When it comes to the stance (wheel offset, lift, etc) I am very picky when it comes to my own truck. My question is, would there be any adverse long term effects of running a 1/4" to 1/2" steel spacer behind the stock alloy 17" wheels? The original thought was to find a wheel with an offset that would look good under my truck with just the leveling kit (tucked in just enough) and also look good after the lift goes in (sticking out enough to not look like a sky scraper). Thought I had that combo with a style and size I liked only to find out 3 months later (after the order went in) that they don't offer that particular backspacing anymore. I gave up my search for now, and thinking maybe a spacer to push the stockers out just a hair for a slightly wider stance.

The tires that I'm going to run (been in my shed since October) are a set of BFG KM2's 305/65/17 E

No experience with spacers, but was always under the impression that they should be avoided, all opinions are welcome.

 

I had a set of 1 1/4" spacers on the back axle of my S10 ZR2 with 10" suspension lift and 2" body lift on 35's in order to correct the difference in axle width between front and rear that GM puts on all their 4x4 trucks. It was my play toy and I wheeled the truck pretty hard, never had a problem. Obviously we are talking about a vehicle that weighs alot less than our Dodge CTDs, but I beat the heck out of the truck and they never gave me a problem. Not sure if this is much of a help; maybe someone else with some experience in this area can chime in.

 

I am very interested in this wheel spacer question as well. 1/4" to 1/2" may be perfect to prevent the larger tires from rubbing on the lower control arm. I don't see how a 1/4" could cause any problems, but 1-1/4" is probably a different story!

 

I am not a fan of the wheel spacer idea. I would rather see the look done right with the correct BS, offset and rim width. Which brings about another question....What look are you going for? Do you want something that will overhang from the fender wells? How much overhang are you going for with this?

 

If you are only looking for 1/4" to 1/2" of spacer I find it hard to believe it would even be noticeable to anybody but you. I would stick with the stock rims until you find a better solution.

 

Thats thing, I don't care if anyone see's that something is different with the stock wheels. I see it. But like I said, I'm very picky, and although I like the stock wheels, just really wish they had a slightly wider stance.

My problem is that I find wheels that I like, but they are only available in 4.75" or 4.5" backspacing, OK for a 6" lift, not good for just a leveling kit. Seems like all the wheels with backspacing around 5.5" to 6" in a 17x9 just don't have the style I'm looking for.

With that being said, until the suspension lift goes in (maybe.... and in about 2 yrs) I'm looking for a reliable but temporary solution to get close to the increased track width I want. Spacers behind the stockers. I thought about H2 wheels but then that leaves me with a set of wheels to try and sell when my truck gets lifted. Originaly I had a set of wheels ordered that would allow me to run them now and after the lift, they were a great compromise, but that fell through. So now I'm looking again.

I know, I'm a PITA

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I think once you put the larger tires on the stock wheels you will be happy with the results when leveled out. That leaves you free from any financial obligation to your wheels when you get your lift installed. Im pretty **** about my vehicles (just ask my ex-wife and my current girlfriend...lol) so i know where you are coming from. I am actually in mostly the same boat as you but without the lift kit. I know down the road I am going to get tired of the way the truck looks presently (i always do) so I will be looking for some different wheels and maybe even a little lift, who knows. However, until the time comes i decided to throw a set of 35's on my stock wheels and call it a day for now. I was also concerned about having the truck look a little too top heavy but i think it came out quite nicely. Perhaps you will think the same when you see it on YOUR truck with your own eyes; it's one thing to see the same setup on someone else's truck through a picture, it's another to see it with your own eyes on your own rig. At any rate, this is mine with stock wheels and 325/70R17's and a level lift, i think it has just the right stance for the level lift:

 

I'll probably just mount up the 305/65/17 BFG's that I bought a few months back and see what she looks like. I gotta do something about this though, the front of these trucks look mean and the small tires and narrow stance just don't do it justice.



These are the tires I will run under her.




Nice looking rig Hound, thats getting close to what I want my truck to look like for now. How do those 325's ride, any rubbing on the control arm with the stock alloys?

Got any side shots too?

 

Those BFG's should look pretty good under there, James. I think you will be pleased with how it makes the truck stand out from the crowd while keeping a relatively stock appearance. I think 35" tires should have come on these trucks from the factory, but can you imagine the complaints about fuel mileage then? LOL

The 325's have been great thus far. Almost 7000 miles on them and they look brand new. Drive straight, smooth, and relatively quiet. There is a little freeway hum but not as much as other A/T's i've run. There is a very minor control arm rub at full lock to the right from a dead stop. I don't ever turn my steering wheel to full lock (puts too much pressure on the power steering pump) so it doesn't really bother me.

These are a couple months old but not much has changed other than the addition of a set of Weatherguard toolboxes, Line X, tailgate spoiler, and wheel well liners. Hope they help.

 

Here is a picture i just snapped for you, James. Sorry about the quality, it is really overcast today and the truck is due for a good washing. Had to pull the Weatherguards off and put them on my father's work truck as a complacent forklift driver punched a hole in his yesterday. Going to pick up another Weatherguard box this weekend in Houston. Hope this helps.

 

Hound...thanks for the input and the pics. If you don't mind I'm going to pick your brain in the near future when I start pulling together pieces for my sound system, so be ready for alotta dumb questions. I did the system in my old truck but that was some time ago when the technology was a bit more simple, and I actually had the time to build my own sub box and run wiring.

 

Anyone have any suggestions for a good wheel spacer supplier just in case I decide to experiment?

 

no problem, james. that's what these forums are for, the exchange of information. i used to be a huge audiophile who dropped WAY more money and time than I should have in my mobile audio but i have since aged and so have my tastes. I like to keep it simple, clean, and reliable now. I will be more than happy to help in any way I can.

 

Just looking for mildly loud but very clear crisp sound, but that'll be for another thread or through PM's when the time is right. Thanks again.