2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission spacer ring on front right tire not left

[madmax4688]

Ok I had my wheels off for the first time and there is a spacer ring on the passenger side but not the driver side. What is this used for and why isnt there two of them. If I am missing one are these a standard thickness or do I need to mic the one I have?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

My 97 is the same. Spacer ring on the passenger side and not the driver, my dads 99 is also the same. I asked the dealer why and could get a straight answer.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Correction, I coundn't get a straight answer.

 

[AMink]

I had one on my 97. I remember them telling me why it was there, but can't remember . I took it off when I replaced rotors a while back and haven't noticed any difference.

 

[JGK]

There's been posts on here in the past about the spacer. It's a standard thing. Passenger side only. Don't remember why its there, but there's a reason for it. I'd leave it there. Doesn't hurt anything.



-Jay

 

[madmax4688]

Well it stays then. Just a little strange its a unknown item installed on our trucks. Possibly an ooops on the assembly line that would cost more to retool the entire line instead gets a spacer ring?

 

[JGK]

No, I'm thinking it had more to do with the offset of the steering/trackbar and/or the front diff. /driveline on the 4X4.



-Jay

 

[RustyJC]

This was a Dodge "fix" for braking pull complaints. If the truck pulled to the left under braking, a spacer was placed behind the right front wheel. This extended the distance from the theoretical kingpin axis to the center of the tire's contact patch, thus promoting a corrective pull to the right that was intended to cancel out the original "pull to the left" complaint.



Rusty

 

[nps]

JGK is on the right path, however the "official" repair procedure is called driveline dynamics, and isn't exclusive to 4x4s.



The spacers were added to correct brake pull and drift when braking. Click Here to see the TSB for this condition - spacer procedure starts on page 18. When the 4 wheel disk brakes came out on the 01. 5's the spacer scheme went away.

 

[AMink]

Now I remember! So, if there is no pull without it, it's ok to leave it off? Theoretically, if there is no pull without it, and you use it, it would create pull.

 

[RustyJC]

Now I remember! So, if there is no pull without it, it's ok to leave it off? Theoretically, if there is no pull without it, and you use it, it would create pull.

Correct on both points. It will create pull toward the side to which you add the spacer.



Rusty

 

[nps]

Originally Posted by AMink

Now I remember! So, if there is no pull without it, it's ok to leave it off? Theoretically, if there is no pull without it, and you use it, it would create pull.

Watch Out for acorn style lug nuts!



If you remove the spacer and have aftermarket wheels, make sure the lug nuts seat against the wheel. The wider spacer required the installation of longer studs into the hub, and without the spacer you are going to see more of the stud protruding from the mounting hole.