Track width front vs rear
 

So I saw this advertisement in the new Chevyland thread ...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=757290


Im curious why the front and rear tracks were different. This may be something on every vehicle and Ive just never noticed it. Why wouldn't they build a truck with the same front and rear, is there an advantage to having a wider front track?

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

There must be some reason as the track width difference was used by multiple manufacturers for decades.

I’ve read that having a narrower rear track helps reduce turning radius. I’m not sure of the physics and exact reasoning, but it somewhat makes sense.

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

I always heard from older folks like my grandfather, that the spacing difference was to keep the back wheels from running in the same ruts as the front when off road and the turn radius was a little tighter.

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

Pretty sure most cars/trucks have a somewhat wider front track. Not sure when it started thought. I know a 2000 Nissan Frontier I had had a 2" wider front than rear.

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

pontiac was doin the wide track back in the late 50's

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

My understanding is by keeping the rear wheels inside of the front wheels it reduced the likelihood of the back wheels trying to go around the front wheels. As the rear pushes the vehicle forward the force would transfer straight up the truck. Not sure if it is true but it makes sense to me . . .

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

The front tires have a greater track width to provide a better stability to the vehicle at high speeds and while cornering. It also helps in reducing the turning radius, increases the comfort of the passengers and creates more space between tires to accommodate more components. :chevy:

Re: Track width front vs rear
 

That doesn't explain why they didn't just make the rear wider also though.