will wheel spacers kill my hubs?

[stevem50]

pretty much summed it up in the subject line, i've got a H-F frame and 4x4" hubs, the lug spacing allows for a bunch of wheel choices but the backspacing is screwin' the pooch. if i use a 1" wheel spacer will i put too much load on my hubs?

i realize that moving the wheel out will add strain to the inner bearing, but before i do it, has anybody else tried this? if not can you point me in a direction to get a beefier hub that will give me the correct offset?

[dh]

I've used them before, however, in my application the wheel had a lot of backspacing to start, and my spacer moved the hub closer to the center line of the wheel. 3 years no issues with the hubs.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

IMO a 1" spacer is going to introduce WAY to much offset into a design that was intended for zero offset. You'd also have to get much longer and stronger studs for your hubs.

I need to do something with my setup. My tire rubs ever so slightly, so I too need a spacer, just not one that large. I have been weary about even using 1/8" spacer on my hubs.

I'd definitely like to hear more opinions about spacers though.

[stevem50]

thicker spacers i have used in the past for auto applications use the existing studs and bolt up like the existing wheel. they are double drilled and have their own studs to mate to the wheel. no longer studs needed.

the added offset is what i'm worried about, there has to be an equation to figure out the added stress.

i had a corrado years back with 911 wheels on it for years with no problem using this type of spacer, but, a harbor freight hub is a bit different than a vw hub

[dh]

A properly built 1'' spacer will not require longer studs on the hub because it will be built like a wheel adaptor, having its own set of studs, so it will attach to the hub, then the wheel will attach to the spacer. As light as most tears are, I doubt you will notice much difference in bearing wear, and Snowboarder, theres no threat in a 1/8'' 'shim'. My abused utility trailer has 1873 miles on it (I keep a log on it since I wright it off as a busines asset) and the spacers/adapters have the whe el bout 3/4'' off center.

[stevem50]

thanks.. now i'm gonna load it up and weigh it again before i contact the machine shop who cut the last ones for me. soon as i get an ok from them, i'll measure for needed backspace and empi 8 spokes are gonna reside where the crappy wagon wheels once were!

[Pizzaguy]

Why not just get a longer axle? My Dexter axle was only like $130 w/ shipping built to my specs!

[stevem50]

i did not know they were that cheap. i'm gonna check into it...

[dh]

I'm not tryin to open a can o worms, but if you wanna get brakes, get em with the new axle. I think its only a $100 option for 8'' brakes from Dexter. Try to get an add on kit for that!

[Shadow Catcher]

I will go with dh on this. at the very least make sure the axle you get has the brake backing plates welded on for future use.
Consider a Flexride axle, I anticipate changing out my Dexter eventually.
http://www.ucfamerica.com/flexfull.html

[dh]

Flexride is pricy though...