Opinions On Using Wheel Spacers

[famouslee99gt]

I have a '99 new body style Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71. I bought some 99-00 Denali/Escalade rims (old body style) and they do not fit because of backspacing issues. Just curious on what everyone's opinion is on using wheel spacers to give more clearance.

 

I had to grind the rear calipers and then my sticky weights hit calipers & brake hose banjo bolt, and hit the rear brake hose banjo bolt, so until I get these spaced out, I will never get to use them.

[jrrod2004]

In most cases, using a spacer of greater than 3mm thickness or an adapter means you will be using a wheel that was not designed to fit your vehicle! Unless you get the advice of a professional, these spacers lead to the following trouble: excessive wear on suspension parts, poor ride and potential mechanical failure. In the vast majority of applications, it is not recommended any usage of these devices.

[J-man67]

I don't like them for the above reasons...

[davzog]

I agree also....

 

Look at how the spacers are made....the studs are typically "pressed" in to the spacer. Seems like they could pull out under extra weight, shifting loads, etc.

 

I am aware that a lot of guys use them, and several folks will say they are fine....if I woke up in your shoes, I would try to sell the wheels and buy something else...it is just not worth it....

[famouslee99gt]

I am trying to sell them. I really like the look of these wheels and am disappointed that they won't fit without rubbing of the sticky weights, and won't clean even if I had regular clamp on weights on the edges of the rim

[Zembonez]

Well made spacers that use proper lug studs and aren't over 1 inch in thickness are pretty harmless. The key is WELL MADE and PROPER STUDS. There are many cheapo spacers out there. Spacers themselves won't present any additional wear issues any more than a custom wheel of a different offset would (Especially in this case where the OP is looking to match OEM offset).

 

BUT

 

You do have the issue of the spacers not being hub centric and possibly causing vibrations that you can't git rid of. That and another piece between the axle and the wheel tend to freak me out a little... I just can't make myself trust them.

[Stylous]

I am using two sets of wheel spacers on my truck to push the rear tires out to be even with the front wheels (about .5 of an inch)...I have stock rims though.

 

I am going on 80,000 miles with none of the issues described above.