6 inches will be okay. I would not suggest using a 7 inch wheel and I'll show you why in just a moment. It is almost twice as wide as what your truck was designed for. Yes...you don't want the wheel moving too close in. Very good point and perceptive on your part! Take a look at your tie rod end and your tire sidewall (image below). I have a 5.5 inch rim. There is 3/4 inch between my wheel rim and the tie rod end. A 7 inch wheel will add 1.5 inches to what I have on my pickup...meaning an additional 3/4" on each side of the rim. You'll be rubbing your tie rod end and we can't be doing that. You could add wheel spacers...some folks will probably suggest doing that but I'm not one of those people. I like as much safety as I can have.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
