Is anyone using wheel spacers?

[GRGT1994]

Is anyong using these?

I have 17" by 8" wheels with 255/55/17 tires, and the rears just look like they are too far in. It's got that look of a kid wearing grandpa's hat, swimming in it.

Here is an example: http://secure.50resto.com/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=2479&Category_ID=257

 

[jwater7]

I have similar tires, but I don't have a problem with the look.
I'd rather trade look for the possibility of messing things up in the rear.
I do have spacers in the front though, but only because it has been lowered, and they will rub otherwise.
My opinion: don't get them unless for a mechanical issue.

 

[AutobahnStang]

I used 1" spacers on my 17x9 wheels and they didn't mess anything up even at my freaquent 100mph+ runs on the Bahn . I used some similar to the H&R ones for over two years. They have their own wheel studs so there is no need for to replace your current studs.

 

[AutobahnStang]

These are a little bit more expensive but they are great quality:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/spacers.asp

They are also TUV and DOT certified.

 

['94ChickStang]

I've got 1" H & R's in the rear, great. Makes the a** look less fat and just a bit meaner. 255's will be just about flush with the well.

 

[Black Stampede]

I'd rather trade look for the possibility of messing things up in the rear.

My opinion: don't get them unless for a mechanical issue.

No offense, but dont say things that just arent true. Wheel spacers do NOTHING to compromise the mechanical condition of a car.

To the thread starter: Get some H&Rs. They are VERY high quality and I love mine. I have 1 3/8 inch and they are perfect on my 245s on 17x8 '98 cobras.

 

[GRGT1994]

Hey thanks for the thoughts.

94ChickStang and Black Stampede: Could you post some pics here? What width tire are you running ChickStang?

Anyone else with pics of their car's stance with spacers would be much appreciated (please note wheel and tire size).

 

[94GTStang]

I would be interested in seeing the wheel spacer on some 245/45/17's as well.

 

[HazMat404]

i had mine for awhile til i was a complete dope one day and forgot to tighten the bolts up to the hug from the spacer...well we all know what happened then. my wheel passed me up going about 50mph. havent put them back on yet but im debating on it again. just make sure you double and triple check them and have a friend double check. they do look freakin awesome with my 17x8 98 cobra wheels with 245's

 

[jwater7]

No offense, but dont say things that just arent true. Wheel spacers do NOTHING to compromise the mechanical condition of a car.

i had mine for awhile til i was a complete dope one day and forgot to tighten the bolts up to the hug from the spacer...

Case in point...If Les Schwab won't work on your tires because they've got spacers, there's a reason. I think it may come down to more of an opinion than a fact, but spacers can cause problems just like any aftermarket stuff. For instance they're known to loosen nuts.

BUT, back to the discussion. If you're simply looking for the "look" and you are cautious to maintain them, like anything else, then get them.

 

['94ChickStang]

Hey thanks for the thoughts.

94ChickStang and Black Stampede: Could you post some pics here? What width tire are you running ChickStang?

Anyone else with pics of their car's stance with spacers would be much appreciated (please note wheel and tire size).

I had the 225/55's w/ ponies and they looked great, but just got 275's and new rims. Can't get the spacers in until I shave the original studs down a bit b/c of the rims....I'll post pics soon when I' m done, but they may stick out too far now, we'll see.

 

[HazMat404]

here is my before and after. i looked a ton better in person and i am thinking about doing it again but i never ever ever want to have to deal with what happened to me before. id rather have longer studs installed and have locking studs on there or something. i was even debating on putting on some lock tite just so those suckers stay on for sure. also, my tires are 245

 

[Black Stampede]

Case in point...If Les Schwab won't work on your tires because they've got spacers, there's a reason. I think it may come down to more of an opinion than a fact, but spacers can cause problems just like any aftermarket stuff. For instance they're known to loosen nuts.

That is totally irrelevent. The problem he had was do to his human error (no offense hazmat) NOT the spacers problem. If you are worried about stuff like that why dont you get all paranoid about a terrorist blowing your car up too while you're at it.

 

[HazMat404]

nope, none taken at all. ive heard of people sayin that they the bolts tend to walk off of the spacers but i dont see that happening because that would mean that wheels would be coming off anyways. it was pure stupidity on my part cause i wanted to hit the road and didnt double/triple check it. unless you are makin some big power, then i dont see much of a problem with spacers

 

[GRGT1994]

Damn HazMat404, that sure does clean 'er up. Looked nice that way.

I'm gonna do it too.

BTW, your car is a perfect example - at least for me. My car is spitting image to yours (save the lowering kit, black accents and rice hater paraphernalia)

 

[ProKiller]

heres what mine looks like from behind. 1" spacers. don't know who's they are, i think the H&Rs though, but not sure. the wheels are 17x9. Comp T/A 275/40/17s if memory serves me right. wore them out about 3 months ago.

 

[EpiKk3]

how do spacers wear out?

 

[HazMat404]

think he meant the tires

 

[EpiKk3]

oh duh lol sorry im outa it

 

[jwater7]

That is totally irrelevent. The problem he had was do to his human error (no offense hazmat) NOT the spacers problem. If you are worried about stuff like that why dont you get all paranoid about a terrorist blowing your car up too while you're at it.

The terrorists are coming, the terrorists are coming...run for your lives!

Dude, it's not a big deal. Everyone has his right to an opinion, and to share his experiences. I personally, had some issues with rears spacers. They seemed to loosen up fairly frequently (frequently, I mean every few months). But, if you're careful to simply keep an eye on them (or you frequently change tires), go for it.

HazMat404: I like the rice eater, that's awesome.