Anyone running 265/60/18s on explorer

[SubLo]

I run 295-30-22 and they scrape like a ***** up front......soon to be sorted with some spacers !

The other issue with spacers that few folks here and on my other boards seem not to discuss is the fact that they will place extra (sometimes massive amounts of) stress/strain on your suspension hardware and sometimes, if not often, lead to premature component failure due to the extra leverage. Personally, I'm against them for this reason alone. Heavier axles specifically engineered for the given application are the proper way to go (or stick with what fits) albeit, that's much more expensive.

 

[CDW6212R]

Spacers change nothing except possibly the location of the forces transmitted into the hub or studs.

Proper wheels place all vehicle weight on the wheel through the hub center. Bad wheels, and bad spacers, those have improper center holes. In those the hub centers are too large. With either bad wheels or spacers all of the weight is supported entirely by the studs. That is the only difference, it has nothing to do with anything else. The purpose of spacers is to provide better wheel offset, which is the track width of the wheels, which can affect weight distribution and leverage. If the center of the tire patch matches the OEM tires, there is absolutely no change in the leverage applied to the suspension.

The point is, simply only use hub concentric wheels and spacers. That by definition means that the weight is properly applied to the hub center, and nothing applied to the studs.

 

[SubLo]

Spacers change nothing except possibly the location of the forces transmitted into the hub or studs.

Proper wheels place all vehicle weight on the wheel through the hub center. Bad wheels, and bad spacers, those have improper center holes. In those the hub centers are too large. With either bad wheels or spacers all of the weight is supported entirely by the studs. That is the only difference, it has nothing to do with anything else. The purpose of spacers is to provide better wheel offset, which is the track width of the wheels, which can affect weight distribution and leverage. If the center of the tire patch matches the OEM tires, there is absolutely no change in the leverage applied to the suspension.

The point is, simply only use hub concentric wheels and spacers. That by definition means that the weight is properly applied to the hub center, and nothing applied to the studs.

Sorry - not so. Spacers alter suspension geometry and the torque transmitted by gravity pushing against your truck. Small spacers will have negligible effect - sure. The thicker the spacers, the more potential. Don't believe it? Picture (theoretically) 2 ft spacers, 4K+ lbs of truck (sometimes more due to frequent compression), and the deflection/strain that would cause your axles and other suspension components. It would look like a big bow and eventually snap the weakest component. That's a ridiculous scale sure, but I'm trying to point out the obvious - what I stated above. Look at some of the ricer boards that have ridiculous spacers for a while trying to mimic serious offset and watch the ensuing hilarity long-term.

This is coming from a mechanical engineer

 

[CDW6212R]

Sorry - not so....

That is coming from a dumbass. Read my correct explanation of spacers again.

I said "If the center of the tire patch matches the OEM tires, there is absolutely no change in the leverage applied to the suspension."


If the center of the tires is not affected, there is no change in leverage blah blah blah.

I said correctly that essentially spacers are used to change the offset of new wheels chosen for the vehicle. Most intelligent people are trying to mount wheels in basically the same location as stock.

You have assumed that everyone who changes wheels or uses spacers is an idiot. I assume that people are trying to do the right thing, and I try to help them accomplish that.

The examples you will find here and in most places will be about wheels that end up located outboard more than stock by an inch or two. Adding a couple of inches will not hurt the suspension, stop suggesting that their suspension will magically collapse.

If you want to talk about idiots who mount tires which stick out beyond the fenders and make rooster tails in the rain, then say so. Talk about that, but do not suggest that all spacers or all wheels changed on all vehicles "...will place extra (sometimes massive amounts of) stress/strain on your suspension hardware and sometimes, if not often, lead to premature component failure due to the extra leverage...."

You exaggerated greatly any potential problems. You did not clarify what dangers you specifically meant. I carefully explained to anyone in a way that can be easily understood. From what I posted anyone can properly decide what specifically needs to be done regarding spacers. Good day sir.

 

[SubLo]

Yeah I missed the comment about the center. Sorry dude. In that case, you're correct. That aside, my comments are spot on.

If you want to engage in name calling "dumbass" and act childishly, that's your prerogative. Grow up.

 

[SubLo]

Rims and tires mounted finally. Centerline took their sweet ass time in machining and shipping my rims - 4 months! Grr.... Anyway, love the look. Perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't interested in bling, dubs, donks, blaa blaa blaa. For me personally, this was the perfect balance of size, price, lower profile appearance and retaining good meat/sidewall. May not be the case for others.

As you can see, the profile is pretty much exactly flush I like the stock height and have no plans to lower or raise though I may upgrade the suspension at some point. I do 95% city driving with sometimes harsh winters and 5% off-road (camping mostly).

The truck is much more aggressive looking and now has much needed capability. IMO, this is how it should have looked or been optioned OEM.

The Hankooks are surprisingly low-noise. I haven't gotten a chance to evaluate snow/dirt/sand performance yet but I will I'm still pretty pissed that Nitto doesn't make this size in the Terra Grappler like I had on my Suburban. I would have bought them instead. I'll give these a fair chance.

 

[torqlox]

^^^Damn those look great. It was worth the wait, man.