----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Malling" <dmallin@attglobal.net>
To: "Gerald M Van Vlack" <jerryvv@alltel.net>
Cc: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2005 2:19 PM
Subject: Re: Wire wheel studs
> Hi Gerald,
>
> I had planned to use the wires and spacers with Michelin X redlines and
use the steels with some
> wider modern tires. I think the spacers with the 185 Michelins provide
about the same fender space
> as the wider modern tires with steel wheels folks commonly recommend and
use. I had not planned on
> using the spacers and wires with wider modern tires.
>
> I've never seen spacers in use, but I wonder how noticeable the wider
track would be. I can imagine
> one could see the difference in an A/B comparison, but otherwise, I
wonder. Have you seen a car with
> spacers, and the wider track is obvious and objectionable?
Don, My point of reference is a TR4 that a friend has with wires and
spacers. It's noticable; is it objectionable??? that's up to whoever notices
it. On this car it is not particularly objectionable as it's a tricked out
car with many suspension mods done as well. Also keep in mind that with
wider wheels you are splitting that width on both sides of the wheel and not
all in the outward direction and all where the outer ridge of the fender /
wheel opening is.
>
> Seems to me that wheel bearings go through a lot. Hitting a pot hole would
seem to stress them quite
> a bit, but I never heard of anyone wearing out their wheel bearings from
hitting too many pot holes.
> I wonder if the additional 5/8" is a practical difference in wheel
bearing wear. Maybe it is if
> the car is in daily use, but mine would not be.
Don, yes the wheel bearings do go through a lot as you say but the
comparison of hitting a pot hole and changing the loading angle isn't
exactly a one on one comparison. An engineer can better define the loads
experienced in each example, I can not but I do understand the effect of a
lever point changing and that's what is being done. Is it ouside the design
boundaries, who knows, it may be fine especially at the low frequency of
usage these cars generally see.
JVV
>
> It would be good to hear from folks that use the spacers.
>
> Don Malling
>
>
>
>
> Gerald M Van Vlack wrote:
> > I've not had a problem with my used studs, but as Randall says it's a
safety
> > part. Let your conscience be your guide. Also, I've never had someone
use an
> > impact wrench on them either. Check them to full thread engagement if
you do
> > decide to go with the used studs.
> >
> > I'd recommend against the spacers for a couple of reasons. Spacers can
cause
> > undo stress on the bearings due to changing the wheel offset. Having
said
> > that it may be insignificant due to limited usage of the car. The other
> > issue may be one of tire rub on the fenders, again maybe it will be an
issue
> > under hard cornering. Finally the appearance will be noticeable with the
> > wheel track being increased by about an inch.
> >
> > JVV
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