Wheel Spacers

[Kuhn]

I was just looking up some of the products offered for Jeeps and I came across some 2'' wheel spacers. I see a couple benefits to a wider wheel base, but there must be added stress on the suspension, etc. I'm just looking for some input/oppinions. btw My tires are already 14'' or so wide. Thanks

[CocaColaEatsPie]

It wouldn't put anymore stress on the suspesion assuming they are well made spacers. But two inches is a DARN big spacer. My guess is that they were created for the big dumb chrome wheels with little to no offset. But that's just my guess. There wouldn't really be a problem with putting them on, although in most states you'll probably get in trouble becasue of the fender issue.

[Ray H]

Wheel spacers dont stress the suspension any but the common feeling is that they do stress the front uni bearing hubs. By moving the tire that far out, the weight of the vehicle is no longer supported directly under the bearing but a couple inches outboard of the bearing causing leverage on the shaft running through the bearing. Positive offset wheels do the same thing. Also check to make sure that wheel spacers are legal where you are. There are also two types of wheel spacers. One type has there own lugs and lugnuts. You bolt the spacer to the hub, then bolt the wheel to the spacer. These are the more desirable. The other type is just a round chunk of metal with holes in it. You use extremely long bolts that go through the spacer and wheel. These are considered downright unsafe by most people I know.

These are probably the best example of quality spacers.
http://www.rockcrawler.com/techrepor...cers/index.asp

[Kuhn]

Originally Posted by Ray H

There are also two types of wheel spacers. One type has there own lugs and lugnuts. You bolt the spacer to the hub, then bolt the wheel to the spacer. These are the more desirable.

This is exactly what I'm looking at. I'm just using these to widen the wheel base for more stability. 2'' on each side might be a bit much though... especially ontop of 14'' wide tires. My Wrangler would be almost as wide as it is long. I'll update this if I get them. I'm still looking for input if anybody has anything to add.