Wheel spacers a bad idea???

jdf08TRX4 · Sep 24, 2013

I have an 08 1500 TRX4 model with a 2.5" leveling kit and 35" BFG K2's. The new tires rub a little, and my buddy told me WHEEL SPACERS would fix that. Ive heard theyre sketchy as hell, but never known anyone personally or read up on them. Any suggestions? Or should i just bite the bullet and buy new wheels with offset......
Thanks!

GlOcKnRaM · Sep 24, 2013

You'll get mixed responses about wheel spacers! I personally don't trust them and would never use them!

White Beauty · Sep 24, 2013

I have 1 inch spacers all around and no issues. Wheel spacers are no different then offset wheels. Both change the stance of the truck and pressure on the hubs and other moving parts.

I ran 1.5 inch spacers for 3 years on my 07 Ranger and never had any issues.

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jdf08TRX4 · Sep 24, 2013

Thanks man. I kinda figured. I'm just wondering what it is about the wheel spacers that make them so sketchy? They just dont hold up over time or what? Cause i'll be driving mostly highway miles and i dont want one to malfunction at 75mph... :boxed:

jdf08TRX4 · Sep 24, 2013

White Beauty where did you get your spacers? and are they billet aluminum?

Johnn123 · Sep 24, 2013

Its sketchy because all your doing is adding another part right? You bolt the wheel spacer to the hub, and the wheel to the spacer. Just alot more stress on the bolts. Some spacers just slip right on the hub and you bolt the wheel on with less threads. Personally I would stay away from them, just get wheels with more offset and proper back spacing.

Redtruck-VA · Sep 24, 2013

My 2 cents, there shouldn't be a issues if it is a true spacer. May need longer wheel studs to mount properly. But I would not use a spacer that has studs installed in the spacer itself. I have no experience with these, but just doesn't seem strong enough to make me comfortable. Actually Nascar racers will use a spacer if they have run a loose wheel and the stud's threads have been damaged to move the wheel out a little to get at the undamaged part of the stud.

kenwitter · Sep 24, 2013

I used them on a commercial van for four years and had no issue. But as John^ said, it's an additional part to fail. Those were the slip on ones.

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GunMetal · Sep 24, 2013

I've ran them on my jeep for about 2 years now and never had an issue with them. I run them on the highway as well as offroaded with them pretty hard at times. Just make sure you torque them down pretty good and use red Loctite on the threads. Also, if you do decide to get some, go with the hubcentric ones to take some stress off of the studs.

WhiteExpress · Sep 24, 2013

I am a fan of the spacers that bolt on, and give you new studs.
I do not care for spacers that 'stack' in place between the hub and the wheel.

It's one think to get a 10mm spacer that stacks, but like an inch?
That's nuttier than chinese chicken salad IMO.

NWRQC · Sep 24, 2013

WhiteExpress said:
I am a fan of the spacers that bolt on, and give you new studs.
I do not care for spacers that 'stack' in place between the hub and the wheel.

It's one think to get a 10mm spacer that stacks, but like an inch?
That's nuttier than chinese chicken salad IMO.

lol,
I agree about the spacers with built in studs. The stress on the OEM studs is no different than running a lower offset wheel.

O.P, this topic has come up a lot so there are several threads about this. I would look those up and read through to get experiences and opinions from people who have run them. I've ran them on a few vehicles (3/4" to 1.5") and have had zero issues with them.
Also another thing to consider is make sure you get hub centric spacers that have quality studs built in and a lip for the wheel bore.

A side note, the Ram 3500 DRW comes from the factory with wheel spacers up front. Just something to think about.

quietpeen · Sep 24, 2013

i've used 1/4" spacers with no issues, but on an older vehicle i used 1.5" spacers(ones with studs in them) and had nothing but problems.

JohnHenry · Sep 24, 2013

I used real wheel spacers that bolted up and had its own set of studs to bolt the wheel onto... this was on a Mustang GT 5.0, 5 speed with some bolt-ons and I never had any issues. Drifted with em' and all, no problems. Also used a set on a Ranger, no issues. I would keep in mind power to weight ratio though.

MegaMouseGW · Sep 24, 2013

Mild wheel spacers (1.5" and under), should not present any problems at all. It is when you have to go 2" and more that you run into stress problems on the suspension parts. Use a spacer just big enough to get the job done and go no thicker. Also make sure that you get the set from a reputable source (NOT E-BAY).

White Beauty · Sep 25, 2013

jdf08TRX4 said:
White Beauty where did you get your spacers? and are they billet aluminum?

Came on the truck from the dealer when I bought it. Ones on my Ranger came from the net and were billet and hub centric.

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Wheel spacers a bad idea???

jdf08TRX4

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GlOcKnRaM

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White Beauty

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jdf08TRX4

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