I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enough? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 02:02 AM

I just bought some really wide tires for my back wheels. They fit so tite that I only have about 1/4" inch of room between the bed and my inner back tire.

Is that enough room to safely drive the truck? Should I put in a 1/4" spacer to make sure that there is no rubbing do to axle movement when driving?

Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

broey · 07-14-2012, 03:01 AM

you will probably have tire rub if your axle hits an extreme angle. like off camber.

mopar346 · 07-14-2012, 05:30 AM

Unless they are the rubber band sidewalls they will flex enough in normal driving to move a well over a quarter inch. I try to have a minimum3/4 to a full inch.

INSIDIOUS '86 · 07-14-2012, 06:11 AM

I have this issue. On the right side. The axle flex around a corner and the tilt from the lean will make them rub.
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Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 06:57 AM

That's what I figured. I guess I'm screwed unless I run spacers which I don't think is safe either....
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mopar346 · 07-14-2012, 07:19 AM

Use long studs like you run with slicks at the track and a billet spacer and you will be completely safe.

Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 08:32 AM

How big of a spacers would you recommend?
1/2 inch?

Also, how long of studs will I need I don't remember how long the factory ones are.
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Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 09:41 AM

So I did a lot more measuring and I took a few photos.

Turns out that I have about a 1/2" between the fender bolts and the Tire.

I have 7/8" between the tire and the actual fender.

I'm thinking if I shave off the only two bolts that are close and then just tach them with my welder I will have 7/8" clearance all the way around.

Do you all think 7/8" will be enough clearance between the tire and the fender or do I still need a spacer?

Thank yall for the help. I know this is could be a safety issue not only for me but also for others on the road so I'm trying to get as much input as possible. I really appreciate the feedback.

mopar346 · 07-14-2012, 10:46 AM

How much sidewall you got? It appears the rim may be wider than the tread causing it to balloon out which will have less flex. If you only got 7/8s to the fender then spacing wont work. If you could gain 7/8s all the way around there is a good chance you will be OK, depending on the use and your driving style. If you corner hard or deal with a lot of off camber situations it will tag.

Good luck

broey · 07-14-2012, 10:49 AM

I think if you shave those bolts and weld them up and smooth the surface out you should be fine.

J Knight · 07-14-2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broey

I think if you shave those bolts and weld them up and smooth the surface out you should be fine.

Agreed, also you could stack a few washers on those two bolts so they don't stick out so close to the tire. I honestly doubt they will hit as they are now.
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Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Knight

Agreed, also you could stack a few washers on those two bolts so they don't stick out so close to the tire. I honestly doubt they will hit as they are now.
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Hmmmmm.... I kind of like that idea better. If I use washers or get a smaller bolt I think I will still be able to clear everything.

The bolts are my only concern. Everywhere else the tire clears at least 7/8" in every direction. Thanks for the help guys.

If anyone else still sees a problem please let me know. I think i will install a panhard bar just to be extra safe.
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broey · 07-14-2012, 07:42 PM

panhard bar wont help with camber. it prevents the axle from shifting left to right only.

Hazieview · 07-14-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broey

panhard bar wont help with camber. it prevents the axle from shifting left to right only.

Yeah I get what your saying. I'm hoping camber won't be that big of an issue. My main concern is axle movement in case my rearend gets squirly. Before I rebuilt my engine the rearend would fishtail like crazy. Now with the extra power it should be interesting Haha.

Good point. I will keep the camber issue in mind.

Thanks fellers.
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broey · 07-14-2012, 08:39 PM

ahh got it.

INSIDIOUS '86 · 07-15-2012, 12:06 AM

This gives you an excuse to tub it...

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mopar346 · 07-15-2012, 12:54 AM

I didn't know you needed an excuse?

v30crewcab · 07-15-2012, 09:34 AM

just cut the tips of the bolts flush with the welded nuts, no need to weld anything. maybe use a grinder to smooth all the edges when you're done, and squirt some undercoat on them.

Axle · 07-15-2012, 02:08 PM

^ and just drive it. Give it a couple weeks and have a look at the tire and see if you need to make further adjustments.

Alex.

71swb4x4 · 07-15-2012, 02:30 PM

I would just buy shorter bolts.

07-14-2012, 02:02 AM	#1
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enough? I just bought some really wide tires for my back wheels. They fit so tite that I only have about 1/4" inch of room between the bed and my inner back tire. Is that enough room to safely drive the truck? Should I put in a 1/4" spacer to make sure that there is no rubbing do to axle movement when driving? Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

07-14-2012, 03:01 AM	#2
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug you will probably have tire rub if your axle hits an extreme angle. like off camber. __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

07-14-2012, 05:30 AM	#3
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug Unless they are the rubber band sidewalls they will flex enough in normal driving to move a well over a quarter inch. I try to have a minimum3/4 to a full inch.

07-14-2012, 06:11 AM	#4
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug I have this issue. On the right side. The axle flex around a corner and the tilt from the lean will make them rub. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

07-14-2012, 06:57 AM	#5
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug That's what I figured. I guess I'm screwed unless I run spacers which I don't think is safe either.... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

07-14-2012, 07:19 AM	#6
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug Use long studs like you run with slicks at the track and a billet spacer and you will be completely safe.

07-14-2012, 08:32 AM	#7
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug How big of a spacers would you recommend? 1/2 inch? Also, how long of studs will I need I don't remember how long the factory ones are. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

07-14-2012, 09:41 AM	#8
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug So I did a lot more measuring and I took a few photos. Turns out that I have about a 1/2" between the fender bolts and the Tire. I have 7/8" between the tire and the actual fender. I'm thinking if I shave off the only two bolts that are close and then just tach them with my welder I will have 7/8" clearance all the way around. Do you all think 7/8" will be enough clearance between the tire and the fender or do I still need a spacer? Thank yall for the help. I know this is could be a safety issue not only for me but also for others on the road so I'm trying to get as much input as possible. I really appreciate the feedback. __________________ 1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th

07-14-2012, 10:46 AM	#9
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug How much sidewall you got? It appears the rim may be wider than the tread causing it to balloon out which will have less flex. If you only got 7/8s to the fender then spacing wont work. If you could gain 7/8s all the way around there is a good chance you will be OK, depending on the use and your driving style. If you corner hard or deal with a lot of off camber situations it will tag. Good luck

07-14-2012, 10:49 AM	#10
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug I think if you shave those bolts and weld them up and smooth the surface out you should be fine. __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

07-14-2012, 07:42 PM	#13
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug panhard bar wont help with camber. it prevents the axle from shifting left to right only. __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

07-14-2012, 08:39 PM	#15
broey Square Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 1,568	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug ahh got it. __________________ Squarebody Syndicate

07-15-2012, 12:06 AM	#16
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug This gives you an excuse to tub it... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

07-15-2012, 12:54 AM	#17
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug I didn't know you needed an excuse? Attached Images

07-15-2012, 09:34 AM	#18
v30crewcab Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chatt Tn Posts: 982	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug just cut the tips of the bolts flush with the welded nuts, no need to weld anything. maybe use a grinder to smooth all the edges when you're done, and squirt some undercoat on them. __________________ 88 military v30 crewcab shortbed 5.9 cummins, nv4500, 205 86 k30, 89 diesel burb, 76 gmc pathfinder 71 longbed 5.3 4l80 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522535



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07-15-2012, 02:08 PM	#19
Axle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SW Ontario Posts: 1,212	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug ^ and just drive it. Give it a couple weeks and have a look at the tire and see if you need to make further adjustments. Alex.

07-15-2012, 02:30 PM	#20
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enoug I would just buy shorter bolts. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

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