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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - wire to bolt on hubs

OK, I need the definitive answer from those who have actually done it. What is the best (& cheapest) way to convert from wire wheels to bolt on wheels. I have a 70 GT with WW. Terrible vibration and worn splines. I'm thinking why spend the money on WW if bolt-on can be done easily just once. If I understand things correctly, the front is a no-brainer. Remove the WW hub and replace with bolt-on hub.

The rear is not so clear. The V8 crowd mentions using the WW axle to gain tire clearance. How is this done? Can the hubs just be swapped same as on the front? Replacing the entire axle is doable, but sounds more expensive and I lose the benefit of increased tire clearance.

Turning down the spline hub and adding lugs to modified hub has also been discussed. Entire axle replacement seems more sure.

Well? What's best and how to do it?
stevem

The easiest for me was to buy a complete (Bolt on) rear axle assembly. Most breakers junk them due to lack of demand and high cost to ship. It had recent shoes and seals, nice drums, and the E cable all for $50. Just find someone parting out a B. The front bolt on hubs mount the same method as the wire hubs. There is a decent selection of 14 and 15" aluminum rims on ebay too. Good luck with your search.
Scott

For this configuration, the easiest method is to replace the WW hubs on the rear with the disc wheel hubs. The narrower axle width will provide better tire clearance.

Turning down the slpined hubs (I'm assuming you're refering to the thread "Stupid Question" a couple weeks ago) is required for a BANJO rear axle- not the tube typeused on all GT's). Totally different designs require totally different modofication.

Rear disc wheel hubs are on the order of $35 ea. Remove the WW hubs and replace with the disc wheel hubs and you're good to go. I'd do seals and stuff while you're in there. Requires a 1 5/16" thin waal socket if memory serves correct.
Greg Fast

Is the car a V8 or going to be?? You are in the V8 forum so I am thinking so, but thought it would be good to ask.

If you are going V8 AND need to change rear ends, go with an upgrade. Don;t spend your time and $$ on a stock rear if your going V8. There are a couple of the V8 conversion company's offering blot in swap rear end, I think Towrey, D&D and Fast Cars??

That woudl be my high recommendation, 8" or 8.8" would be perfect.
Larry Embrey

You *can* just replace the rear hubs, which is the cheapest, but the increased clearance to the outer wings will also give you reduced clearance on the inside of the arch. If you run wider wheels and tyres it can foul. That makes the rears even easier than the fronts, which you should give new bearings and oil seals and reset the end-float.
Paul Hunt

Paul and Greg,

So, to confirm, the WW hubs can be replaced directly by bolt-on hubs using the WW axle half shafts?

Many thanks to all others responding.

Larry,

I've owned the car for over twenty years now and always wanted a V8. However, at this time THE BOSS (read wife) says no-way to spending big bucks on play toys. I had planned to attend the V8 conference, but my wife's birthday was the 5th. I actully had her talked into the idea to celebrate early or late, and then my grandmother up and dies with the memorial on the 2nd. Bad karma maybe?

Thanks again
stevem

Si mi amigo. Just R & R the hubs.

Hunt is correct, it WILL reduce the inner wheelhouse clearance, but that can be easily addressed w/ wheel offset
Greg Fast

I did this -- i.e., put bolt-on hubs on a wire wheel axle, and all I can tell you is that using 196/60R15 tires and 22mm offset 15x7J wheels, the tires are perfectly centered in the arch ... no rubbing on inside or outside.
Ted

Stevem,
See if a "bolt on" MG owner wants to swap parts (axils etc). Changing from bolt ons to wires is the usual direction people like to move when they change wheels. Even if your splines are worn they would save a little, and so would you. If mine wasn't a V8 I'd be interested.
Peter

This thread was discussed between 12/05/2003 and 16/05/2003

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