Wheel spacer question...not in archives or FAQ that I could find...

[KATwo40]

Ok, simple question. Which is better? A wheel spacer with new studs mounted in it? Or a slip-on spacer using longer studs in the hub?

Thanks.

Oh, we're talkin' 15mm here.

[InsanityInc]

Neither. Buy wheels that fit or don't buy them at all. Spacers are bad news.

[onosqv]

If you absolutely must run spacers, especially 15mm. Get both longer studs & bolt on spacer. Stick w/ nismo studs or something along that line. As for the spacers, consider H&R spacers since they seem to be one of the best.

Then you have to remember to check the torque on your lug nuts at 15 (just to be safe), 50, 100, 200 miles, until it seems like it is not getting loose anymore. This is where most ppl fail to do so and complain "o spacers suck, my wheels vibrated off."

Spacers are usually more trouble than they are worth. You CAN run them safely, but nevertheless is still a little risky.

[elwesso]

Im using spacers on my car right now....

Use only good ones..... dont use the ones with the studs built into them... Those are bad news..

check out this thread...

zerothread?id=146846

[elwesso]

If you absolutely must run spacers, especially 15mm. Get both longer studs & bolt on spacer. Stick w/ nismo studs or something along that line. As for the spacers, consider H&R spacers since they seem to be one of the best.

Then you have to remember to check the torque on your lug nuts at 15 (just to be safe), 50, 100, 200 miles, until it seems like it is not getting loose anymore. This is where most ppl fail to do so and complain "o spacers suck, my wheels vibrated off."

Spacers are usually more trouble than they are worth. You CAN run them safely, but nevertheless is still a little risky.

I agree... Good post... Speaking of that, i need to check my torque next time i drive the car...

[KATwo40]

Why are the spacers with lugs in them bad news? Not being argumentative, just trying to educate myself here.

Thanks.

[McRussellPants]

Why are the spacers with lugs in them bad news? Not being argumentative, just trying to educate myself here.

Thanks.

He doesn't have a reason.

SPACERS ARE FINE. Just don't be lazy about retorqing them. The Studs on spacers and on your hub are not designed to be constantly loaded and unloaded like what happens when a wheel is coming off (which is when they'll break. as long as you make sure they are on right more than once you'll be fine, I have friends running ebay multilug spacers no problem and others with the expensive JDM ones and they are both the same crap.

I've seen people use both styles (Studs + thick spacer and Stud in spacer) and not have heard of any problems with either. Personally I'll be going with a 20mm with its own studs.

[KATwo40]

Sweet. Thanks!

[SmithSR]

It hurts me to intsall slip on spacers.It gives me great joy to intall H&R Trak+ spacers on customer vehicles.Maybe I smile because I call H&R to order them? They are so unpleasant on the phone.

I would only use a proper bolt on spacer from a reputable outfit, but you could do your homework to get a proper fitment without spacers in the first place.

Retorque procedure is more of a cover your *** kind of deal. Never a bad idea.

[elwesso]

excuse me mr.pants???? Never said spacers were a bad idea, i just said that the BOLT ON ONES (with the studs actually in the spacer instead of replacing the stock lugs)...

Slip on spacers are a BAD idea, regardless of how well made they are... All the force of the wheels is on the spacer (since the wheel bolts to the spacer which bolts to the wheel) instead of on the hub, which is designed to hold the load.....

All spacers like what I posted above (H/R Trak) are going to be safter since there really isnt any load on the spacer, its just being smashed in by the wheel... It doesnt really support any weight, or if it does its much less than with a bolt on spacer.....

You 240 guys are lucky, owners can buy all the cheap crap you want and it wont really do anything since the cars are so light... Having a car weighing 2x what you guys drive certainly makes you think before you start throwing crap on there....

I agree with smitty... thats what i got on my car... Sometime over break I have to unbolt my wheels and retorque.