Wheel Spacers?

[firebob]

So I have a set of wheels mounted on my bird and they have a bit too much backspace. They would be fine except I'm running 1/2"taller upper ball joints and the inside edge of the rim is rubbing on the upper control arm at full lock. I haven't made sure but it looks like I might need about a 3/4" spacer. Two ways to go. Wheel spacer/adapters that bolt onto the rotor and have their own set of lugs for bolting the wheels on. And then there are just plain spacers that slip over the lugs and you bolt the wheel on just like regular. These will require me to install longer studs in my rotors.

What is the best way to go? I'm leaning toward plain spacers and longer studs but the longer the stud the weaker the link.

Robert

[mc84_zz4]

Wheel adapters are acceptable, but also keep in mind you have to retorque them every so often, requiring double the work to get to them.
I would avoid any spacer above 1/4" like the plague, even with longer, higher grade studs.
Specially on a high performance car that will be driven hard in turns.

[Flash68]

I would avoid any spacer above 1/4" like the plague, even with longer, higher grade studs.
Specially on a high performance car that will be driven hard in turns.

Why is that? I am running very large spacers (I believe 2.5" front) due to my C4 ZR1 wheels... and I can tell you I have been driving very hard in the turns.

EDIT: I realize I wrote spacer when I meant adaptor. Mine are billet 2.5" adaptors with the larger 1/2" studs. Agree on not good to run large SPACERS.

[firebob]

Ok, so I got out today and did some real life measurements and it looks like I only need another 1/4" for clearance. Not sure I want to push it that close. I may try a 5/16" spacer with some new longer and upgraded studs. These wheels will be for street only. I have my race tires for track time. But I do want it to be safe at any rate. Street miles can be some of the harshist mileage.

It sounds like nobody has much love for spacers in general but has anybody ever had one fail?

Robert

[another69]

They may have a bad rep due to some of the cast ones out there, but I can't see a problem with using billet AL ones- just make sure they are not too sloppy of a fit on the studs and are large enough O.D. This would also be a good time to upgrade to 1/2" or larger studs if you haven't already.

[66SuperSport]

I ran some billet 3/8" spacers from Baer on the front of the Chevelle all of last year and never had a problem. Never had as much as one loose lug nut all year with over 4,000 street miles and several track events. Most people will say not to go past 1/2" if you can. Anything more than that should require an adapter with a separate set of studs.