Spidertrax Wheel Spacers Installed

[J.A.]

Hey Guys, Spidertrax has the 4R wheel spacers back in stock and I installed a set today. Once again, the write-up took longer than the actual install. I really like the more agressive stance and the increased trac width should provide some added stability to offset that which may have been reduced after lifting.

The 1.25" size (only size available for the 4R if you want the hub-centric design made by Spidertrax) makes the tires perfectly flush with the flares up front. Out back though they come up just about a half inch short of flush with the larger flares that the 2006-2009 models have. Still the look is much much improved.

Check it out and let me know if you have any questions.

Spidertrax Wheel Spacers WHS-007


BEFORE


AFTER

 

[Mike07SE]

Need some pics from the front too! Looks good though. I always thought the 4R had a somewhat narrow looking stance that could hopefully be fixed by something like this.

Edit: Nevermind, I went to your homepage and found more pics to browse.

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

Can't really tell a difference, maybe some shots from the side?

 

[Mike07SE]

Look at the tires relation to the mudflap and the suspension linkages, esp. the shock. That'll help you realize more of the difference that it makes.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Looks great, great write up :bigok:


Do the spacers enhance the drive quality, stability etc. enough to feel a difference?

:cheers:

 

[Falls]

Looks good .

 

[G.I.G.]

Very cool. I've always thought that 4Runners and Pathfinders (especially the previous gen PF) had a bit of a narrow stance for the body/fenders.

I have been thinking about doing the same on my 4R. I was wondering if you had to have it aligned after installation or if there was any other perceived differences in ride/handling, or is it mostly cosmetic? I was also wondering if you experience any more or less rubbing with the spacers. I would think it would help, not hurt in all categories. Just curious before I pull the trigger.

Great write-up and pics, thanks.

 

[J.A.]

AFTER PICS

 

[J.A.]

CJ3, havent really driven it enough yet with the spacers but initial reaction is that you can notice a difference but nothing drastic by any means. Just feels wider when turning, but it is probably more in the mind than anything else.

I was wondering if you had to have it aligned after installation or if there was any other perceived differences in ride/handling, or is it mostly cosmetic? I was also wondering if you experience any more or less rubbing with the spacers. I would think it would help, not hurt in all categories. Just curious before I pull the trigger.

Great write-up and pics, thanks.

No I dont feel it needs to be aligned. The wheels are pushed away from the control arms by 1.25" so if you were rubbing there it would help. But since the turning arc is larger it will begin to rub on the front inner wheel well liner. The fix is quick and simple, remove a few screws, push the liner forward, re-screw it back in...no more rubbing. Overall mostly cosmetic for sure.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Cool, it's amazing how such a small thing transforms the look and makes it look more aggressive! Nice pics, thanks for posting, actually, damn you! Now I have to go spend money:biggrin2:


:cheers:

 

[G.I.G.]

The fix is quick and simple, remove a few screws, push the liner forward, re-screw it back in...no more rubbing. Overall mostly cosmetic for sure.

I've read a few posts about doing this but I've had a hard time visualizing how to do it. I've looked in my front two wheel wells. I don't know how you would unscrew this and move them forward. Do you use the same holes or drill new ones? I saw the pics on your website. Also, there is a corner of the painted fender that wraps under into the wheel well, do you have to do anything with that? I've heard that you can F things up if you are in reverse with the wheel cranked and it catches on that.

Also curious if you bought the wheel spacers online and if so, where? I read on your website that it comes in a set of two, so you would buy two pairs, is that correct?

I'm just full of questions.

 

[dheeter]

Looks good man, i wish they would have worked for me. I just got mine, but dont fit with my new wheels and tires. If anyone wants them $200 plus shipping. They are new in the box.

 

[J.A.]

I've read a few posts about doing this but I've had a hard time visualizing how to do it. I've looked in my front two wheel wells. I don't know how you would unscrew this and move them forward. Do you use the same holes or drill new ones? I saw the pics on your website. Also, there is a corner of the painted fender that wraps under into the wheel well, do you have to do anything with that? I've heard that you can F things up if you are in reverse with the wheel cranked and it catches on that.

Also curious if you bought the wheel spacers online and if so, where? I read on your website that it comes in a set of two, so you would buy two pairs, is that correct?

I'm just full of questions.

The two screws (3 on the pass side) are underneath the bumper. You do not even need to remove the ones inside the fender flare. The pic of the pass side screws are on my write up. Yes, when you remove the screw and then the nutsert and then push the liner forward as much as possible (2 inches), you hit it with a dremel/drill to start a new hole. When doing the pass the liner pushes forward enough so that you dont need (or rather cannot) reuse the third (closest to the wheel) screw. The liner is plenty sturdy after doing this mod.

Yes, the plastic bumper does wrap into this area. I have not rubbed in the one day i've driven with the liner moved forward but if i do rub on this part of the bumper I will chop it down. The part in question is completly within the wheel well and will not be noticed. I almost want to chop it out because it looks like it would look better without it there.

Just buy them from Spidertrax directly as they cannot be found cheaper elsewhere. They always seem to be out of stock, and then it takes a couple month for them to get a batch for the 4R made, so if you want them now is the time. They are offering free shipping on all products in August and September too so you can save almost $20 (10%).

 

[G.I.G.]

Just curious how if you have any more observations of the wheel spacers since you have had a little more time to drive it. Any changes/variations, good or bad, that you have noticed since the change?

 

[J.A.]

Just curious how if you have any more observations of the wheel spacers since you have had a little more time to drive it. Any changes/variations, good or bad, that you have noticed since the change?

Sorry I dont drive during the week. It's mass transportation around here

 

[afx604]

so J.A. i just wanted to clarify, you have a daystar lift kit, 265/70/17 tires and now the 1.25 spidertrax spacers? I just want to verify cause your ride looks pretty darn bad ass!

 

[J.A.]

so J.A. i just wanted to clarify, you have a daystar lift kit, 265/70/17 tires and now the 1.25 spidertrax spacers? I just want to verify cause your ride looks pretty darn bad ass!

Yes that is correct...and thanks!

 

[G.I.G.]

Sorry I dont drive during the week. It's mass transportation around here

Understood. I work in outside sales (out and about a lot during the day) so I can't take public transportation even if I wanted to...

Be sure to post your thoughts after you have logged a few more miles. I'm thinking this might be my next mod/upgrade after I get my new tires tomorrow. If it drives as good as it looks, I think I'm sold...especailly for only $200!

Also, checked out your website (which is great BTW) and noticed that your coins are all face up, facing the back or your car. I'm glad to know I'm not the only anal person that does that.

 

[gflurry]

Hey JA or other Spidertrax owners--I've heard some people say to stay away from wheel spacers as they put more stress on the front end. JA always does a lot of research before doing a mod. What do you think??

 

[J.A.]

Hey JA or other Spidertrax owners--I've heard some people say to stay away from wheel spacers as they put more stress on the front end. JA always does a lot of research before doing a mod. What do you think??

You are right I thought about it long and hard. Still am. I read all I could on the subject. It appears that the most important factor is that the wheel spacers are hub centric...so the load is not on the studs and the wheel stays perfectly centered. Sure any spacers will add stress to the hub area but no more than putting on differently backspaced aftermarket wheels. That said I have not encountered any spidertrax user having issues at all and some of these guys have been running them for tens of thousands of miles.