Backspacing/Sway Bar Link Question...
 

OK, I've searched and can't really find the answer to this exact question so bare with me...

I currently am running the following:
2.5" Rough Country Coils
Rusty's extended rear sway bar links mounted on the outside closest to the tire
285/75R16 Hankooks

I am currently running wheels with 4" of backspacing...but I'm about to order some wheels with 5" of backspacing. Anyone see any potential problems with rubbing? Not so much with the height, but with the rear tire rubbing the sway bar links...it's dark and raining and can't see outside right now.

Can you check to see if you have more than 1/2" clearance between the wheel/tire and any component of the sway bar link? I think the bottom bolt is the issue usually... but I could be wrong. Is the new rim size the same as the exsisting ones?

Yeah I'll have to check tomorrow...same size 16x8, same tire, just 1" more backspacing than I currently have.

you might just have to flip the sway bar links to the inside!!:thumbsup:

Can that be done I have been told you could run into possible clearance problems with the frame ??????? I have 4.6in of BS And I wouldn want it any closer then it already is ....

that's exactly the problem, when I mounted them on the inside, the bolts contacted the frame when flexed...

If you still have rubbing issues, try wheel spacers. They work.:rock:

If you are having rubbing issues with a 4'' backspacing and you want to put on new wheels with a 5" backspacing you are going to have some rubbing problems unless you use wheel spacers. The higher the backspacing, the closer the wheel is to the frame. I am running a 3.75" backspacing plus 1.5" wheel spacer and I have a good 4" between my tire and the swaybar link. My mis-informed friend is trying to pass some bum scoop about backspacing. Stock wheels have a higher backspacing and sit close to the frame as is. With bigger tires, there will be major rubbing. Go with a lower backpacing or wheel spacers. For my mis-informed friend here is the definintion:Backside setting/Back spacing - The measurement from the mounting pad to the inner edge of the wheel. (If your rubbing you want that measutement to be lower!):rock:

I read his first post to say that he is fine with his current setup with 4" of backspacing, but he wants some new fancy wheels that have 5" of backspacing.

According to this post you should not go past 4.75" for a tire 12.5 wide. You are 11.2 wide so my guess would be that 5" would fit. But I would measure things and make a more informed decision.

Thanks everyone....

Yeah currently everything is fine, it's just that I'm going to order some steel Black Rock wheels next week and I'm debating between the 5" BS or 4.25" BS...right now mine is 4" and of course, no issues. I want the tire sit completely within the fender and 5" will get me there. BUT, one day I will go to a 12.50 wide tire and at that point I may have a problem.

I'm probably gonna just go ahead and get the 4.25" BS as to avoid future problems....thanks everyone for the advice!