If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance and performance of your GR86, you might have considered installing wheel spacers. Wheel spacers are devices that fit between the wheel and the hub, creating a gap that pushes the wheel outward. This can enhance the stance of your car, increase the stability and cornering ability, and allow you to fit wider tires or aftermarket wheels.
But are wheel spacers actually safe? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using them? And how do you choose the right size and type of spacers for your GR86? In this post, we will answer these questions and more, so you can make an informed decision about whether wheel spacers are right for you.
What are GR86 spacers?
GR86 spacers are metal discs that have holes or studs that match the bolt pattern of your car’s hub and wheel. They come in different thicknesses, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are installed between the hub and the wheel, creating a gap that pushes the wheel outward from the center of the car.
Wheel spacers can be classified into two main types: slip-on and bolt-on. Slip-on spacers are simply placed over the existing studs on the hub, and then the wheel is mounted on top of them. Bolt-on spacers have their own studs that attach to the hub, and then the wheel is mounted on the new studs. Bolt-on spacers are more secure and stable than slip-on spacers but also require longer lug nuts or bolts to secure the wheel.
Why use GR86 spacers?
Appearance: Wheel spacers can make your car look more aggressive and sporty by filling up the wheel wells and creating a flush fitment with the fenders. This can also give your car a wider stance and a lower center of gravity, which can improve its aerodynamics and handling.
Performance: Wheel spacers can increase the track width of your car, which is the distance between the left and right wheels. This can improve the stability and cornering ability of your car, as well as reduce body roll and understeer. Wheel spacers can also allow you to fit wider tires or aftermarket wheels that have a different offset than the stock ones. This can enhance the grip and traction of your car, as well as customize its look.
Clearance: Wheel spacers can create more space between the wheel and the hub, which can prevent rubbing or interference issues with certain components. For example, if you have upgraded your brakes or suspension, you might need wheel spacers to avoid contact with the calipers or coilovers. Wheel spacers can also help you avoid scraping or damaging your wheels or fenders if you have lowered your car or installed flares.
Are GR86 spacers safe?
Wheel spacers can be safe to use if they are installed and maintained correctly. However, they can also cause some problems and disadvantages that you should know about before using them. Some of the possible issues with wheel spacers are:
- Safety: Wheel spacers can endanger your safety if they are not installed or maintained properly. For example, if you use slip-on spacers that are too thick, you might not have enough thread engagement for your lug bolts or nuts to hold your wheel. This can cause your wheel to loosen or fall off while driving. To prevent this, you should use bolt-on spacers or extended studs if you need more than 5mm of thickness. You should also use the right torque and tightening sequence for your lug bolts or nuts, and check them regularly for any signs of loosening or damage.
How to choose GR86 spacers?
When you want to use wheel spacers for your GR86, you have to select the right size and kind of spacers that suit your goals and preferences. Here are some factors that you should think about when selecting wheel spacers:
- Thickness: The thickness of the spacers affects how far they will move your wheels outward from the center of the car. The thicker the spacers, the more sporty and aggressive your car will appear, but also the more pressure and load they will put on your parts. You should select the thickness that gives you the appearance and performance that you want, but also keeps enough clearance and alignment for your parts. A good way to measure the thickness that you need is to use a straight edge or a ruler to measure the space between your wheel and fender, and then take away a few millimeters for safety.
- Type: The kind of the spacers affects how they will connect to your hub and wheel. As mentioned before, there are two main kinds of spacers: slip-on and bolt-on. Slip-on spacers are simpler and cheaper to install, but they also have some limitations. They can only be used for small thicknesses (up to 5mm), and they require enough thread engagement for your lug bolts or nuts. Bolt-on spacers are more stable and secure, but they also require longer lug bolts or nuts, and they might clash with some aftermarket wheels that have recessed lug holes. You should select the kind that meets your needs and preferences, but also matches your bolt pattern and offset.
- Quality: The quality of the spacers affects how long-lasting and dependable they will be. You should select high-quality spacers that are made of strong and lightweight materials such as 6061 T6 billet aluminum. You should also select hub-centric spacers that match the center bore of your hub and wheel. You should avoid low-quality or generic spacers that are made of low-grade materials or have poor fitment or finish. You should also buy from trustworthy brands or sellers that offer customer service or warranty.
Which GR86 spacers will not fail?
If you want to use spacers safely, you should choose quality spacers that are forged from AL7075-T6 or AL6061-T6 aluminum and fit the hub precisely. Avoid spacers that are lug-centric, cast, or steel, as they can cause problems such as vibration, cracking, or bearing damage. BONOSS is a brand that I recommend for spacers.
BONOSS GR86 slip-on spacers are durable and lightweight spacers. They are made of forged aluminum, which is stronger and lighter than cast aluminum. They also have wheel studs and nuts that are very hard and tough. The studs have an ISO grade of 12.9, and the nuts have an ISO grade of 10. These grades indicate the high quality of the materials according to the international standard. A 7075-T6 spacer with 12.9 grade studs can ensure safety in harsh off-road conditions. Moreover, the spacers are coated with an anti-corrosion and anti-rust layer. This layer prevents the spacers from vibrating or wobbling due to rust or corrosion after long-term use.
They are compatible spacers. BONOSS spacers are customized for each year of GR86 according to the bolt pattern, hub bore, bore stages, clearance and offset. You can always find the best-fitting spacers for your vehicle. One of the unique features of BONOSS GR86 spacers is the multi-stage hub-centric design. A normal hub-centric spacer can balance the spacer but not fit it tightly. Most hub bores and wheel bores have chamfers and stages, and some even have toothed hub patterns that require a special design of the spacer’s inner ring. BONOSS multi-stage hub-centric spacers have chamfers, stages, and special patterns that match the hub and wheel perfectly.
