Wheel Spacers 101
 

So who wants to teach me something about these spacer things? From what I've read...15mm all the way around are great for stock wheels...which is what I have and don't plan on changing. My question is what exactly do they do; just push the wheels out a little further? Since I'm keeping my stock wheels, will I need to replace the studs as well? Any pictures would be great! :D

They push the wheels out.

If your spacers are thick enough you don't HAVE to use the stud replacement type, but that's my preference. I recommend H&R's DRS stud replacement spacers. 15mm front and 20mm rear is quite common for stock wheels.

we need Search 101....

yah really. come on now, op. search it.

Wow...go into the wheel/tire section and search for wheel spacers and you only get 8 pages of every single thread started with the word "spacer" in it. How about instead of jumping on the smartass bandwagon and telling everyone to search...we give good information here and make it a sticky since there's obviously not one of those dedicated for spacers? If you don't want to help...then just don't respond. :D

P.S. - When I used the search button yesterday, most of threads I found said the same thing, "use the search button." If there's one perfect thread with the be all end all for spacers, by all means copy and paste it instead of just following what the person above you did.

Flame on guys...flame on...

yeah there needs to be a sticky. But I find that if you actually spend some time and do some searching you will find the info you are seeking...

If you want to get the bolt on type spacers on stock rays 19's you will need 20mm in the fronts, otherwise stud replacement 15mm will work fine. (issue is the built in studs will hit the wheels, there is no hollow area behind the wheels like on other wheels)

You can go 20mm in the rear no problem or even 25mm if you are daring.

If you want to do it yourself and save $, and also have the opportunity to go back to stock easily, get the 20mm bolt on types and be done with it. :)

The info is there, people just keep creating threads on it. hell ive answered the same PM about spacers 5 times already....

Then let's combine information and maybe we can get it stickied...like the exhaust database and different wheels. Hell...I don't want to start a new thread...it takes longer to get the answer to my question...

I like this thread lol.

Another good "tactic" for those who don't like to seach or don't come up with good results, just piggy back a question on an existing thread...worked for me in the past lol :)

Lol...good thinking haha.

Here is a good thread.

http://www.the370z.com/wheels-tires/...t-20-rear.html

There are two types

Type 1. Requires you to replace the studs for longer ones some prefer this method but does require more work

Example:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/atta...s-spacers1.jpg

Type 2. Require you to only remove the wheel to bolt the spacer to the existing studs and reuse the original lugs to tighten the wheels to the spacer.
This the easiest way to go.

There is a cost different between the two options

Example

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1254169342

Now the only thing left is to decide on how big of a spacer one uses?


Most will go with

15mm front 20mm rear
20mm front 20mm rear
20mm front 25mm rear

to Answer your Question

Great post Triple's! Are there any benefits from spacers. Obviously they give you a wider stance which will provide better handling, but anything significant?

Other than what you've mentioned No? Besides the better looking stance since the wheels won't be as sunk in the fender wells.

I want!

Better handling? Why?

Damn...$100 per spacer...yikes. How do you choose between getting spacers that require stud replacements or not?

If you're tracking most opt to go with the ver 1 stud replacement style

For non track most opt to use ver 2 that bolt on

I do not plan on ever tracking my car. What is the difference? Are the replacement studs stronger and able to take more force for track use?

Just safer since in a track the last thing you want to happen is for one of those adapters to come loose, And mind you it's a safety precaution since I've not heard of any issues with ver 2 which is to say there isn't any.

Any pictures of 15mm in the front and 20mm in the rear?

Edit: found this:

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...r-install.html

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...t-spacers.html

I looked up the Ichiba spacers on their website and found that the Version 1s are slightly cheaper than the Version 2s. Hell...it might take more work, but you're saving money.

Can anyone tell me what minimum length studs will accommodate 25mm spacers?

i read you need to be able to turn the lug nut a minimum of 7 complete turns. if you cant get 7 your studs are too short.

Thanks for the advice Fuct but I really was hoping for an exact measurement like 60 mm. or something.

Does anyone know if i can put the bolt-on spacers up front if i get 20~25 MM spacers? would 25 be too much up front? i'm gonna get swifts in spring. I want to do 20F 25Rs with the sp Rays, but i dont wanna change studs lol

Yes... But I think 25 mm would be too far out. I'm running 20 and already it scrapes the inner fender liner on certain bumps.

So with 20s I need stud replacements ? And thx for the reply.

I'm using bolt-ons. 20 mm will clear the OEM studs.

Awesome, thank you good sir!

Also.. Sorry.. What brand are you running with?

H&R

Thanks. That was a very helpful video. He mentions one reason you would want to add spacers is to accomdate larger brake calipers. I noticed the three front rims Nissan offers come with 43, 47 and 40 offsets. I assume that's to accomdate the larger calipers on the front brakes. Does anyone no exactly how much offset is needed to accomodate the 370Z front brakes (non-sport edition)?

Also what if a wheel has more offset than the factory wheel? For example, if I replace the rear factory 18x9 +15 with a 18x9.5 +35. I believe that will increase the scrub radius. What effect is that going to have on tire wear, performance, etc?

A straigh forward question!
 

Before you flame me: I searched for an hour and can't find a straight answer!

So please, somebody answer this:

Will version 2 bolt-on 15 mm and 20mm spacers work with Factory 18" wheels?

If yes, do I use 15mm on the front or the back?

Does anyone hav experience with factory 18" wheels and bolt-on version 2 spacer combination?

Thanks!

Okay... I don't know the exact answer, but I can tell you that the stud replacement is a sure fire thing -- it WILL be able to fit. With bolt on it's a bit hit or miss depending on your wheels.

I would just ask the seller -- if they get it wrong, you will be returning them, so they have an incentive to shoot you straight before buying...

Thanks!
 

Does any one have a picture (or take and post one) of the back of the stock 18" wheels? I would like to see if there are recesses where the studs could fit for a flush installation of v2 bolt-on spacers.

Thanks!

Turns out this was a dumb question. I will correct myself with info I learned in another thread for the benefit of anyone reading this thread who doesn't know this.

Offset has nothing to do with brake clearance. Brake clearance is simply a function of wheel design. If you have a wheel that doesn't clear your brake calipers, adding a spacer will always increase brake clearance.

Having said that, here's a question....
Someone told me adding spacers can cause wheel bearing failure. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

It CAN cause wheel bearing failure... if you do not install properly. If you get spacers with a hubcentric ring you will be fin.

Any suggestions on good brands and places to buy them?

I'm looking to add 5mm spacers up front and 15mm DRM rear. I'm thinking I should be able to simply add a 5mm spacer up front without any additional hardware. I would probably get 2 less turns of the lug nut. Think I'll be fine? Anyone know of any brands of 5mm hubcentric spacers without extended studs out there?

Might have to just buy H&R DRS style and not use the extended studs...

On the Nismo I ran 8mm spacer with the stocks studs.

I got like 3 turns. I would not recommend it again. It was for 15 miles and I felt unsafe.

Get some extended studs. Open ended lugs. Incase u wanna go biggevspacer