Big Block = Too Low - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Orence1 · 12-25-2004, 11:34 PM

72 LWB with a new BB. Installed 2 1/2" drop spindles and 2" drop springs. Truck sits too low for the wheel/tire combination. Have about 1/2" from the bump stops and the inner wheel rim rubs against the A-Arm at full turn. I know several of you have used this combination with good results. My assumption is that the extra weight of the BB is the source of the problem. Have news stock height springs on the way.

low burb · 12-26-2004, 12:05 AM

The rubbing on the A-arm is caused by the dropped spindle, I believe. I had the same problem after I put my spindles on. I had to clearance the arms a bit. I used 1.5" springs and had some rubbing at the top of the wheel-well on bumps (29" tall tires).

SCOTI · 12-26-2004, 01:56 AM

Did you trim the lip on the lower a-arm? I trimmed mine back to where the shock mount is & an equal distance on the opposite side of the arm as well.

I would trim the arms & drive it to see how things work.

**special-K** · 12-26-2004, 10:43 AM

Maybe you have a wheel back-spacing issue.

Orence1 · 12-26-2004, 11:37 AM

Thanks for the tips. I will keep you posted as I try some different combinations.

SCOTI · 12-26-2004, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Maybe you have a wheel back-spacing issue.

Yep, drop spindle combos require more back spacing consideration vs. stock spindle applications.

Orence1 · 12-26-2004, 09:13 PM

I have seen the term "backspacing" on here several times. I assume it means moving the wheel away from the hub. Just what kind of part/adjustment is involved with this modification? Thanks for the input.
Larry

Tx Firefighter · 12-26-2004, 10:52 PM

It's the measurement of the offset of a wheel. More backspacing moves the wheel deeper under the fender. Less backspacing moves it further out of the fenderwell.

It's set into the wheel when the wheel is made. It's not adjustable.

Those little lowrider cars with the little wire wheels have no backspacing, that's why the wheels stick out of the fenderwells.

**lolife99** · 12-26-2004, 11:07 PM

Trim the a-arms, keep the springs, and DRIVE IT! Looks good like that. I have the same spindle/spring combo on my 2wd Blazer. Plenty streetable. Just my 2 cents.

**special-K** · 12-27-2004, 12:37 AM

Good advise,lolife99.That`s what I`d do,too.Unless I was planning on new wheels.

GMC AMI · 12-27-2004, 08:08 AM

Are there not backspacing adapters available? I was quite sure I have seen them for some applications.

**special-K** · 12-27-2004, 09:13 AM

You can change backspace outward,but not in w/o changing wheel.So Orence1,what size tire are you running?Is that an 8"rim?

jmanz69 · 12-27-2004, 10:41 AM

You can buy wheel adapters to set the wheel further out. Problem is, they are not really safe, and WILL cause vibration issues. They are not going to center the wheel as well as hub. These are always an option, but a better solution would be to sell the wheels you have and buy ones with the correct spacing.

Rdrdave · 12-28-2004, 09:02 PM

I can solve it! Give me the BB and I'll give you a SB and the problem will be solved! =0)

12-25-2004, 11:34 PM	#1
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	Big Block = Too Low 72 LWB with a new BB. Installed 2 1/2" drop spindles and 2" drop springs. Truck sits too low for the wheel/tire combination. Have about 1/2" from the bump stops and the inner wheel rim rubs against the A-Arm at full turn. I know several of you have used this combination with good results. My assumption is that the extra weight of the BB is the source of the problem. Have news stock height springs on the way. Attached Images

12-26-2004, 12:05 AM	#2
low burb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Medicine Hat,AB, Canada Posts: 194	The rubbing on the A-arm is caused by the dropped spindle, I believe. I had the same problem after I put my spindles on. I had to clearance the arms a bit. I used 1.5" springs and had some rubbing at the top of the wheel-well on bumps (29" tall tires). __________________ Michael 1971 GMC Suburban "Crusty" 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 2wd 1978 Scout II 1992 Passat Syncro

12-26-2004, 01:56 AM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,940	Did you trim the lip on the lower a-arm? I trimmed mine back to where the shock mount is & an equal distance on the opposite side of the arm as well. I would trim the arms & drive it to see how things work. __________________ 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.*

12-26-2004, 10:43 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Maybe you have a wheel back-spacing issue. __________________ "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 ~

12-26-2004, 10:52 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	It's the measurement of the offset of a wheel. More backspacing moves the wheel deeper under the fender. Less backspacing moves it further out of the fenderwell. It's set into the wheel when the wheel is made. It's not adjustable. Those little lowrider cars with the little wire wheels have no backspacing, that's why the wheels stick out of the fenderwells. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-26-2004, 11:37 AM	#5
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	Thanks for the tips. I will keep you posted as I try some different combinations.

12-26-2004, 09:13 PM	#7
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	I have seen the term "backspacing" on here several times. I assume it means moving the wheel away from the hub. Just what kind of part/adjustment is involved with this modification? Thanks for the input. Larry

12-26-2004, 11:07 PM	#9
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,691	Trim the a-arms, keep the springs, and DRIVE IT! Looks good like that. I have the same spindle/spring combo on my 2wd Blazer. Plenty streetable. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-27-2004, 12:37 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Good advise,lolife99.That`s what I`d do,too.Unless I was planning on new wheels. __________________ "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 ~

12-27-2004, 08:08 AM	#11
GMC AMI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Other Maine! Posts: 2,236	Are there not backspacing adapters available? I was quite sure I have seen them for some applications. __________________ 1968 Chevy 4x4 307 4 speed

12-27-2004, 09:13 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	You can change backspace outward,but not in w/o changing wheel.So Orence1,what size tire are you running?Is that an 8"rim? __________________ "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 ~

12-27-2004, 10:41 AM	#13
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	You can buy wheel adapters to set the wheel further out. Problem is, they are not really safe, and WILL cause vibration issues. They are not going to center the wheel as well as hub. These are always an option, but a better solution would be to sell the wheels you have and buy ones with the correct spacing.

12-28-2004, 09:02 PM	#14
Rdrdave Broke and still trying Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 562	I can solve it! Give me the BB and I'll give you a SB and the problem will be solved! =0)



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