Wheel Spacers are bad but wider tires aren't?

From what I understand, by reading numerous posts, the general opinoin is wheel spacers are bad. And part of the reasoning for that is that it wears the suspension more quickly by applying more leverage to the wheel bearing and suspension. (it was referd to as simple physcics in one post) I agree completely with all this. However, I see no one mentioning the same problems with switching to either wider tires or a wider rim/tire combo. Would the physcics not be the same creating the same wear?

 

I have no idea, but from thinking about the geometry and physics behind it, I would have to say that it may a little bit but not as much.

Adding spacers pushes the whole wheel and tire combo out, basically extending the mounting surface out further from the truck.. With new wheels with less backspacing, the mounting surface is in the same spot, the wheel is just pushed out a bit further.

The distance from the pivot point to the mounting surface is the same with new wheels, and longer with spacers. More length from pivot point=more torque= more wear.

Just my random thinking

 

It's all about the offset of the wheel

 

I agree with that thinking. However as you said as the distance from the pivot point becomes greater the pressure becomes greater. So yes not as bad as wheel spacers but not good either?

 

Ok so say you put much wider tires on the same wheel?

 

I dont think they would effect things that much. I have yet to hear of anybody having issues with 4.5 backspaced wheels. Yet I have heard of premature wear on bearings when guys have used spacers. Im sure there is a tad bit of added torque, but i honestly dont see it being as drastic as spacers.

 

I can see that and agree fundamentally. I just find it odd to hear so much negative press on wheel spacers and everbody putting on wider tires (me included) and acting like it changes nothing. If its changing something I just want to kow what it is

 

Well adding wheel spacers creates greater torque(f*d)/moment on the spindle/screws so the greater the distance you offset the rim by using spacers the less force is required to break the screws. Also i don't think wider tires is not what you meant, you were probably reading about greater offsets on the wheels/rims that pushed the tire out farther.

 

No actually I meant what I said. I was asking what the difference is in creating more distance from the wheel bearing through the use of either a wheel spacer or wider tires assuming both are adding the same distance. And, why wheel spacers are bemoaned for creating more leverage but wider tires (assuming the same rims) are not

 

Uh... I know people that have run spacers for years on the same vehicle. Even some that have run a spacer for years, pulled it off, put it on another vehicle, and ran that for years.

As with anything, if you don't set it up correctly you're going to run into problems. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with spacers, assuming you set them up correctly and take care of them.

Perhaps the one caution would be no air tools on spacer'd wheels. Seems like the vibration right on the spacer would loosen not only the lugs on the tires, but the lugs holding the spacer onto the hub. Obviously if those lugs are loose, your tire is going to go flying off... much like if the lugs on your tires were loose .

 

Wider tires will give you a wider footprint, spacer will give you a wider stance and add strain to wheel bearings.

 

While I am no expert on the subject, a spacer will push the CENTERLINE of the tire out further. A wider tire without the spacer will not move the CENTERLINE of the tire. Therefore the spacer creates more torque on the entire assembly where the wider tire would not. Although, I would assume that a wider tire may cause some extra (not much) road friction in turns, still this would be less so than the spacer wheel as the steering mechanism is designed to expect the center of the force to be in a different location.

HMMMM, now I think I want an expert to tell me....

 

This.

Wheel bearings live longer when the load above them is centered or close to center.
Wheel spacers and short backset wheels take the load and push it "outboard" and off center.

 

first time buying rims so im not familiar about what offset is
M/T1368412
Mickey Thompson Classic Lock Black Wheel

• 16X8 , 6 on 5.5 Bolt Pattern
• BackSpace = 4in
• Max Load = 3100lbs
• Finish = Black
• Hubcentric = No
• Offset = -12

but will they fit 285/75 on these rims without hitting the upper control arm?

 

So what to do if you put on 33" tires? I was rubbing like crazy on my UCA w/o 'em. Other than aftermarket rims with proper backspacing, seems kinda like the only option.

Like I said, I know a lot of people that run spacers - some are pretty experienced guys....

 

So what I'm getting from this is wheel spacers put a strain on your wheel bearings only? Just curious as I bought a set

 

I must disagree. As a tire gets wider its centerline get further away as well.

 

A wider tire splits it's width on the rim only.

 

Just for the record. I never said wheel spacers are bad or only run by inexperienced people. I just asked how a wider tire on the same rim doesn't affect a similiar situation as a wheel spacer does. In fact I am considering getting wheel spacers so that I can run wider tires. I am just trying to understand what other problems I may be creating. If any.

 

obviously