Discussion
See www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=127828
since there is some doubt about the ongoing availability of factory upgrade. The factory upgrade is only for 16" spider wheels, you would have to ask for a special deal for 18". I got the upgrade in kit form and fitted myself.
The factory convert the hubs using a reinforcing plate and drilling 5 studs, if they stop doing the exchange items it may be that new ones are a genuine 5 stud hub.
Peninsula have offered a similar conversion, and I believe another PH'er has used Ford parts. IMHO the factory deal is the best since you get the AP brakes - remember you need all new disks even if you only convert the stud pattern, as well as new bearings, pads, braided hoses, rack stops, new wheels/tyres which is great value for money. The drawback is the waiting list and uncertainty, but if you look at the link above it looks like some decision is expected. On older cars you must upgrade the rear uprights & brakes to ventilated disks - this is not part of the package.
It should also be noted that the Cerb wheels have et42 offset allround, which whilst seeming to fit the rear track is reduced. You will have to pay a premium for 18" spiders they are still very desirable.
Dave
since there is some doubt about the ongoing availability of factory upgrade. The factory upgrade is only for 16" spider wheels, you would have to ask for a special deal for 18". I got the upgrade in kit form and fitted myself.
The factory convert the hubs using a reinforcing plate and drilling 5 studs, if they stop doing the exchange items it may be that new ones are a genuine 5 stud hub.
Peninsula have offered a similar conversion, and I believe another PH'er has used Ford parts. IMHO the factory deal is the best since you get the AP brakes - remember you need all new disks even if you only convert the stud pattern, as well as new bearings, pads, braided hoses, rack stops, new wheels/tyres which is great value for money. The drawback is the waiting list and uncertainty, but if you look at the link above it looks like some decision is expected. On older cars you must upgrade the rear uprights & brakes to ventilated disks - this is not part of the package.
It should also be noted that the Cerb wheels have et42 offset allround, which whilst seeming to fit the rear track is reduced. You will have to pay a premium for 18" spiders they are still very desirable.
Dave
there was a post recently of someone having had this done by Peninsula on their Griff - not the factory upgrade - just a hub mod and a set of spiders.....no details on price tho...
here it is...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=78056&f=13&h=0&hw=spider+peninsula+Griff
>> Edited by snorky on Wednesday 10th November 12:01
here it is...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=78056&f=13&h=0&hw=spider+peninsula+Griff
>> Edited by snorky on Wednesday 10th November 12:01
The factory upgrade to 16" all round with the upgraded brakes (front and back) was £1600 + VAT and needs about 8 hours labour.
I think I feel a change in the steering response - but I also put that down to jumping out of the Defender (day to day drive).
It looks good and drives well -- brakes are stronger than the suspension so car can do comical dives in an emergency stop (was caught out by a van in the first 5 mins of taking her out).
I think I feel a change in the steering response - but I also put that down to jumping out of the Defender (day to day drive).
It looks good and drives well -- brakes are stronger than the suspension so car can do comical dives in an emergency stop (was caught out by a van in the first 5 mins of taking her out).
A capable engineering shop won't have a problem converting over to 5x114.3mm stud pattern,your welcome to drop me a line for the specs.
IMO 18's are pretty big for the front you would have to go to 35 profile to achieve the same ride height,let alone clearence issues and ride quality.
Paul
>> Edited by nztrev on Thursday 11th November 20:47
IMO 18's are pretty big for the front you would have to go to 35 profile to achieve the same ride height,let alone clearence issues and ride quality.
Paul
>> Edited by nztrev on Thursday 11th November 20:47
OMG - 18" Spiders look stunning! I wonder if it would be worth mixing the 16" spiders and the 18"?
Paul hi, could you mail me any engineering information you have, I need to play with a front wheel bearing for the next MOT, and would love to work out a 5 stud setup for my 1995 Chimaera. Are the spiders on a 5x114.3mm PCD?
Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, & Mazda share this PCD also, so there is scope for other aftermarket wheels 17-18"
I honestly think this area needs building on with a web site of kit that you can buy in order to upgrade brakes & wheels, and known working options. I would be happy to help.
Paul hi, could you mail me any engineering information you have, I need to play with a front wheel bearing for the next MOT, and would love to work out a 5 stud setup for my 1995 Chimaera. Are the spiders on a 5x114.3mm PCD?
Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, & Mazda share this PCD also, so there is scope for other aftermarket wheels 17-18"
I honestly think this area needs building on with a web site of kit that you can buy in order to upgrade brakes & wheels, and known working options. I would be happy to help.
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