The REFERENCE torque specs on spacers for trucks range from 83.3 ft-lbs (113 Nm) to 103.5 ft-lbs (140 Nm). It depends on the thread size of the wheel studs. For example, M14x1.5mm lug nuts or studs need 103.5 ft-lbs (140 Nm) torque value while M12x1.5mm lug nuts or studs need 83.3 ft-lbs (113 Nm) torque value. For some wheels or applications, you may need more or less tightening torque.
Therefore, it is best to consult a tire professional before operating. Proper torque specification is crucial for the safe and secure installation of your truck spacers. Over-tightening or under-tightening the lug nuts can lead to potential safety issues, such as wheel separation or excessive wear on the lug nuts and wheel studs. It is always recommended to use a good torque wrench to set the proper torque on wheel nuts.
How to Properly Install Spacers for Trucks?
Installing wheel spacers for trucks is a relatively simple process, but it requires precision. Here are some basic steps:
- Prepare Necessary Tools: You’ll need a jack, lug wrench, torque wrench, and the correct spacer kit.
- Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts and lift the vehicle to safely remove the wheel.
- Install the Spacer: Place the spacer over the hub, ensuring it fits snugly and is properly aligned. Use the provided lug nuts to secure the spacer.
- Remount the Wheel: Install the wheel on the spacer and tighten the lug nuts gradually in a crisscross pattern to avoid imbalance.
- Torque the Lug Nuts: Once everything is in place, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures a secure and safe fit.
For safety, it’s recommended to have a professional install wheel spacers for trucks unless you’re experienced in vehicle modifications.
Are Wheel Spacers Safe for Trucks?
Safety is a common concern when it comes to installing wheel spacers for trucks. The good news is that high-quality spacers, particularly hub-centric ones, are generally safe. Investing in high-quality spacers is key to safety. Reputable brands use materials like aerospace-grade aluminum, which provides the strength needed to withstand the forces exerted during driving.
For example, BONOSS forged active cooling wheel spacers and adapters are all made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6/ 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Due to continuous tons of pressure, BONOSS forged wheel spacers have a high degree of uniformity in the grain structure. The tensile strength is up to 572 MPa and the yield strength is up to 503 MPa (AL7075-T6). That is why BONOSS forged active cooling wheel spacers are much stronger with much less weight.
Are Bolt-on Spacers for Truck Legal?
The legality of wheel spacers varies depending on the country, state, or region you reside in. For example, installing wheel spacers on trucks is legal across the USA. In most countries, states, or regions, high-quality wheel spacers with proper installation are basically legal. As long as you keep the wheels and tires still covered by the fenders, you can pass an inspection with wheel spacers.
Always choose authentic brand wheel spacers. Because reputable brands invest considerable time, effort, and resources into research, development, and testing to ensure that their products meet rigorous standards. For example, BONOSS takes their products to the third-party independent testing agency SGS, TÜV for quality inspection.
The provided BONOSS forged ISO grade 12.9 wheel studs and ISO grade 10 lug nuts are certificated by over 66 SGS TÜV test reports. In Europe, wheel spacers are allowed as long as they are TÜV certified. So, it is worry-free to use wheel spacers with SGS TÜV test reports.
What’s better, by installing BONOSS forged active cooling wheel spacers for trucks, you can enjoy an additional active cooling benefit. After adding BONOSS wheel spacers, the petal-shaped heat dissipation grooves allow the external cold air to flow continuously inside the wheel spacer when rotating. The air takes away the heat, so the BONOSS wheel spacers can actively dissipate heat for the braking system.
