I know there have been several posts about wheels but I searched them and couldn't find an answer to my situtation. My 48 3800 pickup came with 17 inch 8 lug split rims. I have tried 3 sets of wheels thusfar. 1987 3/4 ton Silverado wheels that are 16 inch. They fit on the back but on the front they hit the tie rod end. I put a 1/4 inch spacer on and they clear the tie rod end. These are plain steel wheels and I am looking for some nicer chrome or aluminum. 2004 HD 3/4 ton Silverado wheels that are 16 inch. They fit just like the ones above. For some unknown reason I didn't try the 1/4 inch spacer. I guess I didn't think I would want to run a spacer forever. Has anyone had experience changing the track width with spacers? Is it OK to do this? I found a set of 17 inch take offs at the local auto salvage. The set back was 6 1/2 inches and, therefore, also hit the tie rod end. Any suggestions? Does anyone know of a 17 inch 8 lug that has about a 3 1/2 inch set back?
Gater- I hate to bring this up, but when I was looking for some 8-lug steelies for my 3/4, I found that those... those.... those "F" 8-lugs would work. 'Course those were 16 inch, but you might want to check that "brand" if you can't find anything else... Just a thought. (might not be much of one)
Thanks Zig but I think there is enough diff between the 3/4 and the 1 ton that the 16s just won't work. The guy at the body shop is suggesting I get a set of 4 2 inch billet spacers. The kind that you attach to your existing studs then the spacer has another set of studs that the wheel bolts to. That would change a 6 1/2 inch back set to a 4 1/2 inch backset. I am reluctant to invest that much not really knowing it the tire would then clear the fenders and tie rod end. By the time I get the spacers, wheels, tires, lug nuts and centers I would be pushing about $1100. The hunt continues.
I don't think changing the track width would hurt any thing. The only difference you might see in it is that it may handle a little better. The wider the better for handleing. In my opinion (for what it's worth) I don't think it would hurt a thing as long as the tires don't rub anything. One thing to check with tires on is brake lines for rubbing. That could be a bad day if you overlooked that.
ccharr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 16 6/12 change out -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tailgater, My 3800 had 235/70R16s on billet aluminum 8 lug rims, the inside of the rim state MAXWHEEL 16X7JJ -6, offset 1/4, Dot-T made in Taiwan. Nice looking rims with simulated rivets. Do not know the brand they were sold under. The guy I bought it from in South Dakota hasn’t answered an email since I picked it up there. When ever I learn to copy and paste photos I’ll put some up of it. Hope this helps some. Quote: Originally Posted by Tailgater Mine is a 1 ton 3800 pickup. Yes, it has been 12 volt for a while but it has been sitting in the basement a long time. I am just now getting it roadworthy and was worried about burning something up that was only rated for 6 volt. Nate, I am not sure about the tires cause the ones I have on now are just roll arounds till I get it back from the shop and can choose a tire wheel combo. I know that the steering arm is so close to the drum that I will have to take that into account. I want a nice aluminum or chrome set of 8 lugs but haven't started looking yet. Does anyone have experience with purchasing chrome or aluminum for an 8 lug 47 - 54? If so, I would like to know the brand. Also, Nate, what would you suggest for a tire height to get the best mpg?
On my 51 1 ton I chose to cut the centers out of the split rim and send to Stockton Wheel Co. They welded them into 16 x 6 inch solid rims for the front and 16 x 7 rims for the rear. Back spacing used was 4 1/2 on front and 4 3/4 on rear. I am running LT 2.35-85R16 tires on front and LT 2.55-85R16 on rear. This gives me a rear tire height of about 33 inches, same as the 7.50x17 tires on original rims. It was not cheap keeps the tall tire stock look and allows me to use the original hub caps AND the handling and feel of radial tires vs bias ply tires can not be beat.
Thanks for the info. Mathman, I no longer have my originals so that is not an option at this time. CChar, That would be really goood info if you can find the manufacturer fo the wheels. That would give me a great place to start. Best lead so far. Bill
