Help, 17" wheels on HD

ChevyHDGert · February 25, 2005

I was gonna put 315/75/16’s on my stock HD rims but the wife has advised against this due to the “danger” factor.

So now I have decided that if I am going to get rims, then I might as well get 17’s. I was looking at the Weld Outbacks but I don’t think Weld makes these anymore and I am not sure that I like them anymore. So now I am leaning towards the Verde Boxers, but they only come in a 17x9. I am not sure on the backspacing but I know that the 16x8’s have a BS of 4.25” so I’m assuming the 17’s will also have a 4.25” BS.

I am also looking to get the biggest tire on this rim that I can fit so I was looking at 305/70/17 which is roughly 34x12x17.

I have my torsion bars raised and a 2” block in the rear on my HD. I’ll do the green keys if they will help. And I’ll do any necessary trimming to make these fit except cutting the metal bumper.

My other option is 285/70/17’s on the 17x9’s.

My last option is 305/70/16’s on the 16x8 rims.

Or who knows, if I go to 4WP, I may find something totally different.

Does anyone see a problem with these fitting?

Frank S · February 25, 2005

It would be close IMO. You're going up to a 9" rim with 4 1/4" of backspacing so that's a hell of a lot of tire sticking out.

I personally haven't tried it nor do I know anyone who has but the 305's are probably going to be tight to say the least.

SilverCrew · February 25, 2005

It would be close IMO. You're going up to a 9" rim with 4 1/4" of backspacing so that's a hell of a lot of tire sticking out.

I personally haven't tried it nor do I know anyone who has but the 305's are probably going to be tight to say the least.

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315/70/r17's fit on my HD on factory H2 rims with a little trimming and torsion bars cranked. Perhaps someone here can tell you what the backspacing is on those rims. I believe they are 17x8" rims?

ChevyHDGert · February 25, 2005

It would be close IMO. You're going up to a 9" rim with 4 1/4" of backspacing so that's a hell of a lot of tire sticking out.

I personally haven't tried it nor do I know anyone who has but the 305's are probably going to be tight to say the least.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

315/70/r17's fit on my HD on factory H2 rims with a little trimming and torsion bars cranked. Perhaps someone here can tell you what the backspacing is on those rims. I believe they are 17x8" rims?

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The H2 rims are 17x8.5 and they have a BS of like 5" which is why they fit without rubbing. I'm wanting the wider stance look. I'm wanting them to stick out about an inch or so.

Mort · February 27, 2005

moregrip said he spaced his front bumper forward 3/4" on his 2500HD to get his tire to fit. He is running 305/50-20 on 20x10 rims. He has 6.5" backspacing on the front and 5.5" backspacing on the rear to make up for the wider trac up front. Less backspacing and the tires start to stick out past the fender lips. He has no rubbing issues that I know of. His tires are 32" tall.

Good luck.