Wheel Spacers Question

[Walkeraviator]

Let’s start off by saying I am building a mall crawler. I want to do a BDS 2” level and go with 265/70R17 on my factory wheels for a bit more aggressive look, but I won’t be doing much off reading beyond some washed out gravel roads. I want the wheels out a bit more even with the fender wells to keep from looking like the wheels are tucked in... which would mean spacers.

In the Jeep community, spacers are usually looked on upon because they don’t hold up to the kind of beating I used to put on my Jeeps.

So question is kind of a broad one... are spacers okay? Will they hold up for the long run? Will they put any extra strain on the wheels or axle? How big of a spacer is acceptable?

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[doug910]

Oh boy, here we go. This question has been beat to death everywhere, your best course of action would be to do as much research as you can and decide for yourself. I'll chime in on my take though.

Wheel spacers will increase load and strain onto the suspension and drive train, but no more than a wheel with the equivalent offset. If you buy wheels with more aggressive offset (let's say 25 mm difference from OEM wheel), the axle and suspension will see more load. If you buy 1 in spacers (25 mm), the axle and suspension will see the exact same load as the aftermarket wheel.

The only reason why spacers are seen as "inferior" is because you are introducing more mating surfaces and thus, increasing the number of potential failure points. With 1" spacers, you have double the mating surfaces (hub to inside of spacer + outside of spacer to wheel), and double the lug nuts/studs. Therefore, if you do not abide by the correct and safest methods to mate the surfaces together, you are increasing your possibility of failure.

A spacer made out of quality material (both the spacer material and the studs) and ensuring correct center bore sizing are critical when installing spacers. To answer your question, 1 - 1.5" spacers from a reputable brand will most likely be fine, but only you can make that decision. Keep in mind that anytime you modify anything, you may be going outside of what Ford tested and can result in adverse effects. It will also be wise to check with local laws.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Doug,

Well said. Any mod installed is out side side what Ford tested. Only those mods through Ford Performance have likely been tested to some degree.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[doug910]

Hi Doug,

Well said. Any mod installed is out side side what Ford tested. Only those mods through Ford Performance have likely been tested to some degree.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Thanks, Phil!

 

[Bonchexmix]

Does anyone know if there is a lip on the Ranger's wheel hubs? I'm having trouble finding 1/2" spacers online that might fit.

 

[Willcuts93]

Does anyone know if there is a lip on the Ranger's wheel hubs? I'm having trouble finding 1/2" spacers online that might fit.

Yes, there is. I had to get my 1/2 inch spacers custom made. You will need 1/2 inch longer wheel studs as well.

 

[sbacpo]

Does anyone know if there is a lip on the Ranger's wheel hubs? I'm having trouble finding 1/2" spacers online that might fit.

I have a set of 1/2" spacers I had made by Bora. If anyone is interested, let me know but understand these are spacers, not adapters. They don't have studs on them and you will have to lengthen the studs on the wheel hub to use them

 

[doug910]

Does anyone know if there is a lip on the Ranger's wheel hubs? I'm having trouble finding 1/2" spacers online that might fit.

@Stage3Motorsports has them made for the Ranger with correct bore and lug sizing.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/2019-Ford-Ranger-6x139-7mm-Wheel-Spacers.html

 

[Bonchexmix]

@Stage3Motorsports has them made for the Ranger with correct bore and lug sizing.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/2019-Ford-Ranger-6x139-7mm-Wheel-Spacers.html

I was considering those, but I am worried about rocks/snow/mud hitting the side of my truck or other cars if the 1" spacers push my wheels out too far. I have the stock 17's and will be putting on 285/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

 

[jhndeergrn]

I was considering those, but I am worried about rocks/snow/mud hitting the side of my truck or other cars if the 1" spacers push my wheels out too far. I have the stock 17's and will be putting on 285/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

I have 265/70/17 with 1” spacers. I wouldnt go any further due to rocks and debris thrown on the side of the truck. My left tire is also rubbing the front crash bar when I turn right.

 

[Stic-o]

With 285/70/17 on stock wheels, you can get away with just a 1/4" spacer. That's what I'm running.

 

[Walkeraviator]

I have 265/70/17 with 1” spacers. I wouldnt go any further due to rocks and debris thrown on the side of the truck. My left tire is also rubbing the front crash bar when I turn right.

That is it. The perfect offset for the tires. Right to the edge of the top of the fender. That’s the look I want. I can’t find any 25-30 offset wheels that I like, so a 1 inch spacer may be the ticket.

 

[jhndeergrn]

That is it. The perfect offset for the tires. Right to the edge of the top of the fender. That’s the look I want. I can’t find any 25-30 offset wheels that I like, so a 1 inch spacer may be the ticket.

Some more pictures. Also the drivers front crash bar where it rubs. BTW, those are the factory Ford mud flaps.

 

[Willcuts93]

I have a set of 1/2" spacers I had made by Bora. If anyone is interested, let me know but understand these are spacers, not adapters. They don't have studs on them and you will have to lengthen the studs on the wheel hub to use them

UFC

Some more pictures. Also the drivers front crash bar where it rubs. BTW, those are the factory Ford mud flaps.

Quick tip on the bars. By removing the plastic cover over the bars then loosen the 2 crash bar bolts and retorque them while holding away from the tire i was able to gain over 1/4 inch of clearance to the tire.

 

[jhndeergrn]

UFC

Quick tip on the bars. By removing the plastic cover over the bars then loosen the 2 crash bar bolts and retorque them while holding away from the tire i was able to gain over 1/4 inch of clearance to the tire.

That’s a neat trick! I’ll have to give that a shot, that’s probably all I need.

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