Let's talk wheel spacers...
07-23-2010, 10:27 AM
#1
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Let's talk wheel spacers...
These are new to me..... I want to add 1.5" wheel spacers to the back of my 2500 Suburban so that the rear wheel stance matches the front. I am running 20x9 wheels and 285/55-20E tires. I do tow with it, so I want it to be safe.
Looking around at them has yielded several different types. What kind/style do I want???
Thx.!
Looking around at them has yielded several different types. What kind/style do I want???
Thx.!
07-23-2010, 11:10 AM
#2
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Are you sure you measured correctly? I did this on my '01 Suburban 2500 and the spacers are 1-1/4". Mark the ground on the outside edges of your tires and measure the difference. I got my spacers from performancewheel.com and they are very heavy-duty and safe. I've been running them for almost 6 years and I tow 10,000lbs with no issues.
07-23-2010, 11:15 AM
#3
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When I bought and ran mine a few years ago, mine were made by CorrecTrack. However, they don't make them anymore. They were steel, and they were SOLID.
Here is some info on the old ones, but the install and grinding info is still valid:
http://mrtruck.net/spacer.htm
In talking with Mark at www.lightning-motorsports.com , he has told me that he has access to and has installed a few different ones. I'd look to someone such as a shop with some experience in these parts.
Here is some info on the old ones, but the install and grinding info is still valid:
http://mrtruck.net/spacer.htm
In talking with Mark at www.lightning-motorsports.com , he has told me that he has access to and has installed a few different ones. I'd look to someone such as a shop with some experience in these parts.
07-23-2010, 11:25 AM
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Brian(Sydwayz) will have a conniption when he reads 
this BUT, have you actually measured the track width yourself? This was only a real big issue with the earlier 4WDs where it was plainly visible that the front track was wider than the rear. The newer models used a wider rear axle so the difference between front and rear isn't nearly as much. My 2001 was barely noticeable and it pulled my 311 just fine. And if you check the specs, the factory shows only a 1" difference. So if you go with 1.5" on each side...well you can do the math.
I haven't driven a truck with 20s, but I'm wondering if the wider tire/stiffer sidewall tends to follow road imperfections much more than stock? If so, spacers won't help.
this BUT, have you actually measured the track width yourself? This was only a real big issue with the earlier 4WDs where it was plainly visible that the front track was wider than the rear. The newer models used a wider rear axle so the difference between front and rear isn't nearly as much. My 2001 was barely noticeable and it pulled my 311 just fine. And if you check the specs, the factory shows only a 1" difference. So if you go with 1.5" on each side...well you can do the math.I haven't driven a truck with 20s, but I'm wondering if the wider tire/stiffer sidewall tends to follow road imperfections much more than stock? If so, spacers won't help.
07-23-2010, 11:37 AM
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Brian(Sydwayz) will have a conniption when he reads this BUT, have you actually measured the track width yourself? This was only a real big issue with the earlier 4WDs where it was plainly visible that the front track was wider than the rear. The newer models used a wider rear axle so the difference between front and rear isn't nearly as much. My 2001 was barely noticeable and it pulled my 311 just fine. And if you check the specs, the factory shows only a 1" difference. So if you go with 1.5" on each side...well you can do the math.
The difference in track width front to back is plainly visible, no question. This is accentuated by the off-set of the aftermarket wheels. I will measure to be sure, but I would say that there is at the very least 1.25" difference per side minimum.
Also, the truck pulls my 303 fine, I am doing it moreso for cosmetic reasons. The added stability is a bonus.
I haven't driven a truck with 20s, but I'm wondering if the wider tire/stiffer sidewall tends to follow road imperfections much more than stock? If so, spacers won't help.
this BUT, have you actually measured the track width yourself? This was only a real big issue with the earlier 4WDs where it was plainly visible that the front track was wider than the rear. The newer models used a wider rear axle so the difference between front and rear isn't nearly as much. My 2001 was barely noticeable and it pulled my 311 just fine. And if you check the specs, the factory shows only a 1" difference. So if you go with 1.5" on each side...well you can do the math.The difference in track width front to back is plainly visible, no question. This is accentuated by the off-set of the aftermarket wheels. I will measure to be sure, but I would say that there is at the very least 1.25" difference per side minimum.
Also, the truck pulls my 303 fine, I am doing it moreso for cosmetic reasons. The added stability is a bonus.
I haven't driven a truck with 20s, but I'm wondering if the wider tire/stiffer sidewall tends to follow road imperfections much more than stock? If so, spacers won't help.
07-23-2010, 11:48 AM
#7
My input on towing with spacers vs. without:
When I towed the exact same setup of 12,000 lbs. back to back; I felt like without the spacers (and factory wheels/tires), that the back of the truck was very tippy. I was scared to take corners at any kind of speed as I felt like the back of the truck was just going to roll over to the outside of the turn.
The spacers and wider wheels/tires made the truck dramatically more laterally stable.
When I towed the exact same setup of 12,000 lbs. back to back; I felt like without the spacers (and factory wheels/tires), that the back of the truck was very tippy. I was scared to take corners at any kind of speed as I felt like the back of the truck was just going to roll over to the outside of the turn.
The spacers and wider wheels/tires made the truck dramatically more laterally stable.
07-23-2010, 12:13 PM
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The spacers and wider wheels/tires made the truck dramatically more laterally stable.
