so as a new member i cannot use the classifieds... but i looked through the classifieds anyway, i noticed a member selling 2.5 inch wheel spacers.. i plan on puttin my 31" tires on stock rims with a 2 inch shackel and tbar crank... will this fit? i have heard so many conflicting stories i need a straight answer, and if not, would something like this help the rubbing? like along the frame? i am not actually buying these spacers as money is tight right now but would it be a cheaper way to go? what are the down falls? i would just like some opinions and some solid facts on this, i am a very knowledge hungary 17 yr. old.

 

The reason there is no real straight answer or solid facts is because 31" tires are not all 31" high and there are so many different wheel specs that can position them differently. Combine that with the fact that torsion bars can and do loosen up over time so not everyones suspension acts the same.

31's will typically fit with a tbar crank/shackles. Some people have rubbing issues along the frame like this pic:


click to enlarge

Adding wheel spacers or lower backspacing/offset wheels can prevent the frame rubbing but it can create issues at the edges of the fenders like this:



Personally, I would say go ahead and mount the 31's on the wheels and if you notice any rubbing on the frame, or you just like the look of wheels set out wider, then purchase the spacers.

FWIW, I have 31's on wheels that are equivalent of having 2" spacers. That's my red truck in the picture above and I had to cut away at the fender in order to be able to turn properly

 

aight thanks, i just got my 31's today... they are just kind of the cheap "in between" ones for now... i bought them off my buddy for 125 bucks.. they are gt radial adventuro at2's i like them... they had been rubbed on the white wall side on two of them so i am going to mount them on my rims black wall side out.. since they are non directional i dont think this should be a problem.. and i appreciate the insight on the tbar crank and shackle.... ur info says u have 2wd s10 wheels.. i am guessing those have like 4 inches of backspacing as opposed to the 6 my LS ones have? would u recommend them?... ( pics can b uploaded of the new tires if u guys want to c.. they are still on the silverado p.o.s rims but i cleaned them up for the last pic at least)

i dont really mind trimming the fenders if i need to, i just dont want it to look cheap or half a$$ed... any tips ifff i decide to do tht?... anyone?

 

Yup, the wheels I have are 4" backspacing. As far as recommending them, the actual wheels are pretty ugly but I got all 4 for $20 total so I can't complain that they don't look as nice I wanted I think it is a better idea to use wheels with the backspacing you want rather than adding spacers to push the stock wheels out.

As far as trimming, if you just take your time it won't look bad. I used a hacksaw with real fine blades and just cut out everything that was in the way but some people leave a small sliver along the edge of the wheel well and bend it back to cover up the cut they made.



There are more pictures of where I cut as well as some of the finished project in my build thread here

 

gotcha, seems pretty easy, soo it shouldnt look too bad if i go at it with a craftsman saws-all? and the rims i'd like to get are the Cragar soft 8's... but i cant afford them right now.. but the spacers i could afford for now, at least till i cet the rims... thank u for the pics btw, tht helps alot..