POLL : Are spacers safe?

[L92 OLDS]

Instead of jacking another post I decided to create this one to get some opinions on wheel spacers. After some quick searches I found some conflicting information. This discussion is about "hubcentric" wheel spacers with minimal thickness, not 1-2" lug adapters that are popular with the 4x4 crowd. I'm considering using a .25" thick pair on the back of the 442 so the 15" SSIII rims will clear the LS1 caliper brackets and would like your opinion. Backspacing will not correct this issue. This is a 12 second street car. Thanks

 

[crazy'boutOlds]

I would consider them safe on the rear only with longer studs. JMHO.
I ran thme on all four corners without getting longer studs and my wheels came loose ruining all my studs 😳

 

[boatshoes]

Yes, spacers can absolutely be safe. Generally user error is the cause of trouble with spacers and adapters. I know guys with 600+ hp drift cars that run some pretty big adapters. I have run spacers or adapters on basically every car I have ever owned. High dollar wheel companies like brabus and lorinser include spacers with their wheels when you buy them. Large companies like H&R manufacture them. I have spacers on my daily driven Audi and adaptors on my el Camino. If someone can prove to me why they are not safe, I'd be all ears.

 

[pontiacgp]

I'm usually against spacers but I believe that some F bodies came with a .25" spacer on the back wheels so in that case the hub of the wheel would still be sitting on the axle so it would still be safe. Wheels come in just about any backspacing you need plus different length rear ends can be used so there is no need for huge spacers. In your case it's more or less tweaking.

 

[cudablack2004]

Yes they are safe i use them on my car all the time when im swapping wheels n have offset problems now i have a adapter n small spacer on the rear to squeeze a 20x10 on my monte n no problems

 

[pontiacgp]

Another thing with wide spacers or adapter the extra strain you're are putting on the rear axles or the front wheel bearings. I've seen axles shear off just behind the flange. The axles were not designed for the wheel to have that much leverage.

 

[cudablack2004]

Another thing with wide spacers or adapter the extra strain you're are putting on the rear axles or the front wheel bearings. I've seen axles shear off just behind the flange. The axles were not designed for the wheel to have that much leverage.

Im using a 1-1/4" adapter style spacer with a small 1/4" spacer but still have 1/4" of thread left afterthe lug is mounted... Am i ok? Im using the wheel on the adapter not the studs the spacers on

 

[CWPottenger]

First off there is one point I will make that goes no matter if using spacers or not, but especially with spacers.

If you are running factory lugs and making decent to crazy HP or running larger rims you are likely to have more issues. Those lug bolts are 26-30plus years old!!! Change out all your lug bolts to ARP or another reputable mfg. Cheap insurance compared to the $$$ we put in our rides. I would also make sure that the lugs extend beyond or completely fill the lug nut.

I have run spacers with no issues, but also have all ARP lug bolts and Billet spacers. This is one area going with a cheap brand is very un-wise.

 

[Evan11]

I've ran 1/4 inch wheel spacers on the rear end for years, I've never had any problems..stock lug bolts. The threads are still plenty long enough. I'd suggest longer lug bolts with anything thicker than 1/4 inch.

 

[L92 OLDS]

.

I have run spacers with no issues, but also have all ARP lug bolts and Billet spacers. This is one area going with a cheap brand is very un-wise.

Any particular brand spacer to look for? Aluminum vs. steel? ARP studs can be purchased from Summit.

Thanks