Wheel width front versus rear
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
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From: Cypress, TX
Wheel width front versus rear
Why are the rear wheels on my 08 inside the wheel opening edge and the front wheels equal to or a little farther out than the edge. How do you fix this problem? Wider wheels installed in back or just a different offset? If you do that then you cannot rotate front to rear. How have ya'll solved this problem? I want the finished result to be the front and rear matching the edge of the wheel opening.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 3
From: Kingsville/Dallas, TX
They are the same offset its just how the truck was designed. You can get a different offset to fix this. like the Saleen rims but you cant rotate them and you sacrifice tire life. One way is to put the wheel well trim and it evens out the front wheels but then the back is barley inside the wheel well
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 601
Likes: 34
From: Upstate New York
First, the body of the truck may be a little narrower in the front, giving you the impression that the front wheel spacing is wider (not sure about this).
Second, your front wheel spacing is constantly changing because of your independant suspension. As your suspension squats down, the spacing gets wider, and as the suspension extends, it gets narrower. The width changes. Look at any F150 with a 2 or 3" leveling kit, and you will see that the front wheels actually look a little narrower than the rears.
So to answer your question, to fix this problem (not really a problem) install a 2" leveling kit.
Now for the record, my 1996 F350's front axle is nearly 4 inches wider than the rear. That's a solid axle, and the spacing never changes. That's to make room for the leaf springs, 4wd and steering components, but that's the way it was designed. It shouldn't be looked at as a defect. All Chevy 3/4 and 1-ton IFS trucks are like that too.
Second, your front wheel spacing is constantly changing because of your independant suspension. As your suspension squats down, the spacing gets wider, and as the suspension extends, it gets narrower. The width changes. Look at any F150 with a 2 or 3" leveling kit, and you will see that the front wheels actually look a little narrower than the rears.
So to answer your question, to fix this problem (not really a problem) install a 2" leveling kit.
Now for the record, my 1996 F350's front axle is nearly 4 inches wider than the rear. That's a solid axle, and the spacing never changes. That's to make room for the leaf springs, 4wd and steering components, but that's the way it was designed. It shouldn't be looked at as a defect. All Chevy 3/4 and 1-ton IFS trucks are like that too.
Last edited by driver444; Mar 27, 2009 at 12:45 PM. Reason: more info & typo
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
I have a quick and easy solution for you.
Step 1. Look self in mirror and ask, "Am I really bitchin' about something like this?"
If you answered, "YES," then proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Buy 12 lb. sledge hammer
Step 3. Apply aforementioned sledge hammer to bed of truck around wheel well lip.
Step 4. Repeat Step 3 as necessary until desired "wheel stick-outage" level is achieved.
I'm just kiddin' dude.
Step 1. Look self in mirror and ask, "Am I really bitchin' about something like this?"
If you answered, "YES," then proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Buy 12 lb. sledge hammer
Step 3. Apply aforementioned sledge hammer to bed of truck around wheel well lip.
Step 4. Repeat Step 3 as necessary until desired "wheel stick-outage" level is achieved.
I'm just kiddin' dude.
Last edited by spydyrwyr; Mar 27, 2009 at 02:04 PM.
