what's the biggest spacer you'd put on? - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

99Mounty · 03-08-2003, 12:07 PM

simply put, getting a spacer/adapter is sort of like getting rims with a different offset.

i'm looking into something like a 1.75" aluminum 6061 adapters. i need minimum of 1.5" adapters (adapters, as in those big spacers with studs on em).

1.75" would allow me to fully turn the steering wheel with the same clearance between the tire/upper a-arm and the tire/front stabilizer bar. however, i can still use a 1.5"... but i can only go 90-95% full turn without rubbing.

my question is - what's the biggest spacer/adapter you would put on? i know rick's using a 1" and a couple other people are using 1.5"... do you think it would be ok to go with 1.75" spacers ?

any thoughts, comments are very appreciated.
thanks!

NOTAJP · 03-09-2003, 02:06 AM

I think you could, but I would want to take into consideration wheel backspacing, and width. This will put more stress on your wheel bearings, though I wouldn't think much more than replacing 8" wheels with 10" wheels. That does make a big difference in bearing life.
I have considered the same thing with my wheels if I did a SAS but wanted to keep my new rear disk brakes.

*Hartman* · 03-09-2003, 02:48 PM

1.75 is a HUGE spacer! Personally, I wouldn't run spacers period. But if I had to, I certainly wouldn't go bigger than 1 inch. Besides the stress you put on the bearings, with that big of a spacer the wheels will start to stick out way more than the rear, which looks a little funny IMO.

03-08-2003, 12:07 PM	#1
99Mounty Wannabe Elite Explorer Chicago, IL 99 Mountaineer Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 146 Vehicle Specs	what's the biggest spacer you'd put on? simply put, getting a spacer/adapter is sort of like getting rims with a different offset. i'm looking into something like a 1.75" aluminum 6061 adapters. i need minimum of 1.5" adapters (adapters, as in those big spacers with studs on em). 1.75" would allow me to fully turn the steering wheel with the same clearance between the tire/upper a-arm and the tire/front stabilizer bar. however, i can still use a 1.5"... but i can only go 90-95% full turn without rubbing. my question is - what's the biggest spacer/adapter you would put on? i know rick's using a 1" and a couple other people are using 1.5"... do you think it would be ok to go with 1.75" spacers ? any thoughts, comments are very appreciated. thanks!

03-09-2003, 02:06 AM	#2
NOTAJP Moderator Emeritus Mountain Home AFB, ID No more Exploder Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,993 Vehicle Specs	I think you could, but I would want to take into consideration wheel backspacing, and width. This will put more stress on your wheel bearings, though I wouldn't think much more than replacing 8" wheels with 10" wheels. That does make a big difference in bearing life. I have considered the same thing with my wheels if I did a SAS but wanted to keep my new rear disk brakes. __________________ US Air Force Mission Director '96 Ford Bronco (daily driver) '67 Land Cruiser trail rig project "My Give a Damn is Busted!"

03-09-2003, 02:48 PM	#3
Hartman From lowered to lifted Indianapolis, IN '95 4WD Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,118 Vehicle Specs	1.75 is a HUGE spacer! Personally, I wouldn't run spacers period. But if I had to, I certainly wouldn't go bigger than 1 inch. Besides the stress you put on the bearings, with that big of a spacer the wheels will start to stick out way more than the rear, which looks a little funny IMO. __________________ 32x11.5x15 BFG A/Ts, TT/shackles. college = no money for mods.