Wheel sapcers

[thorn1968]

A while back I saw that FRANKdaTANK had used some wheel spacers on his rear wheel.

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 05#p365900

My rear tires rub on the inner fenders of my bed. So, since I can't afford new wheels with a different offset, I'm considering using some wheel spacers. Does anyone have recommendations for a good vendor that has a quality product?

Oh yeah...I guess I should mention that I don't tow anything, and just haul some hay, straw, or mulch a few times a year.

Thanks!

[thorn1968]

Is there a big difference between T6 and 6061aluminum?

[BobbyFord]

Not that you will notice in your application.
From Wiki:
6061-O Annealed 6061 (6061-O temper) has maximum tensile strength no more than 18,000 psi (125 MPa), and maximum yield strength no more than 8,000 psi (55 MPa). The material has elongation (stretch before ultimate failure) of 25-30 %.

6061-T4 T4 temper 6061 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 30,000 psi (207 MPa) and yield strength of at least 16,000 psi (110 MPa). It has elongation of 16%.

6061-T6 T6 temper 6061 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 42,000 psi (290 MPa) and yield strength of at least 35,000 psi (241 MPa). More typical values are 45,000 psi (310 MPa) and 40,000 psi (275 MPa), respectively. In thicknesses of 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) or less, it has elongation of 8% or more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%. T651 temper has similar mechanical properties. The famous Pioneer plaque was made of this particular alloy. A material data sheet defines the fatigue limit under cyclic load as 14,000 psi.

[mlheppl]

I don't know how much spacer you'd need, but I found these on eBay. Might be worth a look.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-4-Whee ... 4cee5dbfbf

[thorn1968]

Wow Bobby...that's a lot of info to digest.

mlheppl...I'm probably looking at about 1.25". I'm a little scared of the ebay stuff for something as important as wheel spacers.

I've seen a few on some of the 4wd parts sites for as little as $80 with lug nuts. So I might go with a set of those.

As the truck sits at ride height, I have less than .5" clearance between the sidewall and the wheel tub. There are some very shinny spots where the paint has rubbed off from flexing side to side as I drive. I've got some used 30x9.50 15 AT's on there right now, they're a little on the large side for the truck's stance. I haven't decided if I'm keeping the stock wheels, or upgrading to something larger. Running a little low on $$ right now, so I'm just trying to get by with what I've got for now. I guess I need to put it back on and measure the clearance to the outer fender, and how long the studs are.

I guess another option would be to get a wider axle from a '73 or newer, but that's a lot of work to move the spring perches...