do i need wheel spacers? [pics]
 

got new tires today, the guys did the mounting didn't pay attention to the space between the UCA and tire, i later found out tonight.

here is the front jacked up:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...R/DSC_0239.jpg

tire and UCA barely touches, i can feel the friction but still can roll the wheel by one finger. i drove about 5 miles today there is no visible scratch marks on the tires.

this is the tires on the ground without jack.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...R/DSC_0246.jpg

there is a half inch gap between UCA and tire.

i'm running with out sway bar, 3rd gen Toyota factory 15x7 rims. rest of the info on my setup is in my sig.


do i need wheel spacers? if yes, how big? or do i have a chance to get away with grinding off some of the metal on the UCA where it touches.

thanks.

I would go buy a set of 1/4" spacers just to make sure you dont rub those new tires.

Wheel spacers are the cheepest solution yes. Make sure you buy quality spacers. Do a quick search.

A more expensive route would be to buy four off-set rims. This way you dont have the wheel spacer week point.

i searched for wheel spacers, all of them are 1" minimum. first spacer bolt on to hubs, then rims bolt on to spacer. i understand that's the weak link. but i couldn't find any "washer" type spacers like 1/2" or 1/4" thin, place it between rim and hub, still using the 6 lugs on the hub. does this thing exist? should be a lot easier to make.

one more question: do i need 4 of them or 2 on the front will be fine.

Wheel spacers are used on all types of vehicles with no problems.

I daily drove mine with wheel spacers for 18 months before it became a trail only rig.

A quality wheel spacer installed and maintained properly will cause you no problems.

You will want the front and rear to be equal widths and track the same.

Try a local auto parts store for the 1/4" spacers. I got mine at Pep Boys about 10 years ago and still run them. You can just do the fronts, or you can put some in back as well if you want.

hey, roger.

thanks for your tip, found a pair of 1/4" spacers at PepBoys for $8 each. took them to the alignment shop, the tech told me "No-No with spacers on these Toyota aluminum rims". i ended up had the truck re-aligned without them. i think i'm gonna drive it for a week just to make sure the adjustment were done right and all the nuts and bolts were tightenend and in place, then try to put the spacers on just to see how they work.

but ultimately, i'll be looking for rims with bigger back spacing. by the way, what is the back spacing on these toyota 15x7 rims? here is an old pic:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...R/P1000105.jpg

Measure and see, likely around 4.75":

http://www.4crawler.com/Photos/103_pana/p1030121.jpg

I think you are mistaken.

:guitar:

I feel ya TC4RNR when I lifted my truck and slapped the 285.75.16 SSR's on I ran into an issue, same as you. #1 the tires measured out 33.9" dia and 11.4" width. I thought but I found some wheel spacers or hub adapters if you will on ebay and I check on them often.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n/P1011157.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n/P2230006.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n/P2210208.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...n/P2020191.jpg
after the spacers the wheels were perfectly flush to the fenders and it looked better. Not to mention it didn't rub with my mongo tires on there.

Aaron

sorrym, Wab, my bad, i meant your spacers and the spacers Roger was talking about are completely different things. LoL... hint $80 a pair and $8 each? i'll get a picture of it later, it's gonna scare ya when you see it. they are temporary fix before i found new rims, definitely not for long term.

TC if you decide to sell those wheels give me a shout would ya?
Jim

Aaron,

i know about the one who sells WHEELS SPACERS ADAPTERS on ebay, actually their warehouse is in bakersfield, CA, not too far away from Los Angeles. quaility stuff, but i'm just not sure about wheel spacers in general.

i know i shoud have changed the title of this thread to "do i need new rims?".


good to know these spacers worked out for you, i'll take a good look at them.

Well consider my dilemma. New rims would be great if I didn't have to buy 2 sets. I have 1 set Toyota 5 Spoke 295.75.16 w/Nitto Terra Graps, and 1 set Toyota 5 Spoke w/ 285.75.16 Cooper STT's. So yeah had I just found a nice set of LandCruiser rims (have perfect backspacing) I would go that route but alas I cant afford 2 sets. So I went with the wheel spacers (hub adapters) and never looked back.

Aaron

I'd say go with a different off set rim. I'm not sure what off set to use in your situation. Wheel spacers are not good for the wheel bearings, because the add leaverage to the hub, and can cause premature wear. I'm not saying that everyone's wheel bearings will wear out tomorrow, I'm just saying consider that. Also, too much off set may cause wheel bearing problems too. Your front end may suddenly start eating through tires, too.

As far as the wheel bearings and steering is concerned, there is no difference between say a 1" thick spacer and a 1" more offset wheel. They both load the wheel bearings and affect the steering the same.

What is that sweet truck in the background? Some kind of Land Rover? Not US spec, right? It looks foreign...

Yeah I think It's a Series I or II. My buddy the Florida Landy Prez does repair and rebuilds as well as parts sales for all kinds of rovers.

Aaron

Changing the offset of the wheel, as far as the wheel bearings, etc., is/are concerned, is no different than adding wheel spacers.




Fred

Ding ding ding. We have a winner. :bigok:

:guitar: