BX1500 front wheel spacers

[twisted_pair]

While changing from turf to bar tires for the winter, my buddy noticed the spacers between the rims and the hubs of my BX1500. He has a BX2300 of the same vintage (2004) and does not have these spacers. The front-end and wheels are the same on both models. Since getting the spacers lined up with the rim holes and hub and getting a bolt started are a pain, we left out the spacer. The rim doesn't seem to interfere with anything.

The spacers are about 5/16" thick. Anyone know their purpose?

Thanks

 

[bird1968]

The Bx1500 was the first sub Comp BX series, it has a Diff front Axle flange (smaller) and ran a small dia Wheel /tire16/7.50-8 for the fronts., new are on 10".
It may have something to do with this... or someone adding spacer for clearance for chains..