Wheel Adapters

[Vehi]

I have a late 2000 VX with 18" rims. Has anyone ever tried to use wheel adapters, say 1" to 1.5", to get a wider stance? Are there any clearance issues that result?

What would you say is the most agressive looking tire you can get for the 18x7 rims? I've looked a lot and can't seem to find anything more aggressive looking than the Geolanders I already have.

[Nazrat]

I ran 1.5" wheel spacers on the back of mine. Don't skimp when you buy them. If the place doesn't ask for lug vs hub centric, then they aren't being careful enough. Re-torque the inner lug nuts after a few (50?) miles.

It did make the stance look better.

I moved mine to my Trooper when I got some narrow offset rims with my off-road tires.

-Tad

[Ruflyf]

hey tad, do u have any pics of the spacers on the vx?

[Nazrat]

This is as close as I can come:

Before:


After:


Unless you were looking for it, it didn't make a huge change. There was a noticable change in the feel when cornering, which is why I moved them to the Trooper. The 34x10.50 tires were just too tucked in on neutral offset rims. I had planned to get another set to put back on the VX, but decided to sell it before I did.

I'm still looking for another set of those front wheel center caps like I left on it. I had no problem finding the set that you now have, but now that I want another pair I'm coming up dry.

-Tad

[Nazrat]

And this is how the wheel spacer mounts:



It has normal studs too, not the soft Isuzu studs.

-Tad

[newthings]

The use of a spacer will change the Ackerman ratios. Google it. The turning arc for the inside and outside tires will no longer be correct for the pitman arm length, hub placement and wheel offset, combo. This is all figured out by the maker and must work together. To change any of these relationships will result in faster tire wear and less traction since one wheel will be forced to be in a slight slip state in a turn. Both tires will not be tracking correctly. If you stay on dirt or keep it parked, no problem.
Roy

[Nazrat]

The use of a spacer will change the Ackerman ratios. Google it. The turning arc for the inside and outside tires will no longer be correct for the pitman arm length, hub placement and wheel offset, combo. This is all figured out by the maker and must work together. To change any of these relationships will result in faster tire wear and less traction since one wheel will be forced to be in a slight slip state in a turn. Both tires will not be tracking correctly. If you stay on dirt or keep it parked, no problem.
Roy

Those are the same results that you get by using non-factory tire widths or different wheels. Lifting the front on IFS has other effects on the steering as well.

It is all relative.

-Tad

[Chopper]

Better cornering always seems to equal faster tire wear...But I know you are correct, the geometry does change somewhat. Definitely not the best choice-hardly dangerous at all.

[newthings]

Non factory tire widths (Wider) expand around the center of the rim, so no geometry change. If different wheels do not have the same offset, then you get a geometry change just like adding spacers.
Roy

[TEN36VX]

Regarding your question on agressive tires, I think the Nitto Mud Grapplers look the most agressive. Check out Jofotoz gallery.

[Vehi]

I've had trouble logging in for a few days. Thank you all for the great responses. So, anything that creates a wider stance has drawbacks. There are a lot of people on this forum that have conversions with wider stances. I guess it would mean sacrificing a little performance for a cool look.

Tad - I'm not sure what "If the place doesn't ask for lug vs hub centric, then they aren't being careful enough" means.

I checked out the Nitto Mud Grapplers but there aren't any that fit these rims. Is it OK to install them on a rim that is 1" too small? The smallest Grappler is 32.95" in diameter. Will these rub?