The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Wheel size

I started with a truck with out wheels. I replaced the front drums with a disc set up fromm CPP with 6 lugs. What size after market wheel should I look for so I get the right off set with no interference with the steering arm?
Thanks, Bob
1955 2nd series Chevy 3100

I think that that truck had 16" wheels on a 3100, but I could be wrong.

I'd go with 16x7 rims. Make sure you know your bolt pattern.

Bob--I got 15X6 Rallye 6 Lug Bare (then painted them) 3 3/4" Backspace. When I purchased them in '03 from Wheel Vintiques they cost $55 each. Very happy with them! On the rims I put P205/75R15 tires from Coker Tire. Believe them tires on that '55 2nd Series were 15", not 16".

Bob,

I also have the cpp disc brake setup although my truck is a 1940 it has 1955 1st series axles front and back. The OEM 16 inch rims fit over the caliper just fine. However not everything does. Check your own setup but mine measures over 13 inches at the widest part of the caliper. So the center of any wheel you get has to be like 13 1/2 inches in diameter. I have 16 inch artillery wheel with a 13 1/2 inch center and have to run one of the cpp spacers between the wheel and the rim so the flange on the artillery wheel will clear the caliper.

As far as back spacing goes the original rim is almost centered on the hub. I believe there is about 3/4 of an inch difference between the front spacing and the back spacing. So a 6 inch rim (actually 7 inches wide when you add in the lip) would probably have a 3 1/2 to 4 inch backspace.

The other issue you have to look at is whether the tie rod end is inside the 13 or so inch diameter of the disc break. If your truck is not lowered it probably is inside the diameter of the brakes. If it is inside the tire and rim won't interfere with the steering arm or tie rod. If you are using lowered spindles or a dropped axle, the tie rod end could be outside the rim area and then you need to find out how much distance between the mounting surface and the tie rod. That could limit your rim and tire width or your backspacing.

I have used both 16x6 and 15x7 with no problems.

This is on my 51 - 3100 std. axle and front end.
I have 15x6'' rims'. I use jeep 6 lugs, they do a nice job. You'll be able to fit the disc inside of them. I have Brothers disc (78-84 K5 chevy) on my front end. You can redo the origional hubcaps to fit the new rims. 16's will give you better freeway speed because it's a taller tire. I believe 15's were stock in 55.