I only have 1/4" of room between my bed and inner side of my tires? Is that enough?

[Hazieview]

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]

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

[mopar346]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Hazieview]

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]

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]

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]

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

[J Knight]

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]

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]

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

[Hazieview]

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]

ahh got it.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

This gives you an excuse to tub it...
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[mopar346]

I didn't know you needed an excuse?

[v30crewcab]

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]

^ 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]

I would just buy shorter bolts.