Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**70cst** · 05-25-2021, 03:25 PM

I went to the alignment shop to look at where the control arm was rubbing the rim/tire. Found the issues and now I need to get two rims with 2 3/4-2 7/8 backspacing.

Now to find the best store to by two front rims.

SCOTI · 05-25-2021, 05:19 PM

This is where most do some slight clearance work on the a-arm 'gutter'.

Lee H · 05-25-2021, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

This is where most do some slight clearance work on the a-arm 'gutter'.

This is what I did before getting tubular A arms.

**lolife99** · 05-25-2021, 07:16 PM

Typically a 3-1/2” backspace will clear just fine.
What does your clearances look like with the wheel straight and the weight on the suspension?

CastIron · 05-25-2021, 07:46 PM

Does this only happen with dropped spindles? I've had 15x8 wheels (4" backspacing)on my stock height pickup for 20+ years and it doesn't rub.

SCOTI · 05-25-2021, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CastIron

Does this only happen with dropped spindles? I've had 15x8 wheels (4" backspacing)on my stock height pickup for 20+ years and it doesn't rub.

Yes. It's common w/drop spindles.

SCOTI · 05-25-2021, 08:43 PM

Deleted double post.

gmc684x4 · 05-25-2021, 08:44 PM

Some guys run a taller rim 16 or 17s is another way around this with drop spindles

**70cst** · 05-25-2021, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Typically a 3-1/2” backspace will clear just fine.
What does your clearances look like with the wheel straight and the weight on the suspension?

It was suggested to me by the mechanic to get at least a 2 7/8 BS - I think I will go with 2 1/2 to play it safe …
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 05-25-2021, 08:57 PM

I forgot to mention I do have a 2 1/2 drop
Posted via Mobile Device

SCOTI · 05-25-2021, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

Some guys run a taller rim 16 or 17s is another way around this with drop spindles

It's a back-spacing thing. So even w/larger diameter wheels, it takes a combo of the right back-spacing & diameter to clear otherwise the contact just happens farther out/back on the arm.

SCOTI · 05-25-2021, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

It was suggested to me by the mechanic to get at least a 2 7/8 BS - I think I will go with 2 1/2 to play it safe …
Posted via Mobile Device

It's possible certain wheels have limitations on minimum back-spacing. Double check the clearance w/full weight on the suspension before spending money & time on it.
This is why grinding a little off the arm lip is common.

**lolife99** · 05-25-2021, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

It was suggested to me by the mechanic to get at least a 2 7/8 BS - I think I will go with 2 1/2 to play it safe …
Posted via Mobile Device

IF you could find a 7” or 8” wide wheel with a 2-1/2” bs it would stick way outside the fender.
Just my opinion,... but that would not be a good look.

**davischevy** · 05-25-2021, 09:32 PM

I have run 15x7 rallys with dropped spindles with no rubbing..

**70cst** · 05-25-2021, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

IF you could find a 7” or 8” wide wheel with a 2-1/2” bs it would stick way outside the fender.
Just my opinion,... but that would not be a good look.

Thanks

Never thought of that.

I did find a wheel with 2 3/4 BS.

**70cst** · 05-25-2021, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davischevy

I have run 15x7 rallys with dropped spindles with no rubbing..

15x7 vs my 15x8 could be the issue.

**Boog** · 05-26-2021, 07:21 AM

If you are just dead set to not trim the control arm try this. Remove one wheel and stack 1/2" of flat washers on three of the wheel studs then bolt the wheel back on and recheck control arm clearance. This can help determine just how much less back space you really need.

**70cst** · 05-26-2021, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

If you are just dead set to not trim the control arm try this. Remove one wheel and stack 1/2" of flat washers on three of the wheel studs then bolt the wheel back on and recheck control arm clearance. This can help determine just how much less back space you really need.

Great idea

67C10Step · 05-26-2021, 09:36 AM

Maybe I got lucky but I am running a 2-1/2" static drop in the front and 15x8 rallys with no rubbing issues. My backspacing is similar to the 4.25 as shown in the first post here.

**Grumpy old man** · 05-26-2021, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

Maybe I got lucky but I am running a 2-1/2" static drop in the front and 15x8 rallys with no rubbing issues. My backspacing is similar to the 4.25 as shown in the first post here.

I'm running these old school 15 x 8 wheels with a 4" back space and they don't hit . It may be from using the CPP drop spindles and rotors we both are using ? .

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/WVI-31-580604

Custom 68 · 05-26-2021, 11:51 AM

I did some trimming like suggested and added a 1/4 inch spacer to get the clearance I needed.

67C10Step · 05-26-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I'm running these old school 15 x 8 wheels with a 4" back space and they don't hit . It may be from using the CPP drop spindles and rotors we both are using ? .

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/WVI-31-580604

That's my guess as well, Grumpy. I think those set the front wheels out 3/4" right? If so, it makes a good difference in clearance and my 255 wide tires set right at the edge of the fenders.

**70cst** · 05-26-2021, 12:32 PM

After reading all this I wonder if I should get a 15x7 wheel for the fronts and maybe a 1/2 " BS and that would do the trick. I really dont want the front wheels to go outside the fender...

**Grumpy old man** · 05-26-2021, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

That's my guess as well, Grumpy. I think those set the front wheels out 3/4" right? If so, it makes a good difference in clearance and my 255 wide tires set right at the edge of the fenders.

No , They are advertised as the only drop spindles that don't increase the width , I'll get some more pictures and get a measurement of the width of the rotors side to side. I'm using stock A arms and 255 x 70 x 15 tires

**70cst** · 05-26-2021, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

No , They are advertised as the only drop spindles that don't increase the width , I'll get some more pictures and get a measurement of the width of the rotors side to side. I'm using stock A arms and 255 x 70 x 15 tires

Do you have 15x7 or 15x8 inch rims? Thanks

05-25-2021, 03:25 PM	#1
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found I went to the alignment shop to look at where the control arm was rubbing the rim/tire. Found the issues and now I need to get two rims with 2 3/4-2 7/8 backspacing. Now to find the best store to by two front rims. Attached Images __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 05-25-2021 at 03:46 PM.

05-25-2021, 05:19 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,910	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found This is where most do some slight clearance work on the a-arm 'gutter'. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-25-2021, 07:16 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,681	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found Typically a 3-1/2” backspace will clear just fine. What does your clearances look like with the wheel straight and the weight on the suspension? __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

05-25-2021, 07:46 PM	#5
CastIron Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 326	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found Does this only happen with dropped spindles? I've had 15x8 wheels (4" backspacing)on my stock height pickup for 20+ years and it doesn't rub.

05-25-2021, 08:43 PM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,910	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found Deleted double post. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-25-2021, 08:44 PM	#8
gmc684x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Whitehorse yukon Posts: 1,218	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found Some guys run a taller rim 16 or 17s is another way around this with drop spindles

05-25-2021, 08:57 PM	#10
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found I forgot to mention I do have a 2 1/2 drop Posted via Mobile Device Last edited by 70cst; 05-25-2021 at 10:09 PM.

05-25-2021, 09:32 PM	#14
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,786	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found I have run 15x7 rallys with dropped spindles with no rubbing.. Attached Images __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

05-26-2021, 07:21 AM	#17
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,951	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found If you are just dead set to not trim the control arm try this. Remove one wheel and stack 1/2" of flat washers on three of the wheel studs then bolt the wheel back on and recheck control arm clearance. This can help determine just how much less back space you really need. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

05-26-2021, 09:36 AM	#19
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,406	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found Maybe I got lucky but I am running a 2-1/2" static drop in the front and 15x8 rallys with no rubbing issues. My backspacing is similar to the 4.25 as shown in the first post here. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

05-26-2021, 11:51 AM	#21
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,930	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found I did some trimming like suggested and added a 1/4 inch spacer to get the clearance I needed. __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

05-26-2021, 12:32 PM	#23
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Control Arm Rubbing tire - solution 101 - found After reading all this I wonder if I should get a 15x7 wheel for the fronts and maybe a 1/2 " BS and that would do the trick. I really dont want the front wheels to go outside the fender... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.