Wheel Spacers

[DanStokes]

Are they OK to use? Since I lowered the Dodge the tires get JUST into some suspension components (mostly the lower shock bolts) at full lock and I think 1/4" would probably take care of it. I've run adaptors but never spacers and I was wondering if they work OK and are safe.

Dan

[Chad's Dad]

I've been running 1/2" spacers on the front of my Camaro for about 40 years. I did put longer studs in to keep it safe.

[Ron Ward]

I am not particularly fond of them, Dan. As such, I have never used them. I do know folks who have used them without issue, but I also know folks who have sheared lug studs while using them.

[BBR]

I run a 3/16" spacer with the slicks on mine. I used a 4-lug spacer and then drilled a 5 hole pattern and they fit snug and stay centered.

[Loren]

You could consider the surface where the stud comes out of the disc or axle, and the wheel material normally starts, to be a "clamping area" to hold the wheel on and also a "shear point" when torque is applied, and the wheel is firmly located by step features at the center. If your spacer only adds a second shear point (which the studs have plenty of strength to deal with) but doesn't otherwise change the dynamic, then it's good. For that to happen, the spacer must have inner and outer center register features so that it's held to the hub on one side and into the wheel at the other, and the holes for the studs should be tight so that there isn't a big space where studs are going to be "s"-bending across under torque but rather are held to individual shear points where surfaces meet.

Now, for reality...to me, if the car is not being severely over-stressed in use, then up to an inch or so you can get away with a spacer without center registers but maintaining a tight hole around the stud. Up to 3/8 inch you can get away without holes that are tight to the studs. For racing I'd do neither.

JMO, as they say. Of-course, larger studs like 9/16" that you might need to get a 1" lug nut which you top-end guys like are stronger and these finer points less important.

[JeffMcKC]

With a 5/8 stud I don't see a issue if they are tight

1/4 inch no issue, with a smaller stud just use a billet one, and check it after 100 miles to make sure it stays TQed

[DanStokes]

The pics don't look like they're registered off the hub. These will be only on the front and therefore see no torque other than cornering forces - I'm thinking much less than WOT dragstrip runs on the drive axles. And there ARE 8 lugs holding the whole deal together. I wouldn't be as comfy with them on the rear based on your input.

Still chewing on it.......

Dan

[squirrel]

Does the wheel register on the hub now, without the spacers?

[Beagle]

I run a 3/16" spacer with the slicks on mine. I used a 4-lug spacer and then drilled a 5 hole pattern and they fit snug and stay centered.

sticking square pegs in round wholes again?

[Scott Liggett]

Plenty of the pro touring guys use them with their modern wheels. They toss their cars are all over on the autocrosses without problems. And, they use 2" spacers on their stuff. Not sure the legality on that with racing.

[Deaf Bob]

One rookie wanted to use "cool" rims.. i think aluminum.. He also used an adaptor.. He took hits on his wheels..( normal kill spots" )
Afterwards, I was looking his car over.. Some broke off at the adaptor, some at the rim.. One thing he did not make sure of was using the right nuts and depth.. He had some nuts threaded on half the meat of the nut..
I like using long nuts to cover all the threads so they don't get scrubbed.. Or bigger nuts
But then..I also remove one front brake pad to give the caliper more room before it stops the wheel from turning..

[DanStokes]

Jim - I never noticed if the wheels are registered off the hub - great question. I'll look the next time I have a wheel off.

DB - the lugs extend past the end of the lugs so I think there's some room before I'll need longer studs. At 8 lugs/wheel that could get expensive! And no adaptors.

Dan

[1badmonkey]

Yes, your stock dodge wheels are Hub-centric. have you looked at modifying the areas that hit the tire?

also, with your truck being lowered, if you space the wheel out, will it get you into rub on the outer side?


beyond all those concerns, I use 1.5 inch bolt on spacers with the 22" wheels on my suburban, and havent had any issues.

[squirrel]

Stock wheels are usually hub centric, but aftermarket wheels may or may not be. If the "nub" on the hub is tall enough that it will still contact the hole in the wheel when the spacers are added, then it should be fine. Even if it's not, it should be fine with 8 lugs and only 1/4" spacers.

Scott, the guys running 2" spacers are actually using bolt on adapters, aren't they? this effectively makes the hub 2" thicker, and the wheel is bolted directly to the "new" hub, with no spacer.

[milner351]

Dan - with that small of a spacer all that's needed to fix the issue - could you do something as simple as flipping the shock bolt around so the nut is on the inside, or "kiss it with the grinder" to fix the rub problem?