Needing advice to narrow or new rear end for 77 century

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by darren fitzgerald, Oct 28, 2018.

  1. darren fitzgerald

    darren fitzgerald 77Century

    I have 295x50x15s on 10x15 rims 4in offset. They barely rub on the back of the wheel well on hard compression. There are over 2 inches clear on the inside. IF I am understanding it right my rear end is 62in. Is there a 60in version that will bolt in without mods needed? A 58 might work without the need of a spacer and give me extra room to switch to disc.

    Car is a Calif with SBC, being changed to a 383 410h/420t 200r4 behind it. The rear end is a 10 bolt but couldn't see a tag on it.

    What is the ballpark cost to narrow a rear end now dayz?

    I had a 76 century, got a posi from the salvage yard and didn't have rub issues. I just can't recall what it came out of but just bolted right in. Running the same rims I did back then in 80s too.

    Any advice will be appreciated.

    (I could roll the lips but would rather spend cash and leave them alone)
     
  2. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    The best option would be to just get rims with a 5.5” backspace. Having the rearend narrowed,then have to order custom axle shafts,cost more than just buying a pair of rims.
     
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  3. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    I do understand the look factor...BUT in this case I would go with Brian and get a 4.5 or 5" of set if you say it is barely rubbing... that should be enough. And you will not loose too much of the deep dish look.

    JUST to get things clear... YOUR saying you are rubbing by the wheel well where the frame is or the back side of the outer fender well where the wheel well trim molding goes?

    62" is the correct width for that era of rear and they are all the same 1973-1977 era.
    There are NO rears that are shorter in that chassis mount configuration.

    Jim J D
     
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  4. darren fitzgerald

    darren fitzgerald 77Century

    Just did a little more inspecting and noticed the rear end is not centered. It is 1 1/4 inches off to the driver's side.
    Is this normal or what should I look at as the culprit? Worn out bushing maybe? Just replaced both rear springs with HD. The ride improved a lot. Don't feel like a boat captain anymore.

    I need to get a posi under it and figured I could find a good one cheaper than rebuilding mine. True? And if I could find a 60in then it would fix both issues.

    Here is pic of where it is rubbing. Plenty of room everywhere else. A little over 2 inches from the widest point of the sidewall to anywhere on the inside/frame. Car is raised due 1 1/2in space on back. Once I put the new springs in raised even higher. Decided not remove them till I figure it all out. wheelrub.JPG

    Those rims were sitting under my 76, no rubbing with a 1-inch spacer under spring. (wonder if it could that the early 80s BFG 295s had a str8er sideway)
     
  5. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    Check the body to the frame... That is usually the deal with that issue ...if it was ever in an accident the body got shoved on the frame.

    IF the rear was custom and mounts were welded on wrong that would be the deal there.
    They did not change the tires I am sure.

    I have had the same tires on mine 295 50 15 on 8.5" rim.

    62" is all they had corporate era... everyone shared the same rear in the A-body chassis (which I think the century was in this era) regal, cutlass, grand prix monte carlo, malibu classic, el camino all used the same rear.
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Very common to have more/less room on one side. The body is not exactly centered on the frame. Manufacturing tolerances are better today.:)
     
  7. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    Most cars do not have a body on a frame anymore they are all unibody type construction.
     

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