Centering The Front Wheel

Is there a way to move the front wheel back about 1.5" so its more centered in the wheel well?  Im getting a slight tire rub on the front side when I turn and would easily clear on the front and back if I can move it back about 1.5"

There certainly isn't any kits available that I know of.  The way I see it you would need to cut the spring mounts off the frame and re-weld it back about 1.5".  Then you would need to relocate your shock mount.  Then you would need to extend your steering idler arm that connects the steering box to your tie rod.  you might also have to relocate your brake lines, depending on how big of a loop there is.  I can't comment on the interferences you may have with the motor/radiator and the axle.

Hope this helps, but you will have some planning and fabricating to do.

WP

wirepuller wrote:There certainly isn't any kits available that I know of.  The way I see it you would need to cut the spring mounts off the frame and re-weld it back about 1.5".  Then you would need to relocate your shock mount.  Then you would need to extend your steering idler arm that connects the steering box to your tie rod.  you might also have to relocate your brake lines, depending on how big of a loop there is.  I can't comment on the interferences you may have with the motor/radiator and the axle.

Hope this helps, but you will have some planning and fabricating to do.

WP

Thanks, I was also thinking about having a local spring company make me some new leafs and move the stud back 1.5" (unless they can rework mine) but as you stated, there are other factors as well such as the extending the steering idler arm and maybe the brake lines too.

Im sure it would be much easier to just get a smaller tire (LOL) but I was hoping to keep the front tires because they match the larger rear tires and are period correct for a 70's hot rod look which im trying to achieve.

I'm not a Econoline expert but all the ones Ive seen had the tires centered. Is there any way someone could have put the springs in reversed?

my 65's front tires were centered, i'm pretty sure.

Per Old Skool Vic I believe. The leaf springs will move the axle from front to rear depending on the load, Your front seems to sit very high. I have 14's on the 66 and 67 and seem centered.

scarlin wrote:Per Old Skool Vic I believe. The leaf springs will move the axle from front to rear depending on the load, Your front seems to sit very high. I have 14's on the 66 and 67 and seem centered.

The front end is on jackstands in the picture but even at normal ride height they still are not centered. Everything in and under the van is original so no one has ever replaced or moved anything and there is no extra load in it. The G60 tires in the picture are equivalent to 275/60 so I think im just going to look for a slightly smaller tire to put on that rim. I just need to find a 14" tire that will somewhat match the rear tires, which are the same but in L60-14

I have 14" tires on my 66 and they are centered. As I look at your avatar pic...it looks to me like your offset of the front wheels, are sticking out to far. Could this be playing a part on why they are rubbing? My tires are in farther and is lower to the ground and they don't rub. Now I know mags ain't cheap, so I would try a smaller tire first as well....would be a good start and would probably work for you as well.

Big W wrote:I have 14" tires on my 66 and they are centered. As I look at your avatar pic...it looks to me like your offset of the front wheels, are sticking out to far. Could this be playing a part on why they are rubbing? My tires are in farther and is lower to the ground and they don't rub. Now I know mags ain't cheap, so I would try a smaller tire first as well....would be a good start and would probably work for you as well.

I have smaller tires on order and there is no doubt the offset of the wheel is the main cause of the tire rub but I want to try and make these wheels work if I can. I still want to lift the front 2" too.. I already had the rear springs re-arched to give it a 3" lift.

The problem is the arc of the spring. As the truck is raised it moves the axle forward. You can have a set of custom springs made to move the axle back but the drag link will have to be extended the same amount so you don't create bump steer. Those are some OLD tires. They haven't used the letter system since the early 80's. G-60's equate to a 245-60. L-60's were 275-60's. I'm running just about the same wheel and tire on my 67 pickup. These are 235-60-14's and they clear with no issues.



Duane

econopoor wrote:The problem is the arc of the spring. As the truck is raised it moves the axle forward. You can have a set of custom springs made to move the axle back but the drag link will have to be extended the same amount so you don't create bump steer. Those are some OLD tires. They haven't used the letter system since the early 80's. G-60's equate to a 245-60. L-60's were 275-60's. I'm running just about the same wheel and tire on my 67 pickup. These are 235-60-14's and they clear with no issues.



Duane

Im trying to achieve an early 70's hot rod look and that's why I went with this tires/wheel combo. As old as these tires are, they are like new and don't have any cracking or weather checking at all. Its like someone put a few hundred miles on them and then put them in a time capsule for over 30 years. I found a handful of websites that also say the G60 is equivalent to a 245/60 but that's not true, they are actually equal to a 275/60 and the L60 is equal to a 295/60.. I have a brand new 245/60 here and the G60 is both wider and taller by over an inch.

Once I pull the front leaf springs off this week, I will decide which route I want to go. I can lengthen the drag link myself by cutting it and welding a sleeve over it to gain an inch or so.

my 62 has this issue,because P o decided to put shackle bars [!]on the front springs..a pic of the correct sent up to my inbox would be sweet as i don't know if I am missin a middle mount or springs go right in frame mount? For sure wheel offset is a factor 'tuckin" them in and skinnier will help. I am runnin late model steel ranger 15in wheels 255 70 back 205 70 ft,6in rim,they fill the wells,um,well.. the 255 rear might be a lil big..OLd tires you say? hmm i got 4 wasted 14 in keystone klassics with delta road maxes on 2,true tall tread square tires. they're up for grabs and holdin air but NOT NOT road worthy. the letters must be at least 3in,lol

I took my front leaf springs to a reputable spring shop and they are moving my center bolt back 1" and also re-arching them to give me 1.5" of lift.. The combination of moving the bolt back and the lift should help clear my tires.. I hope to have them back in a few days and will post the results once I install them.. Worse case I might have to lengthen the drag link a little.. I now have 215/60-14's on the front.. Here is the latest picture with the old leaf springs and new front tires..

Well at least your spending your time and energy on something that is cool!

Well I had the pin in my leaf springs moved back 3/4" and then re-arched add 1.5".. Now every things fits and there is no tire rub.



Congrats Cuzz! I just have to say this again, I LOVE this van!!! One of the cleanest, straightest Econolines I've seen in a while. The stance is Great too! your wife has a "keeper" there for sure!!!