2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Can I ditch the wheel spacer?

[rblomquist]

Just noticed while rotating the tires that I have the 3. 5mm wheel spacer on the right front. I searched and found threads that explained that it was either to stop pull to the left on braking or to even out the wheels because of the offset axle. This thing pulls to the left (on braking) and I could care less about the offset issue. It bothers me that the rim doesn't sit on the hub/the lug nuts don't tighten as far on the stud as they should.



My only concern is will this affect my alignment to any significance if I pull it out? I just had this thing aligned about 5k/6 months ago.



Thanks in advance.

 

[LSMITH]

It will not affect the alignment of the vehicle in any way that would cause a drift while driving or a tire wear issue. It will pull to the left harder under braking if you take it out though, it is in there to give the right a bigger lever and mitigate the pull to the left if it was added by a dealer in response to a brake pull. If it was in there from the factory it could be for a tracking correction.



It is no danger whatsoever to have it on there, the lugs have PLENTY of thread too. Take it out or leave, really won't matter if the brake pull is not significantly increased which it should not be.

 

[rblomquist]

Thanks for the reply. I meant to say it pulls to the right on braking and that was one of the reasons I wanted to ditch it. I'm not the orig owner so I don't know if it was there from day 1 or not, my big thing was the tire wear issue in regard to possibble throwing it out of alignment.



Looks like I'll just take it out and see what happens.

 

[Al Mendes]

wheel spacer

my 99 came with a right hand side wheel spacer, took it off because i didn't like the way my alcoa wheels fit. have had no problems. Al Mendes

 

[LSMITH]

Do a search for "right brake pull", add my username if you want my take on the subject. You will get more reading than you know what to do with. Many of us have completely fixed the brake pull on our trucks. It takes an hour or so, but it sure is nice not heading for the ditch when you hit the brakes.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I recently changed the hubs and rotors on mine. I left off the 3. 5 mm spacer on the right. The truck started pulling strongly to the right on braking. It had never pulled before in 120,000 miles. I put the spacer onto the new right hand hub and it doesn't pull any more. I'd suggest you try different thickness spacers on the right or left until you get rid of the pull.

 

[illflem]

Definitely don't toss the spacer if you remove it, dealer wants over $150 for a set of three.



What I've seen happen that's worse than removing them is to have one stick to the back of a rim when you rotate tires and end up in the wrong place, talk about brake pull then.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My spacer was attached with two Tinnerman nuts so it wouldn't fall off.



Wow, I didn't know they cost so much. If you are playing around trying to find the right thickness, you could probably use 8 body washers temporarily.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Private supply of wheel spacers?????

I wanted to purchase factory wheel spacer in order to alleviate the misfit of 2002 factory alloys on the front of my '98. I found them to be way expensive from the dealer but the front end alignment guys seemed to have their own supply of used ones... ... ... ... ... ... I paid $5. 00 each, just a tip in case someone is looking. Larry

 

[Berrigan]

Some tire dealers sell them also. I paid 8 bucks each at Discount Tire Co.