Tell me how bad it is to use wheel spacers

[Iconic5.0]

Want to get a bit more “poke” on my wheels/tires. Looking at 1.25” spacers, how bad of an idea is this? Or is it no big deal. I’d like to get this look but not ready to spend $3k on new tires and wheels

 

[roadrunr]

From a suspension/drivetrain standpoint, not much difference between a spacer and an offset that puts the outside face of the wheel in the same position. The only real difference between a spacer and a wheel with big offset is the additional set of fasteners that *could* fail.

 

[TexasTea]

From a suspension/drivetrain standpoint, not much difference between a spacer and an offset that puts the outside face of the wheel in the same position. The only real difference between a spacer and a wheel with big offset is the additional set of fasteners that *could* fail.

Don't buy cheap Chinese metal and this also isn't a concern. Torque correctly. Recheck often. You WILL feel slightly more movement up and down in the suspension / more road feedback due to the slightly longer torque arm you've created. For the price of good quality spacers (spidertrax, bora, etc) you're halfway to new wheels though

 

[ApolloChurchill]

Wow times have changed. I got my set of BORA’s for $250 10 years ago. Are they that much more now?

I haven’t seen any issues running them. I had them on a few trucks through the years lastly being a Gen 2 Raptor and it never gave me trouble. I haven’t decided if I want them on my Tremor or not but I wouldn’t question using them otherwise

 

[Iconic5.0]

Thanks for the advice and brands.

Found these https://www.stage3motorsports.com/b...8XIJ0DsXK8eXFHo3m5iljIMyspISuSgV3JTI2p0Ee-JYm

 

[TexasTea]

If you wanna go 1.75 these are still for sale. Make me an offer.

Thread '1.75" Spidertrax Wheel Spacers set of 4' https://www.f150tremor.com/threads/1-75-spidertrax-wheel-spacers-set-of-4.3707/

 

[Iconic5.0]

If you wanna go 1.75 these are still for sale. Make me an offer.

Thread '1.75" Spidertrax Wheel Spacers set of 4' https://www.f150tremor.com/threads/1-75-spidertrax-wheel-spacers-set-of-4.3707/

Tempting. Worried the may be too much for me without flares…

 

[TexasTea]

Tempting. Worried the may be too much for me without flares…

Hang a string straight down from your wheel arch and cut a 1.75 inch piece of paper and find out. The flares I added are the Rough Country Sport flares if you wanna see how far they're advertised to flare.

 

[TexasTea]

No reasonable offer refused... Just collecting dust in the garage.

 

[zimm]

I used spidertrax spacers on my Wrangler and also a 4runner before that. Both times, I noticed an increase in vibrations when driving and after getting aftermarket wheels and selling the spacers, noticed a smoother ride. I'd avoid using spacers and just get new wheels if you need some "poke".

Although it looks perfect stock- the tremor wheels have less offset than other factory f150 wheels.

 

[Rabidtastic]

Really only a concern under heavy stresses. For looks fine but don't jump a dune or tow a 10k rv/boat with em.

 

[sausage416]

Want to get a bit more “poke” on my wheels/tires. Looking at 1.25” spacers, how bad of an idea is this? Or is it no big deal. I’d like to get this look but not ready to spend $3k on new tires and wheels

View attachment 37627

I’m running 1.5” wheel spacers with 285/75r18 Duratrac, spacers are fine rides the same to me, there is no vibration. I’d say go for it and buy proper offset wheels later.

 

[CAMDENN]

Want to get a bit more “poke” on my wheels/tires. Looking at 1.25” spacers, how bad of an idea is this? Or is it no big deal. I’d like to get this look but not ready to spend $3k on new tires and wheels

View attachment 37627

Are you familiar with the ole saying…….Do it right by doing it once or is it the other way around.
Same difference though.

 

[TexasTea]

Are you familiar with the ole saying…….Do it right by doing it once or is it the other way around.
Same difference though.

I'd still argue that spacers aren't "wrong" if done safely and with a quality hardware. It's a more affordable option, try and see if you like it before pulling trigger on wheels. That's what I did.

 

[TexasTea]

I’m running 1.5” wheel spacers with 285/75r18 Duratrac, spacers are fine rides the same to me, there is no vibration. I’d say go for it and buy proper offset wheels later.

This is a good stance! IMHO 1.5 is about flush. 1.75 is a tiny bit of poke. I personally wouldn't go 2 inch or higher but that's aesthetic choice.

 

[PNWTremor]

Want to get a bit more “poke” on my wheels/tires. Looking at 1.25” spacers, how bad of an idea is this? Or is it no big deal. I’d like to get this look but not ready to spend $3k on new tires and wheels

View attachment 37627

Something to think about:

The further out your tire sits, the more mechanical leverage they have against your suspension components. Things like upper and lower control arms, ball joints etc will be working harder to control the wheels. Tierods will be strained, weld-fatigue will increase, leading to premature failure and wear (in extreme circumstances).

Poke isn’t bad, but there is a reason it’s not popular with offroad vehicles off the lot. Engineers build suspension components to operate within a set of parameters. Exceeding those parameters could be bad news.

 

[TexasTea]

Something to think about:

The further out your tire sits, the more mechanical leverage they have against your suspension components. Things like upper and lower control arms, ball joints etc will be working harder to control the wheels. Tierods will be strained, weld-fatigue will increase, leading to premature failure and wear (in extreme circumstances).

Poke isn’t bad, but there is a reason it’s not popular with offroad vehicles off the lot. Engineers build suspension components to operate within a set of parameters. Exceeding those parameters could be bad news.

Correct, no doubt. Unless you're going to extreme negative offsets, an inch farther out is really unlikely to impact anything during the lifetime of the vehicle. I dare say lifts are MUCH more likely to wear out cv axles than a little poke. But yes, you decide what is worth it!

 

[Escape Hatch]

How come no mention of tire size in relation to decreased offset? A true measured 12.2 inch wide tire on the same offset versus 11.6 inch wide tire makes a difference in poke. In hindsight, I would have started with what tire width I wanted in relation to wheel offset for the look. Though I like the AT4 I would have preferred a skinnier tire on my +6 wheel and now I need to whait 40k miles or so ro make the change. Either that or I get tuned and start ripping the tread off, lol.

 

[sausage416]

How come no mention of tire size in relation to decreased offset? A true measured 12.2 inch wide tire on the same offset versus 11.6 inch wide tire makes a difference in poke. In hindsight, I would have started with what tire width I wanted in relation to wheel offset for the look. Though I like the AT4 I would have preferred a skinnier tire on my +6 wheel and now I need to whait 40k miles or so ro make the change. Either that or I get tuned and start ripping the tread off, lol.

1.5” spacers is good for 275/285 width, it’s similar to a 0 offset.

 

[Gzajohns]

I’m running 1.5” wheel spacers with 285/75r18 Duratrac, spacers are fine rides the same to me, there is no vibration. I’d say go for it and buy proper offset wheels later.

I'm looking to run the same tires. Did you need the spacers to avoid rubbing, or did you just like the look better?

Also what size level did you put on? I did a 2" Autospring level and nervous the tires might rub...

Thanks!