Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: JKrider on July 29, 2011, 07:35:31 PM

Title: Wheel Spacers
Post by: JKrider on July 29, 2011, 07:35:31 PM

Hey guys, fairly new here but a jeep nut all the same. I'm looking at possibly installing a set of Spidertrax wheel spacers on my jeep. Any thoughts on whether they're safe or might wear out steering parts? (was told they would by a certain 4x4 shop) Spidertrax website claims their perfectly safe if installed properly and there's no evidence of them wearing out parts. Who's right?  :-\

Title: Re: Wheel Spacers
Post by: TL-Iguana on July 29, 2011, 10:58:27 PM

If installed correctly you should probably not have to worry. If installed incorectly, then you will definately have issues. Your now adding an inch to the end of your axles, and yes this will create more strain on your steering. Perhaps not enough to cause any problems or degradation of components, but once you get into larger tires and whatnot, then yes your going to be going through more u-joints and bearings. Its a fact of life and physics. Good choice however on the Spidertrax.


Here is some recently posted, very good information about Spidertrax spacers too.

http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=22371.msg137592#msg137592 (http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=22371.msg137592#msg137592)

Title: Re: Wheel Spacers
Post by: tubby on July 29, 2011, 11:17:06 PM

Do a search  on wheel spacers on this forum and many others and it will make your head hurt. I wasn't a fan of wheel spacers(not talking bout the el-cheapo sandwich type) a few years ago, but I had rims with the wrong backspacing. I purchased some Spidertrax ones and have logged over 10,000kms on the highway and offroad.

Read the instructions and have a properly calibrated torque wrench. Torque to spec and re-torque after 100-200kms or whatever your instructions say to do. Check periodically when you have a wheel off your vehicle.

Title: Re: Wheel Spacers
Post by: Raspberry on July 30, 2011, 12:19:02 AM

I currently run 2" spacers all the way around on my XJ. Yes, with big MEATY mud tires installed, the spacers will slightly quicken the rate at which you go through certain front-end components.

However as tubby said, they are a quick and easy way to stuff out your wheels if you have rims of an undesirable backspacing (as I did).

Title: Re: Wheel Spacers
Post by: Zombie on July 30, 2011, 01:17:53 AM

it will eat them up quicker, but it will not be any different on components than a wheel with a higher offset(sits farther out).
so if installed properly, you should be ok.

that being said, I don't like them that much.