Thread: are wheel spacer good or bad?

Don't think I've ever seen anyone with a go do that big of a spacer?

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- Hub-centric spacers is preferred over the generic spacers as they are more stable thus less vibration issues.
- Use of spacers can lead to "premature" wheel bearing wear, but the term premature is relative. So you will have to decide if the risk is greater than the benefit. Although with the ****ty hubs we have on w-bodies, Id stay away.
- Use of spacers can lead to "premature" suspension wear also, if the offset is large enough. If the difference is that great, you may want to consider having an alignment done on the car.
- Wheels falling off is another possibility with spacers, but it is most likely to happen because of user did not get the correct bolts or installation error. However, since it is an add-on parts, the possibility of spacers cracking also exists. It is rare, especially with quality spacers, but it is not impossible.


IMO, wheels with build in desired offset > hub-centric spacers > ebay spacers. That said, having run the wheels you have, Id just get rid of them and get something nicer. Proper quality spacers will cost you some big bucks. (~400 bucks per 4 proper hubcentric spacers bigger than 15mm)

Originally Posted by Odi

- Hub-centric spacers is preferred over the generic spacers as they are more stable thus less vibration issues.
- Use of spacers can lead to "premature" wheel bearing wear, but the term premature is relative. So you will have to decide if the risk is greater than the benefit. Although with the ****ty hubs we have on w-bodies, Id stay away.
- Use of spacers can lead to "premature" suspension wear also, if the offset is large enough. If the difference is that great, you may want to consider having an alignment done on the car.
- Wheels falling off is another possibility with spacers, but it is most likely to happen because of user did not get the correct bolts or installation error. However, since it is an add-on parts, the possibility of spacers cracking also exists. It is rare, especially with quality spacers, but it is not impossible.


IMO, wheels with build in desired offset > hub-centric spacers > ebay spacers. That said, having run the wheels you have, Id just get rid of them and get something nicer. Proper quality spacers will cost you some big bucks. (~400 bucks per 4 proper hubcentric spacers bigger than 15mm)

It's really not worth worrying about it every time you drive, is my wheel gunna come flyin off at 60mph, did that last pot hole finally do it? Is this gunna kill my wheel bearings? Is this murdering my tires from the suspension being out of whack?

Just go to tire rack and get some nice wheels with a better offset. Mustang wheels work nice.

there's literally nothing wrong with spacers so long as everything is installed correctly.

Originally Posted by barnettimpala

LOL b/c wrong bolt patterns are better than spacers. Idk would you rather risk breaking wheel studs? Argument goes both ways. I have 8mm spacers with no problems but that's considerably smaller than you are wanting

Em incorrect there broham. Plenty of guys run the mustang 5x114.3 and have yet to break a wheel stud. Hell most of us run 5x114.3 because there's a bigger selection of wheels. For the past 4 years I've ran 114.3 with 0 broken studs. The different between 115 and 114.3 is very minor. You could always run centric hubs if you feel the need.

A minor spacer is fine but I would go any bigger then 10mm. Personally arp wheel studs are cheap enough to change out to if there's any concern.

Originally Posted by barnettimpala

LOL b/c wrong bolt patterns are better than spacers. Idk would you rather risk breaking wheel studs? Argument goes both ways. I have 8mm spacers with no problems but that's considerably smaller than you are wanting

People are not going to break wheel studs because of running a 5x114.3 vs a 5x115. Chances are, those who are breaking wheel studs, would have broken them running a 5x115 wheel anyway.

^ and over tightening there lugs.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

^ and over tightening there lugs.

Exactly. Everyone impacts lug nuts on. You aren't supposed to use the impact to put lug nuts on. You are only supposed to use it to remove them.

Exactly. Now tell those so called mechanics who rather be lazy and impact them on

0.7mm (1/36th of an inch) is within manufacturing error. considering mustang wheels fit and have practically the same (70.5 vs 70.3 on w-bodies) hub bore as w-bodies, theres nothing to worry about. if you break studs with a 5x114.3 wheel, you either overtighten lugs or have damaged (or worn) studs.

edit: apparently boostengtp managed to break his studs with stock torque stars lol.

Originally Posted by barnettimpala

I don't think you should waste on spacers with stock wheels

Ehh no everyone has the money to buy aftermarket rims..spacers are much more affordable.

Not noticeable to you but to the owner you never know. Don't knock it just because you think it's a waste of money.

ive used 1 1/4" wheel adapters just for off set, Welcome to Mopac Auto Supply - Performance World Wheel Accessories, they worked great, no problems. keep in mind i used them on lighter car, not a gp.

however i paid 80$ a pair (160$), i shoulda waited two more weeks, 17/18" wheels are fairly cheap now

adaptec or bust.