No problem, glad to help. I just measured the outer most edge. When I measured from the flat area I got 5.5 inches. I'm not sure which is the correct place to measure. I've always thought it was the outer most edge but I could be wrong.

 

Found some info and pictures on measuring backspacing. Jeff, you're way of measuring from the outer most point is the right way. Looks like I need to go measure my wheels again.

 

Cool. So when are you going to be getting these shiny new wheels put on? The only thing I'm not fond of with 9.5 wheels is that with a really wide tire up front the trucks seems to dart around a bit when the pavement gets uneven.

By the way, I think I solved my heavy wheel problem. :-)

 

I may order them next week. I want to make sure this weeks projects get taken care of first.

I know all about wide front tires. They can be a handful on rutted, uneven, or graded roads. I like the look though so I don't care.

I saw what you're thinking about for the heavy wheel issue.

John

 

I hear you about the projects! I've got a nice list going myself. So what do you think about the gear swap? I'm more than likely going to do it unless it will make my mileage drop horribly.

I took a trip this weekend to the western side of my state and in about the middle of the state on the particular road I was on it gets very hilly and curvy. I decided to really push the truck through this section which lasts about 15-20 miles with some nice straight stretches in between just to see how it handled in the "twisties". All I can say is that I'm very impressed with the Hotchkis drop and the Toyos. This is the first time I've been through that section since I installed the drop a couple years ago. I pushed the truck to the point where I didn't feel comfortable going that fast and it just kept asking for more. I didn't notice any tire howl and the truck felt very confident. Some of these corners were 25-35 mph corners and I took some at 50 mph. For a truck I was really impressed that it handled so well. I can only imagine what it will be like with the Hotchkis sway bars and some better shocks.

 

I don't think your mileage will drop too bad. I think Oxidizer said like 2-3mpg. Gas prices are relatively cheap right now so I say go for it.

There is one particular area of the beltway around here that is left and right curves for a good ways. I love driving down into those turns. Let off the gas going in to set the front and power out. I think alot of people that have tried to dust me through those turns are surprised how well these trucks handle.

After I get the exhaust finished which looks like it won't happen until early next week now(damn rain ) the truck will be dropped. I can't wait.

Are you running the rear Hotchkis lowering leaf springs? I have shackles and hangers but, may sell them and go with the springs because I hear you can run the caltrac bars without any modifications with the Hotchkis springs??

Make sure to report on the addition of the sway bars. I'm interested in them.

John