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Old 13-07-2010, 12:16 PM   #12
Jimmyd
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 734
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Using spacers on longer studs is a dangerous proposition at the best of times. This set up relies on the studs to support the vehicles weight and cornering loads; when your wheel is flush mounted to the hub the protrusion from the hub centre carries this load, the studs are merely to hold the wheel on this protrusion - this is why it is critical to ensure correct fitment of after market wheels (and the flush of hub-centric rings on the market.....)
Some hub spacers try to address this by incorporating a hub centre protrusion;



but still does raise some concerns regarding stud stress loading.

This should be the course of last resort, and realistically should not be pursued given that the presence of spacers will render your vehicle as unroadworthy and will void insurance - I'm sure the Coroner would tend to take a rather dim view on this practice as well....

For the front best get onto someone like Smka (Escort/Capri specialist) and pick up some new wide offset hubs - if the Group4 +10mm ($130) increase is not enough he could possibly source you something a little more agressive.



Rear - best option would be an upgrade to full floating axles with required offset changes incorporated in the new hubs...

At the end of the day its your life, you will choose what course best suits your needs - this post is just to identify some of the pitfalls of using the long stud/spacer option and offer up alternate solutions.

Cheers

James
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