Are wheel spacers / adapters that bad?

[TerryMason]

My TJ's rims are pretty beat up, and my 33s are getting warn down - I'm probably a year away from some new rims and tires. I'd really like to get a set of take off JK or JL rubicon take off rims (the ones with the little Jeep on them). I'd be going from a 4.5x5 lug pattern to a 5x5 lug pattern so I'd need to run wheel spacers.

I've always heard that wheel spacers are not desired, but I've got a buddy that just put some on and he didn't seem to have any problems. What do you guys think about running a quality set of adapters?

 

[superj]

They have been on my tj for 4 years. And off roaded colorado all over the place plus cross state road trips

 

[Jeepergeo]

By moving the flucrum outward, the lever bending moment is increased, meaning more stress and strain are placed on the lever. Too much in the case of wheel spacers? Time and usage will tell. Clearly, the running gear (the lever) was not designed for their use, but it might fall within the design safety factor...or might not.

 

[JPNinPA]

By moving the flucrum outward, the lever bending moment is increased, meaning more stress and strain are placed on the lever. Too much in the case of wheel spacers? Time and usage will tell. Clearly, the running gear (the lever) was not designed for their use, but it might fall within the design safety factor...or might not.

View attachment 32060

This is true. But if the spacer is making up for the backspacing the wheel does not have. And the tire is in the same location in the wheel well. It is a wash.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson