Do I need wheel spacers for my setup?

Wheel spacers are a popular and versatile accessory for truck and SUV builds, but not every setup requires them. Here is everything you need to know about wheel spacers and how to determine whether they are the right addition for your build.

What do wheel spacers do?

Wheel spacers are designed to push your wheels outward from the vehicle's hub, creating additional space between the mounting surface of the wheel and the hub. Here is what that means for your build:

• Spacers push your wheels and tires further outward, widening your stance and giving your truck a more aggressive, wider look
• They can also be used to resolve clearance issues with brake calipers, tie rods, or other suspension components that may be too close to the back of your wheel
• Spacers are available in a range of thicknesses, so the amount of additional clearance or stance width they provide can be tailored to your specific needs

Do I need wheel spacers?

Whether or not you need wheel spacers depends on your goals and your specific setup. Here are the most common reasons someone might add wheel spacers to their build:

• Wider stance: If you want your wheels to sit further outward for a more aggressive look without changing your wheels, spacers are a great option
• Brake or suspension clearance: If your new aftermarket wheels are sitting too close to your brake calipers, tie rods, or other suspension components, spacers can push the wheel outward to create the necessary clearance
• Leveling out staggered setups: If you have a staggered setup and want to even out the stance between the front and rear, spacers can help achieve a more balanced look
• Running a wheel with higher offset: If your wheels have a higher offset than desired and sit too far inward, spacers can push them out to the position you are looking for

When are wheel spacers not needed?

Spacers are not always necessary and in some cases may not be the right solution. Here is when you likely do not need them:

• If your wheels already have the offset and stance you are looking for, spacers are not needed
• If you are experiencing rubbing on the outside of your fenders, adding spacers will push your wheels further out and make the rubbing worse rather than better
• If you are looking for more inner clearance between your wheel and suspension components, adjusting your wheel offset or backspacing may be a better solution than spacers

Are wheel spacers safe?

Yes, wheel spacers are safe when they are properly measured, installed, and torqued. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Always use high quality spacers from a reputable brand to ensure they are built to the correct load rating for your vehicle
• Never stack multiple spacers on top of each other, as this can create unsafe friction or slippage
• Use a torque wrench during installation and never use an impact gun, as this can over torque the bolts or strip the threads
• Make sure your lug nuts have at least 6 to 8 full threads of engagement after the spacer is installed
• Professional installation is always recommended to make sure everything is torqued correctly and fitted safely
• Regularly check your spacers and lug nut torque to make sure everything remains properly secured over time

What size spacer do I need?

Determining the right spacer size for your setup requires some measuring. Here is a simple way to figure out what thickness you need:

• Remove your wheel and add an equal number of washers to each stud to simulate the thickness of a spacer
• Reinstall the wheel and check the fitment. Add or remove washers until you achieve the desired stance or clearance
• Measure the total thickness of the washers on a single stud to determine the spacer size you need
• Never drive your vehicle with washers installed. This method is for measuring purposes only

What types of spacers are available?

Spacers come in two main materials, each with different load ratings and recommended applications. Here is what to know:

• Aluminum spacers: The most common option, with a load rating of up to 30,000 lbs. Aluminum spacers are anodized black to protect against corrosion and are sufficient for the vast majority of builds including most trucks and SUVs
• Steel spacers: A heavier duty option with a load rating of up to 40,000 lbs. Steel spacers are recommended for trucks that regularly tow very heavy loads or vehicles approaching 1,000 horsepower. Steel spacers are shipped raw and are typically more expensive than aluminum due to the raw material and machining costs involved

Not sure if wheel spacers are right for your setup?

Contact us with your vehicle details and what you are trying to achieve and our team will be happy to help determine whether spacers are the right solution and what size would work best for your specific build!