WTBorrow & Maybe Buy - Wheel spacers

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-22-2012, 10:42 PM

Hi guys,

I'm looking to test-fit some wheels on my '94 Cobra and would like to borrow some wheel spacers ( 5-lug ). I'm hoping to find a pair of 1/2" spacers for the front and either 1/4" or 3/8" spacers for the rear. If I could borrow them from someone it would be a huge help to test-fit these wheels and check for clearance. I'm in Moon Township about 3 minutes from Robert Morris University. I'm not in a big hurry, as the owner of these wheels is out of town for 2 weeks on business.

Question on wheel studs - what is involved in replacing them? I'm thinking that I would probably want to replace them with longer studs in the front and the rear if I need to run these spacers. Is this something that can be done in the garage, or do you have to pull the rear axles / remove the front spindles and press them out? Also - are some kinds of wheel studs better than others? Would local parts stores have them in the longer sizes, or is this something I should get at Summit?

Thanks for the help!

Ron

**NateSVT** · 02-22-2012, 10:59 PM

I've changed my studs in my garage. I just pounded the stock ones out with a sledge hammer then pulled the new ones in using some washers and a lug nut. I'm sure there are better ways of doing it though haha. BTW I used to have Moroso studs and I hated them (rusted really bad). My new ARP studs are much better.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-22-2012, 11:06 PM

Thanks Nate - I'll look for some ARP studs if these wheels end up fitting.

One more thing...where can you get additional or larger steering stops? Are they a Ford-only item or are they available aftermarket? I may be able to fit the rims on the front if I reduce the rack travel. Anyone install these before? How big are these stops? Without the stops, I'm thinking I'd need a 1/2" wheel spacer to prevent the tire rubbing the inner fender, but that spacer might put the tire too far outward toward the fender lip. If using the steering stops is practical and safe, I'd rather use them than wheel spacers up front.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-23-2012, 10:24 PM

anyone have any spacers / hints / tips?

**Erics89GT** · 02-23-2012, 10:30 PM

i will have spacers in the next few weeks or so...i think they are 1/4...i got new wheels so i wont be needed the spacers

**Mark Aubele** · 02-23-2012, 11:14 PM

I have some laying around, you are welcome to borrow them. Think I have 6 1/4" laying around.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-23-2012, 11:47 PM

Eric & Mark - thanks guys! I would definitely like to take you up on your offers!

Do either of you ever make it to the west side of town? ( Moon / Robinson ). If not, I can come grab them sometime. I can't get the wheels from the owner until after March 13 or so, so I have a little time.

Mark - where is Trafford??

Eric - what wheels did you end up getting? Do you still have your Saleens?

Can you guys send me your cell #s in a PM and let me know when is a good time to call to work out the details?

Thanks again guys. If I can get these wheels to fit I'll be psyched.

**Mark Aubele** · 02-23-2012, 11:52 PM

I actually live in East McKeesport. East of Pgh. I get out that way every now and then though.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-23-2012, 11:56 PM

Just thinking...It might be cheaper to ship them both ways than for me to drive out there and back twice if and when our schedules allow... Would you guys be up for that? When I ship them back to you I'll give you a check to cover it. Would that be ok?

**Mark Aubele** · 02-24-2012, 12:28 AM

I actually think I paid like 10 bucks for a pair, have a pep boys near you?

And I didn't have the same bad experience with Morosos as Nate did, but I was constantly switching wheels on the car, so that probably kept the rust away, the ARPs I had were definitely better.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-24-2012, 01:30 AM

I'll check Pep Boys - haven't been there in a long time. I didn't realize they carried them. Is it important to have hubcentric spacers or will the cheap kind be ok?

I found ARP studs for around $11 for a set of 10 on the summit website. If this all works out I will probably buy those.

If I track the car again I will put those "slicks" back on with my Cobra R's... You probably remember them...they were wonderful in the wet at BeaveRun...

Do you have any info on the steering stops? Are they adjustable? I've been told I might need a 1/2" wheel spacer up front. But that might put the wheel too far outside. Steering stops might allow me to avoid using a wheel spacer - or at least let me use a smaller wheel spacer.

Thanks again for the help.

**Mark Aubele** · 02-24-2012, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by PaxtonShelby

I'll check Pep Boys - haven't been there in a long time. I didn't realize they carried them. Is it important to have hubcentric spacers or will the cheap kind be ok?

I found ARP studs for around $11 for a set of 10 on the summit website. If this all works out I will probably buy those.

If I track the car again I will put those "slicks" back on with my Cobra R's... You probably remember them...they were wonderful in the wet at BeaveRun...

Do you have any info on the steering stops? Are they adjustable? I've been told I might need a 1/2" wheel spacer up front. But that might put the wheel too far outside. Steering stops might allow me to avoid using a wheel spacer - or at least let me use a smaller wheel spacer.

Thanks again for the help.

I don't think hubcentric spacers are necessary, the studs center the wheel. I never had steering stops, if the tire rubs, I just stop turning. :D

I think I had to run a 1/2" to run 315 A6s on 17x10.5s up front on my 95.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-24-2012, 11:32 AM

Thanks Mark - It is good to hear you tracked your car with non-hubcentric spacers - I was wondering if that would be safe and within the "rules." I'm looking at some 255s on 9.5" rims for my '94. Hopefully the backspacing doesn't put the tire too far out and I can get away with a 1/4" spacer and not need the steering stops. I'll post when I know more.

**gpfarrell** · 02-24-2012, 10:00 PM

Ron, I think without fail every track event I've ever been to that has involved a tech inspection basically focused on 2 or 3 hot spots (battery hold downs, overflow cans, etc) and the "Hmmm, does this thing look like a P.O.S. or does it look pretty well screwed together?" question.

I don't think anybody's looking at hubs unless the rest of the car is a problem.

**street591** · 02-27-2012, 12:40 AM

I have some 1" hubcentric spacers if you want them. $75

PM me if interested.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-27-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by street591

I have some 1" hubcentric spacers if you want them. $75

PM me if interested.

Thanks Cody, but I'm pretty sure I only need 1/4" and possibly some 3/8" spacers.

Saw 1/4" spacers at PepBoys for $10 each. I really don't want to drop $40 - $60 for spacers that I might not even use. Ebay might be the next stop.

**PaxtonShelby** · 02-27-2012, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by gpfarrell

Ron, I think without fail every track event I've ever been to that has involved a tech inspection basically focused on 2 or 3 hot spots (battery hold downs, overflow cans, etc) and the "Hmmm, does this thing look like a P.O.S. or does it look pretty well screwed together?" question.

I don't think anybody's looking at hubs unless the rest of the car is a problem.

You're probably right Greg. I was just thinking about safety. But if I get a set of ARP wheel studs ( longer than stock ) I'm sure they'll be up to the task.

**somethingclever** · 02-27-2012, 09:10 AM

Ron,

What do you need to check?

Just looks?

Brake clearance?

**PaxtonShelby** · 03-14-2012, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by somethingclever

Ron,

What do you need to check?

Just looks?

Brake clearance?

Hi John - all the above

I can get 5/16" spacers for the rear for $11 each at Pep Boys or Advance Auto.

I'm having trouble finding 1/2" spacers ( for the fronts ). Mark - you said you ran 1/2" spacers on the front of a '95 you had. Any chance you have those lying around and want to get rid of them?

I'm picking up the wheels/tires this weekend - can't wait to see how they look...hopefully they'll fit.