Wheel Spacers

I know that the rear axle in Chevy Blazers (all Chevy trucks if I recall) is 3 inches shorter than the front axle. If this is the case, isn't it possible that getting 1.5 inch wheel spacers in the rear would make the rear wheels/tires even with the fronts? Also, wouldn't this still keep the tires in the wheel wells? The only reason I bring this up is because I think the rear wheels/tires look ridiculous and think this would solve the problem. Thanks in advance guys.

anyone?

Waste of money in my mind.

No one sees the difference other than you.

Put the spacers in there if you want, but don't expect and real difference in handling.

If you put a 1.5 inch spacer on each of the rear wheels, don't think about driving it. Now all the weight of the vehicle is resting just on the studs which will bend and snap off. If the offset of the tires is that much of a concern, buy new wheels with the offset that you want.

If you put a 1.5 inch spacer on each of the rear wheels, don't think about driving it. Now all the weight of the vehicle is resting just on the studs which will bend and snap off. If the offset of the tires is that much of a concern, buy new wheels with the offset that you want.


Actually a decent set of wheel spacers bolt on the existing studs, then have studs of their own for the wheel to bolt on. The problem with any spacer over an inch though is the risk of axel bend because you're increasing weight at the next of the axel

hmmmm.... so consensus would be that it isn't that great of an idea. Thanks for the input guys.

I have two 1.25's in the rear and have had no problems with them. I can feel the difference, but I notice every little quirk of my vehicle. I just drove with them on all the way to Orlando Florida (1600 miles).

I don't see how the studs would be a problem - that is unless they're made of aluminum. Every wheel has a set of studs anyways.

I have two 1.25's in the rear and have had no problems with them. I can feel the difference

What kind of difference?

I believe the difference between front and rear tracks is 2 inches not 3. I put 1" spacers on mine and like how it now looks even with the front. It is easy to see the difference from the back. I did not notice any difference when driving but a wider track is more stable even if it is only a very small difference.
If you do this make sure the spacers mount flush to the disc or drum face. Remove the original star lock washer if it is still on the stud. The wheel must also mount flush to the spacer and not contact the studs or nuts that hold the spacer to the hub. If there is any vibration at speed something is wrong and needs to be corrected if you don't want to crash. Done right spacers are very safe. Lots of offroaders pound the heck out of them with no problems.

What kind of difference?

When I make turns the rear end doesn't lean so much. It makes the turns feel sharper, and for some reason it seems like my turning radius is better.

It is noticed the most when I am making right turns because they are usually sharper than left turns.

What does a star nut look like? I never removed one from my drum brakes, but I think someone else has. I'm assuming they were used to hold the brake drums on while the car was moving down the line.

When I make turns the rear end doesn't lean so much. It makes the turns feel sharper, and for some reason it seems like my turning radius is better.

It is noticed the most when I am making right turns because they are usually sharper than left turns.

What does a star nut look like? I never removed one from my drum brakes, but I think someone else has. I'm assuming they were used to hold the brake drums on while the car was moving down the line.

Rear width has no bearing on your turning radius.

What does a star nut look like? I never removed one from my drum brakes, but I think someone else has. I'm assuming they were used to hold the brake drums on while the car was moving down the line.

Yes, you are correct. I'm not sure what the actual name for it is but it looks like a "toothed" lock washer and is very thin. The teeth are only on the inside and they hold the rotor or drum on during assembly. They are unnecessary and can interfere with proper fitting of spacers. Unless the vehicle is fairly new they are usually long gone.

It makes the turns feel sharper, and for some reason it seems like my turning radius is better.

And while we're on the subject, what's up with the turning radius? Seems like you need the width of a four lane highway to make a u-turn without having to hit reverse. It's strange my 88 S-10 pickup (long bed, mind you) made much sharper turns...okay, I feel better now...I love my Blazer...happy thoughts...

Mixed results, I may try them out to see if I even notice a difference. Why did Chevy make the rear axle shorter to begin with? Also, how much does a set of spacers cost? Thanks again for the input.

Mixed results, I may try them out to see if I even notice a difference. Why did Chevy make the rear axle shorter to begin with? Also, how much does a set of spacers cost? Thanks again for the input.

I spent a month "waiting" and researching the spacer market. You should be able to get a set for $50 if you're patient or $75 pretty quickly on ebay.

I don't see why the 2wd width is 54 inches and the 4wd is 59 inches. I would think it would be easier to make them all the same.

I spent a month "waiting" and researching the spacer market. You should be able to get a set for $50 if you're patient or $75 pretty quickly on ebay.

I don't see why the 2wd width is 54 inches and the 4wd is 59 inches. I would think it would be easier to make them all the same.

According to Chevrolet's web site, the width of the front on the 2WD is 54.9 inches and on the 4WD it is 57.2 inches. The rear is the same for both at 54.6 inches. A difference of 2.6 inches between the front and back on a 4WD. I would assume this is because of the different suspension setups on the front. I think the rear of the 4WD Blazer would look ten times better with the rear wheels the same width as the front.

According to Chevrolet's web site, the width of the front on the 2WD is 54.9 inches and on the 4WD it is 57.2 inches. The rear is the same for both at 54.6 inches. A difference of 2.6 inches between the front and back on a 4WD. I would assume this is because of the different suspension setups on the front. I think the rear of the 4WD Blazer would look ten times better with the rear wheels the same width as the front.
I agree, that is why I want the spacers

I agree, that is why I want the spacers

:lol:

You really think 1.3 inches makes a difference on each side?

:lol:

You really think 1.3 inches makes a difference on each side?
I think that it will definitely be noticable and if not I'm out $75, no biggie

I think that it will definitely be noticable and if not I'm out $75, no biggie

Nope, 2 inches total will NOT be noticeable.

Okay, there's only one way to find out. 20Deep, take some accurate before and after shots and post them.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769100_0795.JPGhttp://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/240769100_0796.JPG

before...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769100_0793.JPG

after...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/240769100_0794.JPG

i really dont see that much of a difference in the above

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769100_0795.JPGhttp://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/240769100_0796.JPG

before...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769100_0793.JPG

after...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/240769100_0794.JPG
Those are the 1.25 inch spacers?

i have spacers on my pu, only because i needed them, my rims are too wide and i rub on lower controll arms, and i will tell you right now, I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED, and the only reason i noticed is because i know there there... every one else (who knew i was getting them free from sears) asked when they were getting put on, and i point to the shiny thing behind the tire

take that back, my cousin, certified master machanic, noticed taht my wheels stuck out a little farther then they should be, other then that though, no one noticed

If your putting on spacers to impress others don't bother. If you like the way it looks go for it. To me it never looked right with the rear being narrower than the front. The difference is more noticeable on a 2 door because it is shorter. Only fanatics like me notice or care.

You do notice when you look at both wheels. Right now you're only looking at 1.25" of spacers.

You do notice when you look at both wheels. Right now you're only looking at 1.25" of spacers.

If your putting on spacers to impress others don't bother. If you like the way it looks go for it. To me it never looked right with the rear being narrower than the front. The difference is more noticeable on a 2 door because it is shorter. Only fanatics like me notice or care.
Yep, I am doing it because I want it to look right