Wheel Spacers

[NY Andrew]

I need 2.5" in back and 1.5" in front to bring my 305/55/20 tires on OEM 20" rims flush with my fender flares.

Called my local dealership and he said they'll install them but don't supply them (another dealer might have been able to order me 0.25 2 years ago) and mentioned how it only voids warranty on part it potentially damages. I have the lifetime warranty so asked to see what he said and he was being straight up honest wasn't one of those dealers who shy's away from everything and condemns anything non-factory.

I was looking in to new rims with an offset initially, but really didn't have any luck finding any I liked so now I'm back to considering wheel spacers which I use to always shy way from. I've only put about 7k miles on the truck in two years in ownership so I'm thinking since I rotate tires once a year (maybe every 3k miles?) and don't do any off-roading or crazy driving like I used to as a kid, it's SAFE.

My question is, do you guys think those measurements just to make it FLUSH are safe/worth it? So if you picture fender flares, picture my outside wheel wall 2.5" in the back and 1.5" in the front further INSIDE in the fender flare...look funny to you? That's why I'm sorta considering the wheel spacers now. Or would it even look goofy with the wheel spacers because my tires aren't the big?

And just remembered would the wheel studs need to be replaced when going this wide as well?

Also steel vs aluminum?

Unsure if there's even any difference on the strain to the components going from 2.5" spacer vs 0.25" spacer. Maybe I should go smaller? Smaller gotta be better than what it's at I'd think if anything.

I DO enjoy the fender flare purpose of reducing the rock chips because it does stay much cleaner and less chips even with these big 305" tires...but obviously will have to compromise some cleanliness and damage for the more fuller wide stance. Maybe could even go a bit smaller on the spacer if meant less damage and dirt?

Just looking for some input, maybe pictures before and after with fender flares would be nice.
I'd be going with Bora's if anything due to the fact they seem to be highest quality best of the best wheel spacers. Can't find a direct link to their website though.

Oh, also got some brake caliper covers on the way, so hoping there's no interference if installing wheel spacers as well?

For reference just attached a picture of where I currently stand (pun intended).

View attachment 195410

 

[RedSRT4Me]

I need 2.5" in back and 1.5" in front to bring my 305/55/20 tires on OEM 20" rims flush with my fender flares.

Called my local dealership and he said they'll install them but don't supply them (another dealer might have been able to order me 0.25 2 years ago) and mentioned how it only voids warranty on part it potentially damages. I have the lifetime warranty so asked to see what he said and he was being straight up honest wasn't one of those dealers who shy's away from everything and condemns anything non-factory.

I was looking in to new rims with an offset initially, but really didn't have any luck finding any I liked so now I'm back to considering wheel spacers which I use to always shy way from. I've only put about 7k miles on the truck in two years in ownership so I'm thinking since I rotate tires once a year (maybe every 3k miles?) and don't do any off-roading or crazy driving like I used to as a kid, it's SAFE.

My question is, do you guys think those measurements just to make it FLUSH are safe/worth it? So if you picture fender flares, picture my outside wheel wall 2.5" in the back and 1.5" in the front further INSIDE in the fender flare...look funny to you? That's why I'm sorta considering the wheel spacers now. Or would it even look goofy with the wheel spacers because my tires aren't the big?

And just remembered would the wheel studs need to be replaced when going this wide as well?

Also steel vs aluminum?

Unsure if there's even any difference on the strain to the components going from 2.5" spacer vs 0.25" spacer. Maybe I should go smaller? Smaller gotta be better than what it's at I'd think if anything.

I DO enjoy the fender flare purpose of reducing the rock chips because it does stay much cleaner and less chips even with these big 305" tires...but obviously will have to compromise some cleanliness and damage for the more fuller wide stance. Maybe could even go a bit smaller on the spacer if meant less damage and dirt?

Just looking for some input, maybe pictures before and after with fender flares would be nice.
I'd be going with Bora's if anything due to the fact they seem to be highest quality best of the best wheel spacers. Can't find a direct link to their website though.

Oh, also got some brake caliper covers on the way, so hoping there's no interference if installing wheel spacers as well?

For reference just attached a picture of where I currently stand (pun intended).

View attachment 195410

I don't think BORA sells direct to consumer.

However they are top notch pieces. The 1.5" offset will make it an easy install since you'll be able to clear the stock studs without cutting.

I used 1" on the rear and had to cut my studs for fitment.

Check your turning radius after install for clearance issues

 

[kurek]

Bora is Motorsport-tech.com and yes they sell direct and they take custom orders and they make the highest quality spacers in the business.

 

[NY Andrew]

I don't think BORA sells direct to consumer.

However they are top notch pieces. The 1.5" offset will make it an easy install since you'll be able to clear the stock studs without cutting.

I used 1" on the rear and had to cut my studs for fitment.

Check your turning radius after install for clearance issues

Ah ok that makes sense then.

Oh damn I didn’t even realize studs may need to be cut... does that go for any spacer UNDER 1.5” the studs may need to be cut??? If so it’s a no brainer 1.5” it is then.

That last sentence, I thought if anything spacers would assist the turn radius that’s why people get them if they’re having tire rub issues etc. hmmm I guess I could measure my turn radius where it stands using something 1.5” to see if it’ll hit anything?

Great input though exactly the info I was hoping to gain. Happen to have before and after pics of your wheels?

 

[kurek]

Look at the back of your wheels, they may have pockets between the mounting holes that would accommodate the studs. Mine did.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Bora is Motorsport-tech.com and yes they sell direct and they take custom orders and they make the highest quality spacers in the business.

That's where I bought mine. Wasn't sure if it was the same company.

 

[NY Andrew]

Look at the back of your wheels, they may have pockets between the mounting holes that would accommodate the studs. Mine did.

That’s interesting on the OEM 20” rims? Will have to check that.

You guys think steel or aluminum? Wondering what the pros and cons are to each.

Also, as far as strain goes, isn’t a high negative offset wheel and wheel spacers doing the EXACT SAME “damage”. They both do the same thing just differently. I can see how less pieces is less to go wrong, but I see them both putting the same amount of strain on bearings and axels etc.

And wondering if there’s more maintenance involved. Example tire shop I bought tires from doesn’t touch spacers so they aint gonna re torque em for me so I’d be forced to take the wheels off myself I guess at which point I might as well rotate my own tires.

Hmm starting to think better off with new rims and negative offset... just curious how my second paragraph up from this paragraph boils down.

 

[ram1500rsm]

There are less chances for anything to go wrong with an aftermarket wheel with the proper offset. However if you go with a quality set of spacers and you follow proper install and maintenance they should hold well overtime.

I used to run Spidertrax in my Yotas and never had any issues other than me running 7" wheels with 285 or 295/70/17 tires and always having tire wearing issues.
I used to check them every 5k miles to make sure none of them have come loose. i used to apply a small bed of antiseize to the hub to prevent the spacer fusing with the hub overtime. All in all they work but you can't beat the aftermarket offerings. You have a lot more options to choose from when it comes to wheel flavors and looks, you get to choose your wheel width and you get to choose the proper offset. after that they're just set it and forget it. Zero maintenance and you don't get turned away by most tire shops for having a liability in your vehicle or having to remind anybody not to use air tools to handle your wheels, or having to remind yourself to check all 4 corners for proper torque every so often or having to think everytime the steering wheel vibrates that something with the spacers may have come loose.

Have fun.

 

[NY Andrew]

Great perspective and input. Considering all that now I think I may pass on the spacers. Possibly even new rims now that I did some more research and it puts same amount of strain on the vehicle. I mean going from 275 to 305 tires may be doing damage for all I know, but to maintain vehicle integrity and warranty and simplicity I’m thinking pass on all the above. Appreciate everyone’s honest input. Exactly what I was looking for.