Wheels spacers, are they really that bad?

[PresFinch2]

So I’m looking for a new tire and wheel setup and I really like the tremor wheels but the problem is the offset of +55 and tire clearance. Would it really cause me a huge headache to run a 1/4” spacer or would it be better to run a new wheel with a different offset? Sounds like a lot of people on here run spacers but everyone else I talk to says to stay clear of them. I mostly drive to work and school, and some occasional off roading

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[txquailguy]

I have 265 60 R18's on mine with 1.5" FactionFab spacers (quality) and XD Series Rockstar II wheels with a +30 offset. I do rub just a bit on the drivers side but its not enough to really cause an issue from what I can tell. Really only comes into play when backing up. I suggest you install offset crash bars like I'm planning on if you want to run that setup. I think wheel spacers are fine as long as you buy quality ones like BORA (stands for "Bullet proof Off-Road Adaptor") or FactionFab and properly torqueing them. The guys at Discount Tire check mine every time I come in for balance and rotation. 100 ft/lbs is where I'm at and they never move.....I just put the wheels on but I've had the wheel spacers on for like 35K with no issue....Haven't seen any weird outer tire wear either....

 

[PresFinch2]

I have 265 60 R18's on mine with 1.5" FactionFab spacers (quality) and XD Series Rockstar II wheels with a +30 offset. I do rub just a bit on the drivers side but its not enough to really cause an issue from what I can tell. Really only comes into play when backing up. I suggest you install offset crash bars like I'm planning on if you want to run that setup. I think wheel spacers are fine as long as you buy quality ones like BORA (stands for "Bullet proof Off-Road Adaptor") or FactionFab and properly torqueing them. The guys at Discount Tire check mine every time I come in for balance and rotation. 100 ft/lbs is where I'm at and they never move.....I just put the wheels on but I've had the wheel spacers on for like 35K with no issue....Haven't seen any weird outer tire wear either....

Ok sweet, I’ll probably end up doing spacers. Thanks for the input that helps a lot. And yeah it seems like crash bar removal or aftermarket crash bars are a must

 

[Frenchy]

Will a 1/4 inch wheel spacer cause you that much issue? Maybe not but I still dont recommend running wheel spacers.

All in all it really depends what tire size you are wanting to run. I myself have Firestone Destination XT's in 285/70-17 on the factory sport wheels with no spacers on the Old Man EMU lift. Is there any rubbing? Only at full lock on the frame. Will other tires run the same results? Depends on the tire since not all tires(make and model) are made the same. Can the wheel width make a difference? A little bit yes. Primarily where the sidewall pokes out as it will be slightly wider.

Those are some factors to consider.

 

[PresFinch2]

Will a 1/4 inch wheel spacer cause you that much issue? Maybe not but I still dont recommend running wheel spacers.

All in all it really depends what tire size you are wanting to run. I myself have Firestone Destination XT's in 285/70-17 on the factory sport wheels with no spacers on the Old Man EMU lift. Is there any rubbing? Only at full lock on the frame. Will other tires run the same results? Depends on the tire since not all tires(make and model) are made the same. Can the wheel width make a difference? A little bit yes. Primarily where the sidewall pokes out as it will be slightly wider.

Those are some factors to consider.

I was hoping to run either Nitto ridge grapplers or toyo open country 3s (which I think are roughly 11” wide give or take) in a 285/70r17 and don’t quote me but I think the Lariat 18” wheels are 8”s and the tremor/raptor wheels are 8.5”, I also measured the space I have to the spindle and it’s about 1/4” before it rubs with stock wheels and tires

 

[awd.nv]

Wheel spacers have gotten a bad name from the kind that are not hub centric, meaning the studs are all that keep them in alignment. Those kind can cause vibrations and such. Good quality hub centric spacers will center themselves off the hub like oem wheels as well as use good hardware so you should not have any issues.

I am running 1" factionfab spacers for about 5k miles now without issues.

 

[McDeuce]

I was hoping to run either Nitto ridge grapplers or toyo open country 3s (which I think are roughly 11” wide give or take) in a 285/70r17 and don’t quote me but I think the Lariat 18” wheels are 8”s and the tremor/raptor wheels are 8.5”, I also measured the space I have to the spindle and it’s about 1/4” before it rubs with stock wheels and tires

Tremor wheel 17X8 -42

 

[McDeuce]

I have 265 60 R18's on mine with 1.5" FactionFab spacers (quality) and XD Series Rockstar II wheels with a +30 offset. I do rub just a bit on the drivers side but its not enough to really cause an issue from what I can tell. Really only comes into play when backing up. I suggest you install offset crash bars like I'm planning on if you want to run that setup. I think wheel spacers are fine as long as you buy quality ones like BORA (stands for "Bullet proof Off-Road Adaptor") or FactionFab and properly torqueing them. The guys at Discount Tire check mine every time I come in for balance and rotation. 100 ft/lbs is where I'm at and they never move.....I just put the wheels on but I've had the wheel spacers on for like 35K with no issue....Haven't seen any weird outer tire wear either....

Thanks for sharing

 

[veloci1]

will running Tremor wheel 17X8 -42 be better? it seems like going from the standard fx4 wheels with 55mm offset to the tremor will be a safer set up than spacers, correct?

i am torn between 1" spacers and the tremor wheels

 

[veloci1]

hope someone can contribute some feedback

 

[gwhalin]

will running Tremor wheel 17X8 -42 be better? it seems like going from the standard fx4 wheels with 55nn offset to the tremor will be a safer set up than spaces, correct?

i am torn between 1" spacers and the tremor wheels

What are you trying to achieve? Just a little more offset for looks or to fit a wider tire?

 

[AdamHarris]

No they are not bad at all. Modern day (hub centric in our case) forged, quality wheel spacers are perfectly safe to use.

 

[veloci1]

What are you trying to achieve? Just a little more offset for looks or to fit a wider tire?

just a little wider stance. i have my 265/70/17 tires and i do not see myself getting bigger or wider tires.

 

[veloci1]

just a little wider stance. i have my 265/70/17 tires and i do not see myself getting bigger or wider tires.

hopefully if i go with the tremor wheels , i will not have any rubbing. i still have my crashbars untouched.

 

[gwhalin]

hopefully if i go with the tremor wheels , i will not have any rubbing. i still have my crashbars untouched.

You should be fine without rubbing with the Tremor wheels with that size tire given that is the size that comes on the Tremor. Guess you need to decide if you like the look of the Tremor stance or you want wider.

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