Need smaller diameter discs...I know, I know

[runpasthefence]

So, I've been trying to solve some clearance issues I've been having for a while now. I need to narrow my front end by a good bit. I'd decided that the next step is to have some custom steel 16" wheels built.

In order to bring the track width in, I ordered a 16x7 wheel with 5.25" of backspace. After a conversation with the wheel builder, we determined the radius from the center of spindle to the outermost edge of the caliper (about 7", or a little less than 14" in diameter) was too wide for the stepped wheel.

Knowing that this is working in the opposite direction in terms of braking effectiveness, are there any disc/caliper combos that I can use that have a smaller overall diameter? The wheel builder recommends about 12".

Also, how does machining discs work? Anyone ever gone that route?

[lolife99]

What year truck are you working on?
1/2 ton?
3/4 ton?
2wd I assume?

[runpasthefence]

Yep, 2wd 1/2 ton. It's a 69 frame and crossmember with Porterbuilt narrowed tubular control arms and CPP modular spindles.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SCOTI]

OE front discs are only 12". Shouldnt that work for you? if not, the similar vintage f-bodys utilized 11" discs.

[SCOTI]

Posted via Mobile Device

[runpasthefence]

It's not just the rotor diameter that's the problem, it's the radius from the middle of the hub to the outermost part of the caliper.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by runpasthefence

It's not just the rotor diameter that's the problem, it's the radius from the middle of the hub to the outermost part of the caliper.
Posted via Mobile Device

Is there a reason you must use OE C10 stuff & not something w/a narrower track width? That would eliminate the need to run the extreme offset wheel which creates the brake issue?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by runpasthefence

It's not just the rotor diameter that's the problem, it's the radius from the middle of the hub to the outermost part of the caliper.
Posted via Mobile Device

Is this the '50 AD truck on a '69 chassis?
Is that the reason for thge extreme narrow track width you are after?
(sorry if you posted pics,... but my work blocks most host sites for pics)

[runpasthefence]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Is there a reason you must use OE C10 stuff & not something w/a narrower track width? That would eliminate the need to run the extreme offset wheel which creates the brake issue?

Nope. I'm game for any solutions. I was curious if there are any GM car disc/caliper/spindle setups that'd work on a C10 spindle, but I'm guessing that isn't likely .

Originally Posted by lolife99

Is this the '50 AD truck on a '69 chassis?
Is that the reason for thge extreme narrow track width you are after?
(sorry if you posted pics,... but my work blocks most host sites for pics)

Indeed. I found some 16" steel wheels with a 6.25" backspace, and they would have solved all of my problems, but they were sold to me as 6x5.5 when the bolt pattern was actually 6x130.

I've been trying to avoid swapping the crossmember for a number of reasons...money being the biggest issue. I exchanged some emails with Dave at Porterbuilt who said his "extreme" dropmember would bring me in 1.5" per side, but I'd probably still need to order those wheels with an additional inch of backspace.

I'd prefer to just be able to clear this 16" wheel with 5.25" of backspace if the brake size issue is solvable within a reasonable cost.

[lolife99]

I would be worried about a 16" wheel with that much backspacing.
Even if you clear the disc brake caliper fine,... I think the diameter of the rim is too small to clear the lower a-arm when turning.
20's yes.
16's,... I wouldn't count on it.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I would be worried about a 16" wheel with that much backspacing.
Even if you clear the disc brake caliper fine,... I think the diameter of the rim is too small to clear the lower a-arm when turning.
20's yes.
16's,... I wouldn't count on it.

Exactly.... A 16"dia wheel that's 7" wide w/5.25"bs is not likely to clear the a-arm.

[lolife99]

I hate to say it,... but you have the wrong chassis for your AD truck.
I would seriously consider using a modified stock 47-55 chassis or even the very popular S10 chassis swap.

This is my buddy's truck on an S10 chassis.
This is ride height and NO air bags.

[runpasthefence]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I would be worried about a 16" wheel with that much backspacing.
Even if you clear the disc brake caliper fine,... I think the diameter of the rim is too small to clear the lower a-arm when turning.
20's yes.
16's,... I wouldn't count on it.

Still true with Porterbuilt A-arms? I didn't really notice any major clearance issues at the arms when mocking up with another wheel (16x6.5 with about 5.5" of backspace). I did have to trim the tie rod end ears on the spindle a bit, thought.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by runpasthefence

Still true with Porterbuilt A-arms? I didn't really notice any major clearance issues at the arms when mocking up with another wheel (16x6.5 with about 5.5" of backspace). I did have to trim the tie rod end ears on the spindle a bit, thought.

Did you turn the wheels lock-to-lock?

[runpasthefence]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I hate to say it,... but you have the wrong chassis for your AD truck.
I would seriously consider using a modified stock 47-55 chassis or even the very popular S10 chassis swap.

This is my buddy's truck on an S10 chassis.
This is ride height and NO air bags.

Yeah, that's been pretty clear for a while now, but I'm trying to make it work with what I've got.

Originally Posted by lolife99

Did you turn the wheels lock-to-lock?

I did. I know there wasn't contact, but I'm not sure how close it was. I'll give it another look this weekend.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by runpasthefence

Yeah, that's been pretty clear for a while now, but I'm trying to make it work with what I've got.

Sorry but I'm totally new to your build.
I even looked at your other threads, trying to find pics to help me and any other members understand.
I didn't find any pics at all.