I think I've decided on some wheels. They will be 18"*9.5". I want to check and see what type of backspacing you guys are running with 285-295 series tires. I'll tell ya which wheels they are when I get them on the truck. :p

I'm either gonna get the Yokohama AVS S/T 285/50/18's or the Nitto 555 Extreme performance 295/45/18's.

Right now I have 265/70/16's and there is 2 inches worth of space between the bulge of the tire and the edge of the leaf spring. The wheels on the truck are stock Chevy Tahoe wheels with 4.5" of backspacing.

How close can I get the tire bulge to the leaf spring and still be safe? I figured I could get 5.5" backspacing and be fine since the sidewall will be stiffer and the tire section width is only about .8-.9" bigger.

If your running tires this wide what type of backspacing do you have and how close is the tire to the spring? Also, if you're lowered do you have any rubbing problems in the front when taking turns?

Oh yeah, If you have anything good or bad to say about the tires that would be great also.

Thanks

John

PS - I'd like to keep the outside of the tire about the same distance out the stock one is right now. The stock one is about 13" from the leaf spring to the tire bulge.

 

John,
Although not 18's I'm running 295/45/R20 tires and my rims are 9.5's. My tires are just about 12 inches wide and I have no rubbing problems at all from either the leaf pack or the fender lip. Unfortunately, I don't recall the backspacing on my wheels. If you need me too I can pull one off and take a measurement for you. The outside of my tires sit just even with the fenders which is a little bit farther out than I care to have it but it's not a big deal. You can check my webpage to see what I'm talking about.

 

Hey Jeff

That would be great if you have a chance. I was thinking about 20's. The 20's of the wheel I want aren't much more than the 18's actually but, the tires are a little more than I want to spend.

BTW, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're truck looks AWESOME!!

If you get the chance to measure the backspacing that would be great, if not no big deal though.

Thanks

John

 

Thanks for the compliments!

I can pull one of my wheels off tomorrow and take a measurement. I'll get that backspacing info to you then.

My personal opinion is to stay with 18's. I like my wheels but I'm not really happy with the weight of the 20's. I'm contemplating going down to 18's to lose some of that weight and rotational mass . I'd like something closer to the weight of the stock aluminum wheels. My ASA and Toyo wheel/tire combo weighs around 75 lbs.

 

I have 20x9.5 that sit flush with the fender. Some don't like that look and want them to tuck but My truck is not very low.
Tuck 6-6.25 back space
flush 5-5.5 back space or 46mm offset. I'm running 275/45 20's but could run 295 without any rubbing problems.

I'd say go with a light wieght 18. Than you can run the nitto 305/40 drag radials

http://photos.yahoo.com/creederado

 

creederado - That's an awesome looking truck too.

I kinda like the flush look with the bigger wheels. It gives the truck a wider sporty looking stance.

I figure with 5.5" backspacing and the 295's I'll have about 1.25" of space between the tires and leaf springs. I'd like to go a little further with the backspacing but, I don't want to get too close to the spring and end up with a tire rubbing under hard cornering.

Those Nitto drag radials are 305/45 and I did have them in mind. The problem with them is that they wear out REAL fast on the street so I would have to buy 2 extra wheels for drag radials. I think I'm just gonna buy some Hoosier slicks for the track and get them mounted on the old 16" Tahoe wheels.

Do you know anyone running 6-6.25" backspacing? That seems like it would put the tire real close to the spring.

John

BTW - Jeff, thanks for going to the trouble to get that measurement. I appreciate it.

 

John, with the Yokahama AVS 285/50/18, on a 9.5". you will need 5.5" of back space to make it look just right IMO. On an 8" rim, and those tires (which is what I have) go with 5" back space. Any reason for the 9.5" width? Heavy heavy heavy.... Mine sits perfectly flush (on the stepside) with an 8" wheel.

 

I didn't even think a 285 series tire would be recommended on a 8" rim. It seems like it would have quite a bit of tire bulge and roll over a little more around turns.

How much heavier is a 9.5" rim compared to a 8"?

I'm probably gonna go with the 9.5" wheel anyway. I might want to mount a set of 305 Nitto drag radials later on. They actually are very nice tires to drive with but, they wear out REAL fast under normal driving.(12000 miles and they're only a few burnouts from the scrap heap) They also handle great in wet weather until you get a few burnouts/miles on them.

I think I'll just get the 5.5" backspacing. The tires won't tuck but, I guess I'll deal with that for the sake of safety. Maybe I'll sneak another 1/8" in there and get 5.625" backspacing.

Does anyone have an opinion/experience with how close you can get the tire to the springs before you run into problems with rubbing?

Thanks

John

 

John,
I measured my wheel backspacing today. I've got almost 6" of backspacing on my 9.5 rims. I measured with a straight edge, the outer lip of the rim to the mounting surface of the wheel. Sorry I took so long.

 

Hey

No problem. When I took my measurement I didn't go from the outer most edge. I went from the flat area just below the outer lip. I bet the Tahoe wheels are 5" if I go from the outer edge.

I need to find out exactly how to measure this before I order.

Thanks again Jeff.

John