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To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
#880996
12/15/10 05:59 PM
12/15/10 05:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,085
Indiana
W5Duster436
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,085
Indiana
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Wanted to see what the general concensus is on running wheel spacers. I just intalled Calvert mono's and caltracs with new Billet Specialties 15x10 5.5BS rims and 275/60/15 ET Drag Radials. After installation I have exactly 1" of space now from the tire to the leaf spring. Billet Speciaties does not have a 6.0BS rim only a 6.5BS. I would really like to move the tires in another .5 to .625 to center the wheel better in the factory well so I can drop the car another inch or so. I am contemplating getting the 6.5BS rims and then buying their matching 1/2 spacers. I may also mill down the spacers to get that extra bit as well if need be. I think since I ran disc brakes on the back it did put the wheel just a tad bit out further than the car I had really liked which had drums. It looks fine but I think it would look even better with that .5-.625 move in closer. Thoughts? 
'70 Duster - SDSS 436 W5 4spd (Gone)
'71 Dodge D100
'70 Dodge W100
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: W5Duster436]
#880997
12/15/10 06:33 PM
12/15/10 06:33 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: W5Duster436]
#881003
12/16/10 01:27 PM
12/16/10 01:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,532
off the grid
340B5
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,532
off the grid
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I believe NHRA rules state spacers must be either wheelstud or hub concentric. It's for a good reason. I would prefer both, as I'm very safety conscious.
Yeah, it's got a smallblock.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: W5Duster436]
#881004
12/16/10 01:33 PM
12/16/10 01:33 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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I ran a 3/8 spacer on my car with the old chassis and old wheels, never had a problem... when I built the new chassis I got rid of the spacers 
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: W5Duster436]
#881007
12/16/10 04:59 PM
12/16/10 04:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
gregsdart
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
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trans brake, 4500 launch, 3000 lbs, 1/2 inch spacers. No problems. The biggest problem is guys not torquing them properly, and checking often to keep the load on them. Just like a clutch, too little clamping, ya got problems.
8..603 156 mph best, 2905 lbs 549, indy 572-13, alky
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
#881008
12/16/10 06:02 PM
12/16/10 06:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,146
Now - Port Orange,Fla. Former...
MIKES_DUSTER
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,146
Now - Port Orange,Fla. Former...
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Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
 TOTALLY!!!!! 
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
#881010
12/16/10 06:56 PM
12/16/10 06:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I'm not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Challenger 1]
#881011
12/16/10 07:05 PM
12/16/10 07:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,177
ill
dennismopar73
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,177
ill
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 you are correct ding ding ding!! i have seen so many wheels come off because of broken studs exspecially with spacers, even more of wrong combos of wheel lug nut issues just because so n so gets away with it dont make it good for all but i do as what everyone else tells ya i'm sure there are few out here thats got a can of bondo they just been waiting to open up and use 
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Get-X]
#881013
12/16/10 07:16 PM
12/16/10 07:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
I was going to stay out of it, but since you took the plunge I'll back you up. No race car of mine will ever have wheel spacers. I saw my friends mint, original paint GTO lose a quater panel to a failed spacer. That's all it took for me.
Well, thanks.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Challenger 1]
#881014
12/16/10 09:23 PM
12/16/10 09:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
gregsdart
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
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Quote:
Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I'm not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
Gee, i guess Mark Williams is all wet then. He sells a lot of spacers, several widths. Guess I better reconsider twelve years worth of running them,,,,,,,,,,
WHEN PROPERLY USED, THEY ARE FINE! ON THE OTHER HAND, NO SET UP WILL LAST WITH IMPROPER TORQUE OR MAINTENANCE. I trust MWs reputation just a bit more than anybody posting on this thread! They have a tad more experience.
Last edited by gregsdart; 12/16/10 09:28 PM.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Challenger 1]
#881016
12/16/10 09:44 PM
12/16/10 09:44 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,257
gulfport, ms, west mi
rowin4
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,257
gulfport, ms, west mi
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Quote:
Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I'm not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
I agree spacers should be avoided when possible, but why would a 1/8" spacer be any different than a 1/4" or thicker? You would really have to put more torque on studs than they would hold to crush them, No , the only way to crush them would be with a press. Torque properly and you'll be OK.
it's ok to butt heads, just don't do it with a butthead
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: rowin4]
#881018
12/16/10 09:50 PM
12/16/10 09:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I'm not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
I agree spacers should be avoided when possible, but why would a 1/8" spacer be any different than a 1/4" or thicker? You would really have to put more torque on studs than they would hold to crush them, No , the only way to crush them would be with a press. Torque properly and you'll be OK.
Because the thickest MW sells is 1/4"If they even sell em anymore. I just looked and these MW spacers are 1/4", sorry my bad. These were the thickest they would sell me years ago. I never used them.
Brett at MW is who educated me about wheel spacers, who did you learn from gregsdart?
Someday when you make enough HP and experience tire shake, that is what will cause wheel spacers to crush and long studs to stretch.
Last edited by Challenger 1; 12/16/10 11:23 PM.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Challenger 1]
#881019
12/16/10 09:53 PM
12/16/10 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,085
Indiana
W5Duster436
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,085
Indiana
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Quite a few spacers here?  I guess those are for 11/16 studs though..
'70 Duster - SDSS 436 W5 4spd (Gone)
'71 Dodge D100
'70 Dodge W100
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: gregsdart]
#881021
12/16/10 11:24 PM
12/16/10 11:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,578
KOS
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,578
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I did the same thing to get my car lower.I used the Mr.Gasket aluminum wheel spacers.They have 4 different thickness'.
They are inexpensive and do the job. No need for $40-50.00 spacers.
OK I'm not afraid to stir the pot!!
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
Wheel spacers should avoided at all costs, especially cheap aluminum ones. They can crush, they will eventually and then you got loose lug nuts.
Just because a lot of guys use them don't make it safe or right.
A 1/8" should be the maximum thickness considered for wheel spacers.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
Gee, i guess Mark Williams is all wet then. He sells a lot of spacers, several widths. Guess I better reconsider twelve years worth of running them,,,,,,,,,,
WHEN PROPERLY USED, THEY ARE FINE! ON THE OTHER HAND, NO SET UP WILL LAST WITH IMPROPER TORQUE OR MAINTENANCE. I trust MWs reputation just a bit more than anybody posting on this thread! They have a tad more experience.
ive ran them for yrs and lots of other guys i know too(serious cars)never had or seen an incedent with them.
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: W5Duster436]
#881022
12/16/10 11:30 PM
12/16/10 11:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
gregsdart
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,016
Frostbitefalls MN (Rocky&Bullw...
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Mark Williams lists spacers in 1 inch, 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. I just got off their web page. Search spacers.
As far as who I learned from, personal experience putting one heck of a lot of torque through them for as I said, over twelve years. I run a torqueflite. The starting line hit is brutal to say the least.
If they were not safe to use, MW wouldn't list them. Don't know who you talked to, but he obviously doesn't agree with the head of the company.
One last thought. Ever wonder why a dual disc clutch has about twice the holding power of a single? Same principle. You just need to be sure the pressure is there to provide the proper friction. With that being said, spacers will provide even more stength if used properly. Improper torque on the studs will allow slippage and the leverage on the studs is higher than with no spacers. So like i said earlier, use them properly, or not at all.
8..603 156 mph best, 2905 lbs 549, indy 572-13, alky
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: KOS]
#881023
12/16/10 11:59 PM
12/16/10 11:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,177
ill
dennismopar73
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,177
ill
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every company sells something that they probably shouldnt be but sell it non the less, ie compression fitting for brake line comes to mind real quick, and mark williams does have alot of experience with rears than most like i said in previous post do what others say . there are just some thing that i wont do, so doesnt matter but this board  is full of really good info
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: Challenger 1]
#881025
12/17/10 12:50 AM
12/17/10 12:50 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,685
W. Kentucky
justinp61
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,685
W. Kentucky
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Quote:
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
It's not a race car, a pair of 3/8" spacers may add 1 1/2#, total 
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: 74DusterP457]
#881027
12/17/10 10:34 PM
12/17/10 10:34 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,202
aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,202
aZLiViN
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Re: To use wheel spacers or not, that is the question.
[Re: justinp61]
#881029
12/18/10 12:17 AM
12/18/10 12:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,343
SE PA.
QuickBpBp
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,343
SE PA.
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Quote:
Quote:
I think a race car thought out using wheel spacers is well, chessey.
It adds weight to a car also which is not what you want on a race car.
It's not a race car, a pair of 3/8" spacers may add 1 1/2#, total
With all that extra weight you will need to find more power for that pound and 1/2 at the rear... 
I have a 4,000lb street car that I used spacers in for years...Raced alot and NEVER had a problem. My car 60ft'd 1.52-3 on 10inch tires and had plenty of street miles too...
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