Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:43:54 -0800
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: MERCEDES WHEELS 62MM?
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Safety of the fitment and mounting is a concern for sure.
Another factor to consider is..........unsprung weight.
Unsprung Weight is a bad thing.
The more the brakes, wheels and tires weigh, the harder it is for the shocks
to control and dampen that weight.
Ride and handling suffer.
I've seen spacers that added about 6 lbs per wheel...........not a good
thing.
I'd be careful there myself. I prefer 'very vanagon' wheels on vanagons.
I'm not after any 'look' either - I'm after a well balanced and well tuned
chassis and suspension system that works well, in all departments - ride,
handling, corning ability, directional stability, traction, good turn-in,
etc.
Just saying I'd be careful about radical wheel installations - you often
gain in one area, and loose in others.
Spacers or adapters .......generally to be avoided if possible, in terms of
safety, handling, and practicality.
Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Kao" <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: MERCEDES WHEELS 62MM?
> "Is it safe?" is a question I have had in my mind too for a long while.
> I have a set of somewhat Vanagon looking Audi wheels with ET-45 that I
> want to put on my camper. I am still waiting for the current tires to
> wear out first.
>
> In my opinion, one thing the spacers do is to bring the width between
> the pair of wheels (front and rear) to the correct width. Without the
> spacers the width would be too narrow regardless if the wheels would rub
> against the suspension components. A higher ET number means the wheel
> is further toward the suspension. The distance between the two wheels of
> a higher ET is closer than wheels with a smaller ET number.
>
> With 62mm offset you will need much longer wheel studs (rear) and bolts
> (front). I am not sure if this is a potential hazard or not. With quality
> spacers and studs/bolts I tend to believe it will be fine.
>
> David
>
>
>
>
>
> --- On Fri, 12/19/08, John C... <trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>
>> From: John C... <trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
>> Subject: MERCEDES WHEELS 62MM?
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, 9:32 AM
>> Hi All,
>> Has anyone been able to run these
>> 1998 ML320 Mercedes Wheels?
>> They have a 62mm Offset,
>> which according to BenT ( Thanks Ben !!! )
>> Will Require about a Full Inch Spacer Behind Them !!!
>> Is this Safe???
>> Thanks All In Advance !!!
>> John C...
>> PS: I can buy them for $150 for all 4 !!! hate to pass it
>> up ! But don't want to throw money away either ! :o)
>> SLC, UT...
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