Finally had a little time today to try and get the rear differential re-installed and measure up the backspacing needed for the wheel and tire combo fro the back. I had the differential partially installed a few weeks ago but I noticed that I had to cut out the inner wheelwell to clear the disc brakes. So I made a quick cardboard template and just hacked out the bare minimum to get the rear suspension to full travel. When I pull the body back off the frame I'll have to beadroll a new piece to weld in but for now I'll just have to live with the ugly.
As it stands right now, I have measured that I need 18x8's with 4” backspacing on the front and I have tires for 18x9's on the back. After I centered the rear diff with the panhard bar the right rear fender seems to be a little tighter fit than the right hand side by 3/8” or so. I believe that I have a little slop in the bolt holes that hold on the rear fender that will allow me to pull it out a little bit. If not then I will have to stretch it out a little with a little more persuasion. It is only tight in about the 10 o'clock position of the wheel/tire on the right side so I don't think it will be a difficult thing to adjust.
Since it was slightly tighter, I used the right fender to set the backspacing. I started out with a 4” backspacing and then had to move to a 4-1/2” backspacing to get it to fit within the fenderwell. I then crawled under to check the clearance to the inner fenderwell. It looked to have a little over an inch of clearance. It is pretty tight in there but I think it is going to fit ok. I went ahead and checked the same fit with 4-1/2” backspacing on the left side and articulated suspension at all three positions....full down, full up and ride height. It looks good as well. Now to place the order for the wheels and wait for the FedEx guy.
1949 Chevy Panel Truck A Project Journal I'm old but I make up for it by being immature.
