Any alternatives to wheel spacers?
- Thread starter RockDog
- Start date
My wheels are in the same predicament. Can barely get a finger between tire and upper spring perch. 2000 SE. I am using 1 1/2" spacer in rear only to solve this.
Just pull the frame, chop 1-1/2” out of each of the three crossmembers and reweld them back together so the frame is 1-1/2” narrower.
Then narrow the t-case skid 1-1/2” (may be easier to cut 3/4” from each side so the tranny mount still bolts up)
Then extend the frame side body mount brackets to line up with the mounting locations on the tub, you’ll have to get creative on the four rear-most mounts.
Then shorten both track-bars and drag-link by 1-1/2”.
Then widen the spacing of the motor mounts 1-1/2”.
Then make a couple of brackets to relocate the grill snubbers outwards 3/4” each side.
Then check for exhaust clearance and you’re good to go.
Then have a narrower gas tank built to fit between the narrower frame rails and you’re good to go.
Easy-peasy
Or just buy rims with the correct backspacing instead.
I don’t, but it rubs there for sure. I can show you the marks on the tires. It rubs in both places
In the rear only? So the rear stick out more than the front?
Can you send me pictures? Is it noticeable?
It's hard to notice. I am running small tires and the spacers are 1 1/2". I don't like spacers and eventually will find some wheels that work with less backspace. I don't have any pics. I can't forsee any problems with spacers on the back only. It ain't rubbing now...ha ha
Good luck with yours.
Good luck with yours.
You need to measure to see if your axle is centered. Put away the grinder.
I agree with not going to a grinder as a first move. If he has a lift and still has the stock track bar, that would affect the driver side more than the passenger side as the arc of movement will swing passenger.
I think somebody threw a lift on and did not even consider bump stop needs. I would start from square one and ensure the axle is square and centered and then pull the springs and cycle it to find the issue. It could be as simple as wheels with the wrong amount of backspacing.
Bottom line, the OP is trying to solve a problem that doesn't originate from the root cause of his issue.
Is there a backspacing distance that is recommended for all TJ's? Or..what is the general consensus of what backspacing should be for all round use ?
The more backspacing you have, the closer the wheel will be to the frame. Less backspacing will make the wheel stick out further. I have 3.75" of backspacing on my TJ.
Thanks for that info. Is backspacing the same for the TJ's that are stock...stock wheels? I have a set off an XJ with wide tires and boy are they close to rubbing...like a pencil with from the spring perch.
I also have another set of 16" wheels off a Chrysler somethingoranother that I am running now because it sure drives/rides better with them. Street tires and more room.
I am going to be measuring the backspacing to see what I have.....
I also have another set of 16" wheels off a Chrysler somethingoranother that I am running now because it sure drives/rides better with them. Street tires and more room.
I am going to be measuring the backspacing to see what I have.....
So, is it only rubbing on the passenger side? If so, your axle might not be centered. As suspension with a trackbar travels, the trackbar introduces lateral motion. So if you adjust ride height (lift), you gotta adjust the track bar length to accommodate.
Stock wheels have roughly 5.5" of backspacing, except for Rubicon rims, which have 5".
The actual backspacing requirement will depend on the rim width and the width of the tire. Generally for a 15x8, 16x8, or 17x8 wheel with 12.5 wide tires, 3.75" of backspacing is recommended. ~4.75" or less is recommended for 10.5 wide tires. (Different sizes can be interpolated.)
A wheel spacer has the effect of subtracting its thickness from the backspacing. For example, if I have a Rubicon 16x8 rim (5" backspacing) and throw a 1.25" spacer behind it, the effective backspacing is now 3.75".
The actual backspacing requirement will depend on the rim width and the width of the tire. Generally for a 15x8, 16x8, or 17x8 wheel with 12.5 wide tires, 3.75" of backspacing is recommended. ~4.75" or less is recommended for 10.5 wide tires. (Different sizes can be interpolated.)
A wheel spacer has the effect of subtracting its thickness from the backspacing. For example, if I have a Rubicon 16x8 rim (5" backspacing) and throw a 1.25" spacer behind it, the effective backspacing is now 3.75".
3.75" BS with a 35x12.5" tire is about right. Too little backspace will increase the wear on the wheel bearings and ball joints. And it screws up the scrub radius. That is one good reason why some go to wider axles, so the steering geometry can be corrected along with more backspacing.
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