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Jeep Wrangler JK: How to Install Wheel Spacers

The wheel spacers are little devices that goes between the rotors and the wheels to make the wheels come out. Learn how to install it yourself on the Jeep Wrangler.

By Bassem Girgis - November 16, 2015
Contributors: Andrew LaFollette

This article applies to the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-Present).

The Jeep Wrangler is a mean looking car, but if you want it to look even meaner, nothing can do that as much as a wider stance. Wheel spacers are little steel devices that bolt onto the rotors, which creates a bit of space so the wheels stick out. There has been a long debate about if they are safe or not. Nothing is safer than stock, so if you're comparing it to stock, the obvious safe option is how the Jeep came out of the factory; however, if you insist on widening your stance, which could assist in stability, be sure to install the wheel spacers with the studs, as these tend to hold much better than just the steel plate. Read on to learn how to install wheel spacers in your Jeep Wrangler.

Figure 1. Wheel spacer installed.

Materials Needed

  • Socket set
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Wheel spacers

Step 1 – Raise car and remove wheels

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you will be installing wheel spacers on, raise the car using your jack, then secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels that are off the ground.

Figure 2. Raise and secure your Jeep.

Step 2 – Install spacer

Install the wheel spacers, but don't use the factory lug nuts because you will use the lug nuts that came with it. Put the wheel spacer on the rotor's studs with its studs facing out. Install the lug nuts that came with it, with the rounded edge facing inside, towards the car. Use your socket to tighten them in a star fashion.

  • Figure 3. Align spacer.
  • Figure 4. Install lug nuts.
  • Figure 5. Tighten lug nuts.
  • Figure 6. Spacer installed.

Step 3 – Install wheel

Install the wheel over the wheel spacer's studs and install the lug nuts, but don't tighten. Remove the jack stands and lower the car, then tighten the lug nuts.

Figure 7. Install wheel.
Featured Video: Wheel Spacer Install Jeep Wrangler

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