Are There Any Issues Between Wire Wheels And Steel (or Magnesium) Wheels?
One factor that should be taken into account is the rear axle you will be using. There are actually two different types of rear axle casings used on the Midget/Sprite – one for wire wheels and one for steel wheels. Without some modification or adapters, each differential can only support one type of wheel. The wire wheel axle casing is shorter than the steel wheel axle casing by roughly an inch. However the differential gears, rear drum brakes, brake cylinders and shoes and shoe retaining springs & clips are the only inter-changeable parts. The internal half shafts, and rear hubs are not interchangeable between the wire and steel wheel axle casings. The front uprights (king pins) are a standard fitment for both wire and steel wheel fitments. The hubs incorporate the discs and either the 4-stud plate or wire wheel spline – both are interchangeable.
