One Rear Wheel Spacer?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 304
Likes: 2
From: Bushnell, Fl
One Rear Wheel Spacer?
A friend of mine (can’t use a computer at all) has a 08 X he had 1 ¾” spacers on but his left rear tire stuck out almost 1 6/8” he did not wont to mess with the track bar so he took off the one rear spacer on the left side.
Now you can’t tell the difference on the back tires they both look all most lined up perfect. The one on the right is 2/8” out farther then the left but I could not tell till I measured it.
He has clearance and is not rubbing on the sway bar or link!
Is it o.k. for him to run only one rear wheel spacer?
Thanks I have no idea on this..
Now you can’t tell the difference on the back tires they both look all most lined up perfect. The one on the right is 2/8” out farther then the left but I could not tell till I measured it.
He has clearance and is not rubbing on the sway bar or link!
Is it o.k. for him to run only one rear wheel spacer?
Thanks I have no idea on this..
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Let me see if I understand what yuo are asking. Your friend has an 1 3/4 spacer lift. His axle is off center by and 1 3/4, which is what an 1 6/8 reduces too. So instead of centering his axle...and restoring his correct suspension geometry he wants to run only one spacer to 'even' his tires out
.
Well running only one spacer shouldn't technically cause an issue...but, to me, your reasoning is. You are using spacer to correct a geometry issue and I think that would lead to poor handling, performance, part life, etc as well as potentially just be dangerous.
If the suspension geometry was correct, axle centered, runninng one spacer...would just push that tire further out. But expecting your suspension to perform when off center and all the forces and torque is being applied I think is dangerous.
. Well running only one spacer shouldn't technically cause an issue...but, to me, your reasoning is. You are using spacer to correct a geometry issue and I think that would lead to poor handling, performance, part life, etc as well as potentially just be dangerous.
If the suspension geometry was correct, axle centered, runninng one spacer...would just push that tire further out. But expecting your suspension to perform when off center and all the forces and torque is being applied I think is dangerous.
Last edited by Bonedoc; Sep 12, 2011 at 05:35 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Texas
x2 - seems it would put additional stress on one side of the vehicle. Even though it looks centered, it's still tracking off center.
Not sure how much lateral movement driveshafts have, cause under load they do shift a little side to side.
IMO just one wheel spacer doesn't seem like a good idea.
Not sure how much lateral movement driveshafts have, cause under load they do shift a little side to side.
IMO just one wheel spacer doesn't seem like a good idea.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Is it safe- yes.
Is it the proper way to get the tires to "look" correct- no.
But.....if he just drives on the road and doesn't mind it tracking a little weird (seeing as the axle is shifted) then there aren't any issues. It's not like he's gonna start breaking things because he only has 1 spacer.
Bottom line- it's safe but not the correct way to fix an axle being off center.
(To everyone saying it isn't safe, what's the difference in running 1 wheel spacer or 2? They have been tested to be as strong or stronger than factory wheels)
Is it the proper way to get the tires to "look" correct- no.
But.....if he just drives on the road and doesn't mind it tracking a little weird (seeing as the axle is shifted) then there aren't any issues. It's not like he's gonna start breaking things because he only has 1 spacer.
Bottom line- it's safe but not the correct way to fix an axle being off center.
(To everyone saying it isn't safe, what's the difference in running 1 wheel spacer or 2? They have been tested to be as strong or stronger than factory wheels)