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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 | Anybody out there running "Smoothie" style rims on their A.D. Trucks with stock front axle? Series 12 Smoothies from Wheel Vintiques for instance. I'm concerned with clearance at the tie rods and also the fit of the center bore of the rims. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,927 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,927 | I'll chime in though I have not run those style rims. Tie rod clearance is a valid concern. These trucks were designed when all available tires were narrow/tall/skinny. I know on the 3600s the inset (backset?) can only be approx 3.5-3.75 inches. You could check this on your truck by placing a straight edge on the face of the brake drum and measure to the tie rod end. Turn the wheel left and right lock-to-lock to find the shortest distance. Conversion to modern style tie rod ends can help. Look here, towards bottom of page http://droppedaxles.com/CHEVY_AXLES.html and here http://droppedaxles.com/TECH_ARTICLES.html#TXTOBJ7D815453535DE1Center bore is less of a concern as long as it large enough since the wheels are stud-centered, not hub-centered.
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| | | | | Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 | I have a set of their series 13 s on my 55 1/2 ton pickup. I was concerned about clearance also. On my truck, I have had no interference issues with the wheels.
Since I have the front fenders off now I can take a picture of clearance if that would help. | | | | | Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 | I should have mentioned its a 55 1st series | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 | Hey Kary,
That would be cool if you could snap a pic. What size of rim are you running on the front? How is the fit of the center hole on the hub?
My first choice is the 16" x 6" wide, but the 15 x 6's actually have the correct backspace, so might be a better option, plus they'd drop the front end a wee bit.
Thanks,
Peter | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 | Thanks Frank.
I've got about 3 5/8" backspace on the stock rims, giving me a measured clearance of just over 1/2". So the WV 16x6's might be a tight squeeze with 4" backspace. Trying to avoid the extra expense of new tierod ends, etc. My budget just covers new rims, new tires and an alignment job. | | | | | Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2011 Posts: 99 | | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 34 | The pictures are great, Kary!
Sure eases my mind that the rims WILL fit, hard to know when you're ordering on-line. I should be safe with 16 x 6's ...
Thanks, that was a great help. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 146 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 146 | Hey Chevypanel52,
Be sure to post pics when you get them! I plan on getting those rims too someday. I'd like to get the 16's if possible. | | |
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