Wheel spacers

[Wrangler69]

First off I’m new to the forum just got my first wrangler “03 tj” a few weeks ago and have been reading lots of good info on here. After hours of researching lift options I choose to go with procomp 2in lift springs and rancho 5000x shocks per Jerry Bransfords recommendations to others on here and Im happy with the result, despite very minor driveline vibes. Im planning on running 32-11.50 tires and Im going to run wheel spacers with my stock canyon wheels to save a little money. I spent a lot of time researching spacers and trying to find quality but reasonable prices. Last night I ordered a set from a company out of Utah named “vasture”. I know wheels spacers are about the last thing you want to cheap out on but vasture claims these are made in USA with 6061 t6 billet aluminum with grade 8 studs, hub centric and best part is I bought all 4 for $73. I know most recommend spidertrax on here but for $200 I’d assume just buy new wheels. I’ll try to remember to update once I get them installed and give a detailed review.

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[Chris]

Not bad at all!

I paid $89 for mine, which are the same size as yours, but also CNC billet aluminum as opposed to cast (which is what you don't want):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IVKIZW0/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

My Spidertrax spaces were $89 free shipping. Jus sayin.

 

[Wrangler69]

My Spidertrax spaces were $89 free shipping. Jus sayin.

You bought 4 spidertrax spacers for $89??


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[MutantNinjaTJ]

No, that's was for a pair. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Wrangler69]

Well the spacers arrived today and I installed them. They seem to be well built I can’t see any reason to spend double the money for a more popular brand, I checked and the studs are indeed grade 8. Test drive went great can’t tell they are even on there no vibes or shakes. The only thing I’m not 100% confident in “not spacers fault” is the rear studs on the Jeep, I wasn’t able to get a full nut when I tightened the spacers down and it concerns me a bit. I think It lacks about 3 threads from being flush got about 3/4 of the nut. Maybe I should get longer studs?


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[Chris]

The studs shouldn't need to be changed. When I put my spacers on (which are the same size as yours), they had plenty of stud to tighten onto.

 

[Wrangler69]

Just to clarify the studs on the wheel spacers are right length it’s the studs on the Jeep that are coming up a little short only on the rear. My Jeep has rear disc brakes if that makes any difference


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[Chris]

Yes, I knew what you meant.

My Jeep has rear discs as well. No issues with the studs on the Jeep being too short. Not on mine at least.

 

[Wrangler69]

I’m not sure what the deal is. If the studs were just 1/4in longer I wouldn’t even worry about it


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[toximus]

I’m not sure what the deal is. If the studs were just 1/4in longer I wouldn’t even worry about it


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How deep is the area that the nuts sit in?

 

[Head Lice]

Grade 8 . . . . not especially hard, not especially soft.

 

[Wrangler69]

How deep is the area that the nuts sit in?

The nut the holds the spacer on is pretty much flush with the outside of the spacer. The front is perfect


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[Wrangler69]

I did locktite them and really think everything will be fine but with wheel spacers id like to be absolutely sure


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[toximus]

Can you take a picture?

 

[glwood]

I did locktite them and really think everything will be fine but with wheel spacers id like to be absolutely sure


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Do you have a Dana 44 rear axle? The reason I ask is I had a 2006 Rubicon some years ago, with Spidertrax spcers, and it turned out the previous owner had replaced the axle shafts with shafts designed for a Dana 44 with drum brakes, and the wheel studs are shorter on drum brake Dana 44 axle hubs. The fix is new, longer studs. On mine, the thread engagement on the rear axle hubs was exactly like you are describing, a few threads short of the nut seating fully to secure the spacers.

 

[Wrangler69]

Do you have a Dana 44 rear axle? The reason I ask is I had a 2006 Rubicon some years ago, with Spidertrax spcers, and it turned out the previous owner had replaced the axle shafts with shafts designed for a Dana 44 with drum brakes, and the wheel studs are shorter on drum brake Dana 44 axle hubs. The fix is new, longer studs. On mine, the thread engagement on the rear axle hubs was exactly like you are describing, a few threads short of the nut seating fully to secure the spacers.

Yes mine has a Dana 44 with disc brakes


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[glwood]

Yes mine has a Dana 44 with disc brakes


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Chances are good that the PO did a disc brake conversion, and did not put in longer studs.

 

[Wrangler69]

Chances are good that the PO did a disk brake conversion, and did not put in longer studs.

That could be what happened but I believe the disc rear brake was a factory option for an 03 sport, everything else was totally stock on the Jeep when I bought it. I know after I bought it I discovered it had a Dana 44 which I was glad to see. I think my best option is to just replace the studs with some just a hair longer for piece of mind. I should remember this but I don’t, are the wheel studs fastened in the brake rotors? Mayb somebody replaced rotors at some point and got the short studs that way?? Jeep has 210k miles so it’s possible they could have been replaced.


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[glwood]

If they are factory disc brakes, the studs should have been longer. You could be right on the studs having been replaced. The studs are not fastened in the rotors, they are pressed into the axle hubs, and go through the rotors.