It's never that easy

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Ron Sebastian

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Posts
257
Reaction score
241
Location
Vero Beach
First Name
Ron
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Custom Deluxe V10
Engine Size
350
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.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20220730_103635573.jpg
    IMG_20220730_103635573.jpg
    102.9 KB · Views: 63
  • IMG_20220730_103731679.jpg
    IMG_20220730_103731679.jpg
    74.3 KB · Views: 63

Ron Sebastian

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Posts
257
Reaction score
241
Location
Vero Beach
First Name
Ron
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Custom Deluxe V10
Engine Size
350
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

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2019
Posts
11,602
Reaction score
53,648
Location
OH-MI: Just like it sounds
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
5.7
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

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2021
Posts
2,373
Reaction score
12,754
Location
Prairieville, LA
First Name
Andrew
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
V1500
Engine Size
350/5.7
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

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Posts
257
Reaction score
241
Location
Vero Beach
First Name
Ron
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Custom Deluxe V10
Engine Size
350
Now that I know it, I can't not see it. I don't like knowing it's not square!
 

Bennyt

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2019
Posts
1,020
Reaction score
1,403
Location
Surprise
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
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

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Posts
257
Reaction score
241
Location
Vero Beach
First Name
Ron
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Custom Deluxe V10
Engine Size
350
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

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2021
Posts
678
Reaction score
1,266
Location
MN
First Name
Calvin
Truck Year
'85, '81
Truck Model
K10, K20
Engine Size
305, 350
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!
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
41,859
Posts
903,644
Members
33,372
Latest member
83elcowes
Top