Just wondering.. Wheel spacer question..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Sherman Texas
Just wondering.. Wheel spacer question..
Ok, just been thinking. Why do you need wheel adapters on the pre 87 vettes to run later model wheels? Is there a difference in the wheel hub design, or something? Been trying to figure this out, because my passenger side wheel appears to not have the offset that the drivers side does, and I am wondering if the previous owner did something to change that. Are the suspension knuckles different on the early years? Just wondering...
Thanks in advance..
Thanks in advance..
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,333
Likes: 262
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Later year wheels have a larger offset and when mounted on early years, the wheels are more inboard. I had no adapters on my 90 wheels and caused no problems.
Whats telling you there is a difference in your offset
Whats telling you there is a difference in your offset
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
A change in the suspension in 1988 caused the wheel offset to be bifferent by 18mm; 38mm offset in 84-87 cars and 56mm in the 88 and later cars.
Did OE Concepts give you a specific reason as to why the Z06 wheel would not fit?? Is it the rear wheel that is the issue? I would assume they would not fit without using the proper adapter.
Did OE Concepts give you a specific reason as to why the Z06 wheel would not fit?? Is it the rear wheel that is the issue? I would assume they would not fit without using the proper adapter.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Sherman Texas
What was the suspension change that caused that? I see parts for the rear suspension alway listed "fits 84-96", leading me to believe that the parts are all the same.
Agent; I believe my offset is off, because there is more visible offset on the drivers side than the passenger side. I know that the rear end had some suspension damage done before I owned the car, and I think that something might be wrong. If you look straight from the back of the car, you can see more of the inner fender well on the passenger side.
Agent; I believe my offset is off, because there is more visible offset on the drivers side than the passenger side. I know that the rear end had some suspension damage done before I owned the car, and I think that something might be wrong. If you look straight from the back of the car, you can see more of the inner fender well on the passenger side.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: Lompoc CA
Here is some usefull information in another post. I scoured the archives and I believe this post is the most useful for wheel information.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...27&forum_id=48
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...27&forum_id=48
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
88-96 wheel bearings were relocated outboard 3/4'' to reduce abs braking problem...front and rear...wheel offset was changed to maintain track...many rear parts interchange, not all...few front parts interchange
most newer wheels will bolt on and drive, but dont look right because offset wheel insets tire into fender opng
most newer wheels will bolt on and drive, but dont look right because offset wheel insets tire into fender opng
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
knuckles are different front and rear
front upper A-frames are diff due to inner bolt hole spacing
lower A--frames diff due to spring length
front upper A-frames are diff due to inner bolt hole spacing
lower A--frames diff due to spring length
Last edited by redrose; Feb 6, 2006 at 11:29 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You can convert the rear suspension over to later style, there isnt much that changed, the knuckle will interchange between the 2 suspension designs but arent listed as such. Then you will be able to use the later 88+ wheels on an early car.
The front suspension will not interchange. GM decided that they could soften the ride by lowering the spring, lengthening it, and putting more stress on the swaybars. The #1 reason for the whole redesign was ride, not so much the information gleaned from Corvette Challenge.
So while you may convert the rear (and I see no reason to do so) to use later wheels, in front you will be forced to use the adapter/spacer.
The front suspension will not interchange. GM decided that they could soften the ride by lowering the spring, lengthening it, and putting more stress on the swaybars. The #1 reason for the whole redesign was ride, not so much the information gleaned from Corvette Challenge.
So while you may convert the rear (and I see no reason to do so) to use later wheels, in front you will be forced to use the adapter/spacer.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Sherman Texas
So it is possible then that someone put the wrong knuckle on my car causing the passenger side tire to be in-set .75 to 1 inch. That is about how much it is off. I'll do some checking to see if that is so..
Thanks guys
Chris
Thanks guys
Chris