Spacers. Yes or No? If yes, then how?

[CaliDisco]

Thread resurrection!!!

Forgive me for what might seem like a “hell 2the NO question” but does anyone have any experience with running spacers of a different size front to rear?

Or for that matter, in the rear only?

Would they really screw with the vehicle dynamics? Or cause a serious problem?

Thanks in advance for the insight!

 

[Michael Gain]

I think it would depend on the size. I run 2.5mm in the front to clear the brembo calipers, and nothing in the rear. I do not experience any negative effects. I'm sure there is a breaking point for the width of the spacer may tax the suspension, but it should only affect the axle upon which it is mounted. I'll wait for a guru to chime in, as I am not sure if the increased track width of one axle would wreak havoc on the terrain response system.

 

[CaliDisco]

@jwest[

Might you have any thoughts on this?
1 inch spacer in the rear only?

Any trouble for terrain response system potentially?

 

[avslash]

Isn't TR primarily looking for a differential in rotational speed between wheels to make its adjustments (i.e. wheel slippage)?

I'm not a guru, but I wouldn't expect any TR implications from that configuration. Same rationale by which the TR doesn't throw a fit when adding a front locker. With the front locked, all the TR response sees is two wheels rotating at the same speed and thinks everything is OK.

 

[mrezo]

Also wondering what to do here. I just purchased a set of Tuffant 18" wheels and 275/65/r18 KO2s. My last set of tires were 285/50/20 Nitto G2s on factory wheels.

After reading a few separate threads, it sounded like the 275s would fit in an LR4 with minor trimming to plastics. I was able to confirm at the tire shop that at stock height the tires do in fact significantly rub the frame horns at full lock. Enough so that I feel that the frame horn will damage the tire if attempting to parallel park or make a u-turn. In offroad height, the tires just clear the frame horns by the width of a credit card.

The 285s rubbed, but just slightly. They would kiss the frame horn just enough polish the metal frame. But I could still turn the wheels to lock and park with no issues.

I elected to keep the rig at stock height with the wheels and tires installed to maximize suspension travel and to not mess the geometry. But, now I'm left with a vehicle that I can't turn to lock without possibly cutting to the frame horns. Wife also drives the rig, this would drive her nuts.

I didn't want to add spacers for the reasons that @jwest(thanks for all your posts on tire fitment, btw) posted above, but I'm revisiting the idea in lieu of cutting into the frame.

What have others done to get 275/65/r18s to work with their LR4?

 

[avslash]

I ran 275/65s for years with factory 18s/spacer and then Compos without spacer.

I don't think there is a combination you can run that won't rub without cutting the horns.

 

[mrezo]

I don't think there is a combination you can run that won't rub without cutting the horns.

Thanks for confirming. Time to find a shop.