Custom 15X8; 4-inch Backspace Torque Thrust D
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
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Custom 15X8; 4-inch Backspace Torque Thrust D
Help!
I have searched this forum for what seems like days, and still haven't been able to find a definitive answer...(there are countless threads on Torque Thrusts here!)
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a set of custom 4.00-inch backspace 15X8-inch American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels (two piece, welded) for my '71. So the question is, has anyone used this combination before and do they fit without caliper interference? The young guy who answered the phone at ARE thinks they'll fit, but somehow, that isn't a lot of reassurance...L-O-L
Thanks in advance for the help. The wheels aren't cheap and I really don't want to make a mistake.
'Sled
I have searched this forum for what seems like days, and still haven't been able to find a definitive answer...(there are countless threads on Torque Thrusts here!)
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a set of custom 4.00-inch backspace 15X8-inch American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels (two piece, welded) for my '71. So the question is, has anyone used this combination before and do they fit without caliper interference? The young guy who answered the phone at ARE thinks they'll fit, but somehow, that isn't a lot of reassurance...L-O-L
Thanks in advance for the help. The wheels aren't cheap and I really don't want to make a mistake.
'Sled
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
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From: Virginia
I'm going to bite my tongue about what I think of the "look" of those wheels, and try to help you.
If the standard size Torque Thrust D wheels rub on the Corvette brakes, I'm thinking that the 4" backspacing ones will too. That is assuming that the center portion of the wheel is the same, and they simply move that portion in or out, relative to the "rim".
Can they provide a cross-section drawing? It should be easy to measure, or compare to a YJ8 wheel.
If the standard size Torque Thrust D wheels rub on the Corvette brakes, I'm thinking that the 4" backspacing ones will too. That is assuming that the center portion of the wheel is the same, and they simply move that portion in or out, relative to the "rim".
Can they provide a cross-section drawing? It should be easy to measure, or compare to a YJ8 wheel.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 153
Likes: 50
That’s a good idea. I’ll contact ARE on Monday. It’s my understanding the cast 4.5-inch backspace Torque Thrusts do not fit while the 3.77-inch backspace examples do fit. The custom wheels are different in that they are two piece. The center is cast while the barrel segment (rim) is forged.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
It's the measurement between the mounting pad and the back of the spoke spoke that determines whether the caliper will clear.
That's the information you need to get from American Racing to know if the wheel will clear.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
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Those a both very nice. Do the tires extend past the body wheel lips? If they don’t, then I can use an off-the-shelf wheel. 😉 Plus can you divulge the tire size? I’m hoping to run a P255-60-15 tire.
Last edited by hotrodsled; Apr 12, 2025 at 06:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
the above wheels (69 and 80) are both running the 255/60s no fender trimming needed on the 69 but doesn't mean yours may not.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Southeast Ohio
On my 69, I put 15X10 Torque Thrust Ds on the rear with 4.5 in. on the front. The backspacing on the back was 3.75in. They fit fine with no rubbing on the frame, body or caliper.
I hope this helps a little.
Rick
Big Block 69
I hope this helps a little.
Rick
Big Block 69
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 153
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OkeeDokee....
Had a good conversation with a knowledgeable guy at American Racing and he pulled up the answers: Spoke interference with the caliper and minimal wheel barrel (rim) clearance (0.003-inch!). So they're out for me. Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance.
'Sled
Had a good conversation with a knowledgeable guy at American Racing and he pulled up the answers: Spoke interference with the caliper and minimal wheel barrel (rim) clearance (0.003-inch!). So they're out for me. Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance.
'Sled
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 383
From: Toronto, Ontario
I'm going to bite my tongue about what I think of the "look" of those wheels, and try to help you.
If the standard size Torque Thrust D wheels rub on the Corvette brakes, I'm thinking that the 4" backspacing ones will too. That is assuming that the center portion of the wheel is the same, and they simply move that portion in or out, relative to the "rim".
Can they provide a cross-section drawing? It should be easy to measure, or compare to a YJ8 wheel.
If the standard size Torque Thrust D wheels rub on the Corvette brakes, I'm thinking that the 4" backspacing ones will too. That is assuming that the center portion of the wheel is the same, and they simply move that portion in or out, relative to the "rim".
Can they provide a cross-section drawing? It should be easy to measure, or compare to a YJ8 wheel.
Also, don't forget to let him know that you don't like automatic transmissions.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,516
From: Virginia
OkeeDokee....
Had a good conversation with a knowledgeable guy at American Racing and he pulled up the answers: Spoke interference with the caliper and minimal wheel barrel (rim) clearance (0.003-inch!). So they're out for me. Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance.
'Sled
Had a good conversation with a knowledgeable guy at American Racing and he pulled up the answers: Spoke interference with the caliper and minimal wheel barrel (rim) clearance (0.003-inch!). So they're out for me. Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance.
'Sled
It seems that the spacer is still required for spoke clearance. That barrel clearance is tight, but a grinder would probably take care of it.
