Proper wheel Backspacing on a 1977

[enthusiast1977]

Hello all,

I am looking for the proper backspacing for a 1977 ranger with 15x8 rims and 33"x12.5 tires. I would prefer not running spacers and I have stock front fenders. I will be running a 2" body lift. Everything I see in the style I want have a 3.75 backspace. I was told by BG that I should use a 3.25 backspace but I can not find any in a black wagon wheel look. Does anyone have any suggestions. I have seen them on many many EB's so i know there is a configuration for them that I am missing.

I would prefer rims that look like the pro comp 51 series.

Any help is greatly appreciated as always.

 

[enthusiast1977]

Correction. It will have a 1" body lift.

 

[70_Steve]

The issue with the 76-77 Broncos is the unique steering knuckle. The steering arm, where the tie-rod mounts, curves out toward the tire and rim much more than any other knuckle. I run Centerline Hellcats with 3 3/4" backspace, and the stock tie-rod end was within 3/16" of the rim. I wanted to go TRO with Chebby 1-ton steering, so I replaced the knuckles with ones from a 79 F150.

 

[enthusiast1977]

Ok thank you for the info. I am doing zero offroading. Strictly a cruiser. I am going to stick to the 33x12.5R15 size rim and tire I have now and just make sure the backspacing is the same on the new rims i order.

I am sure this is simple to some but I am now is full crazy mode trying to get it back together to drive this summer. I am hoping to have the driver door post and kick panel welded in by the end of the week. I am a couple weeks off from needing the rims and tires on but I like to try to have things ready when i need them. Thanks for the first hand knowledge. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Also when you have the tires balanced have the shop use the glue on weights instead of the clamp on. I had the clamp on type and they hit the knuckles.

 

[enthusiast1977]

good call! thx. that makes sense

 

[DirtDonk]

You're actually asking a lot for an uncut fender. I realize you said front is uncut, so assuming the rear is already cut, but even the fronts will have to be opened up to clear a 12.50" wide tire on an 8" wheel with only a 1" lift.
At least that's been my experience. Yours may vary of course, and you don't have to cut until you're all mounted up and can trial fit them. But I'm thinking you need to cut.

At the very least the inner fender skirt will need trimming, but I'm thinking so will the outer with that wheel size and needed offset.
Lots of wheels will allow you to use that 3 3/4" backspacing though (some won't) and the tighter in you get it the better.
Are you getting the wheels locally? If so, maybe they'll trial fit one for rod-end clearance, then if that aspect works you can mount one tire just to see where you stand on the body.

Best of luck. We'd love to see pics if it works. And even if it doesn't quite.

Paul

 

[bax]

if you go with a larger dia wheel the backspacing is not as big of an issue. a wide tire will / can complicate things.

 

[shaunmcc]

if you go with a larger dia wheel the backspacing is not as big of an issue. a wide tire will / can complicate things.

I've been searching for a similar answer as the OP. I'm running 37"s, and looking at wheels currently. I found a set of Racelines I really like, only to find they have a 5.0 backspace. They are 17X9, 0 offset.

Anyone have any input on a maximum for the back spacing? 5.5" WH suspension lift, 2" body.

Thanks for any input, and OP sorry for the thread jack.

 

[rguest3]

enthusiast1977 - Are you stuck on running 15s? I would recommend 17s and you can go as much as 4.5" Backspacing and the tires will just barely rub at full lock. The 17s clear the 76-77 knuckles with no issues.

 

[sykanr0ng]

enthusiast1977 - Are you stuck on running 15s? I would recommend 17s and you can go as much as 4.5" Backspacing and the tires will just barely rub at full lock. The 17s clear the 76-77 knuckles with no issues.

Adding to that 17 inch tires are becoming far more common than 15 inch tires.

33 inch tires look decent on 17 inch wheels.

Smaller than 33 inch tires on 17 inch wheels would look strange on a Bronco, may be okay on recent trucks but not proportioned right for classics.
My opinion, too much wheel not enough tire.

 

[enthusiast1977]

I like the idea of 17's. I will start googling the crap out of them and see what I can come up with. I could probably go with a lower profile tire. might actual ride better on the road.

 

[rguest3]

How about a 17x8.5 and a 285x70x17? (33x11.50) May still be tight with 1" BL and uncut front fenders.

I would recommend the Toyo AT II or the Nitto Trail Grappler MT depending on what type of tire you want.

 

[sykanr0ng]

Not mine but will give you an idea what 33 inch tires on 17 inch wheels will look like:

 

[enthusiast1977]

thx for the picture. does anyone have a picture of 31's on 17's?

 

[77BRONKOTN]

1977 Bronco, 3.5 suspension lift.

I have 16x7 (2004-2006) E150 Wheels. 4.5 Backspace, 285/75`16 Tire = 33x11.2

Clears the tie rod by almost a half inch, even with Wild Horse T-conversion. The tires clear the frame etc fine.

Id almost bet they would clear uncut rear, but I dont have.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222161