90s Ford Backspacing

[Smithy]

For those of you with a 90s F350 running 40x13.5x17s, what wheel backspacing do you use to keep the tires out of the springs? The internet ranges from 2" to 4.5" and I'm sure all of the info out there is correct. Curious what you found that works well.

 

[RunningProblem]

4.5” works for me.

 

[arse_sidewards]

IIRC 4.5 is stock backspacing on the 16s on those trucks.

 

[Smithy]

Yeah but 235/85/16 are much smaller. I don't want the 40s rubbing at full lock. If possible

 

[RunningProblem]

Yeah but 235/85/16 are much smaller. I don't want the 40s rubbing at full lock. If possible

I have 40s turning lock to lock on a Cherokee without rubbing. You can always use the steering stops to prevent rubbing at ‘full lock’ too.

 

[Smithy]

Yours is linked, not leaf.

 

[RunningProblem]

I don't think the steering stops care. If you're worried about it rubbing then do 2" backspacing and deal with being close to 90 inches wide.

 

[Smithy]

I'm sure there is a good compromise between track width and turning radius.