Expert: Mike Evans - 6/5/2010

Question
I'm doing a S10 frame conversion on a 41 chevy pick up. It requires 2" wheel adapters, are they safe?

Answer
    Two inch adapters are not safe.  Even a one inch adapter is pushing your luck.  Best bet would be a wheel with more offset, although even this is going to place undue strain on the wheel bearings.  Just remember to check the bearings every few thousand miles and replace them if they show any signs of wear.  And use a high- quality synthetic-based bearing grease.  And, since most people aren't aware of this, you must clean the hubs, the bearings, and the spindles of ALL old grease use a solvent or hot tank).  Different brands of grease CANNOT be mixed; they will liquefy, run out of the hub right past the seal, and the bearings will fail.