So, today after removing my TF BB shock extensions to install fox shocks I decided to take the JKU over to discount tire for a balance and rotation. The manager came out and asked me if I was interested in upgrading my wheels to get rid of the wheel spacers--I run stock wheels on the equivalent of 34's. I told him no and he responded with "Well, I would. Driving on those would scare the hell out of me." as he walked away.

This poses a few questions:

What concerns should I have with wheel spacers?

Is this guy just a douche?

 

There is definitely more risk running spacers as opposed to wheels with proper backspacing, as it is just another point of failure.

That being said, a quality set of spacers, installed properly, should be fine.
I would just get wheels with the backspacing I want, but that's just me.

 

If you torque them properly and use lock-tite they will be just fine. Just be sure to check them regularly when performing tire rotations. The only failures I have personally seen where on cheap ebay spacers. They were on a Cherokee and the spacer itself broke, the back wheel came off and went into on coming traffic and totaled out a brand new grand Cherokee.

 

I would expect a tire store manager to say that as it is his business to sell wheels. Valid? no not if quality spacers are properly installed. I would trust my spidertrax spacers will last as long as my stock rims will last and as long as the rest of my jeep lasts.

 

None! Follow the install instructions and properly maintain them. Nooo impact guns!!!

Yes.

 

This question gets asked all the time and the answer is always yes, it's perfectly fine to run spacers AS LONG as they are quality hub centric wheel spacers and installed correctly and with loc-tite.

Would I recommend wheel spacers over wheels with the correct BS? No, because adding wheel spacers add for one more area to fail.

But I would recommend them for someone who's wheels have the incorrect wheel spacing.

 

NTB told me the same thing. This was after they've done 8 rotations. All of a sudden they wouldn't rotate and the managers quote to me was "it's not a matter of if but when they fail".

Until I can afford beadlocks I'll stay with my spacers.

 

Thanks for the responses. Spidertrax, Loc-tite and checked every 4-5K miles.

 

You will be fine. Sounds like the guy just wanted to make a sale.

 

Thanks for the replies. Have a great weekend.