Wheel Spacers....Please help

[Gerrit Loubser]

Yes, the Pro-whites are zero offset. In terms of aftermarket rims I think zero offset is most common, although positive offset rims can be found. I have not seen negative offset light motor vehicle rims in the aftermarket as far as I can recall.

[Russ Kellermann]

Gerrit, yes, i need to change the track width at the rear to match that of the front, same story with my Pickup as that of the cruiser pickup. As far as offset rims are concerned, i have had pro-whites with a negative 25mm offset, purchased from a chap from the LCCSA a few years ago, i used them on a different 4wd and worked well on the vehicle. Not common. What would be your recommendation for an accurate measurement on the two track-widths, ie:which extream point should i measure to? as i will need to divide the difference and have them made up.

[Pieter du Toit]

Hi Russ (and others interested)

I took my Patrol today for wheel balancing & alignment - and got the oppertunity to take some photos of the spacers I had made with Andre last year. Here they are:

Front spacer from the side


Front spacer as seen from the top


Looking at it


Rear spacer from the side


Rear spacer as seen from the top


And looking at it


For what it's worth for those wondering about the spacer questions.

Regards

[Russ Kellermann]

Jees, they look strong , and look like they well engineered, thank you for posting those pic Pieter. What size are they 50mm? / 30 mm?

[Gerrit Loubser]

Gerrit, yes, i need to change the track width at the rear to match that of the front, same story with my Pickup as that of the cruiser pickup. As far as offset rims are concerned, i have had pro-whites with a negative 25mm offset, purchased from a chap from the LCCSA a few years ago, i used them on a different 4wd and worked well on the vehicle. Not common. What would be your recommendation for an accurate measurement on the two track-widths, ie:which extream point should i measure to? as i will need to divide the difference and have them made up.

Russ, sorry for the late reply; Things at work were hectic.

According to the workshop manual for the Patrol pick-up, the track width is as follows:

With 235/85R16 tyres:
Front: 1565 mm
Rear: 1475 mm
Difference: 90 mm

This means that you would need 45mm spacers on the rear to equalise the track width front and rear. If you would like to measure the track width difference, you would have to measure from the rim mounting surface on the one side to the corresponding rim mounting surface on the other side, for both the front and rear axles.

The standard 235/85R16 tyres are mounted on 6.5JJ-16 rims with 30mm positive offset, so you would be able to calculate the track width by deducting 60mm from the rim mounting surface to rim mounting surface dimension obtained above..

It is interesting to note that the pickup was sold in Australia with 265/75R16 tyres. These have track widths as follows:
Front: 1605 mm
Rear: 1515 mm
Difference: 90 mm

The significance of this is the following: If you were to fit 45 mm spacers to each of your rear wheels, the rear track would become 1565 mm, which is only 25mm per side wider than the widest standard track width of 1515 mm, so at least you are not altering the intended maximum wheel bearing loads by an amount corresponding to the full 45mm track width increase per side. Hope that makes sense?

[Russ Kellermann]

it makes perfect sense, i understand your last statements entirely, thanks for your efforts and calculations, i really do appreciate that. Also nice to know that my wheel bearing loads will be within an acceptable allowance for longevity of the bearing and hub. I plan on keeping the front as is so will just have a set of 45mm spacers made up,....now who to ask, and what would be a reasonable fee for this fabrication ?

Ps: gerrit, i responded to your information regarding Auzzi spec axle lengths on the Cruiser site, so have a look there for that when next you browsing, thank you.

[Pieter du Toit]

Russ,

If I remember correctly it was either 32 or 35 mm spacers.

Yes they are strong - I did not want the alloy spacers they make for the Cruisers - so these ones were made from steel and electroplated to guard against rust.

I kept the spacers one size (or as far as I know they are) - but reading from the post here it seems I should have done a bit more homework before I had the spacers made re the track widths etc??

Anycase - I am happy with the way my car looks - I got the end result I wanted!!

Cheers

[Russ Kellermann]

Thanks Pieter,

Also, i think you wrong about doing your homework. without delving too far back here, Gerrit did post all the measurements and if i remember correctly the wagon is only a few mm out between front and rear, it is the Pickup (both the Patrol and Cruiser - see other threads "elsewhere" ) that have a big difference in track widths, so not to fear!you all good

cheers Mate

[Pieter du Toit]

Russ,

Ok - now I feel better!! I am not very technically minded - and sometimes will have things done before thinking it through or finding out the important info!!! But what else can you expect from a blondie

Anycase - whats done i done and the results is what I wanted - and yes from what I have noticed Mufasa pretty much runs in it owns tracks front and rear!

Yeah man the time must come now for a 2nd cape town outing - I am itching!!!

Regards

[Grant]

Russ,


I have a set of 50mm Aluminium spacers specially made for my GQ. I have opted to gpo back to standard, and they are available. Spacers where on the Troll for around 4000 km. Send me a PM and I will reply with a price should you still be interessted.