LX470 wheel spacers-disadvantages? (2 Viewers)

[STGLX470]

Hello! I'm considering purchasing 1.25" hub centric wheel spacers for my lx470. I don't like that when I'm out playing (especially on rocks) I can't see where I'm placing my front wheel even when I'm hanging out the window.

Are there any major disadvantages to adding spacers to my rig? I don't want my wheels hanging out of the wheel wells but I'd like them to be more flush with the body.

I plan on buying from Slee and I don't imagine that they would sell a low quality product but I'm just hoping to get some insight from anybody who has done this simple mod already.

Thanks!

 

[Cygnus]

I wanted to find these facts as well hence asked similar question earlier, refer to this post.
Hope this helps.

 

[GregLCA]

Hello! I'm considering purchasing 1.25" hub centric wheel spacers for my lx470. I don't like that when I'm out playing (especially on rocks) I can't see where I'm placing my front wheel even when I'm hanging out the window.

Are there any major disadvantages to adding spacers to my rig? I don't want my wheels hanging out of the wheel wells but I'd like them to be more flush with the body.

I plan on buying from Slee and I don't imagine that they would sell a low quality product but I'm just hoping to get some insight from anybody who has done this simple mod already.

Thanks!

Wheel spacers will increase your scrub radius...

You can Google an illustration of it, but basically if you draw an imaginary line between the upper and lower steering knuckle pivots to the ground, and then draw a line straight down from the wheel/tire centerline to the ground, those two lines might intersect at the contact patch, or will at least be pretty close to each other. As you increase the track width with spacers you are pushing those two lines further apart.

Increased scrub radius will increase steering effort, and will increase your turning radius. The Slee spacers seem to be pretty popular, so my only guess is that adding 30mm per side isn't terribly bad.

-G

 

[jcrandall]

Wheel spacers will increase your scrub radius...

You can Google an illustration of it, but basically if you draw an imaginary line between the upper and lower steering knuckle pivots to the ground, and then draw a line straight down from the wheel/tire centerline to the ground, those two lines might intersect at the contact patch, or will at least be pretty close to each other. As you increase the track width with spacers you are pushing those two lines further apart.

Increased scrub radius will increase steering effort, and will increase your turning radius. The Slee spacers seem to be pretty popular, so my only guess is that adding 30mm per side isn't terribly bad.

-G

^this, but it's negligible. No noticeable impact. The only real disadvantages I've been able to figure out are:
a. one added point of potential failure/user install error
b. by bringing the outside of the tire flush with the fender, you add a chance of rub at full articulation.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

Just bought a whole set. They help widen your stance but not as much as I was hoping. Granted I wouldn't want to go any wider than 1.25".

Front spacers:

Rear spacers:

Looking down the passenger's side:

 

[GregLCA]

^this, but it's negligible. No noticeable impact. The only real disadvantages I've been able to figure out are:
a. one added point of potential failure/user install error
b. by bringing the outside of the tire flush with the fender, you add a chance of rub at full articulation.

Any idea what the penalty is for turning radius?

I've been tempted to throw a set of spacers on my stock wheels to get "the look" but didn't want to deal with a bunch of impractical side-effects (like a large turning radius).


-G

 

[GregLCA]

Just bought a whole set. They help widen your stance but not as much as I was hoping. Granted I wouldn't want to go any wider than 1.25".



Front spacers:


Rear spacers:


Looking down the passenger's side:

Looks nice!


Got a part number on those SpiderTrax spacers???

Their website only shows fitments for 2008+ Land Cruisers.

Thanks!


-G

 

[duggy]

Any idea what the penalty is for turning radius?

I've been tempted to throw a set of spacers on my stock wheels to get "the look" but didn't want to deal with a bunch of impractical side-effects (like a large turning radius).


-G

The real-world results are not noticeable.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

@GregLCA I bought them from Slee. Just go on their website to find them.

I didn't see any negative side effects to my turning radius. I had one tire rubbing on the inside of my fender well when at full turn. Never really took the time to find out which one it was but with the spacers on, it's gone.

 

[jcrandall]

Any idea what the penalty is for turning radius?

I've been tempted to throw a set of spacers on my stock wheels to get "the look" but didn't want to deal with a bunch of impractical side-effects (like a large turning radius).


-G

Not noticeable to me, I'm sure there's a difference, I just don't turn lock to lock enough to notice it.

 

[Manhattan]

Really? Anodized blue? I supposed they can be painted. Since I'm not driving a slammed Integra... I'm not looking for parts bling, e.g. shiny calipers, wheel spacers. Yeah, yeah... 1st world problems

 

[GregLCA]

Really? Anodized blue? I supposed they can be painted. Since I'm not driving a slammed Integra... I'm not looking for parts bling, e.g. shiny calipers, wheel spacers. Yeah, yeah... 1st world problems

Crimson ScotchBrite pad is your friend...

 

[Manhattan]

Crimson ScotchBrite pad is your friend...

I'm already having '80s BMX (bike) flashbacks - using Easy Off Oven Cleaner to deanodize all the aluminum parts. Maybe the ScotchBrite's the better route.

 

[TLC Dan]

I would paint them a dull color to match the other components as you don't want them to stand out as i have had a few shops refuse to do any tire work with the spacers in place. I mentioned that they were top quality (just differential) and not
Chinese junk but they didn't care. The only minor drawback to the spacers.

 

[Manhattan]

...have had a few shops refuse to do any tire work with the spacers in place...

Huh... hadn't thought about that. I have my tires rotated EVERY 5,000 miles. I wonder if the shop (Discount Tire) has a policy - something to check ahead of time, I guess

 

[STGLX470]

Just bought a whole set. They help widen your stance but not as much as I was hoping. Granted I wouldn't want to go any wider than 1.25".

Great photos Salty Methods. I appreciate the info. I think I'll try them out and if I have any tire wear issues or other problems I'll just remove them.

 

[sonk76]

Just reinstalled my wheel spacers and it reminded me of one additional disadvantage: given the larger scrub angle when front diff is locked steering the vehicle can become very difficult (provided that there is high traction on the wheels.)

You can try for yourself (assuming you have the spacers and front diff lock) just go to a pavement parking lot and lock the front diff and try to turn front wheels lock to lock. It won't be easy/happy. Same applies when you are on some gnarly rocks with high traction and try to turn the wheel...

 

[Manhattan]

I talked to a manager at Discount Tire - he said "if they're bolt-on and hub- and wheel-centric, then they're fine". That was good news... Since I really like the free (included) tire rotation, and am too busy (lazy) to do it myself if they refused

 

[Traskew3]

Good to know !! @Manhattan. That's where I got my BFG's too...

Did u guys that have them put lock-tite on the spacer lug nuts?

 

[SALTY METHODS]

I see no difference between with them on (1.25") and stock.