55 gmc, camaro subframe, too f'n wide

[atotalnincompoop]

I hadn't worked on my 55 for a few years but recently decided to put it back in the garage to finish it off. A while back I had installed an 80 camaro subframe in it. As I start thinking about wheels and tires it has become obvious that there front suspension setups are a little on the wide side. I don't want to have to buy custom wheels at over $1k each.
I did a Google search today and had found limited information on using buick regal control arms on the camaro subframe to narrow the track by 2" on each side.
Does anyone here have any experience doing this?

[Advanced Design]

I haven't seen anything on that modification. Fat man used to make control arms that were narrower for that reason...subframe suspension too wide. While I couldn't find that product description on their website, the do have control arms for the 70 to 81 Camaro that are 1 1/2" narrower per side listed in their online catalog. Kinda pricey......http://www.fatmanfab.com

[atotalnincompoop]

Had I of know about this issue I would of run a different suspension setup, when I bought the truck it came with the clip. I installed it just assuming that everything was going to be OK. I could always just run the mobsteel wheels, they are cool, cheap and they can make any offset you want pretty much. I just wasn't going to go for that look.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by atotalnincompoop

I hadn't worked on my 55 for a few years but recently decided to put it back in the garage to finish it off. A while back I had installed an 80 camaro subframe in it. As I start thinking about wheels and tires it has become obvious that there front suspension setups are a little on the wide side. I don't want to have to buy custom wheels at over $1k each.
I did a Google search today and had found limited information on using buick regal control arms on the camaro subframe to narrow the track by 2" on each side.
Does anyone here have any experience doing this?

i too have a 2nd gen camaro front clip on my 56. ive discussed this on this forum so you can see what others have said. have you bought your wheels already? i did have wheel rubbing issues but since i rolled the inner fender lip under it seems to be ok. i may buy a size smaller fronts to ensure that i'm clear but so far so good

[atotalnincompoop]

I haven't bought the wheels yet, do you know what wheel/tire size you have as well as the offset?

[ChuckDriver]

There are many TF trucks on this board with the Camaro sub frame installed. And there are 1000's of wheel options too.

On mine I have a 15x8 rally wheel with 4in of backspace and a 235/60 tire. It works perfectly with my stance as it's not slammed as some other trucks.

[atotalnincompoop]

I am going to have get the front sheet metal installed before I make any rash decisions. This truck is on airbags, so I had better confirm a few things before I order anything

[Dave0]

Originally Posted by atotalnincompoop

I hadn't worked on my 55 for a few years but recently decided to put it back in the garage to finish it off. A while back I had installed an 80 camaro subframe in it. As I start thinking about wheels and tires it has become obvious that there front suspension setups are a little on the wide side. I don't want to have to buy custom wheels at over $1k each.
I did a Google search today and had found limited information on using buick regal control arms on the camaro subframe to narrow the track by 2" on each side.
Does anyone here have any experience doing this?

I didnt think mine was near as wide as the original, but I didnt measure the original...

[mr48chev]

They work fine when you put the wheel size and tire size and wheel offset on the trucks that belong on them to look right. I've been around a number of them that have been on the road for years with second generation Camaro subframes that don't have a tire clearance problem and some of them are pretty low. They do run 15 x 7 or 15 x 8 wheels and 60 or 70 series tires though.

[idbeast]

These are mine on a 77 nova front clip, they are the same dimensionally.
My fronts are 18X8.5 with 4.5 backspacing and 5X4.75 bolt pattern. Tires are 245/45R 18 tire height is 26.7 and 9.6 wide.

[atotalnincompoop]

Originally Posted by idbeast

These are mine on a 77 nova front clip, they are the same dimensionally.
My fronts are 18X8.5 with 4.5 backspacing and 5X4.75 bolt pattern. Tires are 245/45R 18 tire height is 26.7 and 9.6 wide.

It's hard to see if there is any clearance between the tire and fender from these pics. My truck is bagged, so the tire will sit higher up into the wheelwell

[Dave0]

My Camaro subframed 55 with a pair of 14x6 centered wheels....All stock camaro stuff...

But, 15x7 fits too

[atotalnincompoop]

Originally Posted by Dave0

My Camaro subframed 55 with a pair of 14x6 centered wheels....All stock camaro stuff...

But, 15x7 fits too

That sits nice👍

[idbeast]

This is the stance with the stock wheels and almost all the weight on the old girl... also the wheels I have can be gotten with 1" more backspacing. I was just trying to show you had more options then 14" and 15" wheels and tires. Also the wheels are chromed and the tires are wide with the rears being a 275/40R-18 and everything out the door including lug nuts $1500.

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by atotalnincompoop

I haven't bought the wheels yet, do you know what wheel/tire size you have as well as the offset?

I'm running 15 x 7's on the front.

[513CHOPSHOP]

Here is my 56 with a Camaro sub frame. Its also on air with 20x9s up front. No rubbing issues with the inner lips rolled under. The pic of it raised up is my ride height and still no issues.

[atotalnincompoop]

Originally Posted by 513CHOPSHOP

Here is my 56 with a Camaro sub frame. Its also on air with 20x9s up front. No rubbing issues with the inner lips rolled under. The pic of it raised up is my ride height and still no issues.

I didn't think I could order the mobsteel wheels with enough offset to work but I stand corrected as you've done it. Looks great...do you remember what the offset is and the tire size?
Great truck by the way👍
This is sort along the same lines as I was thinking for mine, if my truck turns out half as nice I would be happy

[513CHOPSHOP]

Originally Posted by atotalnincompoop

I didn't think I could order the mobsteel wheels with enough offset to work but I stand corrected as you've done it. Looks great...do you remember what the offset is and the tire size?
Great truck by the way��
This is sort along the same lines as I was thinking for mine, if my truck turns out half as nice I would be happy

Thanks Bud, I appreciate the compliments! The front wheels are 20x9 with a 5 1/2" backspace. The tires are 225/35 but honestly could afford a little bigger if needed. Mobsteel is a awesome company that will work with you on getting the right wheels made.

[atotalnincompoop]

Originally Posted by 513CHOPSHOP

Thanks Bud, I appreciate the compliments! The front wheels are 20x9 with a 5 1/2" backspace. The tires are 225/35 but honestly could afford a little bigger if needed. Mobsteel is a awesome company that will work with you on getting the right wheels made.

just to confirm...you are running a 2nd Gen camaro subframe with stock length upper and lower control arms on air bags?
😊

[513CHOPSHOP]

Yep, its a 75 Nova clip witch is same as the Camaros. Stock arms with air ride. I found this old pic from the build.

[atotalnincompoop]

Originally Posted by 513CHOPSHOP

Yep, its a 75 Nova clip witch is same as the Camaros. Stock arms with air ride. I found this old pic from the build.

Awesome! I feel better about this truck now. Thnx again😊

[513CHOPSHOP]

Anytime bud!