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Backspacing differences between 87 and 88

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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 06:09 PM
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Default Backspacing differences between 87 and 88

Hello everyone, I am new here. I have a question pertaining to the difference in backspacing of 84-87 and 88 up. I have looked up the part numbers on all suspension parts trying to see where the difference would be. All the spindles, knuckles and links for the suspension are the same from 84-96, as well as the the hubs. So my question is, what gives the 88 up the 56mm backspacing it requires?
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 07:22 PM
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I think the difference is in the length of the upper and lower control arms. There were suspension changes beginning in 88. The front shocks were a one-year difference too.

There are differences in the hubs between the early and late cars. Mostly in how the spindle attaches within the hub and some other differences in the design and placement of the reluctor ring for the VSS.

BTW, the diffenece in measurement for the wheels is offset, not backspacing.
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by incog3
Hello everyone, I am new here. I have a question pertaining to the difference in backspacing of 84-87 and 88 up. I have looked up the part numbers on all suspension parts trying to see where the difference would be. All the spindles, knuckles and links for the suspension are the same from 84-96, as well as the the hubs. So my question is, what gives the 88 up the 56mm backspacing it requires?

Your "research" is flawed! Suspension and brake components are '84-'87 and '88+ with very few "exceptions". Hubs/bearings aren't all "the same" either!

Are you shopping for wheels?

Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 23, 2009 at 08:42 PM.
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Your "research" is flawed! Suspension and brake components are '84-'87 and '88+ with very few "exceptions". Hubs/bearings aren't all "the same" either!?

The '88+ setup has a different knuckle ( shock mount / angle is different for one) with a longer outer yoke and a seperate "spacer" that serves as the brake caliper mount.This puts the hub face ( same hub; 84 -96 ) approx 3/4" further out from the early cars; hense the difference in BS early vs late
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 09:55 PM
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I have gone through Ecklers and Midwest, both show no differences in part numbers for those parts.

WVZR-1: I just bought a 88 parts car, and was going to swap out the parts I need so I can get rid of the wheel spacers I have to use with the 99 c5 rims I have.
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 10:27 PM
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Spindles from a 88-96, and a 84-87.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by incog3
I have gone through Ecklers and Midwest, both show no differences in part numbers for those parts.
Don't believe everything you read online

Originally Posted by incog3
was going to swap out the parts I need so I can get rid of the wheel spacers I have to use with the 99 c5 rims I have.
Yes the complete outboard parts (knuckle / hub / brake assembly) is a bolt in swap to achieve what you want to do ;BUT for starters the early shocks angle in and the late shocks go straight up to the frame rail.You would have to make a custom top shock mount
Early vs late shock angle ( early on left ) Note the thick caliper mount on the '88+ requiring the use of the longer yokes as shown in post above?



Park brake arrangement is different

Last edited by rodj; Dec 24, 2009 at 02:49 AM.
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