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Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...

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Offline BARLEY

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Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« on: January 20, 2010, 07:30:22 AM »
So I've done as much research as I can and was wodering what you guys were running? I've heard they are bad on the bearings and joints and wanna know if it's true. I was also wondering if I did get some what size is safe and will still give me a more agressive stance on my stock 94 tracker 8v with mud terrain 235's...It's my daily driver and I only wheel the odd weekend so was doing this more for looks then anything. Ive also heard of switching to a different offset of rim but which rims will give me more of a wider stance and fit the tracker? and where can i get a decent set of the spacers fornot too much $? any input would be great thanks

summarize...
wheel spacers bad on bearings?
what size to use on 94 tracker? 1", 1.5",  2" ?
what rims have more offset and will fit?
where can I find some good ones for a decent price?

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Offline Drone637

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2010, 09:52:10 AM »
They aren't any worse on your bearings then offset tires.  But combined with off-set tires they can stick out there a ways.  I have run both 1.5" and 1" wheel spacers on my Tracker, I wouldn't go over 1".  Any further then that and your tires will rub to much on the back side of your fenders when you turn, especially when backing up.  An aggressive tread will probably also rub the top of your rear fender, but putting a 1" spring spacer in back fixed that problem for me.

Originally I bought mine on E-bay, just do a search for dodge wheel spacers and you can find some pretty cheap.  Just make sure they send you nuts for a Suzuki instead of a Ford, Jeep or Dodge. 
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline BARLEY

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2010, 11:29:31 AM »
If they don t rub now then why would they rub with the spacer on? other then on the back wheels when im on full flex or something on the top? and will an inch make a noticable difference in the stance?

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Offline AndrewK

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2010, 11:36:01 AM »
I was in the exact same boat as you.   Wanted a wider stance, 90% looks, 10% for the trails.   Bought a set of Cragar V5 rims...right bolt pattern, right inner diameter, and GOOD TO GO.  15x8's make my 235's look MEAN, give the truck a whole new look.  that plus the coming lift, and its going to be a cheap and easy modification.

rims were 200$ said and done.  they are 39.99 each for black online.

If you want to go this way, let me know, you have to cut about an inch out of the bumper (2 minute job).  Then no spacers, and minimal stress on the joints.
97 Geo Tracker.  4x4.  5 Speed.  235/75/R15 ATR's, on Cragar 15x8's (a.k.a Jet Puffed).  Custom tubular safari rack. Custom light bar, 4x Baja spots.  Bedliner interior on its way..

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Offline Drone637

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2010, 03:08:57 PM »
If they don t rub now then why would they rub with the spacer on? other then on the back wheels when im on full flex or something on the top? and will an inch make a noticable difference in the stance?


They will rub because your wheel is further out so it changes the over-all arch of your tire travel.  Turn your wheel to full lock, the outside of your wheel is close to your rear inner fender well.  Move it out 1" in parrallel with the tread and it will be that much closer to the back of your fender well.  If you have room to spare then you can go with larger spacers.  Myself, I didn't.  I also had to trim the bottom of the bumper a bit as well.

I like the way it looks, especially with the fender flares.

Of course, the spacers aren't much cheaper then the wheels AndrewK picked up.  :D

96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline AndrewK

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2010, 06:44:00 PM »
yeah, i had the same rub.  But a quick shave of the bumper, and good to go ;D

If you have nice rims, then look at some spacers..but for me, i got really nice steel rims, for the same price as spacers..which aren't highly recommended in the racing community..cant imagine they are on the offroad community?

97 Geo Tracker.  4x4.  5 Speed.  235/75/R15 ATR's, on Cragar 15x8's (a.k.a Jet Puffed).  Custom tubular safari rack. Custom light bar, 4x Baja spots.  Bedliner interior on its way..

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Offline BARLEY

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2010, 06:59:21 PM »
The only problem is Im in Canada and the shipping would cost a crap load on those rims probably... Is that pic of the tracker with a 1inch or inch and a half spacer? And I wont have to worry about the front bumper I dont think since I have very little of one as you can sort of see in my display pic... The only area I'd have to trim maybe would be that inner rear front area. whats behind the black plastic there? is it just open space?

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Offline AndrewK

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2010, 07:09:41 PM »
I got my rims on kijiji...200$ brand new.  i'd say look there first!


Also an important thing to factor in, is whether or not you need to get longer wheel studs? people here will know that for sure. ;D

I think the rule is minimum 8 turns of the lug...
97 Geo Tracker.  4x4.  5 Speed.  235/75/R15 ATR's, on Cragar 15x8's (a.k.a Jet Puffed).  Custom tubular safari rack. Custom light bar, 4x Baja spots.  Bedliner interior on its way..

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Offline Drone637

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Re: Wheel Spacers...The Good and Bad...
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2010, 03:20:44 AM »
That pic is with a 3/4" spacer up front and a 1" spacer in the rear.

With spacers of more then 1" it's actually more of an adapter then a proper spacer.  So longer studs aren't really needed.  You might check with the local Canadian Tire or other tire store, see what they have available.  You have to pay tax, but you need to visit them to get the tires mounted anyway.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing