I just got new tires and some aluminum wheels for free. They barely rub on the control arm bushing on the front. I was wondering if it would hurt to just put washers that fit snug on each stud or go and buy wheel spacers?

 

I would get the wheel spacers. I am running them on both my trucks front solid axles and have never had a problem with them. Just make sure to use Loc-tite on the hub studs (the ones that attach the spacers to the hub, not the ones holding the wheel on) and torque them correctly with a torque wrench.

 

We have wheel spacers on the website.

 

just remember when you use wheel spacers you should always put bigger studs in

 

depends on what type of spacer you use. if you use a 1/4 inch spacer, you may need to use longer studs, if you are using a 1.5 inch for example, they have their own studs that are set in between studs on the hub.

 

point taken.

 

Exactly.

1/4 spacer is like a washer, so you need longer studs for proper thread engagement.

Wheel spacers tigthen to the wheel hub with including small lug nuts and then the wheels tighten to the studs pressed into the spacer and you use your wheel lug nuts.

 

I would recommend using the a set of spacers. Like Previously mentioned, the 1/4" spacers won't leave enough thread (personal experience)
Here are some pictures of my '81 (before and after) 1.5" spacers:
Before spacers:

After 1.5" spacers:

Now the tires are fairly even with the sliders but stick out a ways: