Is there a final word on wheel spacers--good or bad? I've heard they won't pass some state inspections. Do they/do they NOT damage your wheel bearings/axles? If so, to what extent? Is this an immediate problem or something that may only be seen long term? Is this just a matter of shorter life on your bearings/axles? I've heard stories about spacers messing up lugs, but, as they are easily replaceable, that wasn't the particular problem I'm investigating. I have stock 18" wheels, and it looks difficult to get narrow enough tires for them. I've considered grabbing a used set of stock 17's but, then the spacer question pops up. AEV wheels are expensive, but are there any manufacturers that make wheels you don't have to use spacers with for your average KM2 or like tire in a 33" size?

Vedo

 

vedo13 - Good spacers that are properly installed will not damage your wheel bearings any more that new wheels with the same/equivalent backspacing.

I’m leaning toward AEV wheels too, but have not made up my mind (the cost is a big factor), so in the interim I’ve been running spacers (for 2,000 miles so far).

 

vedo13
I've had a set on my 4 dr Sahara for over a year now and no issues what so ever. I installed a set on my 2 dr a few months back and no issues what so ever with it either. I have the Spidertrax 1.5 spacer on both JKs; don't no if it makes a difference between manufactures or not.

 

No issues here. I've had them on since April this year and have put almost 10,000 miles on them.

Edit: Actually there is one issue and it's not mechanical. I purchased the new larger tires from Discount Tire and they won't do the free lifetime balancing because it is their policy not to touch anything with any kind of wheel spacers. When they mounted them I didn't have the spacers yet and drove it home carefully and installed the spacers later. To get them balanced for free I take all the wheels off and take them to Discount Tire in our other vehicle (Subaru Tribeca) and they barely fit but hey it's free!

 

Iv'e had them on for 6-8 months and never had a problem.

 

Pretty good article here that might help your decision ...

http://www.spidertrax.com/s.nl;jsessionid=0a000d4a1f4344ba6d0e61de4c23a897b0 9c382ac047.e3eSc34RbhyRe34Pa38Ta38Qax90?sc=2&categ ory=18

 

I run Spidertrax spacers on my CJ and have had them for almost two years. I haven't had a problem with them at all, and plan on using another set of them with my stock 18" wheels on my JK after the lift if installed.

 

will dealers put up a stink when they rotate the tires?

 

seems everyone runs spidertrax spacers, does anyone else even make them?

 

Another plug for spidertrax. I have the 1.5" on my 18's and love them. Great stance w/o the expense of new wheels. Plus I love my Sahara wheels!