Wheel Spacers - Pros & Cons

Conman · Post by **Conman** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 2:58 pm

I split this topic so that the GP for Spacers didn't get too far off topic-HJ

HenryJ wrote:I kind of blew up the last time someone thought they would increase wear, but I've mellowed since then.

All you are doing by adding this style spacer, is reducing the rear spacing of your wheels.

It would be no different than purchasing wheels with 1.3" less rear spacing.

I do not have any reservations about using them on the front , other than the rubbing issues that they would create. With enough lift they would work fine . I'm sure that quickbiker can confirm this , since I think he has been running them front and rear.

Sorry, I meant the Front wear. The rear can't be that bad since the bed is normally empty(max load will be two Motorcycles at under 500pounds or so. Yeah, my front rubs the flares already so I would not use the fronts until I get a lift. But you are probably right about not much front wear since wider rims and offset would be about 1" anyway.

I did have a Suzuki Sidekick that I overloaded only once and it blew out the rear seals on my axle. so I bet spacer would be bad on the Kick. The S10 is rated much higher for payload so I don't except heavy wear with spacers in the rear.

Cheers,

Con

Warnoffroad · Post by **Warnoffroad** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 4:53 pm

why have billet aluminum when you dont see them? I would rather have somthing stronger then aluminum

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 4:59 pm

warnoffroad wrote:I would rather have somthing stronger then aluminum

Better sell your wheels ,quick, then! 'cause these are stronger than your wheels!

Warnoffroad · Post by **Warnoffroad** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 8:42 pm

HenryJ wrote:
warnoffroad wrote:I would rather have somthing stronger then aluminum
Better sell your wheels ,quick, then! 'cause these are stronger than your wheels!

really? Ive never heard of aluminum being stronger then steel

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 9:27 pm

Guess I should learn to keep my mouth shut before I do the research on someone's truck

There is some controversy over which is best (aluminum or steel)

IMO , the aluminum is stronger, but will break when it gets to it's limit.

The steel is strong and will bend rather than break.

On the trails it is possible to hammer straight a bent steel wheel. It may wobble a bit , but still hold air and get you out.

The aluminum wheel won't get bent and can take quite a bit of abuse and still run straight, but if you crack it you're screwed.

As for the spacers, a billet steel unit would be stronger than the billet aluminum. But IMO a waste.

The aluminum spacer is stronger than the axle, wheel, studs, etc. (JMO)

Conman · Post by **Conman** » Sun Feb 02, 2003 10:09 pm

Yeah, I have to agree that both of them should last a long time with normal abuse. With that said, the alumimum is lighter and less chance of rust so that's probably why it's used over other metals probably.

My guess.

Con

6pack · Post by **6pack** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 7:28 am

I only know what I read but the 6061 billet aluminum is supposed to be super strong stuff.

My main reason for getting these is I have 32x11.5 MT's and a 2.5" SL suspension lift. I have trimmed the flares a little so I have no rubbing there but the tires rub the sway bar. So I have actually found a used 1" spacer that is made from the 6061 aluminum that I have on the front right now and there is no more rubbing on the sway bar and none on my flares either (which might be because I've already trimmed them). I've had no problems with the 1" spacers. Now I want to get a pair for the back because the track difference is really noticeable and a little goofy looking.

Conman · Post by **Conman** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:07 am

6pack wrote:I only know what I read but the 6061 billet aluminum is supposed to be super strong stuff.

My main reason for getting these is I have 32x11.5 MT's and a 2.5" SL suspension lift. I have trimmed the flares a little so I have no rubbing there but the tires rub the sway bar. So I have actually found a used 1" spacer that is made from the 6061 aluminum that I have on the front right now and there is no more rubbing on the sway bar and none on my flares either (which might be because I've already trimmed them). I've had no problems with the 1" spacers. Now I want to get a pair for the back because the track difference is really noticeable and a little goofy looking.

Yeah, I know what you mean about goofy looking. I was not planning on getting them soon, but after all this talk, I can't stand it anymore.

Cheers,

Con

seapahn · Post by **seapahn** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 3:31 pm

I can personally vouch for this T6 6061 BILLET ALUMINUM stuff ... very very tough and extremely light. I have been running a set of 2" spacers on the rear and I have put them through some serious stuff. They have held up great ... still like new. If you are worried about strength with this material, don't be! You'll break your axle before these go

Here are some pics of my setup: LINK.

Conman · Post by **Conman** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 3:41 pm

seapahn wrote:I can personally vouch for this T6 6061 BILLET ALUMINUM stuff ... very very tough and extremely light. I have been running a set of 2" spacers on the rear and I have put them through some serious stuff. They have held up great ... still like new. If you are worried about strength with this material, don't be! You'll break your axle before these go

Here are some pics of my setup: LINK.

Hi,

I was checking out your pics and saw this one:

http://zr2.cs.ucla.edu/seapahn/gal/mill ... N1142.html

Can you find out from him if that is a ORI bar in front? I bought one but it's not perfect for the 98+ bumpers and I'm wondering if mine was designed for a 94-97.

Thanks,

Con

seapahn · Post by **seapahn** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 3:43 pm

Yes, as far as I know, that is the ORI (or ORU?) bar. The owner's name is Paul Williams and THIS is his profile on zr2.com with email info if you need more details from him.

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:34 pm

Yes, billet is very very strong. The way to go. Light and strong.

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 12:41 am

is this the pros or cons of spacers or aluminum vs steel?

along the lines of the pros or cons, i dont care what the cons are when the results turn out like this!

No Miles Per Gallon · Post by **No Miles Per Gallon** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 8:31 am

To anybody running spacers has anyone ever heard of them backing off or loosing up I just went through a group buy at ZR-2 .com picket up 2 1.8 for 199.00 full price they said tork down 95ft lbs.

No Miles Per Gallon · Post by **No Miles Per Gallon** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 8:33 am

sorry 119.00 ops

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 8:39 am

Someone mentioned they had one loosen-up (can't remember who or where) . I'm a bit skeptical though. If they are properly tightened there should be no problems, just like a wheel.

You guys got a good buy! 6pack did a nice job of setting up that GP.

I've checked my spacers every tire rotation (4k-5k) and never found one loose.

No Miles Per Gallon · Post by **No Miles Per Gallon** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 4:55 pm

Thanks thats what I was thinking I will check mine aswell put them on today thay really look good

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:31 pm

No Miles Per Gallon wrote:To anybody running spacers has anyone ever heard of them backing off or loosing up I just went through a group buy at ZR-2 .com picket up 2 1.8 for 199.00 full price they said tork down 95ft lbs.

Yea, I do about 90-100 ft lbs