The Wraith

I just got a set of 17" rota tarmacs. I mounted a set of 245/45 zr17 bfg rubber. The fronts fit fine while the rears have clearence issues. I've seen some manufacturers offering wheel spacers. Are they safe for "hard" driving? And I'd like to keep everything even, I mean I should use four spacers (if I go that way) instead of just putting a set in the rear, right? Any thoughts or experiences would be much appreciated.

P.S. BFG G-force rubber is farkin awesome!!! I put a set on my stock steelies the other day, and damn! These rubbers blow doors on anything that kuhmo offers...

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

 

Nachas

I have spacers on right now on with my Rotas, they are 16in Rotas, not sure if that matters, but I haven't had an issues with them. I am only using one on each wheel, you are talking about using 4 on each wheel?

BTW those are some beefy wheels, must be sweet!

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02 S Forester w/ Goodies

The Wraith

Nah, I mean using one on each wheel rather then just puting them on the rear to make the gap between the tire and the strut the same front and rear. I think that just f'up the handeling. See the fronts have plenty of room. However the rears are rubbing, or maybe I should say draging ...

BTW, why are you using spacers on 16" wheels? If you don't mind me asking?

And ya, these wheels are the !!! Big thanks to northwestan for the hookup...

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

Nachas

Hehe to be honest, I am not sure, I am a noob to everything, I was just told I would probably need them.

I am running 225s, i do think there would be some rubbing in the front if I didnt use them. When the wheels in the front are turned all the way in one direction there is a very small space between the wheel and the fender liner. So I guess that is why I have the spacers. Maybe I dont need em though?

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02 S Forester w/ Goodies

bland

Whats your suspension setup Wraith. i'm planning on going with that size also, and rubbing would not be fun.

For suspension I just mean struts and springs, becuase I know you have a bunch of crazy stuff going on under there.

The Wraith

STock struts, JDM pink springs, STi tophats, Eibach rear cam bolts, and then all "of the crazy stuff."

a 225 tire on a 16.X6.6" stock steelies work great!

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

SuperRu

I’m running 3 mm spacers for extra clearance between my RacingBrakes and BBS’s. The way these BBS spokes are shaped only left 1 mm of clearance. They cleared, but not comfortably. Stop tech recommends at least 2 mm clearance. You will also run into this with the OEM full size steel spare.

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wheel_fitment.shtml

At first I used the cheap cast aluminum ones from China. They are a one size fits all sort of deal. There are so many holes and slots cut in them that they have little contact area left. Also, they allow water in and corrosion started in a very short time.

http://tinyurl.com/n85tx

I’m now using these FK-Automotive VW spacers. The lug pattern is the same and our hubs are slightly smaller so that is not an issue. These are a much better fit.

http://www.fk-automotive.com/data01/en/katalog.php
http://tinyurl.com/rj784

http://www.ngpracing.com/Merchant2/m...de=spacer5x100








Also, here is a time saving tip. Spray the wheel side of the spacer with some paint. I used just plain old gray primer. It will act as glue so that next time you take the wheels off the spacer comes off with the wheel. Just like it was permanent part of the wheel.

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Richard
04 XT.... 98S

The Wraith

Sueru, thanks for the tip. ;)

Now, anyone running 15mm worth of spacer?

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

singincanary

I picked up a set (2) 5mm spacers to run on the rears only when I put my STi BBS's on. Turns out that I didn't need them with the Ver8 suspension, so they are sitting in my garage. Let me know if you are interested.

I was hesitant to go more than 5mm. I know people that have gone to 8mm without issues, but I felt safe going with 5mm.

pleiad7

Wraith, we also have a new vendor on board who specializes in wheel spacers: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...ead.php?t=5895

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-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"

The Wraith

Ya, I know. It's actually kind of ironic. See The day I got my wheels and started to notice the spacing problem I read their post. After e-mail back and forth with the guys there I ordered a set of 15mm spacers. I could have probably gotten away with the 10mm but it'd of been real close.
Now I'm going to have to guinea pig 'em. Seems no one here is using anything so large. And no one seemed to have any horror stories so I went for it. I'm a bit leary about putting such a larger spacer on but being hub excentric, and coming with longer studs I'm not terified... I am however breading pounding out all my wheel studs and setting the new ones. I'm thinking it will be an all day ordeal... Anyone gone through this process, have any tips or advice to offer???

P.S. Thanks to http://www.ichibausa.com/

Here's what I'm getting:

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

SenorSubie

wow.. thoes are some thick spacers

are you sure your wheel bearings will be ok?

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99 AT-
wrx goodies
Subiegal Gauge Pod

The Wraith

Nope, I got no idea...? I'm flying blind here. No one has had any opinions one way or another.

__________________
"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

The Wraith

Thinking about this. I think I'll throw the spacer on (w/o puting in the studs) and see what kind of clearence I've got. If I can get away with a smaller spacer I will most definatly downsize. That will make me feel much better about things. However If I must keep the large spacer, then I'll put some serious thought into things...

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"You don't need horse power if you don't slow down."
Suby81

SenorSubie

I was just wondering..

If your running a 15mm spacer on something like a 48m offset wheel, then do you have a "combined" offset 33mm?

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99 AT-
wrx goodies
Subiegal Gauge Pod