Reworking Rear Wheel Wells?

[Jeff10]

Hey,

I'm not sure if I should be considering this option; but, I am thinking about modifying the rear wheel wells of our '71 Bronco to allow for the installation of a propane tank. This is just one of several options, although it's going to be the least expensive before the work on the wheel wells is considered.

I know that the question of clearance of the tires in the wheel wells depend on a lot of factors. Without flexing the rear axle and tucking a tire, it looks like there is about 3" between the inside of each tire and each inner wheel well. Although it isn't precise at the moment, I am thinking that is about the same amount of distance required to fit the tank ahead of the wheel well. The tank will be located between the front seats and the rear wheel wells. It is 20" diameter and about 46" wide at its furthest point. (Only about 10" of the front of each wheel well will require work to narrow it.)

Does anyone here have experience narrowing their wheel wells? Should I even be considering it?

(This really isn't a good option to me; but, I thought I would explore it.)

Thanks for any input you'd like to provide.

Jeff

 

[70_Steve]

Without flexing the rear axle and tucking a tire, it looks like there is about 3" between the inside of each tire and each inner wheel well.

Hey Jeff,

I've got a 3 1/2-4" rear suspension lift (depending on how much crap I've got in the back), 2" body lift, the stock Bronco 9", stock bump stops and 35" KM2s. Not exactly a scientific measurement, but I've got tire marks on the inside of my wheel wells from where the tires tuck up that far inside.

I didn't think I remembered you having full width axles, but if not, you might really want to take some measurements when on a ramp, and/or consider taller rear bumpstops, to limit the tuck.

 

[Jeff10]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for sharing your experience. That's exactly what I was hoping to receive.

We have a 3-1/2" suspension lift and a 2" body lift. The axles are standard width for the EB, not full.

I didn't see any rub marks inside the wheel well; but, I could sure imagine the wheel on one side pivoting up and into the wheel well when the other side drops.

Just out of curiosity, where are your rub marks? Are they more towards the center of the wheel well, or are there some in the front and the rear, too?

This probably isn't a good option; but, I thought I would explore it to the point where I know failure would be likely.

Have a great weekend, Steve.

Jeff

 

[70_Steve]

I didn't see any rub marks inside the wheel well; but, I could sure imagine the wheel on one side pivoting up and into the wheel well when the other side drops.

Here's a pic of the rub marks in the passenger side wheel well. I suspect it's the tread that's rubbing, since it's so high up in the wheel well.