Upgrading the wheels on a classic truck can dramatically change its appearance and stance. For enthusiasts aiming for a modern, aggressive look while retaining a touch of vintage muscle, fitting larger diameter wheels is a popular modification. This article delves into the experience of installing 22-inch Transport Wheels on a classic truck, highlighting the key considerations for achieving optimal fitment and stance.
The project truck, a 1964 model, underwent a significant wheel and tire upgrade. The chosen setup involved substantial 285-40-22 tires at all four corners, paired with a static drop to enhance the truck’s low-slung profile. The drop was achieved with a combination of 2.5-inch drop spindles and 2-inch drop springs in the front, and 5-inch drop springs along with 2-inch drop blocks in the rear. This aggressive stance immediately transforms the truck’s visual appeal, emphasizing the large diameter transport wheels.
Front fender clearance with disc brakes and 22-inch transport wheels
Mounting these aftermarket transport wheels presented a minor hurdle initially. The front drum brake hubs on classic trucks typically feature a larger centric hub diameter, which is incompatible with many modern wheels. A disc brake conversion was implemented upfront, which conveniently resolved this issue as the disc brake conversion hubs have the correct diameter for the new wheels. For those without a disc brake conversion, wheel spacers or machining the wheel bore would be necessary to ensure proper fitment on the original drum hubs.
Close-up of front transport wheel and disc brake setup
In the rear, 1.5-inch wheel spacers were initially used. However, for step-side beds, it’s suggested that a slightly narrower spacer, perhaps 1-inch or 1.25-inch, might be more ideal to achieve perfect wheel well alignment. The objective is to fill out the wheel wells width-wise, contributing to the desired “muscle truck” aesthetic. With the 1.5-inch spacers and wide 285 tires, the clearance between the inner tire sidewall and the step-side bed was approximately 5/8 inch.
Rear transport wheel clearance to step-side bed with 1.5 inch spacer
To address potential fender rubbing, especially with the lowered ride height and wide transport wheels, adjustable fender struts were installed. These struts allowed for pushing the fenders outward, creating an extra 1/4 inch of clearance, although they were adjusted out about a half inch in total to ensure a comfortable gap. This modification is crucial for preventing tire rub and damage, particularly when encountering bumps or uneven road surfaces.
Adjustable fender struts for transport wheel clearance
Despite the large wheel and tire combination, front-end clearance is surprisingly good. With the specified static drop, the front transport wheels can turn lock to lock without major clearance issues. The closest point of contact is the manual steering gearbox, but even with a CPP sway bar installed, sufficient clearance is maintained. The primary rubbing point occurs under full suspension compression, especially during large bumps, where the tires may contact the floorboard at near full steering lock. Additionally, at full lock, the tire comes very close to the fender lip within the fender opening.
Transport wheel clearance at full steering lock under fender lip
Close proximity of transport wheel to floorboard at full steering lock
While these minor rubbing points exist at extreme steering angles and suspension compression, they are manageable in everyday driving. Navigating driveways and tight turns at slower speeds mitigates any significant issues. The overall result is a successful integration of large 22-inch transport wheels onto a classic truck, achieving a desired “muscle truck vibe” and a dramatically enhanced stance. This detailed account provides valuable insights for anyone considering a similar wheel upgrade on their classic vehicle.
