i am currently thinking about my tire wheel options and thought that i would keep my stock rubicon wheels and run a 35 inch tire with a 1" wheel spacer. However my local tire shop said no way, really dangerous, not a smart idea. Are wheel spacers really that horrible of an idea with a 35 inch tire ? any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

I suspect he may be hoping he can scare you into buying some wheels. The only thing you need be concerned about is to make sure to buy quality spacers and keep check on them to make sure they stay torqued.

 

There are several types of spacers.

The only ones that are considered "safe" are the ones that attach the axle studs and provide a separate set of studs to attache the wheel.

The Spidertrax even offer the hub centric flange like the stock mounting position.
There are many of us using these with 35's and 37s and others with a similar design like the ones from TF.

Many of us in this forum as fast to complain about fault parts and practices and I have yet to find any complaints. You should run your own SEARCH.


In spite of this safer design, some shops will refuse to use them.

 

There are many guys running spacers on this site, i personally have not had any issues with them.

 

40,000 miles with no issues....

 

Just stay away from the "wheel spacers" you find at you local auto parts store. They're the ones that don't have studs pressed into them.

And I also believe that guy at the tire store only wanted to sell you new wheels.

 

Yes, this is correct. Most shops who hear you say "spacers" automatically assume you are putting basically a large metal washer on that shortens the stock stud length which is unsafe.

You need a spacer that has 5 studs pressed in. When torqued properly there are no issues.

Andrew

 

thanks for the info,much relieved now, i really like my satin carbon wheels so this is a relief that i wont have to shell out the dough for rims!

 

one thing to consider with spacers vs rims is downsizing rim size translates to a cheaper tire price wise. smaller rim size tire is cheaper. just throwin it out there.....

 

if the designs are all the same doest it make a difference in safety if you run 1" vs. 2"vs.1.5" etc.
what is the largest spacer available?