scmedic

Anyone have an opinion on whether wheel spacers are safe to use?

I have a set of factory alloys off an IFS 4runner that I want to put on my 85 4runner but there is a clearance issue with the steering rod ends.

I'm thinking of getting a set of 1" bolt-on spacers so that they will fit, but have read horror stories about people having spacers fail while driving.

IF anyone can offer advice on whether or not to use spacers on a solid axle toyota it woyuld be greatly appreciated - I still have the stamped steel wheels on my rig and really want to replace them!

ecchamberlin

THis has really been gone over a lot on this and other boards. If you do some Searching I am sure you will find some good info

I do know that the guys that do solid axle swaps on 2nd gen runners use pre 85 front Yota axles. They all use front wheel spacers because the axles are aroung 2 inches narrower.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

I've been running wheel spacers on my 85 since I got it over 3 years ago...1.5" spacers first and now 2" spacers...not a problem if installed correctly.

Intrepid

I am running them on the front of my '85 with no loc-tite, (originally because when I put them on, I didn't have any) I have checked them repeatedly and have never noticed any loosening. I have been saying I was going to loc tite them all summer, just never did it, no problems yet. I still plan to do it...just need to get around to it.

scmedic

Thanks for the spacer info - is there any problem with only having spacers on the front axle? It seems like it might affect alignment or tracking?

Anyone know if the 1" spacers will fit on the 85 axles without having to grind the lugs? I'm looking for the smallest spacers I can use without having to cut the lugs...

I will definitely contact wabfab when I'm ready to order!

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Nope, you just bolt the spacers to the wheel hub and then bolt your rim to the spacers. No cutting, no grinding, simple bolt on.

1" spacers will be fine as they are 6 bolts on 5.5" bolt circle.

If it is a trail rig only, I wouldn't worry about the front axle being wider. My 85 is 2" wider in the front than the rear axle. If it is a daily driver, still not a big deal IMO, but you might consider putting 1" spacers all the way around.

Bill

Have you considered swapping to IFS front hub? that would give you about a 3" wider stance in front, and you wouldn't need to run spacers.

Plus: no more needing to pound out wheel studs to change your rotors.

scmedic

I hadn't thought about swapping to IFS hubs; that's a good idea. I'm not sure I want to go through the trouble at this point just to change rims since there is still a lot of other things I've got to do to get this rig going. I will keep it in mind for a future mod though.

whitesandsrunner

i actually had an argument with big-O tires because they wouldn't rotate my tires with wheel spacers. what they were saying is that the spacers that just go over the existing lugs and then the wheel goes on the same lugs dont allow the lugnuts to be fully or properly tightened, causing failure. Any good wheel spacer will go over the lugs then tightened on with the stock lug-nuts, and will have another offset lug set attached that come with there own lug-nuts. that way your fully tightened and dont have to worry about losing a wheel.

elblako91

I have two questions that just popped up in my head after reading this.

1. Is the width of my rear axle longer than the width of my front axle by stock?

2. I went to 11.50 inch wide tires on the front and i get a rub at full turn when i hit a bump. Will putting 1 inch spacers fix this?

michalik_piotr

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/p...runner-141095/

my 85 needed 1" spacers, no issues.

elblako91

Thanks for the link. I read it and from what i understood you used 1.5 inch spacers to clear your rim not the tire and you also only used them on the front right?

michalik_piotr

used them on the back too b/c i'm anal and wanted a more simetrical look and was worried about handling. and yes, it was to clear the rim b/c my tires at the time were small 30s stock size so i had no tire rubbing issues. i imagine if you went with a bigger tire you'd have that rub too and the rim, the rim will rub no matter what. 1" would have been enough, i wen't with 1.5" to be safe rather then sorry and anticipating bigger tires as well.

AxleIke

Curious if anyone has seen 1/2" wheel spacers? Or anything under an inch for that matter?

I'm looking for just a small plate to potentially space out my front tires just a hair. I don't want 1", and I'm set on keeping the wheels I have. 1/2" is all I need.

Mr. Leary

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TRD-7107/

I have not had these long enough to really test them thouroughly. They are being used in conjunction with these!