Wheels, what you recommend or use

[EdsClassics]

I'm curious as to what width and backspace wheels you guys are using on your trucks. I've been looking at different wheels for my 50 1/2 ton because the wheels on it now are too wide. Makes it very difficult steering when not moving and I think it's just harder on the stock front end in the long run.

The truck has had the hubs changed somewhere down the line to 5 lug. Even with that change it's basically the same setup as stock. No front disc's etc...

My question is what width and back spacing should I be looking for on a wheel when shopping? Would 5 inch width and 3.75 backspace be too small? I basically need to know what will work and still be close to stock size wheels yet maybe have them a little wider so the tires do not scream when you turn the corner.

If your using smoothies on a stock setup, which ones did you choose? Been looking at smoothies at summit.

Thank you for any help, Ed

[Rich-Md]

On my 54 GMC I am using standard steel wheels from Chevy cars and trucks.
15 x 6 on front and rear. They fit great. I believe 15 x 7 will work as well.
The back spacing is not an issue for me.

[EdsClassics]

Thank you for answering Rich. I was begining to wonder if anyone reads this forum anymore.

The aluminum wheels on my truck now must be at least 8" and I notice that in the rear there was a wheel that had rubbed against the bed. The other side had a spacer placed in it by the previous owner, why not both sides I have no idea. I took the spacer out because from what i've read and not long ago learned that the spacers and aluminum wheels just dont mix. Especially when no one changes over to a longer lug bolt.

The rear wheel came off and curled my rear fender when the tire came out. Since then I'm looking for new "correct" fitting wheels with no spacers. I could probably go with taller and thinner tires but they would still be to much for the front end as for wear and tear as well as making turning them much harder than needed using too wide a tire.

If anyone else would like to contirbute to this thread feel free. Please.

[romeske1950]

hey there, i still read this here form. But i would first want to ask, is that the original rear end then? if not, then the guy who changed it out could have not done a good job centering it and one wheel may rub. Also, a good tire size shoudl be 225-75-15 for the original 1/2 ton or even 235-75-15, but even better would be a smaller first number, as thats the width, like a 205-75-15 woudl be closer to the original. But check to see if that rear end is centered. Get a good 7 in wide steel rim, im not one for aluminium as they breake befor they bend.

[EdsClassics]

LOL, I know you read the forum because you and Rich seem to be the only ones with recent posts.

I'll make it a point to check if the rearend is centered because it is not original. Tried finding the numbers off it to get an idea what it's from etc but have not located those that are supposed to be on the top even though it does have a big GM on the front side. Who ever put this truck back together in the past did a sloppy job and I've been going behind things to straighten it out. Long ways to go for that.

The tires on the wheels now are P275-60-15's. Guess that explains why they might rub also. I've used aluminum wheels in the past and it is also whats on my GMC sprint. Never have cracked a rim but have seen one. Either way I plan to go with steel rims for the truck and thinner tires. The 225 & 235's sound like a good ride and yet not so wide you have to pump iron to turn the wheels. I have some 215's on my 48 Dodge sedan but I'd like a little beefier tire for the truck. Appreciate the help guys. Think I know what route to take now.

[Rich-Md]

I'm running P215 - 75 -R15 inch tires. I agree with EdsClassics. The rearend may be off center. Later on this spring I'm going to change out the rear in my GMC to a 75 Nova rear, 10 bolt. The rearend in there now is from an 86 Camero, 9 bolt ?? Seems a little too light for the truck.