Front Axle Wider Than Rear

[85K10]

So ever since I bought my square I have noticed the front axle is wider that the rear. I back into my parking spot and when I walk to it in the mornings it bugs the crap out of me to see the front tires sticking out further that the rear. Is this a common thing for the square body? I have noticed it on other squares also.

Well it finally bugged me enough and I measured the tire width. Can't remember the exact measurments but the front was roughly 4 inches wider than the rear. So I got on ebay and ordered me a set of wheels spacers. They make different sizes and I thought 2 inch spacers would be to much and a lot of stress on the reared and tire. Then figured 1 in wouldn't be enough to make a difference. So I ordered 1 1/2 spaceres and they arrived yesterday. I took some picures to kinda show the difference in the widths but they not perfect.

After all said and done the front is still about 1/4 inch wider on each side. Normal eye wont be able to tell and its sure looks a lot better when I go to get in it for a drive. The Pictures below is showing the left side with the spacer on and the right side stock. You can see the angle on the line to see the difference. Also I took a picture of the right side body line and you can see the front tire sticking out but not the rear.

 

[oneluckypops]

I am not 100% sure but i think it was made like that from the factory to help keep the rear end following the front. I would be carefull driving it with the spacers in, especially in wet weather and slick roads. Your ass might just decide to try to pass you more now.

 

[85K10]

I am not 100% sure but i think it was made like that from the factory to help keep the rear end following the front. I would be carefull driving it with the spacers in, especially in wet weather and slick roads. Your ass might just decide to try to pass you more now.

Good info there I did not know that. They may be coming off of thats the case. I'm new to the 4X4 thing so learning as I go.

 

[85K10]

I am not 100% sure but i think it was made like that from the factory to help keep the rear end following the front. I would be carefull driving it with the spacers in, especially in wet weather and slick roads. Your ass might just decide to try to pass you more now.

Well after doing some reading you are correct. Thanks for the help. Its not a daily driver so I think will be ok. Work six days a week with a company car so ill give it a shot. If it starts acting up ill just remove them.

 

[89Suburban]

No ****? I always wondered that too.

 

[HotRodPC]

I knew GMT400's were that way, I had never noticed the squares being that way. I was aware it's common for 4x4's to be that way though. So far it never caught my eye on the K1500. Now I'll go look, the front will be wider and its gonna fuggin bug me. Thanks alot 85K10.

 

[bucket]

I've seen a few discussions on why the rear track is narrower and some it kind of makes sense. However, I personally think it's mostly due to cost. Generally, the 2wd's and 4x4's share the same rear axle housing and the front track is wider just because more clearance is required. The truck will still drive fine in all conditions even with spacers in the rear.

I know if you lift it and go 3/4 ton, the difference in track really isn't noticeable. My Blazer will be getting a '88-'98 6-lug 14 bolt rear axle, for strength and the width is about the same as the stock front axle.

 

[89Suburban]

I was thinking about doing the same thing to the rear of my burb, I don't like how the rear tires sit further into the wheel wells than the front, but now I am second guessing. Does the spacers make more stress on the axles too I guess? Are they strong?

I seem many cars and trucks on the road that look the same front and back tracks and they seem to get around fine?

 

[towman]

spacers will put a little more stress on the bearings, sort of like after market wheels with a differant back spacing

 

[oneluckypops]

I've seen a few discussions on why the rear track is narrower and some it kind of makes sense. However, I personally think it's mostly due to cost. Generally, the 2wd's and 4x4's share the same rear axle housing and the front track is wider just because more clearance is required. The truck will still drive fine in all conditions even with spacers in the rear.

I know if you lift it and go 3/4 ton, the difference in track really isn't noticeable. My Blazer will be getting a '88-'98 6-lug 14 bolt rear axle, for strength and the width is about the same as the stock front axle.

Sorry to hijack but do you have your 6 lug 14 bolt rear end yet? if not I have a couple of them I am trying to sell send me a PM if your interested.

 

[bucket]

Sorry to hijack but do you have your 6 lug 14 bolt rear end yet? if not I have a couple of them I am trying to sell send me a PM if your interested.

Already got one

 

[85K10]

I knew GMT400's were that way, I had never noticed the squares being that way. I was aware it's common for 4x4's to be that way though. So far it never caught my eye on the K1500. Now I'll go look, the front will be wider and its gonna fuggin bug me. Thanks alot 85K10.

Well did you look? It bugged me enough (OCD) that I had to do something to try and make it less noticable.

 

[crazy4offroad]

I had noticed it years ago but was told that maybe the previous owner swapped in a van axle, and I never thought anymore about it.

 

[nvrenuf]

I've always heard the narrower rear helped with turning radius.

 

[foamypirate]

This is the precise reason I plan to swap in a GMT-400 era 10-bolt. They are a little bit wider than the 10-bolt used in Squares, and are 30 spline instead of 28 spline (so a little stronger).