Wheel Spacers

What's the deal? I get they are to keep the tires from rubbing on suspension/body parts. Are people just buying the spacers instead of buying wheels with the proper backspacing? Am I missing something?

 

A variety of reasons. Some guys just like a wider stance, some tires require them to not rub (or to rub in another, more advantageous spot), etc.

For example, on a 2WD Taco, a front spindle lift pushes the front suspension out by about an 1-1.5", so guys put spacers on the rear axle to 'even out the stance'.

There's a variety of reasons to use them. Personally, I don't like them; however, for some applications, they may be a good option.