Opinions on wheel spacers?

I see varying opinions all over the site about wheel spacers, which has made me uneasy about buying some. For context, I have a second Tacoma on black wheels with no offset, and I want them to have a similar look to my XD monster wheels I run on my 4x4 taco. I have looked into Mammoth 2in wheel spacers that are around $80, but then I have seen some called “hub centric” that are around $300. Again I have heard so many varying opinions without really knowing about spacers, or what the difference is between the two I listed. Could someone dumb it down for me? Thanks!

 

I ran a 1" spacer for yrs without issues.
Our trucks are hub centric meaning they are centered around the hub tightly, 106mm hub if I'm not mistaken. The ID (inside diameter) of the spacer will fit tightly around the OD (outside diameter) of the hub.
The other option is lug centric meaning the lugs ensure things are centered.
Lug centric is popular because it allows the spacer to fit on more vehicles since the over size the center bore. Hub centric will only fit that hub bore meaning less options.


https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hub-centric-vs-lug-centric

 

I admit, in the past I ran a small one on my S10 so I could use some early Z28 wheels and clear calipers.

When I refreshed the S10 and went to aftermarket wheels, I just bought ones that fit properly.

Spacers can work fine. I just prefer to avoid them. One less thing to futz with.

 

I have a habit of buying used stock wheels then getting over sized tires.
Just last week I switched from TRD OR rims w\1" spacer to FJ wheels and no spacer with 34's. I'm currently rubbing my frame and uca so I'll need smaller spacers.

I see people often recommend 0 offset. Personally I haven't purchased a new rim in yrs.

 

Run high quality hub centric bolt on spacer only. Bora or Spidertrax are both very good brands.

 

I ran spidertrax for a long time on my 4runner, never had an issue. I don't really like wheel spacers but it seems like if you get a good brand that are made for your specific application and properly install them they should be fine.

 

This, and install per manufacturer instructions. Every tire rotation, you need to check spacer torque. And also, no impact wrench on your wheels, which means you are probably doing your own rotations and brake work.

But if you do all of that, you will be absolutely fine.

 

^^^ This and don't get to truly stupid with spacer thickness. (2" is pushing it.) I currently run 1.25" Spidertrax spacers on my 4Runner and they've been on there since new. I re-torque them with every tire rotation and have had zero issues. That said, if I had my druthers, I'd always recommend wheels with the proper offset built in, but if that's not possible, get a good set of hub centric spacers.

 

1.25" spidtertrax with stock oem rims so I can get better clearance with bigger tires. It's honestly no different than getting an offset, the wheel hub will not see any difference between either solutions if increased load is the issue. Just torque and apply red loctite and read the manual. Been running about 25,000 miles. I stopped checking because after the 3rd tire rotation, they were still torque spec'd.