wheel spacers

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Originally Posted by rangietragic

Does anyone know if i can legally fit wheel spacers to my 130 in qld?I want to reduce my turning circle from a road train down to say a semi:p.You can fit them to landcruisers but i suppose they are special.

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As noted by others, you can't legally fit wheel spacers to any road going vehicle in Australia unless they were factory fitted (some Porsche, for example).

You say that you can fit them to Landcruisers, but that is incorrect if you are talking legalities.

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Originally Posted by JDNSW

Overall, yes, but there is the additional problem is with the spacers themselves. There are two types of spacer - ones that are like a simple washer between the wheel and the hub - with this, the load on the stud itself is considerably increased in a way not anticipated when designed. The second type has the spacer attached by nuts as the wheel would be, but the spacer is fitted with a second set of studs half a stud spacing round from the studs in the hub. In this case the stress on the material of the spacer is quite high, and it would be difficult to establish that there is sufficient strength to give an adequate safety factor, and further to give sufficient rigidity. An additional problem that may arise is ensuring the nuts securing the spacer cannot loosen. It is clear that the authorities have decided, probably based on experience, that it is too difficult to ensure these factors.

John

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Unfortunately John it's just the govt being lazy using a blanket ban rather than approving appropriate products. What's heavier and places more stress On the axle? A alloy or wheel with a aluminum billet spacer as sold and used legally in UK and Germany ( where they go a fair bit faster) or an equally offset steel wheel ,both with same tire?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JDNSW

Overall, yes, but there is the additional problem is with the spacers themselves. There are two types of spacer - ones that are like a simple washer between the wheel and the hub - with this, the load on the stud itself is considerably increased in a way not anticipated when designed. The second type has the spacer attached by nuts as the wheel would be, but the spacer is fitted with a second set of studs half a stud spacing round from the studs in the hub. In this case the stress on the material of the spacer is quite high, and it would be difficult to establish that there is sufficient strength to give an adequate safety factor, and further to give sufficient rigidity. An additional problem that may arise is ensuring the nuts securing the spacer cannot loosen. It is clear that the authorities have decided, probably based on experience, that it is too difficult to ensure these factors.

John

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Unfortunately John it's just the govt being lazy using a blanket ban rather than approving appropriate products. What's heavier and places more stress On the axle? A alloy or wheel with a aluminum billet spacer as sold and used legally in UK and Germany ( where they go a fair bit faster) or an equally offset steel wheel ,both with same tire?

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Originally Posted by frantic

Unfortunately John it's just the govt being lazy using a blanket ban rather than approving appropriate products.

Can't disagree!

What's heavier and places more stress On the axle? A alloy or wheel with a aluminum billet spacer as sold and used legally in UK and Germany ( where they go a fair bit faster) or an equally offset steel wheel ,both with same tire?

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With the same offset, probably little to choose - but the spacer introduces another part, as I commented. And although they drive a fair bit faster there than here, Australians have a well earned reputation for driving at high speed on very rough roads for very long distances, something that is not really possible in Europe, and parts that function in Europe do not necessarily do so here.

John

I'm with JD on this. Spacers were fitted to small earthmoving equipment to allow sand tyres or accessory tracks. My experience was that they continually worked loose on machines that couldn't exceed 10 mph. Machine manufacturer's comment? "We don't supply them and won't".

Much plant & trucks that were highly regarded in Europe particularly didn't do well here without a deal of local engineering input. They had to learn the hard way about dust, heat, distance, and corrugations. "We sell these in Africa and the Middle East where they work in appalling conditions". 'Yes, but they are not in the hands of owner-operators who have to drive them fast, hard, and long to make a living. Your dusky skinned operators stop for prayers and sing-sings, chase an antelope, and to sleep at night. Our operators put in 20 hour days or they don't make a living".

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Originally Posted by frantic

Unfortunately John it's just the govt being lazy using a blanket ban rather than approving appropriate products. What's heavier and places more stress On the axle? A alloy or wheel with a aluminum billet spacer as sold and used legally in UK and Germany ( where they go a fair bit faster) or an equally offset steel wheel ,both with same tire?

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IMO I would say poor argument. The weight difference between an aluminium wheel spacer + rim Vs a Steel rim is not much nore the issue, its the offset that is and forces from driving/steering bumps load etc. Its placing stress on the studs, bearings, stub axle and its connection to the axle housing.

If you really want to do the best thing and increase wheel track, get someone to custom widen your housing so all factory parts and rims are used. keep original tyre size and scrub etc. ;)

They can be difficult to centre and balance wheels. I used spacers for bush work, but not on the road. One or two studs in the spacers were always loose when I removed them. They are soooo good I have a set to give away if anyone wants to pay the postage............one owner, look like new and only used on Sunday's. No wheel nuts though, I am keeping them for spares.

Rick

Thanks for all that info and opinions.My reference to cruisers is based on stories about the v8 utes with the wider front track.I know of a local firm here that fitted spacers to the rear to fix bad handling especially in sand.My wheels are roh alloys,i havn't checked offset.I could get a set of steels with a wider offset but i like my alloys.Guess i'll just have to keep on wearing out my steering every time i park:(

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Originally Posted by rangietragic

My reference to cruisers is based on stories about the v8 utes with the wider front track.I know of a local firm here that fitted spacers to the rear to fix bad handling especially in sand.

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I have heard of that too. I have also heard of many rear wheel bearing failures due to the increased load.

As far as I can see 95% of LR drivers as well as the Japanese drivers go for offsetting their rims when they fit larger tyres. In a defender the rear touches with 255/85 On standard alloy +33 alloys so you need either offset rims to zero or spacers. If you want a 12.5 wide tyre (33+) you need -25mm or you can forget steering:D. The cost is around $350(5 ,15/8 in rims -25 offset-) up depending upon how flashy you want the wheels compared to widening your track, axles, custom shafts etc OUCH the cost of that sort of custom fabrication would pay for bearings for decades!