Help with wheel size and backspacing

[Sixshooter]

I have decided to get rid of the 33/12.50/15's that were on my Bronco when I got it. I prefer a little narrower look. I'm trying to decide between 285/75/16's (11.3" x 33.1), or for a little additional height, a 285/75/17 (11.3 x 33.9").

I would like to run a 8" wide wheel either way I go. Problem is, 4" is the least amount of backspacing I have seen for these size wheels. Will I have any hitting issues running a wheel with 4" backspacing?

BTW, my Bronco has best I can tell a 3.5" Suspension lift. And everything else is stock.

Thanks for reading,

Sixshooter

 

[Crawdad]

It really depends on which type of wheel you want. Steel wheels can be bought in many type of configurations. 4" BS will stuff the tire/ wheel combo inside a lot, so you may see rubbing depending on the tire you get. Swampers on 16"/17" wheels may rub the rear shocks if you go 4" BS. I have 15x6s stock rims (3"BS) w/ 33x10.5x15 KM2s and all seems well. You could also get away with a 7" rim versus the 8" you mentioned. We also need to know the year of ur bronco. A 76 is much different in the front than a 66 with drum brakes.

 

[Sixshooter]

Thanks Crawdad. This is a '69.

I swapped a set of 265/75/16 BFG A/T's on 16x8's with 4 7/16" BS just to try it. It fits fine, but the wheels are pretty "sucked in" although everything clears fine with this size tire. I'm wanting the taller, narrower look than the 33/12.50/15's gave me, without bugging out of the fender flares too much. Thats why I'm thinking 285/75's on 16x8's would look nice, as long as the 4" BS is sufficient.

If it matters any, I'll be running either BFG KM2's or Goodyear Mt/R's.

Thanks again

 

[Crawdad]

On those 16x8s, did you drive on them? I would think they may hit when steering. 4 7/16" is really pushing it. But on ATs that may have worked. 3-3.5" BS is usually a safer bet on any wheel size.

Oh it will matter on which tire you choose!!! I looked into a LT type tire on 16s MT/r and that was about a $600 difference, and that was with 4 tires. I was able to get five 33" KM2s for $1K exact. The biggest difference in the two tires is side wall strength. Lots of threads on here with LUBRs. There you can find out what works and what does not.

Good luck Six!

 

[blubuckaroo]

I have 265-75-16 tires in 4" backspaced rims. I had to adjust the steering stops a little to keep from tagging the radius arms. Also since mine is a '77, with the longer steering knuckles, I had to grind the excess casting flash off the tie rod ends so they would clear the rims. If I had it to do over, I'd have bought 17" rims and used 265-70-17 tires for close to the same diameter.

 

[Sixshooter]

Thank you both, any yes the 265's and 16x8's I have on it at the moment actually run fine without hitting. I bet the A/T has something to do with that as mentioned. EDIT: I lied..they do hit slightly at full lock, I guess never fully cranked it around while driving until I really tried!

Is there any good source for 16" steelies with low backspacing? Seems everything I am finding is 4.5". I found some Eagle alloy wheels with 3.65" or something like that but I'm really not crazy about them.

And as Crawdad mentioned, the LT's are more expensive, but as I use my vehicles a lot around thorns and mesquite stobs for ranch use, the higher ply tires seem to hold up much better for my use. I don't really wheel my vehicles so rougher ride and ultimate offroad performance aren't big issues for me.

Thanks for the advice Gents...

 

[surfer-b]

Eagle alloy wheels with 3.65" or something like that but I'm really not crazy about them.

They have those listed but don't makem anymore unless they have just started again, I tried to find a set a few yrs ago. If you can only find ones with 4" BS you can run 1/2" spacers however it will require longer studs

 

[Crawdad]

Are you wanting aluminum or steelies? There are a lot of options if you consider steelies.

 

[Sixshooter]

Are you wanting aluminum or steelies? There are a lot of options if you consider steelies.

I would actually prefer black steelies, but so far through my internet searching 4.5" BS is the minimum I have found. Any places you know of I should look?

 

[Crawdad]

Thought you would never ask!!!!!!!!!!! I bought Pro Comp 98s last year. They were 17x9 w/ 3.5" BS. They were also flat black instead of gloss. I had them on 37"s KM2s. But recently got rid of them.... long boring story. But there are several vendors out there, me and Apache spent many hours looking for wheels. You can prolly find them in our thread posts. You can custom order rims from Pro Comp but does take a while (my 17x9s took 8 wks since I wanted flat black). I downsized to 33s and found factory type wheels and had them powdercoated for $40 each.

Check out these below, they do some custom wheels. Also check out Crager, Ultra, American Racing & KMC's websites.

http://www.rockcrawler-mrt.com/
http://www.blackrockwheels.com/produ...-5/SteelWheels

 

[Sixshooter]

Man, that's a great help! I think I will just order some then and not worry about it.

And once again for the slow guy... A 16x8 w/ 3.5" BS should clear with 285/75? In theory?