Wheel spacers, recommendations?

[m78]

Could it be that the less expensive calipers are the same casting but just haven't been shaped up at the factory, by milling off (grinding) excess material.

 

[smokey]

Could it be that the less expensive calipers are the same casting but just haven't been shaped up at the factory, by milling off (grinding) excess material.

That's what I'm guessing also.
The Mexican and china made crap have major quality control issues.

 

[Beach66Bum]

you may want to locate stock used calipars then have them rebuilt which is very cost effective....through my experiences with the discount auto stores the castings are completly different from Ford originals and could be the issue...Grant it grinding them may work..but I wouldnt do it myself and i am experienced in the field...

X2

 

[BuzzGun79]

Could it be that the less expensive calipers are the same casting but just haven't been shaped up at the factory, by milling off (grinding) excess material.

No Mark many of these discount calipars come from oversea's and are NOT casted from original Ford Die's

 

[m78]

the same casting

Let me rephrase that ,, the same specifications as the original casting.

 

[95F350XL]

Id just grind the calipers. its free and doesnt harm anything, then if the noise is gone, id look into gettin a set of calipers down the road. No need to reinvent the wheel for something simple.

 

[460Trucker]

I've decided to go with the spacers for now, plus the brakes that I have are good quality and I'd like to keep them. So on my factory alcoas what would that bolt pattern be? How can I determine that? When shopping around for spacers it gives some sort of measurement and I am unsure as to what that means.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Check this out, Mike.

Ryan

 

[m78]

I (think) Ford changed to metric after 96.

 

[95F350XL]

8x6.5 same for all Ford, GM, Dodge. Untill Super Duty. And New GM is metric now also.

 

[460Trucker]

Great chart Ryan and thanks again for the info Mark and Chris!

 

[460Trucker]

So the only ones I can find for my truck are these. I really want to buy American made. Also, I really want to find something a half inch or under so you cant notice any difference in the spacing between the front and rear wheels.

Heres the link: http://www.amazon.com/8x170-8x6-5-F...r=1996|1996&carId=001&n=15684181&s=automotive

 

[m78]

Mike, you know the spacer will lower the shear strength of the studs ?

 

[460Trucker]

Mike, you know the spacer will lower the shear strength of the studs ?

Even if I get the extended studs that come with the spacers?

 

[BuzzGun79]

Mike follow directions to a T and keep in mind their there once installed..check them periodically,avoid hard accelerations and wheel spin as much as possible...as with any modification....there is a risk factor to go with it

 

[m78]

The extended studs will keep the thread count up to specs. As far as the shear , I haven't a clue how to research that. I'm not an engineer but have delt with this in the past.
Follow the instructions and baby it like buzz said.

 

[Beach66Bum]

Mike follow directions to a T and keep in mind their there once installed..check them periodically,avoid hard accelerations and wheel spin as much as possible...as with any modification....there is a risk factor to go with it

avoid wheel spin.... with a big block...Ack!! bet Mike will change the calipers now

 

[460Trucker]

Honestly, I want the best for my truck. After the discussion I feel like modified or alternate calipers will be the best choice here. I really don't want to add something that is not necessary or stock to the suspension. If I do not choose the filing method, where should I look for brakes? I find this whole situation weird as this noise did not occur until nearly 2 years after the brakes were done.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Literally just get a metal file and take them down a bit where they are rubbing. Yes, it's weird that it took that long for the problem to surface. As said before, something else may have caused it to creep up like a slightly worn hub or something.

Ryan

 

[460Trucker]

Well if its that easy than hey, I'll give it a try within the next few days. As soon as it stops snowing that is