Finally a Luber... So Next Question re Wheels

[Texas9902]

I finally got the lift on my '76. I am currently running 30x9.5s. I want to go to 31x10.5 to fill out the fenders a little better. In doing so, I want to go from a 15x5.5 inch stock wheel to one of the WheelVintiuqes 15x7 stock-like wheel to better seat the bigger tire and I think it will look better. I also still want to use my stock hubcaps. So, the question is:

What backspacing do I need on a 15x7 so that the hubcap will stay flush with hub and look stock. In other words, I think that the extra 1.5 inches in wheel width will have to be on the inside? Any problems with clearance in front with a 2.5 inch lift?

I know that "what tires will fit" is a very common thread. I have searched and read those posts, but could not find one that addressed whether the stock hubs will fit and look right.

Thanks,

M

 

[SurfCityEB66]

I'm doing the exact same tire/lift combo on my dad's 76 LUBR !

We found this site to be very useful..
Www.thewheelsmith.net

Click on wheel geometry on the left nav bar.

Also found this thread useful..

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178183

 

[Sporto]

I am not sure of the updated wheel you're looking at. However the 2.5" lift with 31" on stock steelies is a great combo. No clearance problems up front at all.

Good luck with rest of your research.

Rich

 

[surfer-b]

I am also runnin the stock steels and 31x10.50's with no probs as far as the tires seatn, as for clearance I cant say for the rear of a uncut but have no probs on the front and it is stock fenders. Here are a few pics

 

[Whoaa]

The 76/77' style front knuckle's need a little more clearence than pre-75' models. This thread goes over the issues you're having in detail, with some good pic's of what it will look like when done.

Check out post #30 for detailed pic's of what yours could look like when done. Redvette choose 3 3/4" BS.
Notice the bare wheel does clear the tie rod, but there is no wheel weight on the wheel. It appears that once a weight is on the inside of the wheel there will be very little clearence.

In post #21 I show a pic with little clearence between the wheel weight & the tie rod.

It has been my experience that 3 1/2" BS works best for the 76/77 style front end's that I've worked on.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252016&page=2

 

[Texas9902]

Thanks for feeback, what I am really trying to figure out is with that setup--15x7 inch wheels--will my hub cap fit. I know the wheel and tire combo will work.

 

[boogie]

nice bronco! Im in the middle of doing lift and alu wheels and tires and would like a 2nd stock set with 31's. I know you will need 4" backspacing or less for the tires to clear. Im guessing 3.75 BS would center the wheel. But that's a guess lol

 

[rguest3]

Texas9902 - I am doing the same wheel/tire combo as you with my 76 under restoration.

I have the 15x7" Wheel Vintiques with 4" back spacing and 31/10.50s. I will use a 1/4" spacer up front to clear Knuckles.

The Original Hub Cap fits on the wheel but the manual hub will be inside the center hole about an inch or so. I have been saving a set of 66 Hub caps for this install because they are about an 1-1 1/2" flatter and the center hub sticks out about 1/4". Again, this is with a 1/4" spacer on the front.

You will not have any clearance issues with the 2 1/2" lift with this tire/wheel combo with the Uncut fenders. However, I would stick with the original steel wheels if installed with the original hub caps.

I will post pictures later.

 

[TX SS]

Looks good my fellow Longhorn.

 

[rguest3]

Texas9902 - OK. Here it what the Wheel Vintiques 15x7" wheel with 4" back spacing looks like on a 76 front end.

There is a 1/4" installed to clear 76-77 knuckle. Will use tape weights when balanced.

If using the original non 66 hub cap you will need to use the stock equivalent steel wheel so center hub will clear.

 

[Texas9902]

Thanks all for the good feedback