit out trucks."

It would be great to know when the new design will be available so that
those interested can start saving our coins for that group buy.......

[lolife99]

How are you going to know if you are getting the "new design" or the "old design" (that is taking up space on their shelves)?
I would hope they are a different part number.
Also,... what are the "reps" saying the old wheel fits? Nothing? Impala SS/Caprice?
Just wondering,...

[nlped]

They also fit some of the Jeep Grand Cherokees . I think the SS/Caprices have a bearing type front rotor as well...so they wouldn't work on them either.

[Security guy]

Awesome! I wonder to if they stop making the 'old style' or if they are just making a new one with a different part number? If they are just replacing the old with the new, it may be a while before the new wheel is available?

[RED65]

Originally Posted by lolife99

How are you going to know if you are getting the "new design" or the "old design" (that is taking up space on their shelves)?
I would hope they are a different part number.
Also,... what are the "reps" saying the old wheel fits? Nothing? Impala SS/Caprice?
Just wondering,...

I just read this. Sounds like you had the same problem I did with my Colorado Custom wheels and I just took the rotors to a machine shop and they turned the hub down so the wheel would set. Hope this helps.