wider stance

[scottac]

is there any way to widen the stance of my Z-71 without buying new rims or a suspension lift.

 

thanks for all replies

[mdub]

You can add spacers to move your wheels out. Click on the adapters and spacers link for more info:

 

http://www.performancewheel.com/

[scottac]

are these spacers safe. This is sort of the answer I was looking for. but the last thing I want to o is mount the wheel to an unstable spacer.

 

thanks again for all the help

[scottac]

are these spacers safe. This is sort of the answer I was looking for. but the last thing I want to o is mount the wheel to an unstable spacer.

 

thanks again for all the help

[mdub]

I haven't used spacers myself, but I've considered them and therefore did some research. I've only read and heard that this company uses the best quality materials to make some of the strongest and safest spacers available.

 

Of course, the use of spacers can only degrade strength compared with a factory wheel fastened directly to the hub, but it's my opinion (educated guess) that a good quality spacer is easily strong enough to handle the load of a 1/2 ton truck.

 

Of course, moving the wheels outward will increase stress on the hub, but no more than aftermarket rims with equal counter offset. A bigger concern is that you double the number of nuts that must be properly torqued, and occassionally re-torqued (theoretically...). These are issues that aren't show-stoppers, but should be considered, IMO.

 

A bigger issue... I would ensure that your tire shop of choice will continue to service your wheels/tires after you install the spacers. I've notice tire shops have become increasingly concerned with potential liability issues, and they may refuse to mount wheels against aftermarket wheel spacers. Some folks have strong opinions that wheel spacers seriously compromise safety. Of course, these opinions may come from experience with poor quality spacers, or bad installations.

 

Lots to consider, but I've just about talked myself out of buying the spacers (as much as I would like a wider stance with factory wheels). Instead, I'll probably get a wider stance by biting the bullet and purchasing aftermarket rims (with reduced backspacing).

 

I would be interested in other opinions, especially on strength/safety issues from those with actual experience using wheel spacers.

 

-Mdub

[THE BIGPUNN]

ive used spacers and ended up needed new wheel bearings a short time after. i suspected the spacers but im sure it could of been bad bearings.

[AZ1500]

Spacers are a bad idea IMO.

Some state inspections will not pass you if you have spacers. check it out with your state before you install them. I guess you could always take them off before the inspection.

[scottac]

thanks for all the feedback. I don't really see how the spacer would cause a greater amount of stress on the axles than a regular wheel.

 

any other feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[mdub]

Imagine fastening a 6 ft. bar to the hub in the same manner a wheel attaches to the hub. Now, take the full weight of your body and apply it right where the bar meets the hub. When pushing your weight downward against the bar at the hub attachment, you can apply very little twisting torque to the hub.

 

Now move your weight outward to the end of the bar and apply the same weight. By moving your weight outward, you significantly increase the leverage and thus twisting force against the hub.

 

It works the same way with wheel offset. If you have a zero-offset wheel, the center of the tire carries the focus of the weight right where the wheel meets the hub. Still, this may not be ideal because the manufacturer prefers to have the weight centered over the wheel bearings (inward from the hub surface). This is why manufacturers typically supply positive offset wheels (positive offset = increased backspacing), so the weight distribution is centered on the wheel bearings. Centering the weight over the wheel bearings keeps the twisting forces applied to the bearings at the minimum possible.

 

Because of the reasons mentioned above, it's hard to argue that negative offset wheels, or wheels spacers will not affect long-term reliability. However, many people use negative offset wheels through the life of the vehicle without problems.

[Ben]

thanks for all the feedback. I don't really see how the spacer would cause a greater amount of stress on the axles than a regular wheel.

 

any other feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Another analogy is to take a long broom.

 

Hold it at it's center with your hand and arm outstretched straight out horizontally.

 

How hard is it? How long can you hold it this way? How much stress is on your hand/arm?

 

Now repeat, but move the broom out till you are holding it out stretched just by the end of the handle.

 

Now see if you can hold it as long, as easily, and with same amounts of stress. Unless you have arms like PopEye, you'll tire very soon, have greater stress on the hand/wrist/arm/etc.

 

Same thing for increased wheel/tire offset from OEM/stock. The loading (lever arms) on the bearings increase dramaticly the farther you go with offset. Above is static and on automotive it's dynamic, meaning shock loads and the like.

 

Depends on what type of vehicle and front or rear. Front use of spacers is not recommended. Wheels with increased offset also need careful consideration. A lot has to do with the sizing and margin of the bearings and suspension.

 

My 3/4 ton has 4,250 lb front GAWR, 6,000 lb rear GAWR and 8,600 lb GVWR. That means there's a lot of extra margin in the axles as they total up to 10,250 lbs, while GVWR is 8,600 lbs.

 

My track has been increased by these rims by 6 inches if measured to center of tread and about 10.5-11 inches if measured to outside of sidewalls. Since not lifted, my Suburban corners like on rails with the 16x10 wheels and LT265/75R16E tires.

[scottac]

Alright. I see the points in both of the analogies. but according to what both of you are saying, whether you use spacers or aftermarket rims with equal amounts of offset backspacing, you still run the risk of damaging bearings and axle components. So why do so many people still do it.

 

And the real question is this: Obviously the manufacturers of trucks and SUV's realize that widenning the stance of a vehicle will increase stability on and offroad, not to mention the aesthetic qualities. In light of this, why don't they manufacture their vehicles with a longer axle to give the increase in performance and the much desired look of a serious offroad vehicle.

 

This is something that has bothered me for quite some time about trucks. Manufacturers absolutely have to realize that making the wheels and tires plush with the body is a much desired look among the buyers of 4x4's. So why don't they market trucks with these options.

 

Just a thought. It has always bothered me though.

[mdub]

You're preaching to the choir. I think you use the term 'manufacturers' loosely, because GM seems to be the main one with the problem. GM designs trucks for the "over-60" crowd using narrow axles and narrow/low stance. Then a marketing guy steps in and complains that their trucks aren't sporty enough to market to young buyers, or the off-road crowd. The cure-all seems to be slapping on plastic fender flares, Z71 stickers, or body cladding, and calling it good. Of course, the flares just make the stance (track) look even worse. It's mind boggling that GM designers can't figure out that plastic body cladding, fender flares, etc. do not make a tough truck/car. A drive to one of their nearest competitors would quickly reveal how to build a truck with an aggressive stance (and WITHOUT $2500 worth of aftermarket parts).

 

Bearings are cheap. If it makes you happier, install the wider wheels and enjoy the look.

[scottac]

you are right about gm being the worst, and toyota being the best IMO. But ford does it too, and dodge also(not to the extent of Chevy but still not flush with the body.

 

Yeah I know. It really pisses me off. I guess the solution is to buy toyota. LOL

 

thanks for all the help.