Effects of large tires on front end components in daily driving

[Traskew3]

Wouldn't wheel spacers put more wear and stress on the front end? Anyone have a long-term report?

 

[Bluesky]

Wouldn't wheel spacers put more wear and stress on the front end? Anyone have a long-term report?

I heard that a lot as well. Though, people who have them on, all swear that after years and many off roading miles, they have had no problems. I think it would ultimately be more stable with a new set of rims positive offset.

 

[04UZJ100]

Wouldn't wheel spacers put more wear and stress on the front end? Anyone have a long-term report?

Wheels spacers aren't the weak point. They create a large moment on the front components, and in particular, the bearings. They load the bearings in a way they weren't designed to be.

 

[Keowee]

The positive offset of the Landcruiser wheels will lessen the extra bearing load from the spacers. If you had negative offset and spacers then you could have bearing problems.

 

[Bluesky]

Wheels spacers aren't the weak point. They create a large moment on the front components, and in particular, the bearings. They load the bearings in a way they weren't designed to be.

This actually makes a lot of sense. When you move the wheels out with spacers, the wheels are no longer applying the force directly on the bearings, rather in a lever function, so the pressure on the bearings become a torsional force rather than direct pressure. That would mess up the bearings for sure.

 

[Bluesky]

The CV issues generally come from lifts rather than just tires, but since most people go up when they get bigger tires... you get the idea. If you want to run 35s you'll need some kind of lift, which will at the very least mean adjustments to your torsion bars, which will change the angles of your CVs. If the CVs are original and are happily set in their angle, you'll likely get leaking and/or tearing at the boots unless you install a diff drop to keep the angles close to stock.

SDnative - the 285/75R16 is closer to 33. I have them, and many others do, but I think the OP is going for it and looking at 35s. Maybe it's a typo on your part as you may have 18s.

That makes sense. Has anyone had any experience with 285/75r17? That ends up being a 33.8" tire (34). I did a threat search and couldn't find anyone running them, only FJ cruisers!! I want to upsize and wait on getting the lift for now since it would require to either replace the AHC suspension or get a diff drop, adjust the front t bars and spacers for rear to avoid excess weight on the AHC system.