I'm a professional auto repairman, I've run 1.5 '' spacers for almost 2 years on my Unlimited. NO ISSUES. I used red threadlocket on the inner studs and cranked 'em tight. No torque wrench, no breaker bar, etc. Just common sense tightening. I've NEVER retorqued them, the threadlocker will not let them back off. However you can remove the wheels for flat repair, maintenance, etc even though threadlocker is applied, NO heat is required. I didn't redo the threadlocker when I installed new tires, believe me the stuff grabs the second time around just fine. A 1.5'' spacer will cause no bearing problems, the bearings don't know the difference between an offset wheel and a wheel spacer. Your JK will feel much more stable in turns and lane changes, after all the track will be 3'' wider....Your alignment won't be affected and the tire sidewall will be even with the flare edge. You will LIKE the spacers, they really make the JK look better. Yes you can retorque the spacers every tire rotation but from my own experience it's not necessary. You will hear 50 different opinions, look at all of them and make decisions that are good for YOU....Best of luck!!!

 

Thanks for the reply - your response got me concerned that I missed something. I did see that thread. I think that wheel spacers combined with a heavy wheel/tire combo (especially with a D30 axle) could (and probably will) cause problems.

He's looking at a good set of spacers (Spidertrax) to use with his stock wheels and tires. I honestly think he shouldn't worry. It will have the same effect on his bearings/axles as the same wheel with 1-1/2" less backspacing would have.

We all have to jump into the pool at some point. It's a good starting mod, as many wheels and lifts require spacers anyway. Chances are he will not be able to stop at wheel spacers anyway - how many people on this board could? It's like a gateway mod.

 

Thanks for the replies...

You hit the nail on the head with the comment on future mods. I just need something to temporarily pacify me for a year or two. I can't justify throwing away perfectly good tires/wheels for an immediate upgrade.

I think the simple addition of the spacers will work for a while. The wrangler looks so much better when the tires aren't so neatly tucked under the fender flares.

 

...check the sales section here, sometimes you can find someone getting rid of theirs for good deals

 

Just ordered a set..

......and so it begins -- Just what I need...another expensive hobby

 

I don't like the idea to put "something" between the wheel and the Jeep. I prefer off-set rims

 

Welcome to the dark side...

Like I said, I put them on last night. It's really easy - took less than a half-hour. They give you Locktite - use it. And a torque wrench.

Have fun.

Jack

 

x2

 

Just though I'd throw this in, if you live in a very wet/salty environment (at the coasts or states that salt roads) make sure to pull off the spacers @ least once a year and give ALL the components (lugs, spacers, brakes) a good cleaning and scrub down.

I live in OR and during the winter moisture sits in the circular wells behind the lugs of the spacers. I also mud-around quite a bit and the spacers tend to harbor some gunk. Some good steel wool and brake cleaner takes it all right off.

It's extremely uncommon to have any of the components start to erode, but you'll catch it before it becomes a real problem if you clean.

 

I agree with this to a point...in the old days..lol that sounds funny but the mid 80's are in fact a long..time ago, We had spacers the were sandwiched between the hub and the rim but with the spacers now that are bolted onto the hub you are in fact just giving your self more back spacing within limits of coarse. Putting on a huge tire will in fact put undo stress on everything! I have been thinking about this one and I think I to will do it as I don't see me doing the tire upgrade just yet but when I do I will get the proper backspacing rims to go with my new bigger tires. Those few pics just made my mind up..lol thanks guys!