1" Front Wheel Spacers Added

[spressomon]

To mainly gain clearance for recovery chains in the front but also to help correct the lessened track width in the front from raising the front end 2.5" I added 1" wheel spacers (can't really go any thinner without cutting the wheel studs). The first thing I noticed is the outside corner, when cornerning, doesn't tend to have that 'folding under' sensation.

I don't know, effectively, how much track width was lost when I raised the front 2.5"...but probably not 2" total (1" per side)...but maybe more like 1" total (.5" per side)...

 

[EL_3grab]

how about using offset wheel to correct the width

 

[spressomon]

how about using offset wheel to correct the width

Yes that is the other method to compensate...but a whole lot more $$$

 

[EL_3grab]

i will use these wheel with BFG At 10 width when i get my T-barz .. they cost 131 USD for one .. 131X4=524

 

[dclee]

IMHO the best (and cheapest) way to correct this problem is to install the diff drop kit from Slee Offroad. Not only will you get back the width (as the A-arms spread out as they go back to normal horizontal positions), but you also take stress off the CV joints and wheel bearings that might be introduced by the angles and the wider offset wheels.

My $0.02,

 

[dclee]

One other note: a bad consequence of wider wheels/spacers that I've noticed on our 80 Series is that you tend to get more road grime and rocks thrown up on the side of the truck, instead of being contained within the wheel wells. Obviously, this is not conducive to a nice, shiny paintjob!

 

[hoser]

Derek, the diff drop bracket lowers the differential and not the arms. Helps the angle of the CV joints only while the arms remain at the same angle.

 

[dclee]

OK, I think I see. I need to crawl under mine, but the arms are attached to the frame, not to the diff carrier. Makes sense now. I guess I never really thought about it (coming from solid axle trucks).

In that case, forget what I wrote in my prior post!

 

[spressomon]

OK, I think I see. I need to crawl under mine, but the arms are attached to the frame, not to the diff carrier. Makes sense now. I guess I never really thought about it (coming from solid axle trucks).

In that case, forget what I wrote in my prior post!

No...but you are right about the increased 'spray' of water/dirt/mud onto the outside fender. On mine, granted there will be more spray than without the spacer, but it appears it might be minimally more...time will answer this one.


It would be interesting to know just how much the track width is decreased when lifted 2.5". Unfortunately I didn't even think about this dimensional difference until AFTER I raised the front...

 

[Augie]

Did you notice any increase in bumpsteer. I am interested to do this also if there none or only a minimal increase in bump steer.

Where did you get it and how much did you pay if you mind.

Thanks,
Augie

 

[hoser]

Derek, I know what you mean about increased spray... this photo is with 1.25" spacers and 12.5" wide tires.

Spresso, as for difference in track width, LX owners can give a rough estimate by measuring the track then pushing the "lift" button on the center console. The lift is almost two inches. If an LX owner wants to do it, measure the distance between the two inner rim flanges (the metal part) on the wheel while the wheels are pointed straight ahead. Also, drive a short distance after you raise the suspension before measuring to get an accurate reading.

Augie, I have not noticed any significant increase in bumpsteer after using the spacers. You can order spacers through Christo.

 

[dclee]

Man, and it's a dark color, too. Worst for showing dirt!

 

[subspd]

Dark, but also sharp. How do you get Christo for the spacers? And how much?

 

[hoser]

Christo Slee as in:

http://sleeoffroad.com/

Anybody there can help you. You'll have to ask them for pricing as it is a custom job.

 

[spressomon]

Derek, I know what you mean about increased spray... this photo is with 1.25" spacers and 12.5" wide tires.

Spresso, as for difference in track width, LX owners can give a rough estimate by measuring the track then pushing the "lift" button on the center console. The lift is almost two inches. If an LX owner wants to do it, measure the distance between the two inner rim flanges (the metal part) on the wheel while the wheels are pointed straight ahead. Also, drive a short distance after you raise the suspension before measuring to get an accurate reading.

Augie, I have not noticed any significant increase in bumpsteer after using the spacers. You can order spacers through Christo.

My tires are only 285 width D ) and with the 1" spacer hopefully won't have much over-spray

 

[subspd]

Thanks, I will check into it I guess this will aid the fitment of wider than stock tires. Is there any down side besides the paint issue? I had rear spacers only on a Jeep and never had a problem but then I only had it for a few months after I did it.

 

[spressomon]

Thanks, I will check into it I guess this will aid the fitment of wider than stock tires. Is there any down side besides the paint issue? I had rear spacers only on a Jeep and never had a problem but then I only had it for a few months after I did it.

Spacers may, depending upon thickness, dramatically effect the arc the wheel travels in throughout it's suspension swing. The downsides to this are more pronounced with thicker spacers (1.5"+) and larger/wider tires.

And a spacer creates more load on the outer wheel bearing. The thicker the spacer the more load is placed on the outside wheel bearing. I think I would have been quite satisfied with 5/8"-3/4" thick spacers if I wouldn't need to grind the studs down for clearance.

 

[calamaridog]

When I move up to 35's I will be getting those Toyo MT's...

 

[SINCITY100]

To mainly gain clearance for recovery chains in the front but also to help correct the lessened track width in the front from raising the front end 2.5" I added 1" wheel spacers (can't really go any thinner without cutting the wheel studs).

Pardon my ignorance, but do you also have to replace the front hub studs with longer ones to utilize the spacers? Why would you need to shave the studs unless they are so much longer that the lug nut will "bottom out" with longer studs/thinner spacers?

If so, how thick (if any) of a spacer can you use with the stock (length) studs?

Damn..this rig is wide enough, I kinda like it 1" narrower in the front...

 

[hoser]

I think I would have been quite satisfied with 5/8"-3/4" thick spacers if I wouldn't need to grind the studs down for clearance.

It's quite possible you could've used a 5/8-3/4" spacer as the voids in the OEM are quite deep. To figure it out, perhaps one could place wax or something over one of the studs and then mount the wheel. Then measure the wax/putty? I can't think of another way to do it though.