If you could post a picture of what you mean by "virtually no clearance," it may make the difference between which option is easier for you at this point; sanding down the stock wheels or buying a couple of washers to keep the Robart wheels centered. Even after I sanded the stock wheels down, I had to use washers to keep them centered enough to not to rub on the forks. Washers are cheap enough not to get too discouraged over the Robart gear because of missing washers. Of course, it would have been better for Robart to provide needed washers and more detailed instructions, but nobody has a better set of gear for the GP GB, so you have to make due. I would add to your "I guess if it was easy, everybody would want to do it! :~)" comment by saying that the GP GB ain't for sissies.