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Questions about wheel spacers

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Atreyu, May 15, 2019.

  1. May 15, 2019 at 6:32 PM
    #1
    Atreyu

    Atreyu [OP] Professional YouTube instruction follower.

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    I know spacers for lifts are a no-no, but what about wheel spacers? Am I right to assume they could fail during off-loading? If you do like them, which ones do you recommend? I completely ruined my paint after finding myself on an unmarked ATV trail, so I am trying to add something cosmetic to sooth the burn I get every time I look at my poor clear coat. I already added a rock deflector and now it looks like a mustache which makes me smile.
     
  2. May 15, 2019 at 6:36 PM
    #2
    whatstcp

    whatstcp currently drunk so don't listen to me

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    wheel spacers are still a controversial subject but popular opinion also states that quality hub centric wheel spacers are acceptable for even offroading. Something like Bora, or Spidertrax. Proper installation is a must with preparation of mounting surfaces, application of loctitite, torquing properly, and retorquing at early intervals to ensure they aren't coming loose.
     
  3. May 15, 2019 at 6:37 PM
    #3
    Cudgel

    Cudgel “Tonka”

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    Spacers are not inherently bad. Size, quality and torque matters. I’ll leave recommendations to guys who have stressed them.
     
  4. May 15, 2019 at 6:39 PM
    #4
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Just get good spacers and don't do anything ridiculous like stack them for a wider stance or something.

    Fyi most tire shops won't touch a truck with wheel spacers so you'll have to take then off whenever you want an alignment or new tires mounted.
     
  5. May 15, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #5
    mutely

    mutely Well-Known Member

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    Ones that are just spacers (don’t have their own studs) are weak. Personally I’d never use them.
    One that have their own studs need to be thick enough to support the stud, (otherwise they are weak).
    Strongest ones are 1” (minimum) and made from steel.
    Every single design will put excess (or greater) ware one axle components (like wheel bearings).

    If you want 4, your far better off buying wheels with the offset you want. Really the best use for them is if your just using 2 to increase the track on one axle and want to keep all wheels the same offset.
     
    jmneill, hiPSI and Atreyu[OP] like this.
  6. May 15, 2019 at 6:41 PM
    #6
    Atreyu

    Atreyu [OP] Professional YouTube instruction follower.

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    You want a pic of my paint damage or my Taco mustache?
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2019
  7. May 15, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #7
    Atreyu

    Atreyu [OP] Professional YouTube instruction follower.

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    Good info guys, I appreciate it. I don't want anything crazy, just a couple inches. I'm sure I would be the only person who would even notice a difference xD

    I've never owned a vehicle worth modding, so I am pretty new to this. I didn't even think about different offsets on rims, but that makes sense. Too bad I already got some 17inch rims on her or I'd just do that.
     
  8. May 15, 2019 at 8:05 PM
    #8
    NYCTaco52

    NYCTaco52 Half man, half goat

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    I’ve honestly heard so much of both sides, bad and good. And honestly, finding the right wheel with the offset you need it want can be tough. Especially if it’s specific wheel you want. Do the research, I’ve seen some horror stories with wheel spacers with guys who swore up and down that they were installed correctly. But I’ve also seen guys run them for years with no issues besides faster wear
     
    Atreyu[OP] likes this.
  9. May 16, 2019 at 12:33 AM
    #9
    KGTaco

    KGTaco Well-Known Member

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    Just run em if you like it. I've ran it on long travel trucks with no issues and I would say I beat the shit out of the truck.

    Quality Brand, Proper Mounting, Proper Torque and you will be fine. Can't imagine wheels with negative offset not doing the same type of stress that spacers would
     
    itsmermf, stun gun and Atreyu[OP] like this.
  10. May 16, 2019 at 5:10 PM
    #10
    TacomaIvan19

    TacomaIvan19 Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it's a good idea to just drive a new buy for a while, learn the vehicle and learn the many, many mods available. Some mods are not good for your Tacoma. Patience is a virtue, and I teach myself this lesson at least once a year.. :cheers:
     
    Atreyu[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  11. May 21, 2019 at 4:04 PM
    #11
    gen-tso

    gen-tso Well-Known Member

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    Any one know if spidertrax 1.25 spacers will rub on a TRD OR stock rubber and height?
     
  12. May 21, 2019 at 4:12 PM
    #12
    stun gun

    stun gun Well-Known Member

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    Plus the wear is negligible, and that’s an overstatement. Extra wear, for sure. But thats like a week off the bearing life. Swatever.
     
  13. May 25, 2019 at 6:00 AM
    #13
    Inferno!

    Inferno! Well-Known Member

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    I ran that combo and had no rubbing.
     

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