Best Wheel Spacers For Tacoma 2024
The Toyota Tacoma is renowned for its rugged capability and versatility, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts. Whether you're hitting the trails or cruising the highway, the Tacoma delivers exceptional performance. However, many Tacoma owners look for ways to enhance their truck’s stance, handling, and overall appearance. One of the most effective modifications you can make is installing wheel spacers.
Wheel spacers are components that fit between the wheel and the hub, pushing the wheels outwards from the vehicle’s body. This simple modification can dramatically improve your Tacoma’s stability, handling, and aesthetic appeal. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best wheel spacers for your Tacoma? This article will guide you through the benefits of wheel spacers, the factors to consider when choosing them, and highlight some of the top options available.
Top Wheel Spacer Brands for Tacoma
Choosing the right brand for your wheel spacers is crucial to ensure quality, reliability, and performance. Here are 5 of the best wheel spacers for your Tacoma, each with unique features and benefits:
KSP Forged 1.25" 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers
Thread Pitch: 12x1.5
Hub Bore: 106mm
Lug Count: 6
Offset: 32mm
Compatibility: 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, and Sequoia
These KSP Forged Wheel Spacers are hub-centric, providing a precise fit that enhances stability and reduces stress on the wheel assembly. The 32mm offset improves the stance of your Tacoma, giving it a more aggressive look while also accommodating larger tires. Made from high-strength aluminum, these spacers offer durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Price: $117.99
Spidertrax WHS007 Blue Wheel Spacer Kit
Size: 1.25 inches
Spidertrax is a well-known brand in the off-road community, renowned for producing high-quality wheel spacers. The WHS007 Blue Wheel Spacer Kit is designed specifically for Tacoma and other Toyota models, ensuring a perfect fit. These spacers are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and feature a hub-centric design for optimal stability. The blue anodized finish not only looks great but also provides additional protection against corrosion.
Price: $143.00
Dynofit 4PCS 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers
Size: 2 inches
Extended Lug Nuts: Included
Compatibility: Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Tundra, GX460, GX470, and Sequoia
The Dynofit 4PCS Wheel Spacers are an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a more substantial offset. At 2 inches thick, these spacers provide a significant boost to your Tacoma's stance and stability. Made from high-quality aluminum, they are both lightweight and durable. The included extended lug nuts ensure a secure installation and the spacers are designed to fit a wide range of Toyota models.
Price: $112.99
FLYCLE 6x5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers
Size: 2 inches
Compatibility: Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Fortuner, Sequoia, GX460, and GX470
FLYCLE Hubcentric Wheel Spacers are designed for maximum stability and performance. The hub-centric design ensures a precise fit, reducing the risk of vibration and wheel wobble. These spacers are made from high-strength aluminum alloy, offering excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The 2-inch thickness provides a significant offset, enhancing both the appearance and handling of your Tacoma.
Price: $116.99
Orion Motor Tech 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers
Size: 1.25 inches
Hub-Centric Design: 106mm bore
Compatibility: FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra
Orion Motor Tech Wheel Spacers are a reliable choice for Tacoma owners looking to improve their truck’s stance and performance. These 1.25-inch spacers are hub-centric, ensuring a secure and stable fit. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, they offer excellent strength and durability. The spacers are compatible with a variety of Toyota models, making them a versatile option for many truck enthusiasts.
Price: $79.99
Understanding Wheel Spacers
Definition and Function of Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are small devices that are installed between the wheel and the hub of your vehicle. They effectively push the wheels outwards, creating a wider track. This can enhance both the visual appeal and the performance of your Tacoma. By increasing the distance between the wheels, spacers can improve your vehicle’s stability and handling, especially during cornering and off-road driving.
How Wheel Spacers Affect Vehicle Performance and Appearance
1. Improved Stability and Handling: By widening the track of your Tacoma, wheel spacers can provide better grip and stability. This is particularly beneficial when driving on rough terrain or taking sharp turns. The increased track width helps distribute the vehicle's weight more evenly, reducing body roll and improving overall control.
2. Enhanced Appearance: Wheel spacers can give your Tacoma a more aggressive and robust stance. The pushed-out wheels fill the wheel wells better, which can make the truck look more muscular and well-balanced. This aesthetic upgrade is often sought after by truck enthusiasts who want their vehicles to stand out.
3. Better Fit for Larger Tires: If you’re planning to upgrade to larger tires, wheel spacers can provide the necessary clearance. This ensures that the tires don’t rub against the suspension components or the fenders, which can prevent potential damage and improve the truck’s off-road capability.
Common Reasons Tacoma Owners Install Wheel Spacers
1. Wider Stance: Many Tacoma owners prefer a wider stance for both performance and aesthetic reasons. A wider track can give the truck a more planted feel and a more aggressive look.
2. Improved Handling: Enhanced handling is another key reason for installing wheel spacers. The improved grip and stability can make a significant difference, especially for off-road enthusiasts.
3. Fitting Larger Tires: As mentioned earlier, wheel spacers are often used to accommodate larger tires. This is essential for off-roaders who need bigger, more rugged tires for better traction and durability.
With a clear understanding of what wheel spacers are and how they can benefit your Tacoma, it’s important to consider several factors when choosing the right ones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheel Spacers
Choosing the right wheel spacers for your Tacoma involves more than just picking a brand. You need to consider several important factors to ensure compatibility, safety, and performance. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Material and Construction
Aluminum vs. Steel: Wheel spacers are typically made from either aluminum or steel. Aluminum spacers are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them a popular choice for most applications. Steel spacers, on the other hand, are heavier and more durable, which can be beneficial for extreme off-road use. However, they may be more prone to rust over time.
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Thickness and Size Compatibility
Thickness: The thickness of the wheel spacer determines how far the wheels will be pushed out. Common thicknesses range from 1 inch to 2 inches. The right thickness depends on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the size of your tires and wheels.
Size Compatibility: Ensure the spacers you choose are compatible with your Tacoma’s wheel and hub sizes. This includes matching the bolt pattern and hub bore size. The most common bolt pattern for Tacomas is 6x5.5 (6x139.7).
Bolt Pattern and Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric Designs
Bolt Pattern: The bolt pattern of the spacer must match the bolt pattern of your Tacoma. For most Tacomas, this will be 6x5.5 (6x139.7).
Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric: Hub-centric spacers have a center bore that fits snugly over the hub, ensuring the weight of the vehicle is distributed evenly across the hub. This design reduces stress on the lug nuts and provides a more secure fit. Lug-centric spacers, on the other hand, rely on the lug nuts to center the wheel, which can be less stable.
Quality and Brand Reputation
Quality: High-quality materials and precise manufacturing are crucial for wheel spacers to perform well and ensure safety. Look for spacers made from aircraft-grade aluminum or high-strength steel, and ensure they are precisely machined for a perfect fit.
Brand Reputation: Choose spacers from reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Well-established brands often provide better customer support and warranties.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Legal Considerations: In some regions, the use of wheel spacers may be regulated or restricted. Check local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
Safety Considerations: Safety should always be a top priority. Ensure the spacers are installed correctly and that all components are properly torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Regularly inspect the spacers for any signs of wear or damage.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose wheel spacers that will enhance your Tacoma’s performance and appearance without compromising safety.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and maintenance of wheel spacers are crucial to ensure safety and optimal performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install and maintain your Tacoma’s wheel spacers:
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Preparation
Ensure you have all the necessary tools: jack, jack stands, torque wrench, socket set, and a breaker bar.
Park your Tacoma on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels where you’ll be installing the spacers, but do not remove them yet.
2. Lifting the Vehicle
Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels.
3. Cleaning the Hub Surface
Clean the hub surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, rust, or debris. This ensures a proper fit and prevents any issues with alignment or vibration.
4. Installing the Wheel Spacers
Place the wheel spacer onto the hub, ensuring it fits snugly and aligns with the bolt pattern.
If your spacers are hub-centric, ensure the spacer’s center bore fits perfectly over the hub.
5. Securing the Spacers
Use the provided lug nuts or bolts to secure the spacer to the hub. Tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts or bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
6. Reinstalling the Wheels
Place the wheel back onto the spacer, ensuring it aligns with the bolt pattern.
Install the wheel’s lug nuts and tighten them by hand in a crisscross pattern.
7. Final Tightening
Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel’s lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications in a crisscross pattern.
Maintenance and Inspection Tips
1. Regular Inspections
Periodically check the wheel spacers for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. This is especially important if you frequently drive off-road or in harsh conditions.
Inspect the lug nuts to ensure they are still tight and secure. Re-torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications if necessary.
2. Cleaning
Keep the wheel spacers and hub surface clean to prevent any buildup of dirt or debris. This ensures a secure fit and prevents alignment issues.
3. Monitoring Performance
Pay attention to any changes in your vehicle’s handling or performance. If you notice any unusual vibrations, noises, or changes in handling, inspect the spacers and wheels immediately.
4. Replacing Damaged Spacers
If you find any signs of damage or excessive wear on the spacers, replace them promptly to avoid potential safety issues.
By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your wheel spacers provide the desired performance enhancements and remain safe for long-term use.
Conclusion
Installing wheel spacers on your Toyota Tacoma can be a game-changer, enhancing both its performance and aesthetics. By widening the track of your vehicle, wheel spacers improve stability, and handling, and provide a more aggressive stance that many truck enthusiasts desire.
When choosing the best wheel spacers for your Tacoma, it’s important to consider factors such as material, thickness, size compatibility, and the design of the spacers. Opting for high-quality, hub-centric spacers from reputable brands can ensure a secure fit and optimal performance. Brands like KSP, Spidertrax, dynofit, FLYCLE, and Orion Motor Tech offer excellent options that cater to various needs and preferences.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial to ensuring the safety and longevity of your wheel spacers. Following the recommended installation steps and keeping an eye on the condition of your spacers will help you avoid any potential issues and keep your Tacoma performing at its best.
In summary, wheel spacers are a worthwhile investment for Tacoma owners looking to improve their truck’s handling and appearance. By choosing the right spacers and maintaining them properly, you can enjoy a better driving experience and a more impressive-looking vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are wheel spacers safe for my Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, when installed correctly and used within the recommended specifications, wheel spacers are safe for your Tacoma. It's crucial to choose high-quality spacers that are hub-centric and compatible with your vehicle's specifications. Regular maintenance and inspections also contribute to ensuring safety.
2. Will installing wheel spacers void my Tacoma’s warranty?
Installing wheel spacers typically does not void your vehicle's warranty. However, it's essential to check with your manufacturer or dealer to confirm specific warranty policies related to aftermarket modifications. Using reputable brands and following installation guidelines can help mitigate any concerns.
3. How do I know what size wheel spacers to choose for my Tacoma?
The size of wheel spacers depends on several factors, including your desired stance, tire size, and the specific model of your Tacoma. Measure the space between your current wheels and the wheel wells to determine how much clearance you need. Additionally, consider the bolt pattern and hub bore size to ensure compatibility.
4. Can wheel spacers affect my Tacoma's fuel efficiency?
Wheel spacers may have a minimal impact on fuel efficiency, primarily due to increased aerodynamic drag caused by a wider stance. However, the effect is typically negligible in everyday driving conditions. The primary benefits of wheel spacers are improved handling, stability, and aesthetic appeal.
5. Do I need to get my wheel alignment checked after installing wheel spacers?
Yes, it's recommended to get a wheel alignment check after installing wheel spacers. Spacers can affect the vehicle's alignment, especially if the track width has been altered significantly. Proper alignment ensures optimal handling, tire wear, and overall safety of your Tacoma.
6. Are wheel spacers legal in my area?
Regulations regarding wheel spacers vary by region and country. Before installing wheel spacers on your Tacoma, check local laws and regulations to ensure compliance. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on the width or type of spacers that can be used on vehicles.