Wheel spacer limits?

[BucknutBob]

Hey all you techies out there, I've got a question: after installing a 4" SAS suspension, and then a 3" body lift to accomodate a Chevy V8 (absolutely necessary for distributor and header clearance), the truck is taller than I'd prefer. I am planning on getting wheel spacers to wider the stance, and was wondering if there's a limit on how far out the Yota axles will stand before causing complications with bearing loading, etc.. I was thinking of maybe 1.5" spacers, for a total of 3" wider track. Any suggestions? The budget won't allow radical changes for the foreseeable future, so wholesale changes are not in the cards at this time. Thanks!

 

[nashville67]

my buddy ran 3inch on both sides just fine

 

[BucknutBob]

my buddy ran 3inch on both sides just fine

How long has he had them on? Did he have a locker in front--I'm wondering if the extra torque of moving the weight outwards on a locked front-end will cause premature failure? Thanks for the input!

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

I ran 2" wide spacers for years on the rear of an S10 blazer with 33"s with no problems but I didn't run them on the front. I did quite a bit of semi-serious off roading without incident but I would be hesitent to run em on the front due to the side/lateral loads involved when steering and cornering. My 2cents.

 

[BucknutBob]

I ran 2" wide spacers for years on the rear of an S10 blazer with 33"s with no problems but I didn't run them on the front. I did quite a bit of semi-serious off roading without incident but I would be hesitent to run em on the front due to the side/lateral loads involved when steering and cornering. My 2cents.

Thank you so much for the input! Yeah, the front is the one that concerns me the most, especially with running a locker. Appreciate it!

 

[fourwd1]

I run 1.5" spacers on the front to match the width of the later rear axle I swapped in.
But I'd never go any wider than that.
The thought of a 3" spacer scares the f^&( out of me.

 

[Hyde802]

Ever thought about running IFS hubs?

widening a 79-85 toyota SFA without wheel spacers - YotaTech Forums

This is my plan when the solid axle goes in. I guess you could run a spacer on these too, but that pushing things pretty far out there.

 

[BucknutBob]

Ever thought about running IFS hubs?

widening a 79-85 toyota SFA without wheel spacers - YotaTech Forums

This is my plan when the solid axle goes in. I guess you could run a spacer on these too, but that pushing things pretty far out there.

Very intriguing idea, Hyde! I didn't know this was possible--just never thought of it, I guess. Thanks for the help!

 

[BucknutBob]

I run 1.5" spacers on the front to match the width of the later rear axle I swapped in.
But I'd never go any wider than that.
The thought of a 3" spacer scares the f^&( out of me.

Thanks, fourwd! I agree, the idea of adding that much space past the hub would make me anxious. There's already so much stress there, what with the weight of larger wheels and tires--under power, that seems like the axle would snap like a twig with an extra 3" behind each wheel. Great input!

 

[Hyde802]

There are ways to beef up that axle if it is a concern:

Rock Assault

Toyota, Suzuki Samurai, and Jeep Off Road Parts

 

[fourwd1]

Ever thought about running IFS hubs?

widening a 79-85 toyota SFA without wheel spacers - YotaTech Forums

This is my plan when the solid axle goes in. I guess you could run a spacer on these too, but that pushing things pretty far out there.

I forgot all about that option. A guy on Pirate came up with that about 10 yrs ago.

 

[BucknutBob]

There are ways to beef up that axle if it is a concern:

Rock Assault

Toyota, Suzuki Samurai, and Jeep Off Road Parts

Thanks again! Right now I've been burning up the bank account getting the engine swap done, so I was looking for inexpensive aids like spacers for the time being. The front axle has the Trail-Gear gussets and armor plate now, and once I can, I was thinking of getting something like Trail-Gear's "Dirty 30" birfields in front. I won't be getting too crazy on the trails just yet, but I wanted the spacers for any off-camber stuff I may run into as part of ANY wheeling. I will definitely be looking into other strengthening aids down the road. I appreciate the tips!

 

[Hyde802]

I think with that v8 and stock birfs....you might want to start saving for those dirty30s.

 

[BucknutBob]

I think with that v8 and stock birfs....you might want to start saving for those dirty30s.

That's an affirmative! I fully understand the implications of cranking on the power right now--that's why you won't see any rock-crawling pics from me right away. The engine is staying stock, but even then, it's a LOT more torque than what was in there. Front and rear axle upgrades WILL be in place before I get too nutty!