130mm Rear Hub vs 135mm any probs?

[Thame Game]

Has anyone run a 130mm 8 speed road hub on their mountain bike frame?
Is the axle length absolutely critical?
I have stretched out steel frames before to take a larger axle and cassette, but not pinched rear stays in, if you know what I mean?

 

[JRGSXR]

I ran a 130 hub in my 135 MTB for many years with no issues. I slipped a washer on each side to bring the hub to around 132-133. I figured this would reduce the pinching effect on the frame. The wheel is now fitted to my sons 135 MTB and again no issues. That’s 31yrs and counting .

 

[Frankenorange]

No probs. Steel and aluminium have enough spring at the back end to cope with 135 to 130 or the other way round. My aluminium frame is from '98 and spent alot of its life with a 130mm hub in it and it is absolutely fine.

 

[Thame Game]

Excellent replies, thanks. I've got my eye on a pair of hubs, so that will be a relief if I get them.