Spacers... Yay or Nay?

Looking for some feedback on spacers. Some say they have run them for years without issue and others say "stay away".

Let's hear it.

 

Nah. I'd just run a different offset wheel. spacers are just another point of failure.

 

I ran spidertrax on my 4th gen 4runner for 8 years with absolutely no issues.

I would stay away from the cheap no-name brands though.

 

I had that dilemma also. I wanted to keep my PRO wheels but wanted a more aggressive stance. I think spacers will work with no issue if you get the right ones, but i didn’t want to take the chance so I got new wheels

 

+1 FPNI

 

I've run them for years no issues, knock on wood. Just think of them as part of your normal routine maintenance schedule. When you get an oil change, re check the torque, extra 15 mins and done.

 

What are some good options for our trucks? One person said to make sure you get spacers that are "hubcentric".

 

BORA and Spidertraxx are the only two I would order from. Both are hubcentric and lugcentric. I have 1” bora spacers and have no issues.

 

Definitely hub centric ones

 

I’ve only personally run spidertrax so that’s what I’ll recommend. Bora and All-Pro seem to have good reputations as well.

You’ll be completely fine running wheel spacers. I may end up running some small ones in the front due to frame rub.

 

I think you answered my next question. I wasn't sure if it would look funny if I only ran them up front vs all 4. Seems like the only reason to do it in the rear would be for looks.

 

I would only use tham if I had clearance issues with the UCA. Then I would look into wheels to resolve the issue ASAP. I personally don't want my track width any wider or to look like one of those twats that have the wheels sticking way out and never get offload because they can't fit the trails.

 

3rd gens really don't fit the trails regardless..

 

I've been trying to tell you man!

 

I'm running these, ran the same ones on my wrangler for 2 years. I had Bora on my 07 tundra

Check this out at Amazon.com ECCPP 5x150mm hubcentric Wheel Spacers 5 lug 4x 2 inch 5x150 to 5x150 110mm for 2008-2016 Lexus LX570 2008-2016 Toyota Sequoia Tundra Land Cruiser with 14x1.5 Studs

$120 ECCPP 4PCS 5x150mm hubcentric Wheel Spacers 5 Lug 2" 5x150 to 5x150 110mm fits for 2008-2016 for LX570 2008-2016 for sequoia for land cruiser with 14x1.5 Studs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W2KWQMY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_iMZ0CbGSDEAWF

 

Would need to pay attention to the total offset of your wheels after the spacers are on. Too much of an offset would put a lot of strain on the wheel bearings.

 

Nega Nay Nay Bae Bae.

Too much leverage on the system.

 

My 2nd gen does...

 

This brings up a good point. We need to know what your plans are. What is your current backspacing? What size tire did you decide on? What are you looking to avoid rubbing on?

Too much total backspacing and you'll hit pinch weld real bad.

 

That's a myth.
No more leverage than having wheels with say a +20 offset, which is a common aftermarket wheel. Whether the whole wheel move the offset or the combination of the wheel and spacer move the offset, the leverage on the system is exactly the same.
In fact it reduces the leverage, because OEM is +60, which means it is further from centered on the wheel than with the spacers. i.e. more torque moment on the bearings.

 

Just to be sure I understand. I think I read you comparing spacers vs. aftermarket wheels with offset. Are you also comparing the leverage ‘myth’ against wheels designed for the vehicle (OEM) vs. spacers/aftermarket offset wheels?

 

I wouldn't call it a myth. The added stress on bearings is dependent on how far out or in the wheel is, and the realistic increased or decreased distance from center isn't likely to destroy bearings quickly, but calling it a myth is saying it doesn't happen. Wear will happen faster but not as exaggerated as some think. Once you get into aftermarket wheels and big tires, that's all something you've accepted. I plan to eventually run a wheel with 3.5" backspace which is close to what a stock wheel with 1.5" spacers becomes.

I've never run spacers for my own comfort, less chance of problems. Lots of people run them trouble free but I prefer not to gamble.

 

It's the same as running a wheel with the same offset

 

I'm currently using Spidertrax spacers with the TRD pro wheels and no issues. Just torque them to spec and check every time you do a tire rotation and you should be fine.

 

I agree. What I meant by myth is that it is not a true statement to say that :" spacers are bad for your bearings, get aftermarket wheels if you want your wheels to stick out" which is usually what the discussion on spacers are about. People want their wheels to stick out a little more without having to buy new wheels. So same offset is same offset = same potential damage to bearings.

 

Yes, that is what I said. People add spacers in lieu of buying new wheels with different offset. If the spacer gives the same new offset as the new wheels would (my +20 example) then the moment (force x distance) on the bearings are the same. Then I added the comparison of that setup with OEM wheel (+60) and noted that +60 is actually further from the center (more or less where the bearing is) than the aftermarket/spacer wheel, so the OEM might actually put more stress on the bearing than the aftermarket/spacer wheel.
I am not trying to argue with anyone - just stating the facts. It is a little more complicated; we can go measure the distance that the bearing is behind the mounting surface of the wheel etc. but that is the basics of it.

 

The bearings on a first gen are tucked in pretty far when compared to the mating surface of the wheel on the hub/disc. This is probably why the stock wheels are deep on the offset, it's to bring the wheel center inward.

We're on the same page @Boerseun

 

Ran BORA spacers on my old Tacoma for years. Did a fair amount of wheeling with it to. Never had an issue, just checked the torque every time the wheels were off. I’m planning on putting 1-1.5” on the tundra at some point. I’ve got replica pro wheels and I’d like them to be more flush with the fenders.

 

I think you're asking me? I'd like to fit 285/75/17. I found one guy on the Gram that fit these on his AC but he used spacers all around. He didn't have to do any trimming with the spacers. If I go with a 17" wheel I'll get the SCS Stealth 6. If I decide to stick with 285/75/16 then I'd go with the Stealth 6 again but BS would reduce from 4.3 to 3.5" which may help.