wheel spacers

[jeepboy45]

I have a question....

I have a 79 CJ7 with the narrower track and had a wild hair thinking about using wheel spacers

Does using wheel spacers to give a wider stance put added pressure on wheel bearings?

Today a guy at a Jeep parts store just told me they do. I can "see" that putting the wheel further from the bearing would be like adding leverage to the stress mounting point......

But on the other hand, by bolting the wheel to the spacer which is also bolted ( or sandwiched ) between the wheel and spindle....isnt the load on the bearings still the same??

(waiting for BusaDave9, CJ, Sasquach, Purple 77CJ7, or OldDog to lend some tech info )

 

[Old Dog]

Yes it does put added presure on the bearing. You might need to change them a little more offton but not that big a deal.
I'm not a fan of them but if you buy high quality ones and keep the nuts tight you should be ok.

 

[elwood blues]

Yes it does put added presure on the bearing. You might need to change them a little more offton but not that big a deal.
I'm not a fan of them but if you buy high quality ones and keep the nuts tight you should be ok.

Old Dog is right, as usual . I've ran wheel spacers on my '01 XJ for 4 years now and haven't had any issues. The biggest thing, like Old Dog said is to purchase high quality (spidertrax), hub centered spacers. Not some POS thing of ebay someone made in thier garage.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

I run Spidertrax spacers on my rig. I do have to check the wheel bearings for tightness more often during the season. Also have to keep checking wheel bolts that bolt the spacers on often,too. I have had no issues in 6 years. With the narrow track axles I think they are worth it.

 

[mylittlecj5]

The old school thought is that they are bad...With modern engineering and a high quality manufacturer, I see no reason to shy away from them. They will increase your scrub radius a tpouch and you may see a little more tire wear (from cornering) but it should be very minor. If you can live with that, I say go for it.

 

[Sasquach]

For not much more you can go to wheels with less backspace and accomplish the same thing, Not too many wheel choices though.
152 Rock Crawler Series - Gloss Black Street Lock Wheels by Pro Comp
$99 ea. at 4wheelparts and Summit racing.