Question about wheel spacers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Bear Delaware
Question about wheel spacers
I bought new center caps for some aftermarket wheels. They are a little different design than the originals. They have a flat inside surface instead of a concave center like to originals. The result is that when I put the wheels on the back the rear spindel bolts push the center cap back out. To solve the problem I am putting on some wheel spacers in the rear that push the wheel out 5/16". I have two questions.
1. Will this leave the lug bolt too short? The lug nuts seem to get a pretty fair amount of bite on the lug bolt.
2. Is there anything else I need to be concerned about?
Thanks
1. Will this leave the lug bolt too short? The lug nuts seem to get a pretty fair amount of bite on the lug bolt.
2. Is there anything else I need to be concerned about?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
If you cannot get a full nut of threads with the spacers you can install the longer, hardened studs from a vendor such as DRM. Only problem is on the rear it requires taking the hubs off or drilling thru the backplate to get the new studs in. Is there no other way to solve the problem? Can you cut out the back of the new caps?
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
try these lug nuts
If you cannot get a full nut of threads with the spacers you can install the longer, hardened studs from a vendor such as DRM. Only problem is on the rear it requires taking the hubs off or drilling thru the backplate to get the new studs in. Is there no other way to solve the problem? Can you cut out the back of the new caps?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
How close is the cap to fitting?
There is usually a lot of excess spindle thread exposed outside of the exle nut, and those excess threads can be trimmed off to gain some clearance.
I would do that before resorting to a spacer.
There is usually a lot of excess spindle thread exposed outside of the exle nut, and those excess threads can be trimmed off to gain some clearance.
I would do that before resorting to a spacer.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Bear Delaware
I had thought about trimming off the spindle but that is one BIG bolt. What would you suggest, grinding or hack saw? It stick out about 1/4" too far. The center cap hits it and gets pushed off. The center cap is plastic so can't do anything with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
5/16" is a good size spacer. I run a 5/8" or 10/16" spacer. I have also installed Longer APR studs and use hardened open ended lug nuts.
You want as much thread in that nut as possible.
with wheel
You want as much thread in that nut as possible.
with wheel
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Bear Delaware
I see no reason why you can't cut of a fair amount of the end of the spindle
