BigJimnyMeet (North) 2024 (12 Jan 2024)
14th July 2024
Parkwood Nr. Leeds
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Re: Wheel spacers - Yes/No ?
- Posts: 2318
- Thank you received: 360
- Points: 128.00
Is it worth getting wheel spacers on my current 205/70R15's (soon to be 205/75R15).
I understand that aside from making it look good, the added stability afforded by the extra 64mm stance is worthwhile on the road.
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There are mixed opinions on whether to use the extended stud type or the billet type of spacer. I personally would only ever use the billet type on safety grounds on the road. Others will argue the opposite but I fail to understand why.
As to whether you should use them, if you ask Rhino Ray he will always say yes, as you should go wider to compensate for the instability you have created by going higher. He would recommend higher offset wheels though. Which of course he happens to sell, so no surprises there.
I have used them when I had the wrong GV 16" steels but not since. I've not used them since as they make servicing the rear brakes, such as washing the mud out a bit of hard work. It's like having a second set of wheels to remove at the end of a long day of offroading when washing the car off when I'd rather be drinking beer in the summer or a hot drink having just washed a car in -1 deg!
Having said that, I've been holding back from driving through quagmires now due to the extended maintenance on all of the car. I ended up spending more time under it than in it! For that reason I've not done the rear disc conversion I planned and have all the parts to do. Therefore I have considered using them again.
My tyres are much wider than standard though, so my car is wider to an extent.
I think you should try them and see for yourself.
Here endeth another long Kirky post. I still can't do concise!
Kirkynut
The underdog often starts the fight, and occasionally the upper dog deserves to win - Edgar Watson Howe.
My Jimny Thread Here: www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum/8-my-ji...on-continues?start=0
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- v8dougie
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kirkynut wrote: There are mixed opinions on whether to use the extended stud type or the billet type of spacer. I personally would only ever use the billet type on safety grounds on the road. Others will argue the opposite but I fail to understand why.
Kirkynut
Hi,
Could you help me out with the two different types of spacer, bit confused! Any pics? I am aware you can get spacers which are simply a disc of metal of a specific thickness, which have holes in the correct places for the original wheel studs to go through, or you can get the fancy ones which have new studs in them (if that makes sense!)
Cheers
Phil
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- meanbgreen
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- meanbgreen
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- VAXXi
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I can't see how you'd use the other kind of spacers (with holes only), as you will need to replace the factory studs with longer ones and that doesn't sound too good strength-wise. Again, the spacers need to be quality ones, as an imbalanced one can create havoc to the Jimny's sensitive suspension. You can see how it looks here (left without spacer, right with spacer):
Can't really comment on differences in driving behaviour, as they were mounted already on the car when I bought it. It looks much cooler though, and if you splash a puddle you're guaranted to get water through the window
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The Billet Style - www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara-/-x90/w...-spec-/prod_237.html
The stud extender style - www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara-/-x90/w...t-of-4/prod_130.html
As you can see, the billet style are more expensive although I have Spidertrax Billet one which are mid-priced.
www.spidertrax.com/Suzuki-5-x-5-1-2-Whee...s?sc=2&category=9975
Martin
2003 M13 early KAP build.
3" Trailmaster lift with 1.5 Spacers on front
Customised winch bumper and roll cage
235/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns on 16" Rims, 4:1 Rocklobster, Rear ARB locker and on-board air
Corrected arms all-round, rear disks, Recaro seats and harnesses
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- VAXXi
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- Posts: 2318
- Thank you received: 360
- Points: 128.00
Yes I do prefer the billet style, but can't justify such expense (maybe later), I'm sure I read somewhere that Dave (Bits4Vits) wrote he'd supplied over 800 sets of the stud extender style with no complaints and as I won't be putting much stress on the Jimny I think they should be OK. So I've placed an order on Bits4Vits ......
Kirkynut wrote
It's like having a second set of wheels to remove at the end of a long day of offroading when washing the car off when I'd rather be drinking beer
VAXXi wrote
- will see if I can catch the wife out -It looks much cooler though, and if you splash a puddle you're guaranteed to get water through the window
will give some feedback when fitted - want to fit them prior to getting the new tyres so I can directly credit them with any "change" in handling/steering
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- Keefe
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Took one out the box, put it back in the box.
2 days later, a mate of mine fitted them to his Delica. I did tell him not to.
3 weeks later he was seen running along the A61 after his rear n/s wheel that had overtaken him!
He soon took the other 3 off.
I'm not saying they are rubbish, buy some and see for yourself, feel the quality etc, and decide for yourself.
My mate never took the issue up with the seller/manufacturer 'cause he unfortunately died not long after.
Go for the billet ones.
K
I'm not trying to start an argument off about them, or open a discussion about them, how they are made, attached, if my mate fitted them wrongly or anything.
I'm not interested, I just know which ones I would go for if I didn't have the greater offset wheels fitted to Jim. In my opinion the better way of doing it.
That just comes from years ago in the mini (proper one, not the germanic rubbish they call a mini now) and the escort mk1 era of 'growling' monthly wheel bearing changes etc.
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- bluejimny
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