Those considering Wheel spacers think hard..

[snowmirage]

Last year when I put on the lift, tires, and wheel spacers I had no intention of buying a new set of wheels. But my stock 17" wheels are looking rather beat up, nothing some elbow grease and some paint cant fix but I thought I'd go see if I could find a cheap (like 50-70 a wheel) set of steel wheels or something in black that looked kind of rugged.

Well as I had heard when I ordered my wheel spacers, there isn't much out there. But I had never given much thought to it until now.

There really is ALMOST NOTHING. I've looked over about 10 different sites and see the same sets of wheels over and over all ~$140-300 a wheel and by the way they are all ugly as sin (IMO).

So if you'er considering buying wheel spacers you might want to learn from me and consider getting adapters that will take you far far away from this PITA 6x5 bolt pattern. Even if you go find a set of junk yard steelies from some other chevy truck for dirt cheap until you get the set of wheels you really want you'd still be better off.

Since I don't want to spend another $200+ for a new set of adapters then buy wheels, I guess I'll have to try to buy a spare stock 17" wheel to use with my spare and then try to find some place to prep and paint all 5. Which sounds simple but when you have to drive there take the wheels off the truck put it on blocks / jack stands, paint all 5 wheels then drive home .... it's a bit more complicated....

I envy all of you that have a garage...... it really is the simple things in life

Maybe I could put my truck on blocks at my apartment complex, if they say anything claim I got robbed?

[JCrayton99]

The hassle of removing,prepping, and painting my old wheels (horrible corrosion) is the reason I spent a little more and bought new wheels in 6x6.5. Plus I have more room to grow with a 8" rim.

[v7guy]

You'd be surprised what you can pull off in an apartment parking lot. 8 years ago when i lived in the back of an apartment complex i pulled the motor out of the firebird, rebuilt it in the living room, and tossed it back in the car. You probably shouldn't try it if you live with a woman though.

[The Roadie]

I did a motorcycle engine on the kitchen table in our first apartment in 1973. I was told that's the last time I would ever have an engine in the living area. I complied.

[JCrayton99]

Ive done all my work in my parking lot. Just make sure your complex doesnt have any rules against it. Or make friends with the angry russian lady who is on the Condo Board

[galacticfuzz]

If space isn't an issue, most apartment complexes I've looked at and talked with the agents are all fine with working on vehicles, as long as they run and move under their own power and you clean up after yourself.

[navigator]

I've seen folks paint them on the car before.
I'm in a similar dilemma. I'll likely need new tires next spring. I plan to go to 265/75/16 which will require spacers.
If I go with adapters and a full size pattern, I'll have to get 5 rims. I'm not one to go buy 5 new rims at $100+ each.
Shopping CL, I see a set here and there I like (mostly from the newer Silverados). I keep thinking about picking up a set but they are usually $200-$300 per set and I would need 5 which would require 2 sets unless I can find one at a JY. I'm in no rush, waiting for the right deal so I keep shopping. If I don't get rims before I need tires I'll just get the spacers.

BTW, if you find a set of rims and adapters and want to sell your spacers I call dibs

[Trail X]

...then try to find some place to prep and paint all 5. Which sounds simple...

It is! I did mine in my second floor apartment before I had a garage.

It takes 5 days (or less if you aren't working around a work-schedule), but you do one wheel per day. Bring the spare up to the apartment balcony (or bathroom if you don't have a balcony), prep and paint it. Next day, put the painted wheel on the truck and paint the next wheel.

That's what I did at least. Still looks fine 4 years later.

[snowmirage]

I did a motorcycle engine on the kitchen table in our first apartment in 1973. I was told that's the last time I would ever have an engine in the living area. I complied.

While I don't have to contend with a women in the house I do have to deal with having the complexes leasing office 100ft or so away

It takes 5 days (or less if you aren't working around a work-schedule), but you do one wheel per day. Bring the spare up to the apartment balcony (or bathroom if you don't have a balcony), prep and paint it. Next day, put the painted wheel on the truck and paint the next wheel.

James I swear I usually consider myself a pretty smart cookie.... but every time I seem to have an issue you seem to come along with something totally simple and obvious that I can't believe I didn't think of..... Thanks again!

Just need to find a junkyard or some place with a wheel now.

[Beamer]

I'll likely need new tires next spring. I plan to go to 265/75/16 which will require spacers.

I was able to get 265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander ATS's on without spacers, just some grinding on my upper ball joints. They have been on for a year now and no issues. See my build thread for pics of what I had to grind.

[navigator]

Thanks Chris, I think I'll get the spacers anyway. I wouldn't want to show up at the tire shop to get the tires put on and they not fit. Besides all I need are tires that stick out, roof lights and some 4X4 stickers to look cool

[The Roadie]

...Besides all I need are tires that stick out, roof lights and some 4X4 stickers to look cool

Say WHAT?!?!?!

[DirtyBacon04]

His account must've been hacked...

[navigator]

I was joking!

[fishsticks]

Thanks Chris, I think I'll get the spacers anyway. I wouldn't want to show up at the tire shop to get the tires put on and they not fit. Besides all I need are tires that stick out, roof lights and some 4X4 stickers to look cool

Worked for me...