I am really wanting beefier tires to go with my new 6-inch lift as my current BFG ATs looked fine with my previous leveling system but look too thin with the new lift. I went to Discount Tire and mounted up a Toyo Open Country MT and then a BFG KM2 (both LT325/60R20s) but there just isn't enough room on my new Eagle 20 inch rims with -1 mm offset. The tires fit, barely, but might have an issue if the tire sidewall flexed under hard load (like under offroading conditions).

Since I just bought my aftermarket tires and wheels when I got the 2.5-inch leveling system, I don't relish the thought of replacing both wheels and tires for a new set with more offset (-11 to -12 mm would work fine). So I am thinking about using wheel spacers to get the offset I need to mount the MTs and keep my new wheels.

Being an engineer, I understand the additional stresses caused on components by increasing the offset by either spacers or different wheels, but I am only needing 1/4 to 1/2 inch at most at that should not throw things too far off the manufacture's range for factor of safety (without doing any real checking on that). But I have never used wheel spacers before so have no real world experience with them. I know I have to recheck the bolt torque on them periodically, but are there any other issues I should be worried about?

Anybody use wheel spacers over extended periods? Any issues when offroading? I would only install high-grade aluminum, but should I use them or stay away?

Thanks guys for the input.

 

I've used them on jeeps before with no issues. I definitly wouldn't use them on a 3 ton truck.

Biggest pain with wheel spacers is that you need to remove your wheels fairly often to retorque the spacers.

I'd just get some rims that have the correct offset.

Edit:
SOmething as small as 1/4 to 1/2 " would require plate spacers - which means you would need longer studs.

 

okay...thanks for the input oldjeep!

P.S. Cool Jeep! My best friend just bought an old ******* '58 Jeep to tinker around on and have fun with.

 

I use 1/4" spacers, no problem. You don't have to change the studs with only a 1/4". Not sure if that is enough clearance for you though.

 

Thanks cpelton. That is what I was told by my friend at Discount Tire except they would not mount anything for me if I did use spacers (for insurance reasons) so that got me thinking about potential issues.

Where did you get yours, and did they come with the extra studs?

Thanks for replying!

 

I would not do it, not worth it. Spend the money on the right wheels, can't place no money on peace of mind with family riding in it and all.

 

Totally agree with that, just didn't know if wheel spacers were totally safe or not. It will probably come down to new wheels if I just can't wait it out...lol. Thanks.

 

Explain to me how a wheel spacer is dangerous? As long as you torque your wheels as you should and check them every oil change there is absolutely nothing wrong with small spacers. With 1/4" you do not need longer studs. There is still plenty of length to permit proper thread engagement. I've had a tire shop not torque one wheel before and had it come loose on a bridge. Trust me there is a lot of notice before that wheel will come off the vibration is severe

 

The cheap plate spacers like the Mr. Gasket ones that they sell at Vato Zone will actually crush. If you use a plate spacer, either get some steel ones or some that are heat treated and made out of a decent aluminum alloy, not old beer cans.

These would be an example of a decent set. Note the word Billet - meaning it was machined, not cast
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/65050/10002/-1