wheel backspace

[Jbm1956]

Hey guys need some help. I have my 56 chevy pu I bought some nice boss chrome wheels for it. The wheels will be going on a camaro clipped frame with camaro rearend. The front are 18x8 and backs are 20's. The wheel has a offset of +14mm and my tire size for the 20"s are 245/35/20 and need recommendations for tire size for the 18's. So im wondering if those wheels will work fine with the +14mm offset or do you guys think ill rub on anything. Thanks guys

[BIGglaSS]

I am working on the same issue right now in the front. (Camaro clip) A lot will depend on how low you want to go. I set my ride height 6" at the rocker behind the front wheel. If you are higher and keep the tire from tucking in the fender, there wont be any problems.

I have tried 245/45 tire @ +10mm, and it doesn't fit. 235/40R18 might fit if the fender lip is trimmed or rolled. 225/45 or 225/40 @ +14mm is going to be tight, but should fit. I have a 225/55r17, 0 offset on right now. I'll get a picture later today and post it for you.

Please keep us posted with what you figure out. I'm considering picking up a used 225/45r18 to try this week.

Is your clip level with the frame, or under the frame. Drop spindles or stock spindles?

[geezer#99]

Instead of guessing by buying used tires, just get out your tape measure and build a jig.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/wheels-...heels-fitment/

Or get one of these.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...1201/overview/

[BIGglaSS]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Instead of guessing by buying used tires, just get out your tape measure and build a jig.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/wheels-...heels-fitment/

Or get one of these.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...1201/overview/

Believe me, I have got out the tape measure a million times. I have made cardboard templates taped on the wheel. That's where I came up with 225/45 will probably fit with fender trimming. Problem is, that is just a close guess.

Tires vary in size, profile and tread width by manufacturer. Wheel width also plays a role. Example, my Continental DWS 245 runs 10.2" wide on 8" wheel. Other manufacturers spec a 245 at 9.6" wide.

Yes, I'm down to splitting hairs to make these fit. The other reason to get a junk/cheap tire to try, is so I can get a visual to make sure they look the right proportion before spending a lot of $ on tires.

[Jbm1956]

My clip is installed underneath. I boughth the wheels with no tires so I cant see if they fit. I want it to sit low so I will run dropped spindles and springs

[BIGglaSS]

If your clip is under, then I wouldn't get drop spindles quite yet. You may not need them. With clip under and level lower control arms, it should be fairly low without drop spindles. (approx 6" of rocker clearance with 26.5" tire).

I have drop spindles and 5.125" backspace is the LIMIT on 18" wheel. Your 18x8+14mm would just barely touch the tie rods with drop spindles, you might need a 1/8" spacer. I had to grind the casting nubs off the tie rods for clearance with 18x8.5+10mm wheel. My clip is level with the frame, so I need drop spindles. (Won't do that again. lol)

Running low with the tires inside the fenders is going to be a challenge with the Camaro clip. With stock spindles and lots of positive offset, a wide tire will be easier. Otherwise I think we have to stick with a 225. Hopefully others that ride low with camaro clips will help us out. I have asked this question a few times, with no responses. I know it has been done. Lowrodderchev is running a 205 up front, super low. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...601554&page=12

The other option is Heidt's narrowed control arms that run about $1150 for a set. I think Fatman's narrowed arms are under $1000. But then frame clearance might be an issue.

[Speedbumpauto]

I have 215x60x17's on 17x7 rims with 3.5 backspace which means zero offset. I had to trim to the max the inner fenders AND I'm running Heidt's 1" narrower control arms. My ride ht. is about 5" at the rockers and this set up actually works and turns. I tried 245x45's on the front at first. loved the look but I couldn't make it turn. The 215's are slightly small on the 7" rims, but that's by design so the sidewall doesn't stick out and it gives as much of a lo-pro look as I can get away with.

[Jbm1956]

Well for whatever reason my camaro clip frame sits 4 inches taller then my stock frame lowered with dropped axle and springs. Thats measured from the body mount. So not sure what thats all about.... seems the more I get involved the more I want to leave the dropped axle and dropped leaf springs. Lowrodder chevy hes about 45 min from me his truck is awesome. Hes running stock 56 chevy car wheels I believe so his fits perfect. Hes been helping me with a lot of info. Hes prob tired of me lol.

[BIGglaSS]

Speedbump, thanks for responding. I knew you were one of the low guys with 215's. Although, if you have 7" with 3.5" backspace, your offset is -12mm, not 0. Unless you have a 6" wheel. That would explain why it is wide with the narrowed arms.

JBm, that's cool that he's near you for help. Maybe throw your wheels on his truck to measure? Is your clip already installed? If not, with no weight on it, it's going to be higher.

[Jbm1956]

Yea its a complete frame with the camaro clip welded in. I just have the wheels I just wanted to make sure these are going to work before I go spend money on tires and mounting tires and stuff

[BIGglaSS]

This is 6" ride height at front of rocker. 225, 26.7" diameter, 0mm offset. Clears fine at ride height. Full turn and 1" travel, the tire hits the fender.




Now I'm thinking about a tire in the 25.5" range. 235/40 or 225/40. I think the 225 looks a little narrow from the front.

[Jbm1956]

Yea it does hit it pretty good. My wheels look like they are deeper then yours. Sorry im not sure what the correct term for that is but looks like on mine where the bolt pattern is is deeper. Does that make sense

[Jbm1956]

These are my new wheels

[lowrodderchev]

Pretty nice wheels

[BIGglaSS]

JBM, those wheels are going to look nice. The pic I posted was with a loaner 225, 0 offset. Yours are going to be 14mm more inward, or just over 1/2", if you use a 225.

[Jbm1956]

So is that good or bad. More inward I should have have more clearance right?

[BIGglaSS]

That's better. But I think a 225 is going to be pushing the limit if you want it low. I noticed today that mine are really cambered in, so I may not have as much clearance as I thought. I might just give up on low ride...

[Jbm1956]

Yea thats why I was saying im thinking about staying with the dropped axle and springs just seems like so much less work. But the camaro clip trucks are nice

[Dan in Pasadena]

I've saved this chart just for discussions about wheel spacing, back spacing, offsets, etc. Hope it helps someone:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/...php?article=40

[BIGglaSS]

JBM, you figure out tires yet? I got a 225/45r18, +10mm offset on now. I rolled the fender lip. Camber is set at -.75 degrees. At 3" of travel, it clears no problem at full turn. A 235/40r18 will also fit with the same clearance. You will have slightly more clearance than this due to more offset.
Ride height:


Full turn @ 3" travel:




If you use drop spindles, your wheel will be right up by the tie rod. I have about 2mm of clearance here:

[Jbm1956]

Nope I haven't done anything to it. I dont know how to finish the frame with the camaro clip on it. So im not sure what im going to do. The frame thats in it now has the dropped axle and dropped springs so I might stay with it since its done.

[lowrodderchev]

Roll the stock frame so u got something to cruise for summer time