Had a 2” OME lift installed on my Rubicon. My tires rub at close to full wheel lock when turning right and left. I’m running factory MOAB wheels. I understand they have 5” of BS. I love these wheels so I’m interested in spacers. However, I am complete noob when it comes to wheel spacers. Tires I’m running are GY Duratracs 265/75/16. My question is a 1.25” Spidertrax Wheel spacer a good long term solution or would I be better off with a wheel with the correct BS? I’m not interested in installing washers to limit the steering radius.
Wheel Spacers vs Wheel with Correct Backspace
- Thread starter JT Stapes
- Start date
Why not use washers to adjust the steering stops? It is the usual and customary method for dealing with minor rubbing at full lock.
If you are persuaded that spacers are the only fix that works for you, this company offers 1" spacers:
https://www.titanwheelaccessories.c..._wrangler~sz_wheel-spacers~yj_1-wheel-spacers
If you are persuaded that spacers are the only fix that works for you, this company offers 1" spacers:
https://www.titanwheelaccessories.c..._wrangler~sz_wheel-spacers~yj_1-wheel-spacers
I had spacers on my Jeep. Actually, they were adapter/spacers when I installed JK Rubicon wheels. They worked fine, and had no problem for several thousand miles. The reason I removed them was PA doesn't allow them, and my Jeep wouldn't pass the annual safety inspection.
Just found the thread about adding washers to the steering stops. I think that’s the solution to my minor issue that my OCD brain that thought it was something major. My bank account thanks you!
For some reason I have 265/75R16 on the Rubicon wheels (same backspace) with no rub. The tires are at around 25% and all have some missing wheel weights and I have no vibes either. Guess I'm one of the few lucky ones. Need new rubber, but almost afraid it will add vibes and rubs. That's how my luck usually works.
I ran Spidertrax 1.25” spacers for years with absolutely no issues. Most Jeep wheels are made to fit the narrower tires (31x10.5 or 33x10.5) so if you install a wider tire (33x12.5 or 35x12.5) you will rub the control arms at full lock. If it’s a really minor rub then I suppose washers would work just fine but I wouldn’t want to lose a whole lot of maneuverability with washers if spacers would also do the trick.
Let's see, $0.16 for two washers approximately 5/64" thick or $218 for four spacers 1 1/4" thick that won't pass many states' vehicle inspections and that several tire store chains won't touch?
My choice was the washers. The change in turning radius with one washer on each side was barely detectable and I still had $218 in my pocket to spend on something else.
YMMV
If it only took ONE washer, you’re probably right. If you stick 35/12.5 tires on stock Canyon wheels, it’s no longer “a little rubbing”, it’s actually a helluva lot of rubbing, and spacers are probably a better solution. Or you can buy aftermarket wheels like my Raceline Monster beadlocks, and those have the proper backspacing for 35’s, but you’re also spending a whole lot more money than the $200 spacers.
As far as tire stores not touching spacers, I’ve never had a problem with America’s Tire. There are no legal issues with them in California afaik, and they’re really not very visible: definitely a lot less obvious than beadlocks on the street.
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