It's never that easy

[Ron Sebastian]

Settled on the Method 701 rim, unfortunately it has a backspace of 4 1/2" and it touches the steering tie rod. Now I have to get the adapters.

 

[Doppleganger]

Hate it when that happens.

Murphy is always there.......

 

[Ron Sebastian]

So I can't tell you how long I didn't know this but the rear inside rim to rim measurement is 56 1/2" and the front is 60". I guess I can get different size spacers to fix that. Anyone else know this, or am I just catching up?

 

[Doppleganger]

So I can't tell you how long I didn't know this but the rear inside rim to rim measurement is 56 1/2" and the front is 60". I guess I can get different size spacers to fix that. Anyone else know this, or am I just catching up?

Didn't know it on SB's but older 4-N cars had this only it was the rear spacing that was much narrower (for over steer IIRC). The common fix was rear spacers to even them out with the fronts.

 

[Redfish]

So I can't tell you how long I didn't know this but the rear inside rim to rim measurement is 56 1/2" and the front is 60". I guess I can get different size spacers to fix that. Anyone else know this, or am I just catching up?

The PO of my '87 installed a set of aluminum spacers on the rear. I had to remove them to get the drums off to inspect the brakes when I bought the truck. I wasn't going to put them back but Pop wanted them on there. He said he always was bothered by the front track being wider than the rear track on his '77 GMC. It never bothered me but it certainly stuck with him, he hasn't seen that truck for about 30 years and that was still in his mind.

I am still considering removing them, I would rather have the old truck look like it did originally.

 

[Ron Sebastian]

Now that I know it, I can't not see it. I don't like knowing it's not square!

 

[Bennyt]

The squarebody era vans have the wider rear axle to match the front. It was/is a popular swap for those that don't want spacers.

The narrower rear width actually makes the truck track straighter as it simulates the effect of a longer wheelbase and it increases stability and potentially decreases rollovers. Look at ATC's or Harley Trikes that have a tendency to want to high side as compared to the Can Am's or Polaris with the solo wheel in the rear that are extremely stable.

Also, on trucks with wider tires, they often don't fit on trailers between the wheel wells front first, but if you leave the track width alone, can load them rear first.

 

[Ron Sebastian]

The squarebody era vans have the wider rear axle to match the front. It was/is a popular swap for those that don't want spacers.

The narrower rear width actually makes the truck track straighter as it simulates the effect of a longer wheelbase and it increases stability and potentially decreases rollovers. Look at ATC's or Harley Trikes that have a tendency to want to high side as compared to the Can Am's or Polaris with the solo wheel in the rear that are extremely stable.

Also, on trucks with wider tires, they often don't fit on trailers between the wheel wells front first, but if you leave the track width alone, can load them rear first.

Great info, thanks!

 

[scrap--metal]

So I can't tell you how long I didn't know this but the rear inside rim to rim measurement is 56 1/2" and the front is 60". I guess I can get different size spacers to fix that. Anyone else know this, or am I just catching up?

I never knew this... Thanks for sharing, and now I'm a little smarter!