Last week I ordered a set of 33x10.5 tires for my jeep, but my rims only have 4" backspace and I have bushwacker flares.. So the 10.5's will be sunk into the wheel wells a fair bit..

So tonight I decided to order a set of hubcentric 1.5" wheel spacers that will hopefully make them near flush to the edge of the flares. But now a friend is telling me how its gonna destroy my wheel bearings and tear apart my differential??? Now im paranoid and second guessing my purchase

I thought about removing my flares, but then I'm stuck with all the holes in the fenders/quarters/doors

Thoughts/Opinions?
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A rim with 1.5" less backspace is going to add the same amount of stress as a 1.5" spacer. Either way the leverage on the axle bearings, unit bearings and knuckles is extended so your friend is right in that aspect. The extra leverage does not have any effect on the differential though.... As long as you have good quality ball joints on the front and dont jump your jeep all the time you shouldnt have any issues. There are countless guys running setups similar to what you are suggesting. I wouldnt worry about what he says.

Im guessing dana30/35?

 

I can't see the pics but that's ok. You should be fine without wheel spacers, you'll actually have less flex if you put the wheels outside your fenders. Just curious how much did those wheel spacers cost? Your friend is on the right track, it will strain your hubs. Dunno about your diff, I've never heard of them doing that.

 

If I had to guess it is a visual thing. It looks kind of funny when the wheels are sunk into the wheel wells. He probably cut away plenty of sheet metal while installing those flares to still get enough flex with a wider stance.

 

Get the spacers, you'll be fine as long as you install them per the manufacturers instructions.

 

And make damn sure you go back and retighten them at the mileage the instructions tell you to.

 

Its a D30/8.25 setup.

I paid 180$ shipped for the spacers.

It is a visual thing for me, i'm probably being just a bit too picky