towing and wheel spacers

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Apr 18, 2009 | 09:07 PM

PatsPOS

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From: Portage Twp, PA

towing and wheel spacers

I know, dumb question that I probably already know the answer to. But does anyone here tow with wheel spacers on the rear axle? I'm planning on installing a 9" rear axle out of a '72 F-100 in my '89 half-ton, and some preliminary measurements are telling me the '72 axle is about 3" narrower than the one already in my truck. I've been considering using spacers, but I can think of a couple drawbacks:

1) I'm from the day when spacers were made from cast aluminum and notorious for breaking. Are billet aluminum spacers up to the task? Would billet steel be mandatory, or would the aluminum ones be sufficient?

2) I tow a 6500-lb trailer at least twice a year...obviously, I don't need to overstress a spacer.

I should add that getting another axle is not in the budget, unless I found someone locally that wanted to trade even-up for a wider axle.

Thanks in advance...
Pat

Apr 23, 2009 | 02:03 PM

YDM

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From: Gardnerville, NV

I have an '08 F150KR and have recently added 1.5" wheel adapters. I will be towing a 7500 lb. TT in about 2 weeks for around 150 miles. I know it's not much help now but I will report back my experience.

As to the strength of the adapters, I am of the opinion that the manufacturer built them to handle "normal" stresses for the vehicle they are made for, up to the GVWR. The adapters I have are very good quality and appear to be made out of "good" aluminum. Time will tell...

Apr 24, 2009 | 08:53 PM

PatsPOS

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From: Portage Twp, PA

Thanks for the reply, YDM...looking forward to your update. I'll be towing my rig around the end of May, so by then I reckon we'll both know how spacers work!

Pat

Apr 25, 2009 | 08:56 AM

BareBones

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From: Burnsville, MN

When a "proper" substitute of aluminum for steel is made, the resulting weight savings are only about 1/3 of the steel weight. I.e., Aluminum may be a lot lighter than steel, but the new aluminum piece has to be essentially doubled in size to make up for the reduced strength.

About a month ago I was using an aluminum pipe wrench (with a cheater handle) and it snapped with very little overpressure, where a steel one would never have failed.

If the aluminum spacers are at all close to the same size as the steel ones, I'd want to inspect them periodically to look for indications of failure..........

Apr 25, 2009 | 09:03 AM

rvpuller

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From: Home Base Nebraska

I would take some measurements between the springs, that old of truck (72) had narrower frames.

Denny

Apr 26, 2009 | 09:48 PM

PatsPOS

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From: Portage Twp, PA

Denny...yeah, some preliminary measurements are telling me I've got to move the spring perches out about two inches. I'm just gonna burn the old perches off and buy some new ones, rather than try to salvage the old perches.

BareBones...your reply is duly noted. Since I'm a little leery of using the spacers in the first place, I'm sure I'll be inspecting them on a very regular basis!

Pat