Rims for 3/4 ton axles

[Laguna37]

I found a set of 3/4 ton axles (14bsf) with a 4" lift being sold locally for $600 that I'm considering picking up for my K5 project.

For those axles I'll need some new shocks and new rims, I've been looking around and have found some 73-87 k20 style 8 bolt rims at wrecking yards, have found some 88-99 c/k2500 8 bolt rims, and some H2 8 bolts all for varying prices.

Of these three choices, will they all fit? Also, do I need to be looking for 16" + rims?

For the next while I'm only running a really skinny set of 35's and have a set of 4" fender flares so I would prefer the rims that will give me the widest track width so the tires line up with the flares.

Suggestions?

 

[Russell]

You can fit 15s on the bigger axles if you take some time to grind down the calipers & backing plates on the front axle. I'd personally go with 17" rims however, they are the new 15" rim, and it seems most offroad tires are going to 17" now

 

[dfl701]

You can fit 15s on the bigger axles if you take some time to grind down the calipers & backing plates on the front axle. I'd personally go with 17" rims however, they are the new 15" rim, and it seems most offroad tires are going to 17" now

That's true. It seems 15s are getting more expensive since everyone wants biggers rims. I think the h2s would be your best bet

 

[Laguna37]

The H2's are the most expensive of all my choices so far at $700 locally. Can get a set of basic black Cragar's for about $75/each

If I was to buy a new set of rims from Summit, Jegs, local shop, etc any suggestions on the best backspacing for my application?

 

[Russell]

I've seen H2s here in Edmonton for 500 bucks for a set of 5 pretty frequently. Lots of yuppies around here running H2s on 22" rims, so they sell their original rims really cheap. You can also get 17" from the newest body style Chevy 3/4 tons pretty cheap too

 

[cdoggwsu]

The H2's are the most expensive of all my choices so far at $700 locally. Can get a set of basic black Cragar's for about $75/each

If I was to buy a new set of rims from Summit, Jegs, local shop, etc any suggestions on the best backspacing for my application?

EDIT: Thinking out loud...found some answers.

A lot of newer 8 lug rims are backspaced for IFS which is like 5" or more. The 3/4 ton 10 bolt/D44s are 2" wider than their 1/2 ton counterparts (69" vs 67" WMS-WMS) so keep that in mind while shopping. If you're planning on using narrow tires (10.50" or below) you could probably get away with 4" of backspacing or less if you want to keep as wide of a track width as possible.

 

[82355]

What gears in the axles? Locked? What lift? $600 seems like a lot for a 3/4 ton axle set with a semi floater rear.Martin

 

[dfl701]

i run the cragars from summit. 16x8 with 4.25 backspacing. i love them

 

[cdoggwsu]

i run the cragars from summit. 16x8 with 4.25 backspacing. i love them

All the 8 lug Cragar 16x8s I see on Summit are 4.5". What size tires you running?

 

[Fry]

I bought H2s out of Calgary area for 400 with decent tires.
I am really not a fan of 15s and caliper grinding, depending on the rims you really have to grind alot off the caliper mount, been there done that.
I agree 15s are cheap but I personally don't think its worth it.
I bought a k30 outside of regina, dana 60, 14bff, TH400, NP205 for 800... So the price seems a bit high for a semi floater and used lift.
I would hold out for a full floater.

H2s are great for cheap wheels but tires are outrageous, I just bought new 37" BFG A/Ts, 1700. 16s really aren't much cheaper in the grand scheme of things, maybe 200 less, with less choices for above 35s.

It does suck to shop for used stuff in Sask not much for deals with most being overpriced.

 

[cdoggwsu]

BTT, any other opinions?

 

[chulisohombre]

you can get steely rims in any size under 17 for 50 bucks from a dealer that sells keystones.thats what i got.8 inch wide 4.25 bs is perfect for a skinny 35 x 12.5 or similar size tire.