What's The Best Way To Widen Rear Axle/Wheelbase?

[btsyndicate]

Any feedback appreciated.. Currently suspension-wise, simply running a 3" drop in the rear just to level it out, rid the manufacturer forward rake, and installed/swapped OEM sway bars for HOTCHKINS performance anti sway. Trying to get wheel base a couple inches out on each side for more cornering and road-hugs. Thanks

 

[Dantheman1540]

Pretty much your only option is different offset wheels or spacers.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The distance between the rear wheels is slightly less than the distance between the front wheels, and I'm told that is by design, to improve the overall road tracking and handling of the truck. I cannot personally confirm this assertion.

 

[Bill 1960]

The distance between the rear wheels is slightly less than the distance between the front wheels, and I'm told that is by design, to improve the overall road tracking and handling of the truck. I cannot personally confirm this assertion.

I’m not brand loyal, yet I’ll say GM full-size trucks handle better than the competition. And have for many generations. So they’re doing something right.

 

[exp500]

Rear axle swap=requires welding fabricating skills.

 

[btsyndicate]

I have a Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG/STICK welder, as well as experience and moderate skills, more on the TIG side. What kind of fab do you suggest?

 

[swathdiver]

I have a Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG/STICK welder, as well as experience and moderate skills, more on the TIG side. What kind of fab do you suggest?

To expand on what Dan said, just get spacers to put between the hub and wheels. How much wider do you want to go? You could also put 0 or negative offset wheels to push them out of the wells but you'll likely need trimming.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Just make sure the spacers have steel studs and lugs, not aluminum

 

[Dantheman1540]

Just make sure the spacers have steel studs and lugs, not aluminum

It's pretty terrifying that aluminum studded spacers are even available

 

[STORMIN08]

the ONLY REAL option is to swap a wider axle in...

that said, Spacers with HUB CENTRIC DESIGN is the best, that places load off the studs...an deeper wheel with offset is a second but lseeser means.


i would lean towards a custom valved shock, it may firm the ride some, but is a much better method with out all the work and safety related concerns