Wheels won't fit - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

mikeymed8 · 12-29-2001, 01:28 PM

okay,

I got a set of rims for christmas. I was told by the guy at Town Fair Tire that the wheels would fit over my 4x4 hub. I just test fitted the rims and the hub won't fit through the hole in the middle of the rim.

I was wondering. You know the part of the hub that sticks through the wheel and bolts on to the rotor. Is it possible to leave that off for the summer. Obviously I won't be able to use 4 wheel drive, however I won't need it. I'll probably just have to get a spacer to make up for the hub being removed.

Any input would be great....

Thanks,
Mike

**mrboyle** · 12-29-2001, 06:17 PM

I would not recomend dooing removing the front hubs and driving the vehicle. The hub serves several purposes (including its job locking in the axle) and one of thoes is to seal the wheel bearings from dirt and other foreign contaminates. If I were you I would take the wheels back and demand replacements that will fit or a refund (providing you haven't mounted tires on them yet). If you absoutley have to have these exact wheels try taking them to a machine shop and see if they can enlarge the hole enough to clear your hub without ruining the integrity of the wheel.

Michigander · 12-29-2001, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrboyle
If you absoutley have to have these exact wheels try taking them to a machine shop and see if they can enlarge the hole enough to clear your hub without ruining the integrity of the wheel.

yeah, a few people on the boards have done that and that's what I would do if I were you.

*TarHeel085* · 12-29-2001, 07:07 PM

cant you drill out the rim to make em fit? i think thats what 4wheelin has.

mikeymed8 · 12-29-2001, 08:36 PM

I'm going to drop them off to a machinist and have him open up the hole a little. I measured the hub and the size of the hole in the wheel. It ended up being 1/4" too small. So boring the hole a little larger should work out.

Thanks guys

tbomb · 12-31-2001, 12:07 PM

dont forget to post some pics when the rims are done

*Hartman* · 12-31-2001, 11:37 PM

Most definately, we want pics.

12-29-2001, 01:28 PM	#1
mikeymed8 Wannabe Elite Explorer MA '94 XLT Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 130 Vehicle Specs	Wheels won't fit okay, I got a set of rims for christmas. I was told by the guy at Town Fair Tire that the wheels would fit over my 4x4 hub. I just test fitted the rims and the hub won't fit through the hole in the middle of the rim. I was wondering. You know the part of the hub that sticks through the wheel and bolts on to the rotor. Is it possible to leave that off for the summer. Obviously I won't be able to use 4 wheel drive, however I won't need it. I'll probably just have to get a spacer to make up for the hub being removed. Any input would be great.... Thanks, Mike __________________ 1994 XLT -Manik Brushguard, PIAA 520s, PIAA Platinums, Billet grille -Alpine CVA-1006, Alpine 6 disk, JL 500/1, JL 300/4, JL 12" W3, Boston Acoustic Components, Optima yellow top, Indiglo Gauges -MKW MK9 20" rims (this spring) Click here to see my Explorer

12-29-2001, 07:07 PM	#4
TarHeel085 Whats your bean situation Raleigh/Greenville, NC '99 Sport 4wd Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,985 Vehicle Specs	cant you drill out the rim to make em fit? i think thats what 4wheelin has. __________________ Curtis My truck '99 Saab 9-5 2.3t

12-29-2001, 08:36 PM	#5
mikeymed8 Wannabe Elite Explorer MA '94 XLT Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 130 Vehicle Specs	I'm going to drop them off to a machinist and have him open up the hole a little. I measured the hub and the size of the hole in the wheel. It ended up being 1/4" too small. So boring the hole a little larger should work out. Thanks guys __________________ 1994 XLT -Manik Brushguard, PIAA 520s, PIAA Platinums, Billet grille -Alpine CVA-1006, Alpine 6 disk, JL 500/1, JL 300/4, JL 12" W3, Boston Acoustic Components, Optima yellow top, Indiglo Gauges -MKW MK9 20" rims (this spring) Click here to see my Explorer

12-31-2001, 12:07 PM	#6
tbomb Wannabe Elite Explorer Levittown, NY (Long Island) 98 Sport 4.0 SOHC 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 3,657 Vehicle Specs	dont forget to post some pics when the rims are done __________________ mods, pics, etc. educate "Sometimes I dream That he is me Can't you see that's how I wish my X to be Like tbomb's, if my X could be like tbomb's." icon34

12-31-2001, 11:37 PM	#7
Hartman From lowered to lifted Indianapolis, IN '95 4WD Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,118 Vehicle Specs	Most definately, we want pics. __________________ 32x11.5x15 BFG A/Ts, TT/shackles. college = no money for mods.