18" x 9.5" wheel front wheel backspacing on '68 GMC w/ 73-87 crossmember

[nikwho]

Hey guys,

I am wondering if anyone has experience running 18"x9.5" wheels on the front of these trucks? I'm looking at running 18" x 9.5" wheels on all four corners, and the only option available in the wheels that I'm looking at have 5.25" backspacing. From my measurements, it should work, but it's hard to tell how everything will move as the steering goes from lock to lock. Ultimately ill need to buy a wheel and install it to verify, but looking for insight from experiemced guys. I currently have stock control arms, but looking to run Ridetech or similar arms in the near future. Thoughts?

Thanks ahead of time!

Nik

[chevy72blu]

My 72 has a 73-87 front end which I could measure for you, but I'm running an 18x8" wheel. Specs list it as 4.5" of BS and it fits great.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mbw-23207/overview/

[nikwho]

Thank you. My '68 has an '86 crossmember and 17"x8" wheels, so pretty close to yours. I'll just take some more measurements off of my truck with the steering lock to lock and should be able to figure it out. Was hopeful to catch someone running the wider wheels that has some insight.

Thanks,
Nik

[68Stepbed]

I'm running 18x9.5 wheels on all four corners. The inner lip of the wheel will rub the fornt of the lower control arms at full lock. I just removed part of the roll off the control arms just enough for clearance.

[nikwho]

That's awesome. What's your backspacing?

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by nikwho

that's awesome. What's your backspacing?

5.25"

[jessemthompson]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I'm running 18x9.5 wheels on all four corners. The inner lip of the wheel will rub the fornt of the lower control arms at full lock. I just removed part of the roll off the control arms just enough for clearance.

I'm pretty sure I saw your truck in pigeon forge at the shades of the past rod run. It was park next to Arby's or Hardee's. can't remember which one. Very sharp truck.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by jessemthompson

I'm pretty sure I saw your truck in pigeon forge at the shades of the past rod run. It was park next to Arby's or Hardee's. can't remember which one. Very sharp truck.

Yeah, I was parked next to Arby's. Thanks for the compliment!