Wheel spacers on my 110 Defender

[Rolly1974p76]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/664.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/665.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/666.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/667.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/668.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/669.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/670.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/671.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/672.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/673.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/674.jpg
Just bolted up a set of wheel spacers to the Defender more to see what she looks like she certainly has a more robust look with the wider track would be interesting to see what it handled like on road but unfortunately due to rules of course we can't do that anyway that's enough of that thanks for looking Roland

[ramblingboy42]

popcorn in the cooker......

[Slunnie]

It sits well at that width!

[1nando]

I ran them for 2 years with no issues at all. Handling is greatly improved and the wider track is great offroad.
Then i put my 33s on -25 offset dynamic rims and the rest is history

[PAT303]

How do spacers improve handling?. Pat

[frantic]

How do spacers improve handling?. Pat
You widen your track and it's harder to tip.
do it yourself. Feet together get someone to push from either left or right, easy to fall, feet shoulder width apart , and use same push, much harder to fall, same as widening stance on a solid fixed axle vehicle.

[JDNSW]

That is the theory, but I suspect that in real life the effect is small for the track increases we are talking about, of the same order as small changes in tyre pressure. Perhaps a bit like the bird cage aircleaners that give the illusion of improved performance by removing intake silencing.

On the other hand, offroad, whether it is an advantage will depend on how far apart the wheel ruts are - since Landcruisers and Hi-luxes are a slightly wider track, you probably fit the ruts a bit better!

[101RRS]

Given that spacers/adaptors are illegal (except for OEM) in all jurisdictions in Australia I don't think it prudent to be advertising the fact you are using them on public forums for all to see.

[Vern]

Given that spacers/adaptors are illegal (except for OEM) in all jurisdictions in Australia I don't think it prudent to be advertising the fact you are using them on public forums for all to see.Did you read his post at all?

[weeds]

Given that spacers/adaptors are illegal (except for OEM) in all jurisdictions in Australia I don't think it prudent to be advertising the fact you are using them on public forums for all to see.

I think there are way more other illegal items fitted to cars on the road compared to spacers on defenders.

[Rolly1974p76]

Hi there I was just putting a few pictures up that I thought people might be interested in having a look at I did State in the post that they weren't legal and I did say that I was just fitting them up to have a look to see what she look like I do apologize I'm not trying to promote any illegal fitment of product on this forum thanks Roland

[Vern]

Hi there I was just putting a few pictures up that I thought people might be interested in having a look at I did State in the post that they weren't legal and I did say that I was just fitting them up to have a look to see what she look like I do apologize I'm not trying to promote any illegal fitment of product on this forum thanks RolandWouldn't worry about it Roland, people obviously didn't read your post which is quite common nowadays.

[ramblingboy42]

Yes, and now they are hanging on a nail in the shed.......

[stealth]

The Australian Army had a similar set up that were fitted to WW2 Jeep trailers when the Land Rovers were brought into service. It allowed Land Rover wheels to be fitted to Jeep trailers. I imagine they must have been used for a number of years till the Jeep trailers were phased out.

[Tombie]

The Australian Army had a similar set up that were fitted to WW2 Jeep trailers when the Land Rovers were brought into service. It allowed Land Rover wheels to be fitted to Jeep trailers. I imagine they must have been used for a number of years till the Jeep trailers were phased out.

Spacers on trailers aren’t illegal though [emoji6]

[Bigbjorn]

We used to fit wheel spacers to skid steer loaders when supplying flotation tracks or fat low pressure sand tyres for Gold Coast machines. Common fault was wheel nuts loosening needing frequent checks and nipping up.

[101RRS]

Hi there I was just putting a few pictures up that I thought people might be interested in having a look at I did State in the post that they weren't legal and I did say that I was just fitting them up to have a look to see what she look like I do apologize I'm not trying to promote any illegal fitment of product on this forum thanks Roland


Yep missed the bottom line - sorry about that.

[Shoogs]

I have spacers on a 1996 Defender 110 with wolf rims and 255/85 tyres, have had for over 60 odd thousand kms, never needed tightening, though I check as part of any service schedule, and I have just replaced the wheel bearings for the first time, been down many rough roads all over Southern Africa and the CSR etc... when I imported the vehicle from Africa and took it in for inspection in Perth they never mentioned them and I never asked... they do improve the handling and turning circle in my opinion.

[JDNSW]

They probably didn't spot them, or assumed they were factory if they did.

[DieselDan]

Bugger the wheel spacers, I'm more impressed by (jealous of) that massive shed.....

[LouNat58]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/664.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/665.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/666.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/667.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/668.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/669.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/670.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/671.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/672.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/673.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/674.jpg
Just bolted up a set of wheel spacers to the Defender more to see what she looks like she certainly has a more robust look with the wider track would be interesting to see what it handled like on road but unfortunately due to rules of course we can't do that anyway that's enough of that thanks for looking RolandLooks great! I wonder if they are legal in Australia?

[donh54]

Looks great! I wonder if they are legal in Australia?
No!

[Slunnie]

Looks great! I wonder if they are legal in Australia?

They are legal in Australia and can be pretty easily bought.

BUT to use them on the road on your car/4WD, the vehicle has to have been manufactured with them in the first place.

You've got to understand that on AULRO if anybody even thinks the word "wheel spacers" there will be a few people that swing off the fans and shout loudly for all and sundry to hear that wheel spacers are illegal and this happens at every single opportunity, while at the same time nobody bats an eyelid at other modifications that are not compliant like big offset wheels, oversized tyres, unengineered lifts, engine modifications like ECU upgrades, EGR deletes etc. But if "wheel spacers" after ever mentioned then its like the whole ****ing sky just fell in.

[martnH]

Looks great. I am thinking of buying a set.
What do you guys think of a defender to wrangler spacers?
It seems many more options for Jeep rims and also easier to get same trailer wheels? And other wheel patterns maybe?

Of course I buy them as paper weight

[Slunnie]

Looks great. I am thinking of buying a set.
What do you guys think of a defender to wrangler spacers?
It seems many more options for Jeep rims and also easier to get same trailer wheels? And other wheel patterns maybe?

Of course I buy them as paper weight

I would have looked at Toyota 6stud, because there are probably more rims sizes, types and offsets in Australia, they have high load ratings and they are absolutely everywhere. Toyota (which includes Nissan etc) have a bigger centre bore for hub clearance on the 4WD and the trailer, with the trailer allowing you to up to at least parallel bearing hubs for big heavy duty axles.

[Tombie]

I don’t think it’s so much that Slunnie...

An EGR delete, ECU upgrade or even offset wheels (to a point) don’t run the documented and known risk of them parting with the vehicle at speed....

I’m not against any Engineered modifications, ones that have had the calculations done by qualified people to ensure there are no stresses etc exceeding the vehicles integrity.

The entire idea of engineering is to keep those who aren’t aware of such risks from causing harm to themselves and others...


And example sits above... why reduce a 5 on 165 pcd down to Jeep, and then fit under rated wheels to a heavy load carrying vehicle?

There was a recent video of a vehicle in a collision flipping onto its roof, back onto its wheels and sliding backwards into a tree - all from a small hit to a Commodore..

Hence modified vehicles should be subjected to testing and certification (aftermarket lift kits to 50mm have certification).

I can understand the user wanting tyre clearance by moving them outboard a bit..

I can even understand people wanting the “Stanced” look with the tyres to the wheel arches.. it looks nice...
However, in the operating world it works terribly!!!! Road debris flings up past the now flush guards, throwing stuff everywhere including into the users vehicle often causing damage... a guard is meant to stop this, so it turns into a ‘form over function’ modification at that point.

On topic, *if* I was going to fit spacers...
They would have Anti-seize applied between spacer and hub, I would then fit them using a mild thread locker and torque them up exactly to the required spec before contemplating fitting the wheel assembly.

I would also only use spacers certified by the manufacturer - so assuming they came from the UK I would expect a UK compliance certificate.. not some back yard machine shop (alloys aren’t alloys Sol)...

[Slunnie]

The line has always been presented as it being illegal rather than unsafe.

[Tombie]

The line has always been presented as it being illegal rather than unsafe.

And the official stance for the “ban” was given as risk/danger of wheel separating from vehicle. Hence legislated non-compliant.

There’s also Different types of spacers - bolt on or shim..

At work, engineering attempt to keep things to a minimum from a connectivity stance as each component adds a potential point of failure.

Wheel offset is one method of achieving this; within the limits of mechanical stress and bearing load. Where a relatively small increase can have a significant impact on stresses and point loading as well as significant changes to vehicle handling (especially tram lining and wet weather handling).


What is intriguing is how many people won’t touch electrical work on a house etc but will modify a 2.5t+ juggernaut without consulting trained persons and perceive the risks totally differently...

The beauty with vehicle modification is IMO the ability to do what you want and do it with a completely approved and certified vehicle - THAT is a real skill...

[JDNSW]

I suspect that the making of them illegal came about as the result of something nasty happening (or nearly happening).

[Tombie]

I suspect that the making of them illegal came about as the result of something nasty happening (or nearly happening).

Yep... that’s what I was told by RTA and engineer when I enquired..

[Slunnie]

All of the things that are not compliant have a reason for them, spacers are not so unique there.

Never the less, I hope this can be a positive thread in relation to what the OP has legally done with his spacers.

[Tombie]

Hahaha!!

Even if fitted for “offroad” use only - aside from private property any “offroad” track is considered public land and therefore they aren’t supposed to be fitted.

Considering the cost of spacers to purchase It seems wasteful they’re now just hanging on the wall in the shed [emoji56]

[Slunnie]

Tombie, this discussion is just for the sake of having an argument.

[weeds]

Is the front bar allowed to impede the park light??

[Tombie]

Same could be said for the original post....

Let’s face it, the thread was started with no less intent than “I fitted spacers, I like it, and whilst I know it’s not compliant - I don’t care”

[Shoogs]

They probably didn't spot them, or assumed they were factory if they did.

Quite possibly but neither did the engineer who signed off on the roll cage worry about them, or the brush cables/limb deflectors, sand ladders and extra lights that I was told we’re illegal in Australia...

[Tombie]

Cut someone up with a Limb deflector and you’ll soon find out [emoji6]

[Shoogs]

Cut someone up with a Limb deflector and you’ll soon find out [emoji6]

Somehow I think a CT 110 driven for 3/4 weeks a year at 90km/h max in generally remote parts of Australia will be the least of everyones concerns...so you can relax, besides they would have to be rather tall, (I hit an Impala once at head height mid pronking at 80km/h he wasn’t cut in half and the cables stopped him coming through the windscreen...) I would suggest as in many other threads the overloaded, unskilled, fatigued caravan towing people who travel our vast brown land are of more concern amongst the other hazards such as the ubiquitous fishing rod holder on bull bar type vehicles driven by people to busy texting..

[martnH]

Thanks chaps. So what are the differences between wheel spacers and offset rims in terms of mechanical stress? Given that thread locker is used and spacer won't come loose
Won't the extra whatever effects be very similar?

I understand it's illegal. My neighbor David stuffed it up too poor to Buy loctite so I can't use it because I may be as stupid as David. I am okay with this

[martnH]

I would have looked at Toyota 6stud, because there are probably more rims sizes, types and offsets in Australia, they have high load ratings and they are absolutely everywhere. Toyota (which includes Nissan etc) have a bigger centre bore for hub clearance on the 4WD and the trailer, with the trailer allowing you to up to at least parallel bearing hubs for big heavy duty axles.Thanks
Found them and plenty more rim options
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/726.jpg

[Tombie]

If you’re committed to going down this path don’t forget to factor in a changed offset to account for the width of the spacer...

[Tombie]

Also, the spacer must be hub centric....

[ramblingboy42]

do those 24 socket head screws on the rim do anything?

[Tombie]

do those 24 socket head screws on the rim do anything?

Didn’t you know?

They add 15kw [emoji851][emoji13]

[ramblingboy42]

ahhh, I see , a bit like a vortex generator...bit like hi-clone?

[martnH]

Do they? It that accumulative gain?
If I get 4 of them, will there be 60kw gain? Of course the space wheel won't contribute

[Tombie]

Do they? It that accumulative gain?
If I get 4 of them, will there be 60kw gain? Of course the space wheel won't contribute

Add the window sticker and watch it fly [emoji41]

[tc_s1]

The Australian Army had a similar set up that were fitted to WW2 Jeep trailers when the Land Rovers were brought into service. It allowed Land Rover wheels to be fitted to Jeep trailers. I imagine they must have been used for a number of years till the Jeep trailers were phased out.This is still common in the States for camper trailers and jeep trailers, effectively allowing one to have a few 'active spares' if ever needed.....of course, meaning one would need to later come back for the trailer should things ever be so dire.

[DiscoMick]

Add the window sticker and watch it fly [emoji41]Paint it red to go faster.