Wheel Spacers - Aluminum or Steel ?

[rlltide12]

I run US Wheel Stealth line. They have them in stock on summit's website.

 

[Skinny]

That is a good price for a steel rim in that size. 16.5 rims are such a pain to deal with because it is such an uncommon size these days. Seems like even 15" rims/tires are going the same way.

What width are you running? I know the HMMWV are over 9" wide and you can get the US Steel rim in 9.75" width which is what I currently run. I really would like to get into the 8" wide arena because the 37" Goodyears seem to not like seating easily. Not a problem on on a HMMWV beadlock but I've had to use all methods ending with fire to seat them on a rim that wide. I also have been shot at by exploding valve stems 10 minutes later because they didn't like the heat

Not to derail your thread but anyone running 37" Goodyears on a narrow rim?

 

[rlltide12]

I run the 8.25s. I wouldnt go much wider on the 37s in that wheel because they were tough to mount. They look and ride great on the narrower wheel. And my wear pattern looks perfect after 5000 miles of road driving

 

[Sharecropper]

Is there any particular reason you are wanting to run hmmwv wheels? A set of steelies in the correct back spacing from someone like summit racing seems like the safer and probably cheaper idea. I know people run them without issues, but i just dont like the idea of wheel spacers. Too many failure points.

Respectfully, in response to the gentleman from Alabama - I intend to run the HMMWV wheels because I want the beadlock capability so I can lower the tire pressure for better traction in snow or mud without danger of the tire breaking loose from the rim. I am assuming you know how these wheels are designed to work so I won't elaborate further. And besides, I just like the way the HMMWV wheels look.

Having answered your question, I will also say this: The whole purpose of this thread was to request comments regarding the comparable strength of aluminum spacers versus steel spacers from SS members with such experience. Have you run spacers before? Why did you attempt to hijack my thread and turn it into a debate about which wheels to use? If you want to use Summit wheels, knock yourself out and start a new thread about the virtues of such. But please don't barge in like you did.

In response to the other considerate SS members who replied to my question - I have ordered steel spacers so there will be no "failure points". By the way, the steel spacers cost four times what the aluminum spacers cost. But I don't care because I am spending my daughter's inheritence money. In a crazy sort of way, the spacers aren't costing me anything.

Thanks for the considerate posts. I will post photos in my rebuild thread as things start happening.

 

[Skinny]

Sorry for the hijack Sharecropper, I was curious to see what other sizes are successfully run. I too am kind of in the same boat. I currently run some really old Ford rims (probably from the late 70's) and now that my recently purchased Centramatics don't fit, I need to find a solution. It is down to HMMWV rims or new steelies. I really like the HMMWV for the same reasons you do but struggle with a decision between recentering, spacers, or sourcing DRW hubs.

It's just money, I can always make more

Again, sorry for the de-rail on my end.

 

[joshuak]

But I don't care because I am spending my daughter's inheritance money.

Not that my opinion maters, but I will share it anyway. I don't know you SC, but I am happy to read that you are enjoying the fruits of your labor. I encourage my parents to leave no trace, it's my turn to make it in life.

Look forward to following the rebuild of an already awesome build!

Rock on Sharecropper!!

 

[Sharecropper]

Sorry for the hijack Sharecropper, I was curious to see what other sizes are successfully run. I too am kind of in the same boat. I currently run some really old Ford rims (probably from the late 70's) and now that my recently purchased Centramatics don't fit, I need to find a solution. It is down to HMMWV rims or new steelies. I really like the HMMWV for the same reasons you do but struggle with a decision between recentering, spacers, or sourcing DRW hubs.

It's just money, I can always make more

Again, sorry for the de-rail on my end.

Skinny - you and I have no problem. I just didn't appreciate the fellow from Alabama busting in like he did.

I was just about to order a set of the Centromatics. If you want to sell yours, PM me.

Thanks.

 

[rlltide12]

My apologies for "busting in" to your thread. I attempted to offer you a safer option for your vehicle. I wont make that mistake again. There are ways to run hmmwv rims without spacers that is again much safer and much cheaper. Ill let you figure that out on your on. As much work as you put into your truck, i wouldnt expect you to do things halfway.

As for hijacking your thread. Nope. Just asking for what you were thinking about doing and if you knew other options existed. It just so happened someone asked me a question about my suggestion. It should be embarrasing at the amount of people who get so easily butthurt on here. Please continue your thread, and i will keep my suggestions to myself.

Edit: And to answer your question. No i do not run them for good reason. I have watched them fail. Do some wheelin off the highway with someone who has them.

 

[Skinny]

Roger

I think I am going to keep mine as I want to make them work. I just have to rearrange my wheel mounting situation.

Keep in mind the clearance issues with them. I believe the ones for a HMMWV will fit the matching rim but they have a step to them which may interfere with your brakes. I believe Richingalveston uses them, we conversed about fitment issues. Also, the guy who sells the balancers was great to work with. He offered to swap out or refund mine due to fitment issues. I decided to keep them because eventually I will make it all work. Just be aware of the different sizes, you want the larger ones because they have more balancing weight for the oversized tires. The trick is getting ones to fit. You actually may be better off with the ones I have, then mount the spacer, then mount the rim. Just some food for thought if you go down that road.

 

[Sharecropper]

Skinny -

The spacer should, in theory, position the wheel and balancer 2" farther away from the brake caliper, right? I can't see mounting the balancer between the hub and spacer, as this would provide a pocket for mud and debris to accumulate with no way to clean out. My plan is to permanently mount the steel spacers onto the hubs, then install the balancer and wheel. Your thoughts?

And a reply to my friend in Alabama - We are cool. I apologize if I offended you in any way.

 

[Skinny]

I think you could get away with the Centramatic in either position. You will have to look at the inside of the HMMWV and see what space you have to work with. I believe the Centramatics for the HMMWV are stepped out towards the end to accommodate the rim clearances. The ones I have are completely flat. I think with your arrangement, you may be better off getting the ones that fit the HMMWV.

 

[richingalveston]

centramatics

centramatics will definitely fit with the spacers. put them between rim and spacer.
there are two versions that I know of for the heavy rims. one has a flat plate, the other with a bevel.
bevel does not work with any of the wheels I had. (stock cucv, recentered hmmwv, and the aluminum 16 inch GM Hutchinson)
The recentered hmmwv rims I had were trail worthy fab with pressed center.

The flat plate balancer worked on the recentered hmmwv and the Hutchinson. Would not work on stock cucv.
The inside of the rim has to be flat, the ring faces the brakes and does not hit but it is close.

one pic is the balancer sitting inside the stock cucv rims.

not highjacking just adding to the thread.

Sharecropper, you should put some electric steps on the side of your rig and keep the custom rims you have they look awesome.

 

[Sharecropper]

Reply to richingalveston -

Thanks for your comments.

I plan to keep my 11.00/20's because they will easily get me through highway snow 16-18" deep. However for off-road use, the 44" tall tires cannot articulate enough under the fenders in rough terrain, especially when crossing a deep ditch on an angle. So the "new" 37" tall HMMWV wheels and BFG 37x12.5x16.5 Baja TA tires will provide 2 things: 1)- better articulation, and; 2)- easier entry and exit after my upcoming double knee replacement surgeries. Having my right knee replaced next Monday and my left knee replaced as soon as I recover from the right. Man, getting old sucks. Thanks for the compliment.

So, for standard 12-bolt HMMWV wheels, which model balancer should I order?

 

[richingalveston]

never used them on standard hmmwv rims but the flat ones should fit those also. the ones pictured in the last reply

 

[Bunkerbuilder]

Has anyone considered the leverage factor running spacers?
Having the weight of wheel and tire out two inches farther than factory engineered to operate may also be a consern for anyone putting safety before bling!

IE: the strength of the studs may be taxed when the weight is another two + or - inches the stress factor originally figured.

 

[Skinny]

The kingpin D60 is a pretty stout axle. I would say as long as you do not get any bad steering issues like death wobble you are probably OK as long as everything is tight. Stock steering will definitely be pushed to the breaking point which is something safety wise would need to be worked on. I would question the steering geometry from the box to the knuckle long before I question the strength of the axle itself. Like my sig says...

 

[Sharecropper]

Has anyone considered the leverage factor running spacers?
Having the weight of wheel and tire out two inches farther than factory engineered to operate may also be a consern for anyone putting safety before bling!

IE: the strength of the studs may be taxed when the weight is another two + or - inches the stress factor originally figured.

Bunkerbuilder -

Thanks for your comments. If I were planning to run my rig in a Baja race or planned to do serious rock crawling, then yes, I would have a slight concern about the leverage factor. However my truck has never been off-roaded and I don't intend to ever get it muddy. The key word is "intend". If for any reason I need to take it off road for an emergency situation or zombie attack, I want it ready to go. My truck sat on a National Guard base in Arizona for 25 years. It had 12,338 miles on it when I got it in 2010. I only drive it occassionally, it turned over 13,000 miles the last time I drove it. The truck stays locked up in my heated and cooled warehouse under tight security. It is, without a doubt, my most prized material possesion during my 64 years on this earth. We got 12" snow here last night. I thought about pulling it out for a little fun, however decided against it because the truck is so clean and warm. And besides, my knees are hurting too bad to climb up in the thing.

When you think about it, running spacers on the front is no different than running a dual rear wheel with a longer hub. So I am Ok with it.

 

[Bunkerbuilder]

FYI I wasnt addressing you I was only asking those with experience and knowledge for an opinion in stress on the stock studs.I wasnt commenting on the plans you may or may not have for your truck.

I will address your reply enough to just say I think your wrong reguarding the difference on the dually hub to whèel spacer comparison, Im not going to go into it but will just agree to disagree with you.

With reguard to HMMWV wheels I can see the interest some people have for them and a route I have seen taken to use these wheels on cucv trucks and civilian trucks is to have the HMMWV wheels recentered.

Bunkerbuilder -

Thanks for your comments. If I were planning to run my rig in a Baja race or planned to do serious rock crawling, then yes, I would have a slight concern about the leverage factor. However my truck has never been off-roaded and I don't intend to ever get it muddy. The key word is "intend". If for any reason I need to take it off road for an emergency situation or zombie attack, I want it ready to go. My truck sat on a National Guard base in Arizona for 25 years. It had 12,338 miles on it when I got it in 2010. I only drive it occassionally, it turned over 13,000 miles the last time I drove it. The truck stays locked up in my heated and cooled warehouse under tight security. It is, without a doubt, my most prized material possesion during my 64 years on this earth. We got 12" snow here last night. I thought about pulling it out for a little fun, however decided against it because the truck is so clean and warm. And besides, my knees are hurting too bad to climb up in the thing.

When you think about it, running spacers on the front is no different than running a dual rear wheel with a longer hub. So I am Ok with it.

 

[Chaski]

With 2" spacers and stock HMMWV wheels your net backspacing is approx 5". Wheel width is about 8.5". This combo will be closer to stock than any of the 3.5" or 4.5" stamped steel wheels that so many people run. I think the steel spacers will work great. Ford has and still does run spacers on all of their F550 / F450 4x4 platform. Look at the front end of a F550 next time you walk by one.

I don't know if I like the centermatic between the hub and spacer. Not sure why.

 

[Skinny]

Probably because it is one more point of letting the spacer work loose which in my opinion is the biggest problem with any spacer regardless of offset. I would vote on still being within the width tolerance not creating too many issues with scrub/offset issues. Is anyone using Loctite on the spacer to keep torqueing intervals down?