3rd Gen Ram Tech 2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Do I need wheel spacers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 07:16 PM
  #1  
Ridinhigh's Avatar
Ridinhigh
Thread Starter
|
All Star
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, MO
Default Do I need wheel spacers

alright so I have ordered some 305/70/17 nitto terra grapplers and was wondering what wheel spacers i need to get I have the stock 17 wheels
and dont know the backspacing and want to know what spacers to get for when they get here and If I dont need any what do i need to get to give it the little bit wider stance
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 07:20 PM
  #2  
MikeHTally's Avatar
MikeHTally
Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 2
From: N. Florida
Default

Spacers are never a good idea, IMO. Too much stress on the wheel bearings, etc.
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 08:21 PM
  #3  
SMKNRAM's Avatar
SMKNRAM
Champion
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,186
Likes: 2
From: Sylva, NC
Default

Originally Posted by MikeHTally
Spacers are never a good idea, IMO. Too much stress on the wheel bearings, etc.

What is the difference in spacers and offset wheels??? They both put the same amount of stress on your bearings. The further the offset and bigger the tire the more stress on bearings,spacers are no worse IMO!
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 11:07 PM
  #4  
nim81's Avatar
nim81
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 3
From: fredericktown
Default

there are actually quite a few people on this site running spacers. (at least i think)
they are safe. make sure you get hub centric spacers. not positive on what size you will need, im going to be doing this as well and im going to get 3/4" to 1" spacers, havnt decided yet
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 10:13 AM
  #5  
xanadu62's Avatar
xanadu62
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Default

You ARE going to need spacers. The only thing about spacers is that it is RECOMMENDED that you retorque your lugs every oil change. You don't have to though. I'm running 275/65/18s, and before the 1/4" spacer, my upper control arms wore a pretty sizable groove into my sidewalls. if you're going 305s, you're probably going to need 3/4" - 1" spacers, not to mention that you will need either longer studs, or a bolt on spacer with lugs already installed. Lastly, with a tire that wide, AND a hefty wheel spacer, your tires will stick out from your body line at least an inch. There's probably 9/16" space between the factory 17" tire and the ragged edge of the body line. I only spaced mine 1/4", and the dirt that gathers on the truck has increased dramatically. You might as well go and order some new fender flares when you get the spacers. Hope this answers your question.
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 10:21 AM
  #6  
SMKNRAM's Avatar
SMKNRAM
Champion
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,186
Likes: 2
From: Sylva, NC
Default

Originally Posted by xanadu62
I'm running 275/65/18s, and before the 1/4" spacer

What wheels are you running? factory backset should not have been that close
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 10:53 AM
  #7  
Got_Hemi44's Avatar
Got_Hemi44
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by SMKNRAM
What is the difference in spacers and offset wheels??? They both put the same amount of stress on your bearings. The further the offset and bigger the tire the more stress on bearings,spacers are no worse IMO!
How do they put the same amount of stress?. An offset wheels bearing is still mounted like a normal wheel. It isn't pushed out away from the axle with a spacer.

Spacer on a full size truck is retarded. Besides being illegal in some states, most tire/wheel shops won't even touch a vehicle with spacers due to liability.

Originally Posted by nim81
they are safe.
Tell that to the F250 owner who came in our shop last year with a snapped off wheel. It only caused the truck to roll 4 times.
 

Last edited by Got_Hemi44; Sep 19, 2009 at 10:56 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 12:35 PM
  #8  
SMKNRAM's Avatar
SMKNRAM
Champion
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,186
Likes: 2
From: Sylva, NC
Default

the stress on the bearings is based on the center of the wheel in relation to the center of the bearings. the further the wheel is out from the centerline of the bearings the more the pressure on the bearings. as long as they are hub-centric bolt on spacers there is no more additional stress than an equally offset wheel.

and if that guys wheel broke off then it was not installed properly!! my 2 cents
 

Last edited by SMKNRAM; Sep 19, 2009 at 12:41 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 08:38 PM
  #9  
xanadu62's Avatar
xanadu62
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Default

Originally Posted by SMKNRAM
What wheels are you running? factory backset should not have been that close
I got a set of 18" factory ASPEN wheels. Being alloys, they actually improved the ride of the truck and the gas mileage over the 17" steeleys.
 
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 08:59 PM
  #10  
nim81's Avatar
nim81
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 3
From: fredericktown
Default

Originally Posted by Got_Hemi44



Tell that to the F250 owner who came in our shop last year with a snapped off wheel. It only caused the truck to roll 4 times.
well... it was a ford so.....
 
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:11 AM.