I need some advice regarding the use of spacers on my '09 Ram 1500. I just got a new set of tires and wheels on my truck.

• KMC XD Series Addicts, 20x9x18mm
• Nitto Terra Grapplers, 325/60

The problem here is that the inner side-walls of the front tires are right up against the upper control arms, enough to have already worn a slight groove in the tire. They appear to be against the tire with the wheels straight, but when I have the wheels turned to just about all the way in either direction, I get a very distinct rubbing sound. At first I thought the sound was coming from the tire rubbing the inside of the wheel-well but I couldnt find any evidence of that so I took a closer look and saw there is a control arm clearance issue.

My first thought was to order new wheels with deeper offset and get the tire further out. It was suggested to me to get wheel spacers to push the wheel away from the control arms to remedy the situation. My concern is about the spacers is how that may change the geometry of the front end and the possibility of problems from adding additional parts. To be totally honest, I have never made any mods like this to my other trucks, so I have no idea what kinds of things to take into consideration. So please, if you have had experience with this sort of thing, I could sure use some insight.

Thanks in advance.

 

I'd get the correct offset. I wouldn't trust a spacer on something as big as a full sized pickup. If you do go the spacer route be aware that you need to periodically retorque all of the lugnuts - especially the ones holding the spacer to the wheel hub.

 

X2, good advice!

 

get the correct rims, whoever sold you that package should have let you know that it wouldnt fit. You will need a wheel with a negative offset to run that tire, the positive offset is bringing the tire closer to your control arm

 

Just a quick update:
I went back today to bring to their attention that the upper control arm was rubbing. Without hesitation, the offered the following options. Spacers, different tires, and different wheels. The abridged version of the story is that they installed spacers to get the tires off of the control arms for now. Monday morning they will be calling to see if they can get the wheels I have with the offset necessary to give the tires a little more room. The 1/4" spacers installed have the tires off of the control arms and I can tolerate this until the new wheels come in.

This is my first experience with this sort of thing, but if a 1/4" spacer is enough to get the tires clear, I can understand how it would have been a hit or miss judgement call on whether or not that combination would be ok. As far as I am concerned and judging from the level of response from them and their willingness to give me options and take whatever course of action I am comfortable with, they are taking care of the customer.

 

The problem I have always had with spacers is the idea that the lug nuts don't have as much thread to them as they did before. In a perfect world, this is not a problem, but if you were to run into a situation where the lugs backed off, you wouldn't have the few seconds of wheel shudder while going down the road. In this specific range, you would have a wheel remove itself from your truck and you would be going for a ride.

The other problem I have is the stress that you create by moving the wheel out. You have about a ton if not more of weight on those tires and when you move them away from the stud, you affect the sheer weight balance. I have heard of and seen a couple of people snap wheel studs off like this.

You can always fix problem one by having longer studs put in, but I have yet to hear of a way to remedy the weight load location issue.

I kinda feel bad about this too as I did not think to ask you if you were getting the right offset. I assumed the shop would know off hand....

 

No spacers, no rub, just the correct offset. The tires are 35's. I plan on putting on some fender flares pretty soon though. I would sell your spacers and put the money towards new rims with the correct offset. I don't think anyone will have anything good to say about wheel spacers that knows anything about cars.