Im upgrading to 35's with a 4" lift and I'd actually like to keep the stock 18" Sahara rims on but I've read and seen pictures of a member who's wheel spacers (Spidertrax) failed on the highway.. Makes me very nervous.. Any info on?????

 

I feel the same... I wouldn't use them after hearing some of the stories that I've read. just my 2cents though

 

This has been debated a lot around here. There have been people run mile after mile with no problems with them. But then there are people that hate them and think they're very unsafe. But I think as long as you put them on right and maintain them correctly you shouldn't have any problem. I have some on mine but have only run them about 3000 miles....... So far so good.

 

Had similar concerns but used spacers anyways. 900 miles now on new lift and spacers and no issues or regrets.

 

39k miles and no issues!

 

I know the specific scenerio you are referring to. If you read that members post correctly you would find that he used no lock-tite, nor did he ever retorque them after a few hundred miles. His situation was the result of improper installation. If they are installed correctly, they are no different than having a wheel with lower backspacing bolted on there.

That was a freak case and the spacer did not fail at all. Spidertrax are a quality product and you will have no issues running them if installed properly. Many of us have run them for thousands of miles with no issues.

 

Just like echo said... check torque on bolts every rotation 80-90 lbs, use loc-tite and you should be fine. I run the same setup as you are talking about with zero problems

 

Yeah, I did read his post in depth and I realize that he did not re-torque and maintain after initial install.. I think for the peace of mind I'll just purchase new wheels with the proper backspace. I don't think I'll be able to feel completely safe with my son in the Jeep and even though I would maintain them properly. It would just always be in the back of my mind..
Thanks for all of the feedback so far..

 

I originally disapproved of using spacers, but the problem was due to my ignorance of the two different types that are available.

Some spacers, such as the ones below, really are just spacers. They fit between the wheel and the axle hub and are generally up to 3/4" in width. These are very dangerous because they leave very little wheel stud left for the lug nut to thread onto.



The spacers such as the Spidertrax ones mentioned bolt on to the wheel studs and have their own high quality wheel studs pressed in. They can also provide a different wheel pattern as well. These are every bit as safe as the stock setup if they are installed properly (locktite used, proper torque, top of the axleshaft wheel studs ground flush if necessary). Pretty much the only way for these to break is for a wheel stud to break, something that can happen without using spacers.

Generally the consensus is that spacers are very safe to use if they are centered the same way as the wheel, use pressed-in high quality wheel studs, and are installed properly. They can generally be found in widths from 1.25-2.5 inches.

 

The only reason I'd like to do without the spacers is my Teraflex spacers weigh 8 lbs each! Rock solid but heavy and yes I like the stock Rubicon wheels