The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop wheel spacers

I was wondering if anyone is using wheel spacers on their trucks. I'm looking at purchasing a set of 3" billit spacers to help the rear tires fill the wheel well and centering the rearend. I'll also be using a wider rear tire on the 8" rims. Anyone using spacers?

I shudder at wheel spacers for a variety of reasons, however if you use the longer studs on your rear end and get the bolt-on wheel spacers you should be ok. If you are buying new wheels, simply get the proper offset (back spacing) I myself will be running 8" wide wheels with only a 2" back spacing to avoid spacers. Looking at the tuck so far Robert, I would put a set of 9 1/2" wide wheels and run a set of 255 or wider tires.

I work in the tire industry, spacers are very very very very bad. maybe a spacer no more than 1/4", if that, would be all I would feel safe with. And a 3' spacer is downright dangerous. I would advise getting wheels with the correct backspacing and offset to fit the application. Seen too many wheels come off due to exsessive loads on the studs caused by spacers.

I'll second that,
Grigg

i have used them for 20yrs on my 54/3100 no problems but my fabricator didn't like them, then he proceeded putting some on for the proper look on the rear. i had him measure for the proper backspace but i am not so sure he got it right and had to do this to compensate.

Yeah but I don't see you pulling wheelies at the dragstrip in that 3100.

Wheel spacers ....1/4" maximum! Changing the backset on the wheels is a lot safer! Check out Stockton Wheel. You can't put a price on safety!

Make sure your backspacing is correct for the size tires you are gonna use,and there will be no need for spacers.

I agree that using wheels with proper backspacing and/or offset is the best method, BUT, not all of us can afford to have a set of custom wheels made. As TooMany mentioned, I think the adaptors are the way to go if you are exceeding 1/2" or so. I used a set of 1.5" adaptors on the back of mine to space out the 17" late model, 5 on 5" Jeep rims I am using on my 53 with a 1978 1/2 ton Chevy 12 bolt truck rear end.

Just something from an industry insiders point of veiw-Many tire shops will not service any vehicles that use spacers or adapters to fit incorrect wheels. Far too much liability involved, especially using the adapters. The shop I work for is one that will not service vehicles with adapters. Best bet is to get the correct wheels, or at least within 1/4" for the absolute least amount of spacer needed. Don't gorget, longr studs will be needed, you should have a minimum of 1 full stud diameter of thread engagement, and preferrable twice that amount.

No custom made wheels..Summit racing stocks many wheels with different backspacing.The Corvette Ralleys on the back of my 55 have 4 3/4 inch backspacing. If I had to go with custom made wheels the 55 would be sitting on blocks in the back of the shop.

I had spacers on mine ("had" being the operative word) - but there was a vibration that wouldn't go away by balancing them. Avoid them like the plague. Dale937 is right - use the wheel offset to center the wheel.

I've received lots of responses both here and elsewhere on the use of spacers, some negative but most was positive. I did order and have received them this week. I'll get them mounted after I deal with centering the rearend. I would have liked to have purchased my wheels with more offset but I've had these for awhile and right now the spacers are more cost effective. I'll give them a try & if it doesn't workout favorablly, I'll save up for more wheels.

Let us know how it works Robert. You will have yours on the road before me.

I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas. I have learned a lot by reviewing your posts and your pics.

Thank's Kevin, I'll keep you posted. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas as well.