Wheel spacers

aarond · 10-08-2010, 10:04 AM

has anyone had any experience with wheel spacers??

im thinking the 38mm ones here...
Wheel Spacers : Locktup 4x4, Hardore Offroad Gear
i have no idea so just after peoples opinions - i am aware they are illegal tho.

cheers guys :-)
Aaron

Big Matt · 10-08-2010, 10:11 AM

Im not a fan of wheel spacers, however if its something you need to clear tyres the locktup ones are pretty good. A mate has some and hasnt had any issues with them but he hasnt done a lot of miles.

Beware that by moving the wheel out of the diff like that, it will add extra load to your wheel bearings. Not knowing what your car is or the reason for spacing the wheels out, all i can say is ive seen a few Zooks that kill wheel bearings real fast due to spacers

Cheers

frosty · 10-08-2010, 10:29 AM

Beware, they are illegal in most states. Check first if your concerned about your insurance and stuff.

aarond · 10-08-2010, 10:39 AM

i have a 02 hilux. apart from getting clearance from scrubbing etc i heard they are an easy way by increasing your wheel track for stability??

if i was to get offset rims it would have the same effect on the bearings tho right?

frosty · 10-08-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aarond

i have a 02 hilux. apart from getting clearance from scrubbing etc i heard they are an easy way by increasing your wheel track for stability??

if i was to get offset rims it would have the same effect on the bearings tho right?

No. The load from offset wheels is still located and fixed at the same place. Where the inner rim faces the axle hub. With spacers, you would be moving the weight further out and away from the bearings.

Big Matt · 10-08-2010, 10:45 AM

Well yes to a point they will have the same effect, but not as badly as wheel spacers. The vibration through the wheels and spacers will be greater than if it was just an offset rim. A rim will seat harder than a spacer and has less load than a wheel and spacer even though its the same distance out (it get complicated LOL im an engineer and it makes my head hurt at times haha)

If your going for a pure play tyre (like a simex or something) then a spacer might do what your after, but if your running mud tyres like an MTZ or something that you also use on the road, go for the offset rim. At least that way your still legal (check the max you can increase track in your state). If nothing else if the unthinkable happens and you need to make an insurance claim, you dont have to worry about getting stooged because you have spacers

Good call on the Insurance frosty

Elbie84 · 10-08-2010, 11:04 AM

Do not use wheel spacers, I used to run the 30mm ones and ended up loosing a wheel when I slid down a hill and into a rut there was too much pressure on my studs stripped the nuts clean off, change your rims to a different offset and the spacers will kill your bearings and they are illeagal in Vic. Hope it helps you with your decision

spacer have more pressure on your bearing than a offset rim.

Big Matt · 10-08-2010, 11:05 AM

So thats 3 no's so far

aarond · 10-08-2010, 11:24 AM

haha no worries. maybe ill just give them a miss..

there is probably a reason these things make your car un-roadworthy. thanks guys

Towie · 10-08-2010, 11:43 AM

I do agree with all above however put me down as a YES.

I have been running 30mm spacers on the rear only on my 79 Series for about 20,000 klms no probs i did loctite them on & run 285's everyday & 35's on frequent weekends & have done 2 Cape trips on these spacers with no issues.

Reason - i removed the swaybar then put the spacers on to help combat the on road roll which it did very well..... you cant get swaybar disconects for a 79 so that was my reason.

You do hear about problems but not that many IMO yes they are illegal & check out Suerior Engineering Spacers too.. very good & heavy.