running wide tire questions

[smprider112]

I just purchased some 35x15.5x15 swampers from a buddy of mine, I was really looking for 12.5's but the price was too good to pass up. so now my question is with tires that wide am I going to need to run some type of wheel spacers or what kind of backspacing should I get for the wheels im gonna mount them on? My friend said just get the deepest offset I can, but I eventually plan to get 12.5's and run the same 15x10 wheel, so is there any problem having too much backspacing with 12.5 tires? I've heard too much backspacing will cause extra wear on the axles. So should I just go with a regular spacing and then run wheel spacers while I have the 15.5's and then just ditch em when I get the 12.5's or is that just looking for more problems too. I'd appreciate any help, thanks
-Brian-

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Too LITTLE backspacing is what destroys wheel bearings and suspension components. Wheel spacers are scary in my opinion, I don't care what they're made of, they're not safe, especially not in a steering axle IMO.

I run the max backspacing to keep my tires tucked in to keep the cops from pulling me over. I had to grind my brakes quite a bit, but it's worth it IMO.

 

[big jimmy 91]

How little is too little back space?
I run 35 X14s on two sets of rims right now
one set is 3" and the other set is 3.5" back space /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

 

[smprider112]

[ QUOTE ]
I run the max backspacing to keep my tires tucked in to keep the cops from pulling me over. I had to grind my brakes quite a bit, but it's worth it IMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you have any problems with the front tires rubbing your steering components? thats my only concern with how much or how little of backspacing to run. I just dont want those wide tires rubbing stuff when I max out my steering, or that even a problem? I dont know a whole lot about building up a truck, Im actually just getting started so im trying to learn quick.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

I suppose it's a matter of opinion.

I'd say 2.5" is too little.

I run 4.25".

 

[motofool]

for 15" rim and no grinding 2 and 3/4 back spoacing is what you need.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

[ QUOTE ]
for 15" rim and no grinding 2 and 3/4 back spoacing is what you need.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is no way to fit a 15" wheel without grinding in most cases.

Grinding IMO has no effect on the performance of your equipment anyway so grind away if it is necessary.

 

[smprider112]

what exactly needs to be grinded anyways?? and HOW MUCH grinding are we talkin' about?

 

[marine_enlisted]

http://www.coloradok5.com/d60calipergrind.shtml

This is for a Dana 60, a Dana 44 or 10 bolt is about the same principle. /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[smprider112]

In that link they're talking about 15" wheels not fitting 8 bolt axles...im running the stock corprate 10bolt w/6 bolts, am I still going to run into the same problems with fitment over the brakes?? also How much backspacing can u go without having 15.5 wide tires rub on stuff when u max out the steering??

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

No. 1/2 ton axles fit 15s.

"How much backspacing can u go without having 15.5 wide tires rub on stuff when u max out the steering?? "

More than is possible without them rubbing on the brakes so bad that you wouldn't be able to bolt them down. 16.5x9.75s are often 5" of BS.

 

[smprider112]

sorry, Im pretty new to this so excuse the dumb Q'S but what would be a good spacing then?? and thanks a ton for all the help.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Whatever you want is fine. If you want more tire sticking out, go with a lower number.

I went with the max I could to keep the tire tucked in. This is really a matter of personal preference.

More backspacing:

Pro-
Tires tucked in
less stress on suspension components and wheel bearings
less illegal

Con-
more grinding possible
not as wide overall (can be a pro as well depending)

Less backspacing:

Pro-
More brake clearance so less or no grinding necessary
if you're into the look, your tires will stick out

con-
rough on suspension parts and wheel bearings
tires that stick out will throw crap all over your truck

 

[smprider112]

Thanks again for all the clarity...Im thinking something like 3 1/2 or 4 then too keep the tires tucked in, yet still look good when I get my 12.5's.

 

[rjfguitar]

Why don't you want them to stick out? /forums/images/graemlins/ears.gif

 

[smprider112]

I guess I dont mind if they stick out a bit, Just dont want too much stress on the bearings and susp. and Im not sure how much the fender flares will cover...rock chips and such would kinda suck a little. tho I have seen a dodge around my house that had tires sticking pretty far out that looked pretty cool.