Narrow rear end or use something else??

[Lowair]

Starting a build on a '69 swb i have had awhile. I want to run a 20X9.5 Wheel in the rear with a 3.5" OR 4" backspace. i have seen trucks that have done this by narrowing the stock rear end. My question is, has anyone achieved the desired effet by using a whole different rear end? IE, out of an S10, Camaro or the like. Seems it would be easier and cheaper to do that than cut and weld rear end housing, buy new axles, etc. Any help or ideas would be greatly apprciated. The guy that built this truck said he narrowed his rearend. Sadly, I recently found out he had passed away, didnt get to ask him the specifics of the narrowing. Awesome truck though.

[Mike C]

I assume you just want the look of the wide rim on the outside? That's a LOT of money for a little appearance change. I get it, because I wanted to run 275 55 17 on the back of my 69 short step and bought a 72 wider axle housing to make that work (which saved me money in the end because I was converting to 5 lug so maybe no comparison).

I am not a fan of swapping car parts into the trucks (ie 4 3/4" bolt pattern wheels and brakes). Custom axles are about $300 a pair and the labor to narrow a housing anywhere from $150-$300 so that's an expense too.

But... why not just run a 5.5" back spacing wheel and call it good? Actually, you can probably run a 4.5" back space wheel and it will be fine since the 69 axle is narrower than the 70-72. Just add 5 lug conversion and drums. I'm assuming you are converting to 5 lug? The 4.5" bs and the narrow axle would be equivalent to 5 1/4" backspacing when comparing to my setup of 17x9 5" bs. wheels. I know the 5" bs wheel would work with the conversion setup and then you're done without spending an extra $1000. (spend where and when you have to...)

[Bagd72Chevy]

If you do C-clip eliminators at the same time you narrow its much easier and cheaper. FYI

EDIT- I couldnt find them but someone makes a c-clip eliminator axle end. You cut your housing, slide this in the tube and weld it on. Comes with new axles to your length with press on style bearings. All I could find was the bolt on eliminators. Still looking though.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Bagd72Chevy

If you do C-clip eliminators at the same time you narrow its much easier and cheaper. FYI

EDIT- I couldnt find them but someone makes a c-clip eliminator axle end. You cut your housing, slide this in the tube and weld it on. Comes with new axles to your length with press on style bearings. All I could find was the bolt on eliminators. Still looking though.

It's a bit more involved than just welding the ends on because they must be aligned perfectly. The tools that ensure the ends are aligned are expensive, about $400.00. Unless you are doing more than one housing your approach may not be cost effective. This is what you need to get it right, Housing ends, carrier bearing replacement and housing end alignment tool mounted on a finish ground 72 in solid bar.

[Bagd72Chevy]

I'm aware of the jig, I own one. I've done 20+ axles but someone used to make a set that sleeves inside the factory tubes about 4" and didn't need the alignment bar. The first set I did for my Godfather I checked with the bar and they were spot on.

Too bad the OP is in Kentucky, I'd help you out.

[Possmguts]

I have no Idea, but I want the same answer as you. I want deep wheels with a tuck. I was told that an older Camaro rear end would do what we want.. but Im not that far along yet to go checking on it... but if you find out let me know...

[gijoecarlos]

Im also interested in the tread because my current wheels rub but love the look. I ended up spending on some helper bags to lift my truck to avoid the rubbing but would love it of my wheels would tuck inside the rear fenders. I guess the 71-72 rear ends are almost 2 inch bigger but the 67-72 rear ends would need new axles to match my bolt pattern of 5on5. Im happy with my gear Ratio 373 but just need it about 2 inches more narrow. What are you 71-72 guys doing to get these wheels to fit?

[67 chevelle]

I pretty sure a ford explorer rear end will work for you , when centered and useing 2 short side axils , its a couple inches narrower than a stock 67-8-9 camaro rear end , it does require cutting and welding one sides tube , these rears are way stronger than or 12 bolts , if you get 96 or up they have disc brakes , 31 spline axils , allmost all have posi , are everywhere and cheep

[cooperhw]

I have done a couple of Pro-Street cars over the years and the only way I know to get the exact wheel/tire you want under the vehicle is to pull the rear end out, buy that wheel/tire & roll it under the vehicle, adjust it in or out till it's right where you want it. Then measure between the two wheel mating surfaces and have the rear end shop cut your rear end to fit. Yeah it costs a few bucks, but worth it in the end. IMO

I know these pics are of my current cars and not trucks but the same applies to getting that exact look/size tire you want under there.

[Xeen]

Use Moser 5x5 conversion axles, this will allow you to keep your narrower 1969 rear end and still get the 5-lug that you want.
http://www.moserengineering.com/axle...spline-62.html