Rear wheel spacers and bearing wear (Ujoint what do you think?)

[medicfernando]

I have a 2003, 7.3 4x4 SMB. It has the stock rear semi float axle, which is a little narrower than the front DANA 60. I am considering rear wheel spacers to match the width of the front but have heard that this will wear out the rear wheel bearings. How much quicker will this happen? Does anybody have experience with this? I know Ujoint makes spacers, what do they say or recommend? Mostly I want spacers because the look of the narrower rear end bothers me. Any input or experience is welcome. Thanks in advance. Fernando

 

[ujoint]

There are a few variables. Overall weight of the rig, quality & material used for the spacers. We make them hub as well as lug centric & steel. This locks the wheels on 2 ways, we haven't had any bearing failures unless someone has failed to tell me! The semi float D60 is pretty stout but there's no question that a Sterling 10.5 full floater swap with no spacers is a better option. Just not in the budget or needed for most guys.

 

[Stumpalump]

It helps the way the van drives down the road enough to make it well worth it.

 

[medicfernando]

Thanks Chris. If I decide to do them I have looked at yours and will go with them. DO you make them in an 8 on 6.5. Thanks again

There are a few variables. Overall weight of the rig, quality & material used for the spacers. We make them hub as well as lug centric & steel. This locks the wheels on 2 ways, we haven't had any bearing failures unless someone has failed to tell me! The semi float D60 is pretty stout but there's no question that a Sterling 10.5 full floater swap with no spacers is a better option. Just not in the budget or needed for most guys.

 

[Skooter_Built]

Thanks Chris. If I decide to do them I have looked at yours and will go with them. DO you make them in an 8 on 6.5. Thanks again

You can get hubcentric wheel spacers or standard spacers online almost anywhere, eBay is good as well.

As for a semi float rear 60, as long as your not overloading the rear so it looks like your pulling a wheelie every time you drive it, you should be just fine. Full float axles have twice the bearing contact as a semi float but in most cases your axle will be just fine unless you break a shaft.

 

[ujoint]

Thanks Chris. If I decide to do them I have looked at yours and will go with them. DO you make them in an 8 on 6.5. Thanks again

Sure, no problem there.

 

[Oogs]

I ran spacers on my 04 RB50 for 8 years and 80k miles w no problems. My van weighed 9k lbs. I had the rear bearings replaced at 80k only as preventative maintenance. I wouldn'tworry about it as long as your not over loaded or towing heavy a lot. You will appreciate the beter handling w spacers.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

[deserteagle56]

My 2007 has had the rear wheel spacers (to change bolt pattern to 8 on 170) since new. Not a hint of a problem with them.

 

[medicfernando]

Thanks everyone for the input. Cheers!

 

[VanDam]

Sure, no problem there.

So wait, ujoint can make wheel spacers for wheels with 8x6.5 to 8x6.5 no bolt pattern change?

 

[jjohnny350]

I have had rear wheel spacers on my ujor van for 40k without a problem, if it were me I would do a rear axle to save maintenance and worry. It will cost a lot more but I think its worth it. Just my thoughts. I will do it on my next one that I build.

 

[jbob]

Sorry for the spam, but I have some 2" 8x6.5 aluminum (CNC'd...not cast) spacers in the For Sale - Vehicle Parts forum. While you'd probably want steel ones for the long term (I just replaced these on my DRW E450 with a set of hub-centric steel ones...$$$), these would be a relatively inexpensive way to try some out before committing more resources.

Once again, sorry for the spam, but maybe someone will find this helpful.

Jason

 

[medicfernando]

Thanks but I will likely go with steel UJOR spacers.

Sorry for the spam, but I have some 2" 8x6.5 aluminum (CNC'd...not cast) spacers in the For Sale - Vehicle Parts forum. While you'd probably want steel ones for the long term (I just replaced these on my DRW E450 with a set of hub-centric steel ones...$$$), these would be a relatively inexpensive way to try some out before committing more resources.

Once again, sorry for the spam, but maybe someone will find this helpful.

Jason