Increase Patrol Wheelbase

[Ianinessex]

I want to increase the wheelbase on my Patrol. As far as I can see, I have the option of using spacers on the original wheels or replacing them with new wheels with a negative offset.
First question is, which is better and are there any problems with either option?
Second question, how much can I move them out without causing problems?
Anyone who has already done this - advise please
Ian

 

[makeitfit]

You mean wheel TRACK Go for the better offset wheel option as spacers are nasty things waiting to cause mischief
In theory you'll load the bearings a bit more but trol engineering means nowt will happen for many eons
Legality says don't allow any tyre tread to extend beyond the wheel arch

 

[macabethiel]

Wider wheels

Spot on Makefit.
I agree spacers are the school of last resort and can be fraught with problems such as wheel centreing.

Wheelbase is the distance between the centre of the two axles.

 

[Ianinessex]

You mean wheel TRACK Go for the better offset wheel option as spacers are nasty things waiting to cause mischief
In theory you'll load the bearings a bit more but trol engineering means nowt will happen for many eons
Legality says don't allow any tyre tread to extend beyond the wheel arch

OK, I will go with track, there was not enough space to put "increase the distance the wheels stick out each side!" in the title.

Do spacers put more load on the bearings than offset wheels? or if it is the same amount, will it will cause the same additional stress?

Regarding the tread sticking out, the tyres I have at the moment (BFG A/T 285/75/16) are close to the edge of the wheel arch. I am thinking of replacing these with 305/70/16, which seems to be the largest BFG mud's you can get in the UK. If these come out past the arch, is it just a matter of increasing the size of the arch until they are back inside? :nenau
Ian

 

[Fez_uk]

Wheel spacers or wheels with the same offset will put the same stress on components.

Problem with spacers they can come loose and you won't know about it.

 

[Ianinessex]

Regarding the offset, I have been told the standard alloys are +10, ie 10mm inwards of center. The steel wheels which seem to be offered by several places are -32. This would move the wheel out by 42mm (1 5/8" in old money) which seems a lot. Has anyone done this and is it OK?
Ian

 

[Barrbeast]

Got to admit, I saw the thread title and thought "Why would you want to increase the Trol's already massive wheelbase?" :lol

You can get 0 offset and -5 offset steels bud. I'm tempted to go with -5 when I get my steels.

By the way, have you had your suspension lift fitted yet? I ask because 285/75/16 are 33" and 265/75/16 (32") is generally considered the max for Y61 Trols on standard suspension. I would have thought 33s would rub on articulation :nenau

 

[bud]

Some patrols come standard with -44 offest/ -22 off set aswell. So your bearing's albiet under more stress then say a 10 or /0 off set rim isn't really a factor.
the black track rims on my terrano2/mistral are -44 off set meant for a patrol.

 

[Ianinessex]

Got to admit, I saw the thread title and thought "Why would you want to increase the Trol's already massive wheelbase?" :lol

You can get 0 offset and -5 offset steels bud. I'm tempted to go with -5 when I get my steels.

By the way, have you had your suspension lift fitted yet? I ask because 285/75/16 are 33" and 265/75/16 (32") is generally considered the max for Y61 Trols on standard suspension. I would have thought 33s would rub on articulation :nenau

There are often times when I could do with another couple of feet front to back. I am always amazed at what I try and get inside or on the roof. A cage with 2 dogs takes up all of the current boot space. :augie

-5 would just give a 15mm increase, which I guess might just stay just within the current wheel arches. That could be the best option.

The suspension is currently still standard (goes in next month to have a set of 4" OME fitted. I am not going to even consider trying this at home ). The tyres have not yet rubbed against anything, but I have not really stressed it off road. Mostly flat soft mud and woodland. Essex is not known for it's mountains. :thumbs
Ian

 

[The Patrolman]

4" lift just bear in mind the prop shaft and castor angles:thumb2

Do it your self:thumb2 undo all the bolts an just start jacking it up until all the springs fall out and the new ones fit.

PS Where abouts are you in Essex. I work from Rayleigh and reside in Little Easton through he week.