If you own a Jeep Wrangler, you know the thrill of taking it off-roading and pushing it to its limits. One popular modification for Wranglers is adding wheel spacers, which push the wheels outward for a wider stance. But are wheel spacers safe for off-road use? In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of Jeep Wrangler wheel spacers for off-roading.
The Benefits of Wider Stance with Jeep Wrangler Wheel Spacers
The main benefit of wheel spacers on a Jeep Wrangler is they allow you to fit larger tires without lifting the suspension. This gives you a wider stance and track width for better stability off-road. Here are some of the key advantages of running wheel spacers:
- Increased clearance for larger, more aggressive tires
- Improved approach, departure, and breakover angles for climbing obstacles
- Wider track width improves stability and reduces risk of rollover
- More confident handling over rough terrain
Essentially, a wider stance gives you more margin for error when tackling tricky off-road conditions. The wider footprint helps keep all four tires planted for traction and control.
Potential Safety Issues with Jeep Wrangler Wheel Spacers
However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using wheel spacers for off-roading:
Wheel centering: Improperly centered wheels with spacers can cause vibration and unpredictability when braking and at highway speeds.
Safety certification: Many wheel spacers are not safety certified, so quality and durability are concerns. Stick with reputable, name brand spacers.
Do Bigger Wheel Spacers Mean Better for Jeep Wranglers?
Bigger Wheel Spacers Do not Mean Better for Jeep Wranglers. When considering wheel spacers, you may think that bigger must be better for off-road traction. But more extreme spacer widths can exacerbate the issues mentioned above. For most Jeep Wrangler owners, a moderate spacer in the 1-2 inch range is ideal for fitting larger tires without compromising steering and suspension. Anything beyond 3 inches starts to have a major effect on handling and component stress.
It’s best to analyze your own needs and use case. If you primarily drive on the highway and only occasionally venture off-road, a more moderate spacer width is prudent. But for serious off-road enthusiasts who tackle rocky trails, a slightly larger spacer may provide needed clearance and stability in extreme conditions. The key is balancing the benefits with the safety trade-offs.
How Do Wheel Spacers Affect Jeep Wrangler 4×4 Performance?
Jeep Wranglers utilize a 4×4 system to switch between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive for optimal traction. This allows you to tackle mud, snow, steep inclines and other low-grip environments. Do wheel spacers have any effect on the function of 4×4?
The simple answer is no – adding spacers does not directly impact the mechanical operation of your 4×4 system in any way. The increased track width, however, does provide some indirect benefits for 4×4 performance:
- Wider stance improve stability in 4WD on uneven terrain
- More clearance for aggressive tires enhances traction in low grip
- Approach angle improved for climbing steep inclines in 4WD
So while spacers have no detrimental effect on 4×4, the increased stability and tire clearance can actually help your Wrangler perform better off-road when 4WD is engaged. Just keep the potential handling and component wear issues in mind if going with a very wide spacer.
Why Are BONOSS the Best Jeep Wrangler Wheel Spacers?
If you decide to install wheel spacers on your Jeep Wrangler, it’s crucial to choose quality, name brand products. BONOSS is one of the most trusted manufacturers of wheel spacers and off-road accessories.
- Constructed from durable 6061T6 aluminum for strength
- CNC machined for precise tolerances and proper wheel fitment
- Offered in a range of sizes from 1/2″ to 3″ for the perfect stance
- Coated in flat black for protection from the elements
- Backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind
- Rigorously tested to meet or exceed OE specifications
Thousands of serious off-road enthusiasts trust BONOSS to give their Jeep Wrangler the perfect stance while staying safe on and off the trails. So check out the line of BONOSS spacers if you’re looking to increase your Jeep’s width.
