Wheel spacers - good, bad? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrC1 · 10-05-2005, 10:12 PM

I've got some 8mm (approx 5/16") wheel spacers that I intend to put on the rear of my truck to equalize the backspacing appearance from front to back.

Obviously I'll have less threads to work with, precisely 8mm less, but is that a problem? I intend to use this thing as a truck, so I'll be hauling stuff with it.

I guess the question is probably...

"How many threads (or turns of the lug nut) are enough?"

KAILUAZ · 10-05-2005, 10:43 PM

You should get a set that is hub-centric and has studs pressed into the spacer. Thats my opinion, I run 1.25" spacers on the rear or my Mustang with no problems.

cableguy0 · 10-05-2005, 10:52 PM

they are a bad idea. they put all the weight on the studs instead of the hub. they should be outlawed imo.they are totally unsafe

Solver · 10-05-2005, 11:46 PM

Iman on this board ran a set of 1/2" spacers on his 6 lug wheels so he could use the newer style tahoe wheel. in 2 days he was down 4 or 5 studs. It puts all the pressure on the studs if the wheel doesn't ride on the hub. He changed back to rally's

1969 GMC · 10-06-2005, 12:20 AM

GM designed their trucks to be this way. Seems that slapping a "quick-fix" on the rear axle just to make it "look right" is not the way to go, IMO.
I know, I sound like your grandma.
I bet it would look just as nice w/o the spacer.

**Stocker** · 10-06-2005, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy0

they are a bad idea. they put all the weight on the studs instead of the hub. they should be outlawed imo.they are totally unsafe

This has long been my thought also, though whenever I express it, someone is always quick to say they use 'em without problems. Just seems like a bad design to me - and no, I am not a structural engineer. Disclaimer: I did run 'em on the front of an El Camino back around 1970, but I was much younger and did a few other foolish things too.

rwgregory · 10-06-2005, 03:55 AM

I have been running a set of spacers 3/4" thick on the back of my 8 lug 1 ton Ford
van for the past 16 years and have put over 150,000 miles on it. I wouldn't say this
is the safest way to go, but I havn't had any problems thus far. I only did this so my
33x12.50x16.5 tires would not rub the frame rails.

Huck · 10-06-2005, 08:48 AM

Ever have a wheel pass you buy only to find out it was yours?! Been there, done that!!Spacers on trucks are not the recommended way to get the "look". As "rwgregory" states, he has had good luck but for every one who has had good luck, there are probably 20 who have had problems especially on trucks used to haul stuff. You are better off looking for a wheel with the right backspacing to give you the "look" without sacrifacing strength at the axle. My .02~~~~Huck

Longhorn Man · 10-06-2005, 09:13 AM

Wow, and i normally get flamed for saying they are a bad idea

70 longbed · 10-06-2005, 10:29 AM

As KAILUAZ said, there are newer styles of spacers out there. They are designed to bolt onto your hub and provide a new set of lugs to bolt your wheel onto.

I agree, that just putting a spacer in there and not having enough threads to properly seat a lug nut is not the way to go.

Purs · 10-06-2005, 12:06 PM

I'm certainly no expert but there is big difference in the wheel spacers at autozone and the one's at this (and other) websites. http://wheelspacers.com/ Check them out, do some reading at other websites from people that have run them and make an informed decision. Call and talk to Fred and he'll give you his opinion.

Alan Potter · 10-06-2005, 02:36 PM

I know I'll probably be flogged for saying this, but I ran a set on a Duster back in H.S. and never had a problem with them. And believe me I put that cat through the paces.

Mudder · 10-06-2005, 03:47 PM

Spacers will put more leverage on the axle shaft itself. I ran some 1/4 " spacers on the front one time to clear a caliper but anything any thicker than that I would think about.

MrC1 · 10-06-2005, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purs

I'm certainly no expert but there is big difference in the wheel spacers at autozone and the one's at this (and other) websites. http://wheelspacers.com/ Check them out, do some reading at other websites from people that have run them and make an informed decision. Call and talk to Fred and he'll give you his opinion.

It appears that thin spacers aren't available though. I'm just looking to add 5/16" or so.

MrC1 · 10-06-2005, 07:41 PM

You guys are bummin me out now.

Here's my problem with the old "the weight will now only be on the studs instead of the hub" thing. I've found that MANY wheels, especially aftermarket ones have a hub center that's bigger then the one on your car, whcih means all load is on the studs anyway!

Of course, my new wheels aren't at all liek that - they fit nicely around the hub.

I also ran thin spacers (1/4") on a little car I had back in highschool and never had a problem. Obviously the thicker the spacer the more exaggerated the problem, but even a 1/4" spacer pushes a wheel off of the hub.

As far as look, it's true that it probably looks fine now, but I think it'd be lots better if the rear wheels weren't quite so far inset. As far as being designed that way for a reason, I seriously doubt that. The only benefit I can imagine would be saving $$ since this rear was probably already used in something slightly narrower. Why redesign? Just slap it in there!

Anybody know why our wheels are inset so much? Makes no sense to me! Is it just so we can look stoopid?

MrC1 · 10-18-2005, 09:11 PM

Well, I pulled off obe of my new wheels and guess what? The center doesn't ride on the hub anyway! There's a good 1/8" clearance around it, so adding a spacer will make no difference in that regard.

I found that with my 8mm spacers I still have about 1/2" of thread into the lug nuts, so I should be good. That little change made a world of difference in the stance though!

Terry Peerson · 10-19-2005, 08:15 AM

My truck has spacers because I couldn't find any lug-nuts that would work with my Cragar SS Wheels. They all were too long. So, I had to use the spacers. I don't like them on the fronts because they move the wheels "out" a little too far for my tastes.

T

MrC1 · 10-19-2005, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Peerson

I don't like them on the fronts because they move the wheels "out" a little too far for my tastes.

I agree with that! The fronts are already pretty wide. My whole purpose was to bring the rears out a little further to match the front width. The spacers aren't quite thick enough to do it, but it's certainly an improvement.

67chevemall · 10-19-2005, 08:42 AM

melt them down and make sinkers.
rob a gas bar and buy new rims and tires all the same size
$.02

MrC1 · 10-19-2005, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67chevemall

melt them down and make sinkers.
rob a gas bar and buy new rims and tires all the same size
$.02

But that's exactly it! The wheels and tires ARE all the same size. Our trucks rearends make the wheels sit narrower than the fronts. The spacers help take up some of that distance.

70rs/ss · 10-19-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrC1

I've got some 8mm (approx 5/16") wheel spacers that I intend to put on the rear of my truck to equalize the backspacing appearance from front to back.

Obviously I'll have less threads to work with, precisely 8mm less, but is that a problem? I intend to use this thing as a truck, so I'll be hauling stuff with it.

I guess the question is probably...

"How many threads (or turns of the lug nut) are enough?"

If you are concerned, get in touch with ARP as they make longer hardened studs and can use your truck without worries.

**dennislbrooks** · 10-19-2005, 03:45 PM

I run 1.5" spacers on the rear-- and I agree there is a limit to the shear strength of the 6 studs--- however with a near show truck hauling near nothing--I doubt if I am near it---have had no trouble and could be wrong. If "heavy hauling" I would probably play it safe also with the correct backspacing wheel. We need a mechanical engineer on here.

Terry Peerson · 10-20-2005, 08:06 AM

What is a gas bar?

67chevemall · 10-20-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrC1

But that's exactly it! The wheels and tires ARE all the same size. Our trucks rearends make the wheels sit narrower than the fronts. The spacers help take up some of that distance.

What bed do you have?
If you build the rim to withstand the load instead of the
studs then your in. 15-17" you can make the width of the rim pretty
wide, with 4-5 " backspacing.
I think the only other way is to play with axels but that gets nutty.
or no?$0.02

MrC1 · 10-20-2005, 07:13 PM

It's a longbed, fleetside. Sure, I realize playing with the offset would be a better way to go, but money wise, I got a great deal on the wheels, so I'm going with what I've got. Besides, the spacer is only 8mm thick. I'm not too worried about that little bit putting too much more outside load on there.

The only wheels I've seen that actually ride on the center hub are the factory pieces. If this is important, why do the aftermarket wheels not? I'm not being sarcastic - I'd really like to know! I'm sure alot has to do with differing hub sizes and wheel copanies wanting their stuff to fit multiple applications, but if this were a serious issue, wouldn't you think there'd be more attention paid to it?

I dunno, just thinkin out loud.

10-05-2005, 10:12 PM	#1
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Wheel spacers - good, bad? I've got some 8mm (approx 5/16") wheel spacers that I intend to put on the rear of my truck to equalize the backspacing appearance from front to back. Obviously I'll have less threads to work with, precisely 8mm less, but is that a problem? I intend to use this thing as a truck, so I'll be hauling stuff with it. I guess the question is probably... "How many threads (or turns of the lug nut) are enough?"

10-05-2005, 10:43 PM	#2
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	You should get a set that is hub-centric and has studs pressed into the spacer. Thats my opinion, I run 1.25" spacers on the rear or my Mustang with no problems. __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics Last edited by KAILUAZ; 10-05-2005 at 10:47 PM.

10-05-2005, 10:52 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	they are a bad idea. they put all the weight on the studs instead of the hub. they should be outlawed imo.they are totally unsafe __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-05-2005, 11:46 PM	#4
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Iman on this board ran a set of 1/2" spacers on his 6 lug wheels so he could use the newer style tahoe wheel. in 2 days he was down 4 or 5 studs. It puts all the pressure on the studs if the wheel doesn't ride on the hub. He changed back to rally's __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

10-06-2005, 12:20 AM	#5
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	GM designed their trucks to be this way. Seems that slapping a "quick-fix" on the rear axle just to make it "look right" is not the way to go, IMO. I know, I sound like your grandma. I bet it would look just as nice w/o the spacer. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

10-06-2005, 03:55 AM	#7
rwgregory Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chula Vista, California Posts: 495	I have been running a set of spacers 3/4" thick on the back of my 8 lug 1 ton Ford van for the past 16 years and have put over 150,000 miles on it. I wouldn't say this is the safest way to go, but I havn't had any problems thus far. I only did this so my 33x12.50x16.5 tires would not rub the frame rails. __________________ rwgregory 67 GMC 2500 ,2w/d wide box 305 V-6, 4-speed

10-06-2005, 08:48 AM	#8
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Ever have a wheel pass you buy only to find out it was yours?! Been there, done that!!Spacers on trucks are not the recommended way to get the "look". As "rwgregory" states, he has had good luck but for every one who has had good luck, there are probably 20 who have had problems especially on trucks used to haul stuff. You are better off looking for a wheel with the right backspacing to give you the "look" without sacrifacing strength at the axle. My .02~~~~Huck

10-06-2005, 09:13 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Wow, and i normally get flamed for saying they are a bad idea

10-06-2005, 10:29 AM	#10
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	As KAILUAZ said, there are newer styles of spacers out there. They are designed to bolt onto your hub and provide a new set of lugs to bolt your wheel onto. I agree, that just putting a spacer in there and not having enough threads to properly seat a lug nut is not the way to go. __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

10-06-2005, 12:06 PM	#11
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	I'm certainly no expert but there is big difference in the wheel spacers at autozone and the one's at this (and other) websites. http://wheelspacers.com/ Check them out, do some reading at other websites from people that have run them and make an informed decision. Call and talk to Fred and he'll give you his opinion. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." Last edited by Purs; 10-06-2005 at 12:07 PM.

10-06-2005, 02:36 PM	#12
Alan Potter Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 162	I know I'll probably be flogged for saying this, but I ran a set on a Duster back in H.S. and never had a problem with them. And believe me I put that cat through the paces. __________________ '12 Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 '05 Silverado SWB '67 Chevrolet CST 2wd '49 Willys Jeepster

10-06-2005, 03:47 PM	#13
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Spacers will put more leverage on the axle shaft itself. I ran some 1/4 " spacers on the front one time to clear a caliper but anything any thicker than that I would think about.

10-06-2005, 07:41 PM	#15
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	but but but... You guys are bummin me out now. Here's my problem with the old "the weight will now only be on the studs instead of the hub" thing. I've found that MANY wheels, especially aftermarket ones have a hub center that's bigger then the one on your car, whcih means all load is on the studs anyway! Of course, my new wheels aren't at all liek that - they fit nicely around the hub. I also ran thin spacers (1/4") on a little car I had back in highschool and never had a problem. Obviously the thicker the spacer the more exaggerated the problem, but even a 1/4" spacer pushes a wheel off of the hub. As far as look, it's true that it probably looks fine now, but I think it'd be lots better if the rear wheels weren't quite so far inset. As far as being designed that way for a reason, I seriously doubt that. The only benefit I can imagine would be saving $$ since this rear was probably already used in something slightly narrower. Why redesign? Just slap it in there! Anybody know why our wheels are inset so much? Makes no sense to me! Is it just so we can look stoopid?

10-18-2005, 09:11 PM	#16
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Update! Well, I pulled off obe of my new wheels and guess what? The center doesn't ride on the hub anyway! There's a good 1/8" clearance around it, so adding a spacer will make no difference in that regard. I found that with my 8mm spacers I still have about 1/2" of thread into the lug nuts, so I should be good. That little change made a world of difference in the stance though!

10-19-2005, 08:15 AM	#17
Terry Peerson Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bonner Springs, KS Posts: 307	Re: Wheel spacers - good, bad? My truck has spacers because I couldn't find any lug-nuts that would work with my Cragar SS Wheels. They all were too long. So, I had to use the spacers. I don't like them on the fronts because they move the wheels "out" a little too far for my tastes. T __________________ 1972 Cheyenne (awaiting 2nd Restoration) 1996 Tahoe (Wife's Car) 1968 Volkswagen Beetle (My Daily Driver) 2004 Silverado SS (Can't afford to drive the dang thing with gas at $ 3.00)



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10-19-2005, 08:42 AM	#19
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: Wheel spacers - good, bad? melt them down and make sinkers. rob a gas bar and buy new rims and tires all the same size $.02 __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

10-19-2005, 03:45 PM	#22
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,766	Re: Wheel spacers - good, bad? I run 1.5" spacers on the rear-- and I agree there is a limit to the shear strength of the 6 studs--- however with a near show truck hauling near nothing--I doubt if I am near it---have had no trouble and could be wrong. If "heavy hauling" I would probably play it safe also with the correct backspacing wheel. We need a mechanical engineer on here.

10-20-2005, 08:06 AM	#23
Terry Peerson Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bonner Springs, KS Posts: 307	Re: Wheel spacers - good, bad? What is a gas bar? __________________ 1972 Cheyenne (awaiting 2nd Restoration) 1996 Tahoe (Wife's Car) 1968 Volkswagen Beetle (My Daily Driver) 2004 Silverado SS (Can't afford to drive the dang thing with gas at $ 3.00)

10-20-2005, 07:13 PM	#25
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Re: Wheel spacers - good, bad? It's a longbed, fleetside. Sure, I realize playing with the offset would be a better way to go, but money wise, I got a great deal on the wheels, so I'm going with what I've got. Besides, the spacer is only 8mm thick. I'm not too worried about that little bit putting too much more outside load on there. The only wheels I've seen that actually ride on the center hub are the factory pieces. If this is important, why do the aftermarket wheels not? I'm not being sarcastic - I'd really like to know! I'm sure alot has to do with differing hub sizes and wheel copanies wanting their stuff to fit multiple applications, but if this were a serious issue, wouldn't you think there'd be more attention paid to it? I dunno, just thinkin out loud. __________________ 1972 C20, 402/700R4 - My first classic truck, bought in September 2005. 85% transformed from "Farm" to "Cool" status! 1970 Dodge Challenger 440, 4sp (my other toy) 12.67 @ 117 MPH, with a pathetic 2.022 60' 2007 Dodge Charger SRT-8 2008 Cadillac CTS All-American garage, baby!

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