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Wheel spacers affect MPG?

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Old May 18, 2008 | 10:38 AM
  #1  
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Default Wheel spacers affect MPG?

How much do spidertrax or teraflex 1.5 inch wheel spacers weigh each? Is it enough unsprung weight to affect MPG?
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Old May 18, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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Spidertrax are aluminum, Teraflex steel so there will be a difference in weight between the two. I don't remember for sure, but I think Spidertrax are 8 pounds each, pretty insignificant.
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Old May 18, 2008 | 12:46 PM
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aluminum- they don't weigh enough to make any kind of difference....
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Old May 18, 2008 | 01:45 PM
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I wouldn't think weight would be an issue at all, but increased wind resistance might. If the tires stick out past the bumper in the front, and past the body in the rear, they might catch some wind and knock MPG down a little.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 06:59 PM
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Theoretically, if you increase the weight of the wheel (rotational inertia) with a spacer and decrease aerodynamics by pushing the tire out past the fender flare (drag), you should have a slight decrease in efficiency and a decrease in MPG. I have not noticed any change in MPG since I installed my 1.5" Spidertrax spacers about 2 months ago. I did not pay attention enough in physics class to know if there is actually any measurable difference in MPG with spacers installed.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 08:07 PM
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I wouldn't worry about that, i'd be more concerned with the height of the lift and the size and weight of the tires. The spacer are negliable. This is not a race car so even 40 lbs (all four conrners) of unsprung weight will not affect performance that much.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 08:23 PM
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Ok lets do some math here... If x=a and a divided by T is the weight of the moon then who cares what MPG you get. If you were after MPG you would have bought a GEO or a YUGO. If you need wheel spacers then you get them and if your worried about MPG then I would HIGHLY recommend you selling you JK and buy a YUGO@@@
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