Wheel backspacing
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Wheel backspacing
To fit 8" [15"] ralleys under the rear of my car I am thinking of having one of the wheel makers build me a couple of wheels with more backspacing. If I move my brake cable brackets to the top of the t/arm it looks like I would be able to fit a 5" backspace [the original wheels are 4" backspace]. With a bit of grinding on the end of the spring to clear. Has anyone done this?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Metal springs are easy to shorten. You can drill them with normal drill bits, slow speed and lots of oil. I shorten one end only and then redrill the center hole in the main leaf half way between the two larger holes .
I needed to shorten my spring for 5 inch backspacing.
I needed to shorten my spring for 5 inch backspacing.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 15
From: Atlanta GA
I am running 17x8 Vintage 45's with 4.5 in backspace and Bridgestone 245/45 SO3's. I have stock arms with the parking cable relocated to the top, but also found that I needed about 1 inch to eliminate interference between the sidewall and the rear spring . Solved problem by using a VBP dual mount rear fiberglass spring.
If possible suggest you try something with similar backspacing before oredering or be prepared to invest to fix problem afterward.
steve
If possible suggest you try something with similar backspacing before oredering or be prepared to invest to fix problem afterward.
steve
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Thanks drivun and norval,
I don't have access to any 5" b/s wheels to try.
4.5-4.75 backspace seem to be the most common but it looks to me like I can fit 5" with some removal of maybe 1/4" of spring material. So I was wondering if anyone else has gone with the 5". I like Norvals spring narrowing idea. But the last time I tried to drill spring steel it was no fun. I did since then buy bits from "the bit lady" who has booths at swap meets. Those bits are supposedly rejects from the aircraft industry. They will drill ANYTHING. Don't have any big enough for the spring bolt tho.
Any suggestion for a perferred Rallye wheel supplier?
I don't have access to any 5" b/s wheels to try.
4.5-4.75 backspace seem to be the most common but it looks to me like I can fit 5" with some removal of maybe 1/4" of spring material. So I was wondering if anyone else has gone with the 5". I like Norvals spring narrowing idea. But the last time I tried to drill spring steel it was no fun. I did since then buy bits from "the bit lady" who has booths at swap meets. Those bits are supposedly rejects from the aircraft industry. They will drill ANYTHING. Don't have any big enough for the spring bolt tho.
Any suggestion for a perferred Rallye wheel supplier?
Last edited by 00fxd; Dec 23, 2004 at 11:33 PM.
