anyone have trac+ spacers?

[Fourty-four]

There are a lot of bad spacers out there - some just being a metal shim - but top quality spacers such as these - are in a different class.


-Mike

All spacers are just "metal shims"

The difference is that the wider spacers must bolt in place using the stock lugs (wheel bolts) because they are not long enough to go through the spacers and wheel, which renders them useless.

The small spacers do not have that problem, so they are usually fit over the stock lugs, between the rim and the hub. All spacers should be machined to tight tolerances, ensuring good runout. If not, you'd know right away by the wobbling.

The true problem with spacers is that they change the suspension geometry and chance the loads on the wheel bearings. Large spacers can also chance the handling characteristics, which may not be a good thing. Personally, I'd stay away from large spacers like those in the pictures.

 

[K6UK]

True, but changing wheel offset would also change suspension geometry and bearing load in the same way. Only stock wheel spacing would keep stock geometry.

 

[K6UK]

Spidertrax Wheel Spacers

So... I was also in the market for some spacers and decided to pick up these from spidertrax:

I did a bit of research, and liked these because they were hub centric to the wheel, and they were anodized for corrosion resistance. They also come with locktite and have a good reputation.

I'll post some pics when I get them installed. They are 1.25" wide, so a little bit wider than the Track + spacers - but the hub centric design makes me more comfotable personally.

-Mike

 

[Fourty-four]

True, but changing wheel offset would also change suspension geometry and bearing load in the same way. Only stock wheel spacing would keep stock geometry.

Sure, but most people who change the offset of their wheels do so only by a few millimeters. That would be about the same as the smaller shims that fit over the lugs.

When you start adding 30 millimeter (or larger) wheel spacers, you're changing that geometry by quite a bit. The funny thing is that it may not seem to cause any immediate problems, but down the road you're more likely to experience premature failure on suspension parts and wheel bearings, simply because of the difference in the intended load.

 

[K6UK]

Indeed the further out you put the tires the more you change geometry and leverage on parts.

I still think the case against spacers is somewhat exagerated - I mean sure they may increase wear and tear, but so does flying over sand dunes.

Of course I may change my tune later - I guess we'll see!

- Mike

 

[Ele'ele]

Hey Mike,

I purchased wheel spacers from Fred Goesk and I could not be happier. Excellent workmanship, knew what he was doing, and knew what he was talking about. I paid about $350 and took about 1 week to order and receive the product. I did pay extra to have the lip on the spacer made this provides additional strenght to the rim. As you mentioned, I put loctite, torqued the spacer bolts and then torqued the rim bolts. All in all, no problems off roading. I too wanted an off set rim to off set my 3" lift. I wanted a 3" wider stance and found no rims i like so far. I did not want a rim with bling and I did not want to attract attention to thieves saying "come steal me". In the end, the stock rims with spacers gave me what I wanted.

 

[K6UK]

I'm glad to hear that it worked out and you're pleased. Do you have any pictures of your truck before and after? Would love to see it!

-Mike

 

[OUTRNNR]

Hey mole177 can we get some pics of the truck from the front, front 3/4, rear 3/4? I'm curious to know how the spacers affect the overall look and stance of the 4Runner. :awais:

Thanks!

 

[mole177]

i'll snap some on the weekend

 

[mole177]

sorry for the super late response.

 

[mole177]

flush

 

[mole177]

front

 

[K6UK]

I ended up going with the Spidertrax Spacers. They were the only ones that were both hub-centric and anodized.
So far so good!

Here's a pic to go with:

 

[jerseymike68]

I have the same magnaflow too and love it, you can usually get a used one on ebay or cragislist. I wanted a valid warranty so I got it here. Magnaflow 15768. Also some of the forum sponsors usually have a sale going on. Either way its a great exhaust system, sounds great, and very easy to install.