What Does a Wheel Spacer Do?
For those interested in enhancing their vehicle's performance and aesthetic appeal, chances are you already have an understanding of wheel spacers. But what exactly do they do? And why are they such an integral add-on for many off-road enthusiasts and truck owners? In this post, we answer those questions and shed light on the practicalities of using wheel spacers.
The Short Answer: Wheel spacers are designed to increase the distance between a vehicle's wheel and the wheel hub assembly, providing a wider track width and improved stability on the road. Not just that, if you're considering larger tires, wheel spacers give you the much-needed clearance, consequently amplifying your truck's road presence. Wheel spacers can be applied to the rear wheels without altering the front wheels for better towing, or to all the wheels for a decked-out look.
What is a Wheel Spacer?
Expanding on our concise explanation, let's dive into the mechanics of a wheel spacer. This incredible device behaves like a buffer, placed between the car's wheel and the wheel hub assembly, compelling the wheels to be positioned further from the vehicle body.
Wheel Spacer Size & Types
Wheel spacers are not a one-size-fits-all component; they come in different sizes based on each vehicle’s particular requirements. The size of the spacers, measured in millimeters or inches, indicates how much your wheels will venture from the hub assembly.
There are two main kinds of wheel spacers -- lug-centric and hub-centric. Lug-centric spacers are reliant on lug nuts to center the wheel and spacer precisely. Conversely, hub-centric spacers harmonize with the central bore of the wheel and the axle hub, promising a perfect fit.
Functionality of Wheel Spacers
The functionality of wheel spacers stretches beyond merely modifying your vehicle's aesthetics to improving its handling and off-road capabilities. These factors cumulatively contribute to the overall driving experience. So, in essence, wheel spacers play a prominent role in streamlining a better ride.
Benefits of Wheel Spacers
In the realm of automotive modifications, wheel spacers leverage crucial advantages that can drastically transform your driving experience. Here are some of the primary benefits of installing wheel spacers.
Wider Stance
Aesthetics and handling can go hand in hand when it comes to vehicles, and wheel spacers are a prime example of this. By pushing the wheels away from the vehicle, wheel spacers create a wider stance, enhancing the overall look of your ride. At the same time, this wider track helps your vehicle obtain superior stability around corners.
Improved Ride Quality and Scrub Radius
Another notable benefit of wheel spacers is the improvement in a vehicle’s ride quality. With a wider tire track, there's a balanced distribution of weight, contributing to a smooth and controlled driving experience. Moreover, wheel spacers positively affect the scrub radius, or the tire's pivot point, contributing to improved stability.
Fits Larger Tires
When it comes to tackling tough terrains or navigating bumpy roads, larger tires can be a game changer. They offer better ground clearance, improved traction, and a more commanding presence on the road or trail. However, fitting larger tires onto a vehicle often requires additional space and adjustments to avoid interference with the body, suspension components, and steering mechanisms. This is where wheel spacers can help.
Reduced Rubbing Issues
Especially relevant for drivers who have upgraded their trucks with wider tires, wheel spacers can eliminate rubbing issues. With the extra clearance created by wheel spacers, those wider tires will no longer rub against the wheel wells or suspension components.
Versatile Bolt Pattern Conversions
Lastly, wheel spacers that act as wheel adapters offer the flexibility of bolt pattern conversions. This allows you to mount wheels with different bolt patterns than your vehicle's original setup. For those looking to personalize their trucks, this means a wider range of wheel options without needing extensive modifications. Whether you want a specific style, design, or performance feature, wheel adapters expand your choices, making it easier to achieve the perfect look and function for your vehicle.
Common Wheel Spacer Myths
Despite the numerous advantages associated with wheel spacers, there are a few myths that can tarnish their reputation for some. Let's set the record straight and debunk these common misconceptions.
Myth #1: Wheel Spacers are Unsafe
One of the biggest myths regarding wheel spacers is the question of their safety. Many believe that wheel spacers destabilize wheels, making them unsafe. However, this is far from the truth. When installed correctly and of high quality, wheel spacers are perfectly safe and reliable. For example, they are widely used in motorsports – an industry in which safety is paramount.
Myth #2: Wheel Spacer Offset is Critical
Many truck owners concern themselves far too much with offset, which is the distance from the hub-mounting surface to the wheel's centerline, and this concern can cause unnecessary confusion when picking out wheel spacers. We are here to tell you this is not something you need to concern yourself with. As you will hear in the following video, while offset is an important factor in the wheel fitment of compact cars, it's less of a concern in the realm of trucks since most truck wheels have consistent rear spacing regardless of wheel size.
Whether you're contemplating a 15-inch or a sizeable 26-inch wheel, rear spacing approximately stays constant, making the specific offset numbers less crucial. This consistency simplifies your selection process, enabling you to focus more on the wheel's appearance, rather than being consumed by offset numbers.
How Far From Stock Can Help
At Far From Stock, we provide high-quality wheel spacers to fit a diverse array of wheels. We believe that each truck tells a unique story, and with our range of wheel spacers available in different sizes and types, we can help you create a story that fits you.
Our wheel spacers are constructed using durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of off-road driving and provide lasting performance. On top of that, our staff are well equipped with comprehensive knowledge about our range of products and are always ready to guide you through your selection process. So, whether you're a seasoned off-road enthusiast or gearing up for your first adventure, Far From Stock is here to help you get the most out of your driving experience.
So why wait? Start your journey with us and let Far From Stock take your ride to the next level.