What did you do to your SMB today? - Page 35

scatter · 10-04-2009, 04:14 PM

Changed both fuel filters (ya gotta love getting to the secondary one) and the external transmission filter. Trans filter had lots of super fine black stuff in it same as last time. Sure is nice having one on the outside so easy to get to. Anyone that has one really should change it. Cheap and easy

Aldercrest · 10-05-2009, 12:14 AM

Added SuperTrack spacers on the rear axle and rotated the wheels (5-tire rotation). Took Vanna out for a quick trip around town and am very happy with the handling improvement from the spacers.

When I remounted the spare (Aluminess rear bumper with spare tire mount), I found that when the tire contacted the tubing, I was still 3/8" away from metal-to-metal contact on the mounting plate. I'm running Goodyear MT/R 305/70/16s. I didn't pay attention to how it was mounted before. I'm not sure I want to tighten down the tire that far, and I assume I need metal-to-metal contact, so I guess I'll contact Aluminess for a spacer. Any thoughts?

scatter · 10-05-2009, 08:00 AM

Yeah, you really want the wheel to be metal to metal with the mounting plate. Must be a different offset to your wheel then mine. I have 315's and no problem. A spacer would be easiest and pretty easy to make. Be sure you don't need longer studs....

jage · 10-05-2009, 01:55 PM

More important that the metal to metal is the fact that your tire is touching the outside bar in two places, something I came across when making the spacer for mine... get your final opinion from Aluminess though.

Ford_6L_E350 · 10-05-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackcheese

Added SuperTrack spacers on the rear axle and rotated the wheels (5-tire rotation). Took Vanna out for a quick trip around town and am very happy with the handling improvement from the spacers.

When I remounted the spare (Aluminess rear bumper with spare tire mount), I found that when the tire contacted the tubing, I was still 3/8" away from metal-to-metal contact on the mounting plate. I'm running Goodyear MT/R 305/70/16s. I didn't pay attention to how it was mounted before. I'm not sure I want to tighten down the tire that far, and I assume I need metal-to-metal contact, so I guess I'll contact Aluminess for a spacer. Any thoughts?

3/8" isn't too bad. I'd think 1/4" would be ideal, but I'd settle for 3/8". You want the tire to contact the metal tubing. It helps support the weight, stops any wiggle or movement of the tire/wheel and prevents bending motions on the solid mount.

The smooth tube won't wear the tire sidewall.

Don't worry about.

Mike

scatter · 10-06-2009, 10:02 AM

I agree that it's super important for the tire to hit the tubes in a couple of places to keep the whole thing from flexing. In my opinion it's also necessary to have full metal to metal contact with the rim to mounting plate. It's easy to get with the correct spacer and keeps everything super solid. I wouldn't do it any other way, but then I do a lot of dirt and washboard. A 315 tire and rim with any wiggle is a problem down the road.

Aldercrest · 10-06-2009, 01:18 PM

Thanks all. I contacted Aluminess and Dave is sending a spacer. It's only going to cost $412, but it comes with a free ladder. Shipping is extra.

jage · 10-07-2009, 04:35 PM

You took advantage of the Aluminess forum special didn't you?

[EDIT] Apparently many of you don't scroll down and just post everything in Gen/Tech...

viewforum.php?f=25

[/EDIT]

saabman · 10-08-2009, 06:26 AM

Today I just placed an order for a wind shield cover from:

http://www.goldrv.co.uk/parts/5/covers/ ... ld-covers/

I know you guys on the American Continent get your stuff "locally"... but maybe some SMB fans in the EU might be interested in Gold RV...

COJC · 10-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Installed a Smittybilt I-rack. Took 15 Minutes... Will have to make one modification in the near future to accommodate the mounting plate bolt pattern.

Before:

After: