I know there are probably a lot of threads asking a similar question and I know that there are several threads about spacers and everyone has their thoughts/opinions on them. However, I wanted to ask the question anyways.

If you had a wheel (17x8.5) with 5" backspacing running a 35x12.50 tire on a JKU and you were still rubbing on the passenger side front lca, do you see a problem with install some spacers (either spidertrax 1.5" or teraflax 1.25") to get more backspacing (i.e. 3.5" or 3.75" depending on spacer used)? I know that it would put a little more stress on the ball joints. But would it be a big issue?

FYI...I've already put a small washer or two on the steering bump and I still get rubbing. Only on the passenger side though.

 

Seems like a lot less work and maintenance to get a control arm with more clearance.

Otherwise, nothing wrong with getting spacers beyond the usual comments.

 

I am currently running the Rock Krawler 2.5 max travel lift which includes their lower control arms for both front and rear.

 

Is your axle centered? Do you have a front adjustable track bar? If yes to both of these then throw on the spacers.

 

Yes, I have a front adjustable track bar and yes, to the best of my knowledge, my front axle is centered. It's been checked several times as well as an alignment.

Do you think there is any real issue with running a 1.5" spacer on a 5" backspacing wheel?

 

I run 15x8's 3.75 bs without issue

 

What are your options? Keep rubbing, buy smaller tires, buy new rims with less backspace, add spacers. As you have seen in countless other threads, lots of people are adding spacers to their already lower backspaced rims to clear their new 37's. And you have also seen the problems they have encountered, problems you may (or may not) run into. Roll the dice...

 

Something doesn't sound right. You should be able to clear 35s without issue. Plenty of people clear the stock control arms with a setup like that.

I'm only asking this because someone actually had this same problem last week. Are your control arms on the correct sides? I.e. So they bend inward?

 

I'm running a 1.5" spacer on a 4.5" back spacing wheel. You're putting yourself in a position to possibly wear ball joints and unit bearings prematurely. Keep an eye on it.

 

I believe my control arms are on the correct sides. The RK arms are bent more up and not really in like the stock lower control arms. I believe that is a big reason that RK mentions in the their lift notes to run 4.5 backspacing on 12' wide tires.

I know that the further you push out your wheels the more stress you put onto parts. I'm just curious if running a 1.5" spidertrax wheel spacer with a 5" backspaced wheel (resulting in 3.5" backspacing) would be a huge deal? Especially for someone that isn't hardcore with their rig.