Hub Centric Rings

[downslope]

The only time the lugs would ever carry any weight would be if the lugs were to loosen. The weight is carried by the wheel/hub mounting surface itself while the lugs maintain the clamping "friction."

I'll believe your explanation of that's the way it works by "friction".
It's just that we've all seen how tight those wheel centers fit to the hub, especially if a little corrosion sets in. The tight fit may also help somewhat in preventing lug nut loosening as it keeps things centered.

 

[TractorGuy]

Unless you go for the custom rings that fit you are wasting your time and money. I personally think you are fine with the tapered lugs properly torqued but whether the hub fit is 11mm loose or 1.75mm loose is pretty much the same deal.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I'm having to replace the stock rims on my Ranger. The hubs are, supposedly, 70.6 mm. The centerbore of the new rims is 81.5 mm, supposedly. To fill the gap I need a hub centric ring. The closest standard size that is readily available is 78 x 70.6. That would leave a gap of 1.75 mm (one-half of 81.5 minus 78). Is that still too large a gap? I can have rings custom made for twice the price ($25 vs $50). While I would like these quick I really want the right answer, so I suppose I should just bite the bullet and wait for the custom rings. The only other question on custom rings is plastic/composite versus aluminum. Does anyone have any experience that they can share. Thanks in advance.

I'm no wheel expert for sure, but it is my understanding that the hub is what carries the weight. The lugs are primarily to keep the wheel on tight. With the rim having a larger centerbore than the hub, I doubt that the lug will perfectly center the rim. I would not skip the hub centric ring.

 

[95XL883]

Thanks again, guys. I ordered custom made high density polymer rings to fit exactly. Hopefully the rings will be here tomorrow. I'm anxious to get the new wheels and tires on and post some pics. It should look pretty good. Certainly can't look worse than the badly corroding aluminum with the one steel rim spare on.