Front wheels on front-wheel drive craftsman 917376732 walk behind mower.

[Ski Bankowski]

Replacing front wheels and noticed the worn out wheels are only engaged by the drive gear for about 1/2 inch. Is this normal? Can an adjustment be made to expand this contact area. Looks like 7/8 in is available.. These wheels are expensive and I didn't find a cheaper replacement than original P/N.. Thank you..