stangj2002

So I got rid of my old rims and bought a set of 18x10 bullits from AM for the rear. I have H&R 1.88 (I believe) spacers on the rear and it seems the studs are too short with the new rims. I have not put the other side on yet since I noticed this. I'm assuming I need to get longer studs, any suggestions and how difficult is it to change them out? Thanks as always!

Jazzer The Cat

Ideally... the axles should be removed and new studs pressed into place. Depending on the mileage, not a bad idea to get in there and replace the fluid and install new seals anyway. The industry standard is at least an equal amount of threads to the diameter of the studs. You have 1/2"x20 tpi, so 10 threads of engagement is minimum. I run 1/2" spacers, but installed new studs, so have a full 1" of engagement.

How thick a spacer do you have?

Jazzer

stangj2002

Jazzer,
I have a 1.88 spacer from H&R. Didn't have this issue before, had 18x10 roush wheels or maybe I didnt notice it before. Wow removing the axles sounds like another big job on the car... Are the studs pressed into the spacers and how difficult is it to remove the studs from the spacer? Thanks

LilRoush

The new wheels might not need the spacers to sit correctly. Have you tried without them? What offset are the new wheels?

New (longer) studs go right onto the axle, then the spacer slides over them. Unless you have a spacer that has studs in it. If you have that style, then it should work just fine. Do you have a pic?

Jazzer The Cat

I saw the H&R 1.88, but thought that was a spring number or something... that is just short of a 2" spacer..... OMG!

I would never run such a thick spacer, regardless of replacement studs or not. That is an aweful lot of stress on the axles and can almost guarantee that it will rub on your fender with a 10" wheel designed for your year. Do yourself a favor and do not look to run those spacers, IMO.

Jazzer

stangj2002

Matt / Jazzer,
I said screw it and I threw them on the car last night.. I got a full 10+ turns locked on the rear and the fronts had no issue going on. Jazzer, you have me a bit worried on the amount of stress comment and are you referring to the inside fender or the wheel fender? Also posted a response to a sticky regarding my front rims and cobra brakes. I only have a 1/4 inch or less between the inside rim and the caliper, any thoughts on this? Thanks

LilRoush

Brake space is ok.
I can't imagine the stance if it's a 2" spacer. That's a LOT of extra strain (like Jazzer mentioned). You'll be close to rubbing the outter edge of the fender as you compress that side. What size/ brand of tire are you using on the 18x10?

stangj2002

Matt,
Thanks for the response on the brake space. I am running a sumitomo 275x40 and the stance seems similar to my old stang with 315x35x17. I have a 2 inches to the fender from the driver side quarter, 1.5 from the top of the wheel to the fender, and 2 inches from the tire to the fender closest to the rear of the car. Don't really like the look without the spacer. They are brand new tires and the car is a weekender only so 305's are a little ways away. As far as the strain, are u suggesting a rear end issue possibly in the future

Jazzer The Cat

^ I think you need to measure, because there is no way you could possibly have that much clearance unless I am not understanding you. The ONLY possible way I can see you having that much clearance is with running a set of S197 wheels, as the off-set moves them inward about 5/8" over the same wheel meant for an SN95

Stress, as in on the axles and OEM studs. Moving the wheel out nearly 2" is gonna make the axles flex much more easily than otherwise and can effect brake/rotor wear and possibly your safety in extreme conditions. I see those spacers as a bad thing.

Jazzer

LilRoush

Ok, just for clarification... you're running Sumi 275/40/18 on an 18x10 Bullitt wheel from American Muscle. Unless they sold you S197 wheels, your Bullitts with a 2" spacer should be flush (if not sticking out) to the fender. Something isn't adding up right here. Some pics of just the spacer on the stock studs, and then the wheel mounted might help.

Side note, I'm still trying to picture how the studs are too short for the wheel to mount up right.