How to buy and install thinner (less than 1.25") wheel spacers

[jrfuda]

Wheel spacer question, moved over from my build thread.

I found these on FB

https://www.facebook.com/share/16H9ss1qj3/?mibextid=kL3p88

I'm looking at 17s to clear my BMB16" big brakes and still be able to mount LR c tires (so no 16" wheels).

I'll be saving over $100 per wheel and am thinking about buying. They have 4.75 backspacing. I need to bring them to between 3.75 and 4 to match my current geometry and go from 33s to 35s. I do not see spacers under 1.25 that have lugs in them, just holes. I've never used that kind of spacer before, any advice on what to buy? I've seen talk of having to install longer lugs or use special nuts. I currently have JL wheels with 2" spacer convertors with no ill effects other than me not liking how they look.

 

[Steel City 06]

They really don't exist (or at least are super rare) as you have to press all of the original wheel studs out of the hubs and then press in longer ones. Anything less than 1.25" interferes with the existing studs, and really any spacer (especially more than 1/4") that uses the original OEM studs has inadequate thread engagement on the lug nuts.

 

[jrfuda]

They really don't exist (or at least are super rare) as you have to press all of the original wheel studs out of the hubs and then press in longer ones...

That's what I was thinking. I had the seller send me a Pic of the mounting side of the wheels and they do not have relief cut in them for spacers that add new studs like my current adapters do.

 

[jrfuda]

If I use 1.25 spacers, I'm thinking 3.5 inches of effective backspacing will probably not work for 35x12.5 or 315/75R17 tires with scrub radius and ball joint stress... thoughts on that?

 

[jjvw]

I am using 1" TJ-JK adapters from Titan

 

[Steel City 06]

That would be kind of low. However, it wouldn't be too far off the standard 3.75" that a lot of people run.

Another possibility if you need wheels is to use JK or JL OEM rims with hub adapters. Some of these rims have noticeably higher backspacing than TJ rims did.

 

[jrfuda]

I have jl wheels with a 2" spacer/adapter now the previous owner installed, just don't like the look of these particular wheels. I just need to wait it out until the right wheels come along or pay full retail. I'm looking for bullet hole or similar in silver or black... there do appear to be more options in 5x5 for sure.

 

[jrfuda]

I am using 1" TJ-JK adapters from Titan

It look like they have 1" non-adapting spacers as well.

https://www.titanwheelaccessories.c...j-5x4-5-71-5-hubcentric-1-2x20-studs-set-of-4

The wheels I'm looking at have no relief on the back for lugs (pic below). Do you existing studs/lugs/hubs stick past spacer?

 

[bluescapegoat]

BORA makes quality custom hub centric wheel spacers to order. I've got thin ones on my Gladiator.

They'll advise what you need to do for a given depth. They're American made and can sometimes take a bit to get made and shipped out.

BORA at Motorsport Tech

 

[jjvw]

...

The wheels I'm looking at have no relief on the back for lugs (pic below). Do you existing studs/lugs/hubs stick past spacer?

View attachment 620045

No idea, probably. But I am also running these 1" spacers on a Warn small hub kit with a different stud arrangement than factory.

 

[Steel City 06]

BORA makes quality custom hub centric wheel spacers to order. I've got thin ones on my Gladiator.

They'll advise what you need to do for a given depth. They're American made and can sometimes take a bit to get made and shipped out.

BORA at Motorsport Tech

Interesting, hadn't seen those before.

Spidertrax spacers are also marketed as 6061-T6. (Presumably both manufacturers are actually using 6061-T651 based on the metal thickness.)

I'm rather surprised nobody uses 7075-T651. It's a more expensive material but it machines way easier than 6061 (saving manufacturing cost) and then can also be advertised as having extra strength.

 

[jrfuda]

BORA makes quality custom hub centric wheel spacers to order. I've got thin ones on my Gladiator.

They'll advise what you need to do for a given depth. They're American made and can sometimes take a bit to get made and shipped out.

BORA at Motorsport Tech

Those are really cool. I need to pull off a wheel and see how long the studs are which will dictate the thinnest spacer i could use fien the lack of relief in these wheels... unless someone knows the exact length already.

 

[mrblaine]

That's what I was thinking. I had the seller send me a Pic of the mounting side of the wheels and they do not have relief cut in them for spacers that add new studs like my current adapters do.

https://www.titanwheelaccessories.c...0-studs-set-of-4?_pos=27&_fid=675479858&_ss=c

The lug nuts are buried in the recess. Only thing you might have to do is trim the lug studs on the unit bearing if they stick out a small amount.

I've used them several times. They need to be paid attention to, they are not super high quality.

 

[mrblaine]

I am using 1" TJ-JK adapters from Titan

Apologies for not reading far enough before I replied.

 

[jrfuda]

The lug nuts are buried in the recess. Only thing you might have to do is trim the lug studs on the unit bearing if they stick out a small amount.

I've used them several times. They need to be paid attention to, they are not super high quality.

That's good to know. Still on the fence about the wheels but I suppose I could always sell them if they don't work out.

 

[jrfuda]

Went ahead and got them (pic in the bed of my truck still new in box). Seller just sold his LJ, motorcycle, and ATV due to mobility issues. I will try the 1" Titan spacers and see how it goes. I'm regearing and upgrading axles in the fall so I can experiment with the studs on the old unit bearings if I have to trim them.

 

[jrfuda]

Anyone ever tried these, available in 6061 and 7074... maybe better quality than Titan... which alloy is better for typical TJ use?

These are significantly more expensive, priced as pairs.

https://www.bonoss.com/product/bono...71-6-al6061-t6-for-jeep-wrangler-tj-1997-2006

https://www.bonoss.com/product/bono...71-6-al7075-t6-for-jeep-wrangler-tj-1997-2006

 

[SSTJ]

So what did you go with? These look to be half the price of Titan, but I’m not sure about quality:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012W6Q7OM?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[jrfuda]

I bought the titans but have not had a chance to install them yet as the garage is full of furniture from a room we're renovating. I did give them the once over to make sure there was nothing wrong with them and that the bolt pattern matched. I will definitely have to trim the studs on the unit bearing.

I had originally planned to regear and install lockers this winter when I won't use the Jeep much. I've had the parts since last winter but ran out of time to install them after a bunch of other upgrades before I wanted to use the Jeep regularly. Hopefully the garage will be cleared out by then and I can change the wheels and tires when I do the regear, so I can trim the studs on the new unit bearings before I install them.

 

[jrfuda]

Don't be dumb like me. I just posted and deleted a post and photo of one of the spacers on one of my new timkin unit bearings asking why it would not properly seat. It was because I did not have the rotor in place. I grabbed one of my oem rotors from my parts box and I was good to go. I will have to trim about 1/8"- 3/16" from the studs or mill that much relief in the wheels where the studs protrude. I'm leaning towards relief as it seems like a cleaner though riskier solution. If I trim the studs flush instead I think I will be able to get the lugs a couple of turns past the end, but I'm not confident.