Wheel Spacers? Pros and Cons

Recently picked up my first ever Tacoma. Naturally want to accessorize. Slapped some new rims on them with 0 offset, but didn't quite give the look I was going for. Instead of spending a ludicrous amount on another wheel set, I was opting for a 1-1.5" spacer set.

Thoughts?

I wont be doing much off roading other then camping/overland stuff. Currently running stock suspension

 

Definitely get some hub centric ones. I think SpiderTrax and Bora are common brands people utilize on this forum. Be sure to use thread-locker when you install them.

 

You're going to get a lot of spacer hate here. I myself am not a fan... but if you end up getting a set, stick with a reputable brand like Spidertrax or Bora. Typical size is 1.25". Retourque them often.

 

Yeah what he said^ a lot of people on this forum hate the wider tire / outside of wheel well look. I'm running 22x14's with -90 offset w/ 35's, no spacers, and I personally like the look.

 

Cool. Much appreciated

 

Ya Im certainly not looking for quite that much offset. Just a little "bonjour" of the tire out from the well

 

Minus 25-35 net offset is a shitload of poke.

Not something I would enjoy, but you do you.

 

I’m guessing you don’t take your truck off-road at all.

 

Well post up pictures of your new wheels on the Tacoma.
We all love pics.

 

Imagine the wake he puts off in the rain?!

 

I put 1” spacers on my truck for half a year, didn’t die. Only took them off, as removing my fenders gave me the ‘Bonjour’ I wanted.
Didn’t notice any ill effects in handling/steering or tire wear.
As long as they’re hub centric, I see little difference in buying name brand vs no brand.

 

Been running a set of Spider Trax spacers for a few years with stock wheels and tires, liked the look but mainly bought because I knew I was going to a 255/85-16 on stock rims and didn't like rthelook of them hiding in the wheel wells.

Have had zero issues, used locktight on install, checked torque after ~500 miles didn't budge, check every tire rotation and still no loosening.

 

Awesome. Thank you!

 

Spacers are fine if you torque them properly and check them whenever you have the tires off. Doubt you’ll find even the cheapest that aren’t hub centric. I’ve run three different sets, bora, cheapos and super cheapos and beat on them hard and nothing has broken. No loctite. A lot of long travel guys like myself have to bring the rear width out to better match the front unless they go with a new axle. currently running 2” cheapos on the rear

 

Not onto any rocks or mountains or anything crazy like that. Just occasional mudding trails down here in GA, more-so during hunting season.

 

Any brand recommendations? I keep seeing Spidertrax, but Im all ears.

 

Just added Spidertrax 1.25 spacers to my 3rd Gen, and did a tightness check after about 200 miles of driving. No movement on the torque wrench on any bolt, so it's looking good so far. I do my own tire rotations and will check again every 5k-7k as I'm doing a rotation. I will say that I torqued to 100 ft-lbs rather than the specified 90 ft-lbs. I did use Loctite.

 

Pros - Your wheels stick out further.

Cons - It introduces an unnecessary point of failure.
It puts unnecessary stress on your suspension components.
They are listed as 'off road' use. If you have a failure, your insurance company can deny the claim.


Overall, adapters are better than spacers, but both are really stupid ideas. If you want the look, buy the right wheels. Using spacers is like crawling under a truck supported by a harbor freight Jack.

 

Been running Amazon cheapos for 9 years on various rigs, tires up to 42s, daily drivers, etc with no issues. They are fine.