Wheel backspacing question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Wheel backspacing question
What is the most backspacing you can run with the stock trailing arms? I have heard you can fit up to 5" but want to hear that from someone who has actually done it.
thanks
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Wheel backspacing question (70 LS1)
I have 5 inch backspacing with 305 tires and no way can you run this much with stock trailing arms. The tire would be hard up against the trailing arm even after removing the emergency bracket. 4.5 I think would be maximum with 275 or maybe 295 tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 1
Re: Wheel backspacing question (norvalwilhelm)
Norval, I have to disagree...
I have done a LOT of careful measuring regarding this and I have over 1.5" between my rim (17" wheel) and the stock trailing arm. I will probably end up running a 17X9.5 inch wheel with 5" to 5.5" inches of backspacing and a 275/40/17 tire. I have moved my parking brake cable so that is not an issue.
I would really like to hear from anyone running 5" backspace on stock trailing arms tho.
Chris
I have done a LOT of careful measuring regarding this and I have over 1.5" between my rim (17" wheel) and the stock trailing arm. I will probably end up running a 17X9.5 inch wheel with 5" to 5.5" inches of backspacing and a 275/40/17 tire. I have moved my parking brake cable so that is not an issue.
I would really like to hear from anyone running 5" backspace on stock trailing arms tho.
Chris
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Wheel backspacing question (70 LS1)
I have never had a problem with 4.5 BS That gives me about a fingers width between the side wall and frame. I now have 11X17 wheels with 6.5 BS and 2 inch wheel adapters. So they are back to 4.5 effectively. I don't think you could put 5 inch on it.
The big thing is wheels that can clear big calipers
The big thing is wheels that can clear big calipers
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 1
Re: Wheel backspacing question (gkull)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Wheel backspacing question (70 LS1)
70, allright, I can't remember anymore the exact measurements of my install, BUT, it wuz 6-7 years ago.....SO,.....time to get friggin definitive here....
I"m making a HUGE sacrifice here and go out into my COLD 60f degrees garage, jack up the car, pull a wheel....and measure everything...
will get back to you in a while.....
jeez....
GENE :D :D :D :D :cool: :cheers:
I"m making a HUGE sacrifice here and go out into my COLD 60f degrees garage, jack up the car, pull a wheel....and measure everything...
will get back to you in a while.....
jeez....
GENE :D :D :D :D :cool: :cheers:
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Wheel backspacing question (70 LS1)
OK, a stock 92 vette wheel at 17x9.5 width has an offset of 7 inches...measured from wheel weight flat surface to flange....and with a 2.5 inch adaptor yeilds a net offset of 4.5 inches.....
a stock steel '72 vette rim measure the same way...is 3.5 inch offset...
SO by removing ebrake cable mounting flange from T-arm...you gain about an inch of space....making that inch available with ease....
NOW I use 275/50 (sic) tires on rear...Nitto's.... they clear by about 1/4 inch or so...no sweat....
I would think anything moving the wheel center outwards would apply undo stresses on the rear hubs/suspension....and make it look ricey...
GENE
a stock steel '72 vette rim measure the same way...is 3.5 inch offset...
SO by removing ebrake cable mounting flange from T-arm...you gain about an inch of space....making that inch available with ease....
NOW I use 275/50 (sic) tires on rear...Nitto's.... they clear by about 1/4 inch or so...no sweat....
I would think anything moving the wheel center outwards would apply undo stresses on the rear hubs/suspension....and make it look ricey...
GENE
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: Wheel backspacing question (mrvette)
Hello Gene
You have 17 x 9.5 with 2.5 inch adapters for a total of 4.5 inch backspace on all corners.
Can you say again what size tires you have front and rear?
Brent....
You have 17 x 9.5 with 2.5 inch adapters for a total of 4.5 inch backspace on all corners.
Can you say again what size tires you have front and rear?
Brent....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Re: Wheel backspacing question (70 LS1)
Jeff,it isn't only the backspacing that is important.....as Gkull says,make VERY sure that the shape of the wheels properly clears the calipers...it usually isnt a problem with 17" wheels,but be very carefull with 15" particularly deep dish styles...john :chevy ;)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Wheel backspacing question (MN-Brent)
I have 275/50/17 in rear, about 1/4 inch away from t-arm itself...
in front there is 255/50-17.....and they are rubbing SLIGHTLY in the sway bar and frame....but then again...I limited the radius by building up rubbing block snubber on lower a-arms....about 3/4 inch....radius is still smaller than a C4 in turning....
GENE
in front there is 255/50-17.....and they are rubbing SLIGHTLY in the sway bar and frame....but then again...I limited the radius by building up rubbing block snubber on lower a-arms....about 3/4 inch....radius is still smaller than a C4 in turning....
GENE
