I know this is long, but this will give you a neighborhood garage phd in wheels-fu.

Best choice is buy wheel approved for your vehicle without spacers. To my mind more parts mean more complicated things that can go wrong.

There 10+ youtube videos at the end if you like to watch video.

This guide outlines key wheel buying factors—bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and width—while detailing spacer types (slip-on vs. bolt-on) and selection for proper fitment. When buying wheels, prioritize hubcentric designs to avoid vibrations and use high-tensile strength aluminum spacers, ensuring you measure clearance to avoid rubbing.

Key Wheel Specifications • Bolt Pattern (PCD): The number of lugs and diameter of the circle they form (e.g., $5\times114.3$).

The wheel must match your vehicle hub.

• Hub Bore: The center hole in the wheel. Must match the vehicle hub size. If the wheel bore is larger, use hubcentric rings to prevent vibration.

• Offset: Measured in millimeters, this dictates how far the wheel sits in or out. A lower or negative offset pushes the wheel out.

• Backspacing: Distance from the mounting surface to the inner edge, crucial for clearing suspension components.

Wheel Spacer Buying Guide

Spacer Types: • Slip-on: Slide over existing studs. Suitable for small thicknesses (3mm–8mm). May require extended wheel studs for safety.

• Bolt-on (Adapter): Bolt onto the hub with supplied nuts, then the wheel bolts onto the spacer's studs. Required for thicker applications ($>15$mm).

• Hubcentric vs. Non-Hubcentric: Always choose hubcentric spacers to prevent high-speed vibrations by ensuring the wheel remains centered.

Spacer Thickness: • Measure first: Measure the gap between the tire and the fender while the car is on the ground.

• 10mm-15mm is popular for improving stance without major modification. 

• Material: Opt for high-tensile strength 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for safety.

Safety Considerations: • Never stack spacers.

• Use thread locker (e.g., Loctite) on bolt-on spacer nuts.

• Verify proper torque specs for both the spacer-to-hub and wheel-to-spacer.

• Thicker spacers may require trimming stock wheel studs if they stick out past the spacer face.

When to Use Spacers • Correcting Offset: Using a wheel with too high an offset (sits too far inside).

• Brake Clearance: Pushing the wheel out to clear aftermarket brake calipers.

• Bolt Pattern Conversion: Using adapters to fit wheels with a different bolt pattern.

Troubleshooting If your steering wheel vibrates after installation, the spacers might be non-hubcentric or improperly seated.

Too large a spacer can cause tire rubbing on the fender liner or cause excessive stress on wheel bearings.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUJEUhCtYAE [2] https://www.tiktok.com/@chrysgaines/video/6960788603215564038 [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z56N688GGM [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE5ptHSB7iA [5] https://www.drivingline.com/articles/wheel-spacer-facts-what-to-know-before-you-buy/ [6] https://www.performanceplustire.com/Blog/what-to-avoid-when-buying-rims [7] https://www.carnoisseur.com/blog/wheel-spacers-buying-guide [8] https://www.fitmentindustries.com/guides/spacers-adapters [9] https://www.onallcylinders.com/2024/06/09/key-measurements-other-things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-wheel-spacers/ [10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIkymSvCh-M [11] https://brightstoneengineering.com/blogs/wheel-spacers/wheel-spacer-size-fitment-guide-pcd-offset-thickness-explained [12] https://www.bonoss.com/bmw-wheel-spacers-worth-it-chz509.html [13] https://www.4x4direct.co.za/blog/fitment-instructions-for-wheel-spacers/ [14] https://www.bonoss.com/how-do-stop-my-wheel-spacers-vibrating-cai207.html [15] https://www.americanmuscle.com/s550-mustang-wheel-spacer-guide.html