Centerline wheels
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Centerline wheels
I have just bought a set of 16" Centerline Aztec Competition wheels over the internet from Centerline. I tried to mount one of them on my left front hub and found out that the inside of the rim misses the brake caliper by a hair. I called Centerline about the fit of the rim and they informed me it was right rim for a 1997 Ford F-150 2 wheel drive. They stated that I put spacers behind the rim to make it fit. I have talked to several tire and wheel dealers in my area and they said that spacers will thrown off the camber and the the lug nuts might back out. I have an early model 1997 (made before July 1996) and I have a question for the braintrust. Are the brake calipers different between the early and late model 1997 F150? I see lots Ford Trucks with Centerline wheels on them.
note: In the last few months, I have found that most of the Ford truck aftermarket businesses sell parts that fit the late model 1997 F150 and that don't fit the early model
note: In the last few months, I have found that most of the Ford truck aftermarket businesses sell parts that fit the late model 1997 F150 and that don't fit the early model
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Centerline wheels
I just asked our partsman to look up calipers for your truck and he says they are the same on early or late 97's. The only difference is piston size depending on whether or not it has rear discs. The front calipers have bigger pistons on a truck with rear discs. I've seen spacers behind the wheels on trucks and I run spacers on my race car and havent seen any problems with them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Wyoming
Centerline wheels
One problem I used to have with spacers - I ran Cragar wheels that were "universal fit." The spacers helped center the wheel, since the Cragars had 5 slots, rather than holes. When I spun the mag-wheel cap lugnuts on myself, I had to juggle the wheel to get them to go past the spacers in order for the lugnuts to seat properly (there were washers to deal with too). More than once, when a shop did it, they would just crank on the lugnuts with the impact wrench. The leading edge of the lugnut would catch the spacer and the impact wrench would torque it down, leaving the wheel itself loose.
Instead of a spacer (the Cragar's spacer was a one-piece deal), would first adding a washer to each wheel stud get you enough room behind the rim without causing problems with the lugnuts?
By the way, Centerline makes the coolest wheels on the planet.
Instead of a spacer (the Cragar's spacer was a one-piece deal), would first adding a washer to each wheel stud get you enough room behind the rim without causing problems with the lugnuts?
By the way, Centerline makes the coolest wheels on the planet.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Centerline wheels
Dont put washers behind the wheel!
What happens if you do is the wheel doesnt sit properly on the hub and will break or the wheel studs will break. I've seen guys lose wheels when they've done this.
What happens if you do is the wheel doesnt sit properly on the hub and will break or the wheel studs will break. I've seen guys lose wheels when they've done this.
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Centerline wheels
I have been looking for spacers for my my new centerline wheels for the last four days in my area and no one carries them. Anyone have any suggestions? What is the max spacer width for the stock suspension height of the 97 f150?
Last edited by Snailbite; Jul 12, 2003 at 05:48 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Centerline wheels
Hopefully Centerline will have the answers you need if you call them back again. I believe that Mr. Gasket makes spacers that would fit your truck.
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Centerline wheels
Racerguy,
Centerline Wheel has not been very accommodating. Their tech support people state, "We have sold thousands of sets for that model truck and no one has ever complained about the fit". Their sales department, said "Since we sold you wheels that are applicable to your make, model, year and at such a low price, they can't be returned for other than materials and workmanship warranty.
I looked at the Mr. Gasket catalog and there are no spacers for my vehicle.
Thanks for the assistance.
Centerline Wheel has not been very accommodating. Their tech support people state, "We have sold thousands of sets for that model truck and no one has ever complained about the fit". Their sales department, said "Since we sold you wheels that are applicable to your make, model, year and at such a low price, they can't be returned for other than materials and workmanship warranty.
I looked at the Mr. Gasket catalog and there are no spacers for my vehicle.
Thanks for the assistance.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Centerline wheels
Maybe try a different tire company and see if they can give you any advice. Someone like www.performancewheel.com or www.tirerack.com maybe.
How close to the calipers are they when you bolt them on? Will they bolt on and turn?
How close to the calipers are they when you bolt them on? Will they bolt on and turn?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Wyoming
Centerline wheels
Racerguy -
To satisfy my own curiosity, what is the difference between spacers and washers in relation to how a wheel sits on the hub?
I gave away my Cragars to a guy at work for his kid's rod, and they were never able to find spacers. That was in 1996. Are spacers that hard to find, or is there nobody that makes them anymore?
To satisfy my own curiosity, what is the difference between spacers and washers in relation to how a wheel sits on the hub?
I gave away my Cragars to a guy at work for his kid's rod, and they were never able to find spacers. That was in 1996. Are spacers that hard to find, or is there nobody that makes them anymore?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Centerline wheels
The spacer is a one piece part that fits over all the studs. It is designed so the wheel will sit on it more like it did on the stock hub with more surface area than just using washers would have.
Mr.Gasket makes them as do some other companies but maybe not for newer Ford trucks. Moroso also makes some but I'm not sure of the applications. If you take a look at www.summitracing.com you will find some spacers.
Mr.Gasket makes them as do some other companies but maybe not for newer Ford trucks. Moroso also makes some but I'm not sure of the applications. If you take a look at www.summitracing.com you will find some spacers.
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