CaptRog21

I have some Tanabe springs on their way and plan on putting them on this weekend. I already know I am going to want some 15mm or 20mm spacers to complete the look but have been told by my brother and a few others that spacers are not considered "safe". I drive this GS as a DD and plan to do so for a long time so I want to make I don't run across a malfunction at some point. Anyone been rolling with spacers for an extended period of time? Any thoughts on safety?

TOPENDMS

You should be fine with good quality 15-20mm spacers. I think back in the day people used to use 40mm backyard spacers with the wheels sticking out 2" past the fenders and they got a bad rep.

I've also seen a video of spacers getting chemically stuck to the hub/wheel .. so just make sure you go with a name brand. If your planning to use the cheapest spacers you can find on eBay, then I would say don't bother.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

If your concerned, get spacers with extended studs, instead of the bolt on type. Also use a high quality manufacturer, like H&R.

I needed 5mm spacers for my front rims to clear the calipers. I used h&r spacers with extended studs, zero issues. Spacers are only unsafe if installed improperly or using an unsafe or cheap spacer.

np20412

I use 20mm hub adapter style spacers from H&R on my rear and my car is DD. these are the kind that bolt on to existing studs and then have their own studs for the wheels to attach to. Just make sure you do the following:

1) use a high quality name brand spacers, no knock off cheap eBay stuff. The H&R are not that much more money anyway

2) clean your hub and lug nuts before you install with a wire brush and some kind of proper cleaner

3) apply anti-sieze between the hub and the spacer

4) torque all bolts to proper lug nut specs (76 ft lb) in a star pattern.

5) double check torque on all lugs after a few hundred miles.

RichardB23

I'll throw my 2 cents in and say i agree with the others. Like you i was weary about the stigma of running spacers but when i bought my tacoma and wanted to fit the biggest tires i could possible without having to cut fenders i had the choice of trying to find wheels with enough back space or buy spacers. i went with a reputable spacer company and abused the crap out of the truck with the spacers never once acting up.


once i get the lip/skirt/diffusers in i'll probably do my research into the H&R spacers as its a popular option on here and they look similiar in style to what i ran on the truck (spidertraxx) just remember to 1. buy quality 2. check on them every now and then and make sure theyre still torqued

RichardB23

im curious is the anti-seize part of the directions from H&R? when i ran spacers on my truck they came with red loctite lol

Dcerna

Make sure you get "hub centric" wheel spacers. They have a small lip on hub area for the wheel to sit on. That will make sure that the rim is perfectly in the center

Dom87SS

I've had 15 and 20 mm spacers on my car for the last 9 months and day daily drive this car. I put about 20k miles on them in that time frame and haven't had one issue yet.

Blaque Diamond Wheels

You should be fine running spacers, but just like everyone has stated, make sure you buy a quality part from a reputable brand. Don't cheap out on safety.

Dom87SS

I didn't know if I'd like the look and didn't want to spend HR money to find out I didn't like it. A guy I know had these on his RCF and so I got them and like said 20k miles later and wheels have been on/off a half dozen times since without issue.

Customadeonly 2 Pieces 0.59" 15mm Hub Centric Black Wheel Spacers Bolt Pattern 5x114.3 Thread Pitch 12x1.5 Center Bore 60.1mm Fits Lexus Toyota

jonathancl

I did 15mm and 20mm spacers.
H&R have ones with studs built in, and they're properly hub-centric.

Details.

medwardsr

Both should be used. I used red loctite on the hub bolts to lock the spacers in place while also using anti-seize lubricant in between the spacer and the hub. Beyond that, most of the information you need has already been posted in this thread. They really make a big difference in terms of fitment. As long as you buy a higher quality spacer (can see the lines in the metal) and you don't drive like a complete mad man, you shouldn't have any issues with durability.

CaptRog21

Thanks for all the info/suggestions. H&R spacers seem to be a common theme not only in this thread but among many others as well. Last question, will putting spacers on mess with the alignment in any way? Only reason I ask is I might not have them on in time as I am going to get an alignment about a week or two after getting the springs on.

np20412

Not noticeably. I did not get an alignment after installing mine and I've not noticed any issues or excessive tire wear.

Some will say you have to, but think about it. Would you get an alignment if you simply put on wheels that had a 20mm lower offset? Nope, and that's all you are simulating here.

bclexus

Discount Tire's policy is to not mount tires or rotate wheels and tires that have wheel spacers, hub centric or not. If they do perform any work on such a vehicle they will remove the wheel spacers and not reinstall them. I suspect the reason for this policy is that wheel spacers are not inherently part of the wheel or part of the vehicle, yet the aftermarket spacer becomes a questionable aspect in securely fastening the wheel to the hub. Many wheel spacers are cheaply made or poorly designed. If a wheel spacer fails or is not properly installed the results can be catastrophic, causing death. Something to think about! Also, wheel spacers are often the cause of wheel vibration and complaints of feeling the wheel or tire is wobbling, shaking or out-of-round. You can't really blame them for this wheel spacer policy.