Negative offset wheels?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,823
Likes: 484
From: Florida
Negative offset wheels?
My Aluminum slots are 7" with a 3" backspace, so that's a -1" offset. I know the suspension is designed for basically 0" offset, therefore tracking on uneven roads and the added stress on the bearings can be a problem. I'd imagine some of you have similar or greater offsets. Just how detrimental is this for a weekend driver?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
I had wheel bearings fail on a '59 (roller bearings) because I had wheels that sat more outboard.
Chevy enlarged the spindles and bearings with the 8 inch wheels introduced in 1969; the 8 inch wheels moved the wheel more outboard.
I'd just keep an eye on them. You're increasing the load on the outer bearing. I remember the inner race being the weak link, so once in a while pull the outer bearing, make sure it's well lubed, and feel for roughness by rotating the bearing. I'd do that before a long trip. Bearings will fail with lots of warning, but you have to be alert for the warning signs (hard lesson learned!)
Chevy enlarged the spindles and bearings with the 8 inch wheels introduced in 1969; the 8 inch wheels moved the wheel more outboard.
I'd just keep an eye on them. You're increasing the load on the outer bearing. I remember the inner race being the weak link, so once in a while pull the outer bearing, make sure it's well lubed, and feel for roughness by rotating the bearing. I'd do that before a long trip. Bearings will fail with lots of warning, but you have to be alert for the warning signs (hard lesson learned!)
Last edited by mashinter; Sep 11, 2009 at 10:25 AM. Reason: recommendations
