Too much wheel spacing?

[alanmikkelsen]

Can you put too much spacer on an axle? I have 2" spacers on my axles and had a bit of rubbing with tires (12.50 x 35's) on my anti rock when turning. I just put on a new set of wheels that had a lot of spacer built into them. I was worried about the width on trails and was going to take my 2" spacers out but the tire shop guy convinced me to leave them in, just for the 'look'. I did and have to say that I've always struggled a bit to hold the old TJ on the road on heavily rutted/bad road (think I-70 West, through the tunnel). Anyway, with the extra width I've picked up, it feels like I'm driving a new vehicle. There's no more 'hunting' on rutted Interstate or othr highways. I think it's because I'm probably at the same width as a full size pickup. I like that, but am I putting too much wear/pressure on my axles with this kind of spacing?

[Jaycifer]

What is the backspacing on your wheels? I can imagine it’s around 3.75/4, add in those spacers and you’re most certainly putting unnecessary stress on all the little bits in your axles.

[Jim]

I have no opinion / no knowledge for how much is too much - I just want to see some pictures of the stance.


These trucks come to mind (chuckle)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA4NWIb-riw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA4NWIb-riw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K-I_-4IKyM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K-I_-4IKyM

[Spieg]

Agree with Jayce. If you're really at same width as a full size truck (typically @ 68-69" WMS-WMS) that means you have 8" of additional width (or 4" at each wheel), that's going to cause some additional wear and tear on your wheel bearings for sure.

Rarely good advice to do something just for the "look"... Just my opinion... YMMV.

On the bright side, you can probably replace your brake pads without removing the wheels. :lmao:

[Jaycifer]

Please post a picture of how wide you are, also since you’re in Lakewood I will happily take care of your tire needs. No need to go back to someone who said keep them on for the “look”

[newracer]

Ball joints will wear faster.

[Rocrawlr]

It's all about the backspacing. I ran 2.5" backspacing on 15x10 wheels 37x12.50 IROKS for a few years on my 85 Toyota with slightly mod axles without any adverse bearing or trunnion bushing wear. On my LJ I have tried various wheels backspacing/spacers/tires. I found the most success on stock 44s with 15x10 wheels, 3.75 back spacing 35x12.50 BFG KO2 or KM2 for stance/looks/unit bearing-ball joint wear/turning radius/articulation. I remained with this combination for the last 3 years, good highway manners and great off road capability. I like the deep dish look, but would go with 15x8 if you don't want rock rash on the rim.

I would recommend having the backspacing in the wheel rather than having to mess with spacers IMHO. I hope this helps....

[alanmikkelsen]

Thanks, Jaycifer, where are you located? I'm flying back from a Phoenix day trip right now and leaving tomorrow morning for Montana, but I'd like to see you when I get back next week. I'm not into 'looks' at all, but I'm sure liking the way it drives on highways that I've always fought in the past. But I'm also concerned about increased wear from increased leverage...