Suspension Front wheel spacers

[keel]

What are the effects of running front wheel spacers on handling? I know it is not ideal because of how it changes steering geometry, but I would like my wheels and tires on my fox to have a flush appearance without buying wheels with more offset (if the effects on handling are very minor). I am currently running 17×8 tri-bars off of a '94 GT after converting to 5-lug and I have the wheel dimensions I want but they are still quite tucked under the fenders.

 

[Steel1]

I would guess it depends on the thickness of the spacers.
When I switched to my Cobra replica wheels I had to run a small 5/16" spacers in the front,
can't tell any difference in the car.

 

[OldManRiver]

A good read for spacer tech.
https://www.maximummotorsports.com/tech_wheels_spacers.aspx

 

[Mustang5L5]

A good read for spacer tech.
https://www.maximummotorsports.com/tech_wheels_spacers.aspx

thats probsbly the best written piece of read on spacers. Never saw it before now.

 

[HemiRick]

I surprised it doesn't mention that it increases load on the wheel bearings and shortens their life....increased leverage.

 

[KRUISR]

What spindle, control arm combination did you use for the 5-lug conversion?

 

[Wayne Waldrep]

I run the same wheel. I have a brake kit that LMR used to sell but doesn't anymore. It came with the 94/95 spindles and '04 Cobra brakes. My fronts sit almost flush. The rears are another story.

 

[Neuron]

I surprised it doesn't mention that it increases load on the wheel bearings and shortens their life....increased leverage.

Automotive

Wheel Spacers & Adapters - Good Or Bad?​

Are wheel spacers safe? Are wheel spacers a good idea? How will wheel adapters affect handling? What effects will wheel spacers have on suspension geometry? Wheel spacers can help with fitting big brake kits, altering wheel offset if aftermarket wheels are used, and can widen a car's track, thus reducing load transfer and ideally improving handling. That said, wheel spacers affect suspension geometry, and will change the scrub radius, affecting braking stability, and also reduce the effective spring rate at the wheels. Wheel spacers can also cause wheel bearing failure.

Related Videos:
Scrub Radius -
View: https://youtu.be/SUDMEd1bMZI

Tire Load Sensitivity -
View: https://youtu.be/kNa2gZNqmT8

Toe-in vs Toe-out -
View: https://youtu.be/83_GTZeuF6M

Steering Axis Inclination -
View: https://youtu.be/IUcZ63unEyU

Caster -
View: https://youtu.be/Gh7gWJAvOvs

Camber -
View: https://youtu.be/jSFmUmVWBp0

 

[Mustang5L5]

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and assume this is the 5-lug svo rotor and drum swap. I only assume this because with SN95 17x8 wheels and that setup, it will appear VERY sucked in. I ran this setup for a while, I have pics showing the difference with 97 cobra wheels after my SN95 brake swap.

the sn95 brake swap added 3/4” to each side in the rear, and 5mm up front. If you were to run spacers I would just go 1/2” or 3/4” out back with a bolt on type spacer. and maybe a 3-5mm spacer up front. Those dims should have minimal effect on handling and the bearings.

 

[Wayne Waldrep]

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and assume this is the 5-lug svo rotor and drum swap. I only assume this because with SN95 17x8 wheels and that setup, it will appear VERY sucked in. I ran this setup for a while, I have pics showing the difference with 97 cobra wheels after my SN95 brake swap.

the sn95 brake swap added 3/4” to each side in the rear, and 5mm up front. If you were to run spacers I would just go 1/2” or 3/4” out back with a bolt on type spacer. and maybe a 3-5mm spacer up front. Those dims should have minimal effect on handling and the bearings.

I agree. I had those rotors first with the factory spindles and it did the same.

 

[Mustang5L5]

If it wasn’t midnight id pencil out a bending moment diagram for the rear axle with the addition of 3/4” spacers to calculate how much additional load on the outer axle bearings there would be.

 

[KRUISR]

If it wasn’t midnight id pencil out a bending moment diagram for the rear axle with the addition of 3/4” spacers to calculate how much additional load on the outer axle bearings there would be.

If you are using fox length axles, it should be no concern because the 94-98 axles are 3/4" longer in the same housing. Unless the SN's use a different bearing.

Keel ... aside from original post we are hearing nothing from you. As i asked before, what is you current spindle, rotor set up. It always helps with offering suggestions and answering your question.

 

[Mustang5L5]

If you are using fox length axles, it should be no concern because the 94-98 axles are 3/4" longer in the same housing. Unless the SN's use a different bearing.

you are right. I was half asleep at midnight and overlooked that simple fact.

 

[keel]

Sorry about the inactivity, yes I am using stock spindles and control arms in the front, and stock rear axle and drums but with the 5 lug rotors and rear 5 lug axles/drums. I would like to eventually go to a SN95 rear disc brake and spindle setup, and it sounds like that would improve my fitment a lot.

Will I be able to eventually swap to SN95 rear discs without swapping out my rear axles again even though currently I have drums in the back?

To get flush fitment what is the optimal wheel offset with stock dimension spindles/control arms and rear axle? (with no spacers)

 

[KRUISR]

The axles you are using for the 5-lug drums can be used with SN brackets and brakes, you may need to pull the axles to fit the brackets though.