by Joshua Thomas
Wheel spacers are aftermarket devices that fit over the holding bracket on your vehicle to help create extra clearance or more space between the wheels and hub assembly.
With the best wheel spacers, you can expect many benefits, with the key ones being improved performance, maneuverability, and stability. These parts make it easy for vehicles to traverse rough, uneven terrain without putting too much strain on the shock absorbers or suspension system.
If your vehicle has issues taking sharp turns, wheel spacers are highly useful as they contribute to ensuring you get better traction. These handy parts typically come as a pair, and to help you pick the best ones, here we review some top models and explain how to choose one.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. KSP Performance 150-6550550-1061215-104BK (Best Overall) |
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2. Orion Motor Tech OMT-1506-BT (Best for Jeep) |
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3. Spidertrax WHS007 (Best Hub Centric) |
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4. Supreme Suspensions RamTruck (Best for Dodge Ram) |
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5. Rough Country 1101 (Best Budget) |
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6. Supreme Suspensions AZM (Easiest to Install) |
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7. ECCPP 992761-5211-1418551 (Best Brand) |
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8. KSP Performance 6550-6550-7810-1450-50 (Professional-Machined) |
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9. StanceMagic 5114.3-64.1 (Low-Profile) |
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10. Rugged Ridge 15201.05 (Extra Thick) |
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KSP Performance 150-6550550-1061215-104BK takes our top overall spot as it is a set of 4 heavy-duty spacers that fit well and come with some top quality hardware.
This 1.5-inch space has a 6x139.7mm bolt pattern and is made from forged 6061 T6 billet aluminum, making it almost indestructible for long service life. Better still, the spacers have heat-treated and hardened bolts.
With the hub-centric design, the spacers have a wheel-centric lip that perfectly fits the wheel hub and without causing any vibration for exceptional performance.
Although this wheel spacer is for aggressive driving, it is still more robust than many other types. Furthermore, it has an anodized surface that provided better corrosion resistance for even longer service life.
These spacers often require an extended lug nut, which can be an extra hassle and cost. But, you do not have to use one provided your original bolts are longer than 27mm. Furthermore, the spacer cannot work for vehicles with a locking hub, but the manufacturer clarifies this in the description.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for Jeep wheel spacers, the Orion Motor Tech OMT-1506-BT is an unbeatable choice. These spacers are compatible with a wide variety of Jeep modes and provide a perfect fit.
With these spacers, you can be sure of enhanced stability. They are also built for safety with precision-machined aluminum construction and preinstalled, heat-treated 10.9-grade bolts that keep them secure on the hub.
Additionally, the surface is anodized to ensure maximum resistance to corrosion. Also, these spacers provide a more precise and vibration-free fit. Because they come in a simple, bolt-on installation design, mounting them should be faster and more effortless.
While these wheel spacers might not significantly improve Jeep's ride quality, they still give it an aggressive look and come with many other advantages. Another shortcoming is that the centric rings are slightly on the thinner side, but this does not affect the performance.
Pros
Cons
With the hub-centric design of the Spidertrax WHS007, you can be sure of always getting a precise fit and vibration-free performance. What's more, the spacers have factory-matched preinstalled studs to ensure an even more accurate fit.
Since they come in a bolt-on design, the installation should be a breeze as there is no cutting or modification required. When mounting, all you have to do is to bolt the spacers onto the hub just like wheels.
These top-rated wheel spacers are also well-built with high-grade aluminum material and a corrosion-resistant surface.
Although these wheel spacers seem to take the wheels out of alignment, this should not be a deal-breaker as it is the case for most spacers. Furthermore, it is always recommended checking the wheel alignment after installing spacers.
Pros
Cons
If you have a Dodge Ram, the Supreme Suspensions RamTruck hub-centric spacers are perfect as they ensure a perfectly centered and balanced installation.
Better still, the spacers feature a premium-quality construction with a rigid aerospace-grade billet aluminum material that never compresses or warps. Also, the spacers have hydraulic pre-pressed studs to eliminate the risk of vibration.
With these spacers on your vehicle, you can be sure of improved handling and cornering. One more thing Dodge Ram owners will love is that these spacers take little effort to install, thanks to the simple bolt-on installation design.
Despite this being one of the priciest options on our wheel spacer review, the premium-quality, and superior performance ensure you get value for every buck.
Pros
Cons
For the motorists shopping for a more budget-friendly wheel spacer option, the Rough Country 1101 is a perfect pick. Despite being a budget model, it delivers an exceptional performance with the studs preinstalled to minimize the risk of vibrations.
These spacers do not disappoint when it comes to construction as the 6061-T6 aluminum material provides maximum hardness and tensile strength. What's more, the spacers have a corrosion-resistant surface for even longer service life.
Installing these spacers takes little effort as you only need to bolt them on, which is an easy DIY project. Also, they are backed by a lifetime replacement warranty to give you assurances they will last.
Loctite always makes a great addition to any wheel spacer package. Although this model does not come with any, this should not be a deal-breaker since it is a budget option.
Pros
Cons
The super-easy installation of the Supreme Suspensions AZM is one of its main highlights. These spacers are straightforward to install and should only take a few minutes without using any special tools.
When using these spacers, you never have to worry about vibrations as they have hydraulic pre-pressed studs to eliminate them. Because they are also hub-centric, they provide the best centered and balanced installation.
Other key benefits of these spacers are that they help correct tire rubbing issues, improve handling and cornering, increase vehicle track width, and give the vehicle a more aggressive appearance.
One issue that motorists might have with these black wheel spacers is that they do not look attractive through specific wheel types like chrome. But, this should not be a deal-breaker.
Pros
Cons
ECCPP is a top wheel spacer brand that focuses on delivering high-quality vehicle parts. Each of their products is precision-engineered to meet strict OEM standards. The top-quality ECCPP 992761-5211-1418551 is good evidence of the quality of their products.
These are forged 6061 T6 billet aluminum spacers that are built to offer a long service life. They include some heat-treated and hardened bolts that eliminate vibrations while also making installation more precise and easy.
The spacers' surface has an oxidation treatment that ensures the color lasts long enough without ever fading. Additionally, once installed, they increase tire clearance and give the vehicle a highly aggressive appearance.
These spacers do not come with the rings, but you can always buy them separately for a few bucks if you need them to ensure proper installation. Also, the spacers seem to require a little more frequent re-torquing, but you still get at least 500 miles before having to work on them again.
Pros
Cons
With the professional precision machining of the KSP Performance 6550-6550-7810-1450-50, you can be sure you are getting a top-quality wheel spacer set that will give you exceptional service for a long time.
At 2 inches thick, these wheels spacers are thicker and safer than most options out there. Additionally, the extra thickness ensures they give vehicles a more aggressive look and enough space to fit larger tires with no rubbing issues.
One more thing making these spacers fantastic is the unique jewelry blue finish that ensures they look fabulous through the wheels. Besides being sleek, the surface has excellent traction for maximum traction.
While the nuts might seem a little thinner and frail, they should still hold up well, provided you fasten them correctly by ensuring you do not overtighten.
Pros
Cons
The low-profile design of the 15mm StanceMagic 5114.3-64.1 ensures they do not add any unnecessary mass to your wheel hub. This design also makes the spacers ideal for those who do not want to change their vehicle's appearance significantly.
Another element making these some of the best wheel adapters is the hub-centric design that ensures they fit perfectly to ensure zero wobble and vibrations. Additionally, they have precise machines stud/nut to ensure you can install them with no cross-threading.
The preinstalled 10.9-grade nuts are heavy-duty enough for long service life. Overall, these spacers also come at a more affordable price tag for budget shoppers.
While these spacers might be thinner than most others on our list, they are still heavy-duty enough thanks to the aerospace-grade aluminum build.
Pros
Cons
Rugged Ridge 15201.05 offers an extra thick construction that uses double anodized aluminum material to provide extra durability and more resistance to corrosion and weather. This black anodized finish also helps give the spacers a more attractive overall appearance.
Because these spacers have a hub-centric design, you can be sure of getting OE-quality fitment and performance while minimizing vibration. Also, they have preinstalled grade-8 lug nuts to ensure easier and safer installation.
Once you have these spacers on your vehicle, you can be sure of being able to use larger tires, and you get smoother rides.
Machining seems to be a little off from one spacer to the other, but despite causing a tighter fit on some holes, this does not affect the wheel spacers' overall performance.
Pros
Cons
Like any other aftermarket vehicle component, wheel spacers can only serve you if they fit your vehicle. These parts come in different sizes and designs with a different number of bolt holes meant for varying vehicle models, so you need to check what works for yours.
While some models like the ECCPP 992761-5211-1418551 provide broad vehicle compatibility, it is vital to know you hardly find universal ones that can work for all vehicles.
The good news is that most wheel spacer brands provide fitment charts, which allow you to check whether their products can work for your specific vehicle type and model. In case this information is unavailable, a professional mechanic can help you pick compatible wheel spacers.
Another vital element you need to consider when picking out the best wheel spacer is the type. Here you have two main options, which are bolt-on and slip-on spacers.
Bolt-on
With the bolt-on types, you have to fasten the spacers to the existing bolts on the hub to secure the part. Therefore, it is crucial to check that they match the number of holes and lug nut pattern when buying this type. But, these tend to be easier to install than the slip-on spacers.
Slip-on
The slip-on wheel spacers slide into the wheel hub studs and leave some room for mounting the wheel. However, if you do not have long enough studs or use large wheels, they can sometimes leave very little or no room for the wheels.
Hence, these spacers can be more hectic to install, and in most cases, you need extended studs to secure the lug nuts properly and keep the wheel safely in place.
If you are one of the many motorists that prefer working on their vehicle for simple repair and parts installation, make sure the wheel spacers you choose are easy to install.
Those that come with the necessary hardware and some clear direction on the steps to follow, like most options on our wheel spacer review, will give you the easiest time.
In most instances, installation only entails a few steps: jacking the wheels, removing the tire, sanding the hub, and installing the spacer before reinstalling the tire.
A: Yes, wheel spacers are 100% safe. Better yet, they are not just safe to have on your vehicle but can also increase overall vehicle stability and safety. However, this is only true if you pick the right type, size, and design for your vehicle. Also, to ensure safety, only buy spacers made from high-quality materials and make sure you install them correctly.
A: It depends on the number of studs on the wheel hub, given that the spacers will fit directly into the hub. Typical wheel hubs will have between 4 and 8 bolts/nuts, but the 5-bolt patterns are the most common. Most wheel spacer kits provide all the bolts and nuts you need, so you rarely need to get additional ones.
A: Yes, in some instances installing spacers can affect your wheel alignment. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the wheel alignment after installing them. However, if you install the spacers correctly and use the right ones, you can do it without affecting the alignment.
FLYCLE 1.5 inch 5x5.5 Hub Centric Wheel Spacers for 2012-2018 Ram 1500, 5 Lug 5x139.7mm - Walmart Link
dynofit 5x5.5 Wheel Spacers for Ram 1500 2012-2018, 5x139.7 Hub Centric Spacer (Set of - Walmart Link
Richeer 5x4.5 Wheel Spacers for YJ TJ XJ MJ KJ KK ZJ Wrangler Explorer Mustang Edge - Walmart Link
Wheel Spacers for Je/ep JK XK WJ WK, Dynofit (set of 4) 5x5 to 5x5(5x127) 71.5mm 1/2-20 - Walmart Link
KSP 20mm 5x114.3 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers Fit TC XB, ES300 350, GS300 350 430,IS250 300 - Walmart Link
Rying 6x5.5 Wheel spacers for 1999-2023 Silverado 1500 Sierra 1500 Yukon, 1.5inch - Walmart Link
FLYCLE 4PCS 1.5 inch 5x4.5 Wheel Spacers 1/2-20 Studs & 82.5mm Bore Compatible with - Walmart Link
the Orion Motor Tech OMT-1506-BT - Walmart Link
the Supreme Suspensions RamTruck - Walmart Link
the Rough Country 1101 - Walmart Link
the Supreme Suspensions AZM - Walmart Link
the KSP Performance 6550-6550-7810-1450-50 - Walmart Link
the KSP Performance 150-6550550-1061215-104BK - Walmart Link
FLYCLE 1.5 inch 5x5.5 Hub Centric Wheel Spacers for 2012-2018 Ram 1500, 5 Lug 5x139.7mm - eBay Link
dynofit 5x5.5 Wheel Spacers for Ram 1500 2012-2018, 5x139.7 Hub Centric Spacer (Set of - eBay Link
Richeer 5x4.5 Wheel Spacers for YJ TJ XJ MJ KJ KK ZJ Wrangler Explorer Mustang Edge - eBay Link
Wheel Spacers for Je/ep JK XK WJ WK, Dynofit (set of 4) 5x5 to 5x5(5x127) 71.5mm 1/2-20 - eBay Link
KSP 20mm 5x114.3 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers Fit TC XB, ES300 350, GS300 350 430,IS250 300 - eBay Link
Rying 6x5.5 Wheel spacers for 1999-2023 Silverado 1500 Sierra 1500 Yukon, 1.5inch - eBay Link
FLYCLE 4PCS 1.5 inch 5x4.5 Wheel Spacers 1/2-20 Studs & 82.5mm Bore Compatible with - eBay Link
the Orion Motor Tech OMT-1506-BT - eBay Link
the Supreme Suspensions RamTruck - eBay Link
the Rough Country 1101 - eBay Link
the Supreme Suspensions AZM - eBay Link
the KSP Performance 6550-6550-7810-1450-50 - eBay Link
the KSP Performance 150-6550550-1061215-104BK - eBay Link
With the best wheel spacers, you have one of the easiest and most effective ways of improving vehicle maneuverability and stability. While the right one for you depends on the vehicle you have, there is something that suits you on our list.
But, to help make your choice easier, the KSP Performance 150-6550550-1061215-104BK is our top overall recommendation, thanks to the superior build quality and fitment.
However, if you drive a Jeep, go for the Orion Motor Tech OMT-1506-BT as it fits a wide variety of Jeep models, while the Rough Country 1101 is an excellent choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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