2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front wheel spacer question

[grtescpa]

I just completed installing brand new discs. While pressing out the old parts, I noticed that the right side had a spacer which was held inplace by two clips over the wheel lugs. I left it out and have not noticed any change in the ride. What is this for and why did Dodge put it there???

 

[Whitmore]

DC put it there to correct a tracking issue and you should prolly leave it there, my truck has none but some here report the spacer.



cheers, Kevin

 

[bmoeller]

It has come up before. If I remember right, it has an effect on whether the steering will pull to one side or the other. I think it was to correct that problem.

 

[grtescpa]

Thanks again

Love this TDR, 2 reponces with sound advice 15 mins after the post. Thanks guys!

 

[Spooled-up]

On my '99, when I applied the brakes forcefully, the truck would pull to the right. When I removed the spacer, the pulling disappeared. The whole thing seems like a band-aid fix at best. If it rides and stops fine without it, I'd remove it.

 

[Jim Ross]

I had one of those on my '98 V-10. I removed it the first time I rotated the tires. I drove the truck 3 years until I bought the Cummins. I never experienced any sort of problem or pull or anything after removing the spacer. The main reason I took it off and left it off was that when it was on the vehicle, it would not allow the wheel to fully seat on the axle hub... sure the wheel went on the lug bolts OK, but lug bolts are meant to keep the wheel from coming off the truck, they are not meant to support the weight of the vehicle..... that's why the center hole of the wheel fits closely on the hub... . the hub/center hole are meant to support the vehicle.

My guess (and it is only a guess) is the spacer is some sort of protective thing the axle maker puts on to provide some protection for the axle from the time it leaves the factory until it is put on a vehicle.

I still have the spacer lying on a shelf in my garage.

My 2 cents worth!