The reason for wheel spacers ?

[Nardulli]

I see many rigs running spacers - or at least it appears to be the case. Wheels/tires way out past the fender flares. I get that the wider stance would increase the capability to be off camber before rollover - but is that the only reason for spacers?

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[Terrymo]

Taller and wider tires on factory offset wheels may rub the inner fender liners with articulation or aftermarket front lower control arms when steering is turned to full lock. In my case 37 inch Mickey Thompson mud terrains with OEM XR wheels do both. I’m reluctantly running Synergy spacers until I buy wheels with a different offset.

 

[Dgr401]

Spacers may be needed when you put larger tires on to stop rubbing issues. Rubbing can be a problem when going to larger tires, bigger brake calipers, suspension changes, etc. The spacers can sometimes replace the need to buy new wheels.

 

[VKSheridan]

Spacers are a poor boy’s offset to prevent rubbing.

Rather than pitch perfectly good rims, it’s more economical to simply install spacers.

 

[Nardulli]

Thanks. Appreciate the info. My rig is a 2021 JLUR diesel. I've ordered the MOPAR lift kit which will give me between 2 and 2 1/2" lift. I've got 17" steelies coming. What would your suggestion be with regard to tire size? I'll put the larger tires on when off roading and swap the OE wheels / tires when using it as my daily.

 

[yokramer]

Thanks. Appreciate the info. My rig is a 2021 JLUR diesel. I've ordered the MOPAR lift kit which will give me between 2 and 2 1/2" lift. I've got 17" steelies coming. What would your suggestion be with regard to tire size? I'll put the larger tires on when off roading and swap the OE wheels / tires when using it as my daily.

What are the specs on the steel wheels you bought?

Spacers are for people too cheap to buy proper offset/width wheels.

 

[Nardulli]

What are the specs on the steel wheels you bought?

Spacers are for people too cheap to buy proper offset/width wheels.

17 x 8 with OEM offset

 

[Whaler27]

I agree with the above. Also, a small subset of people think it looks “cool” to have their tires sticking far outside the fender wells. I think that looks as ridiculous as huge wheels with rubber-band tires stretched around them, but it seems to especially popular in downtown Miami and L.A., and it’s similarly counterproductive, with road grime, mud, and rocks being thrown all over the sides of the jeeps and trucks that are set up this way.

Jeep mods are like haircuts. Cool or circus-worthy, whatever floats your boat is fine with me.

People have the most amazing ideas about what looks good or “dope”.

 

[yokramer]

17 x 8 with OEM offset

I'd stick with the 315/70 which puts you around a 35" tire, you could go to a 37/12.50 but could run into rubbing issues with fender liners, and FOR SURE will have issues running any aftermarket steering solutions as they almost all require a larger backspacing.

 

[Nardulli]

I'd stick with the 315/70 which puts you around a 35" tire, you could go to a 37/12.50 but could run into rubbing issues with fender liners, and FOR SURE will have issues running any aftermarket steering solutions as they almost all require a larger backspacing.

Thank You.

 

[yokramer]

Thank You.

What kind of wheeling are you planning on actually getting into as well. If you dont think you will ever be fully flexed out you probably can get away with a bigger tire than someone thats going to push the jeep a bit further.

 

[jadmt]

slap some 1" BORA wheel adapters on and go with 37x12.5-17....I run two sets of tires/wheels...OEM wheels with 255/85-17 (35x10) and 1" BORA adapters for just running around and 37x12.5-17 on AEV wheels for offroading.....no rubbing on either and both are about even with the fender flares....I have had both sets to Moab and both do great but the 37's are game changers.

 

[Nardulli]

What kind of wheeling are you planning on actually getting into as well. If you dont think you will ever be fully flexed out you probably can get away with a bigger tire than someone thats going to push the jeep a bit further.

I really enjoy the southwest / desert - some of the washes are moderate to difficult. I stay away from the (what I consider to be) useless abuse of the rig. Crawling extreme rocks aint my thing.

 

[Blacksport]

Clearing big brake calipers. Note splined, open-end, titanium lug bolts. Got these for the Corvette, but was a little nervous to try them, used steel lugs instead. Been on the Jeep for 6 months...no problems & look sharp. Trimmed the ARP wheel studs down a little, dabbed some paint to keep 'em from rusting...

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