When it comes to upgrading your ride, wheel spacers can be an essential addition. If you want to achieve that aggressive stance while improving performance, you should definitely consider KSP wheel spacers.
Let me take you through my experience with them – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
My Thoughts On KSP Wheel Spacers
KSP wheel spacers have been on my radar for quite some time now, and I’ve finally decided to give them a spin (pun intended). The appeal lies in their promise of superior build quality, safety, and that incredible aggressive look we all crave.
But does KSP deliver on all these promises? Stick around because I’ll share everything I found out after putting them to the test.
- Quality and Build
From the moment I unboxed my KSP wheel spacers, I could tell they meant business.
They’re forged from lightweight anodized black 6061-T6 aluminum, which means not only are they durable, but they’re also resistant to corrosion.
The heat-treated 10.9-grade bolts add to the heavy-duty feel, making it clear that quality and safety were top priorities in the design.
One thing that really stood out to me is the precision in engineering. KSP spacers are CNC-machined to ensure a perfect fit, which is crucial when it comes to wheel spacers.
You don’t want any unnecessary movement or vibration because that can affect the driving experience.
In my case, I found that the snug fit delivered a smooth ride, retaining the stock driving feel even after installation.
- Installation Process
The installation process is straightforward, especially if you have some experience working on your car. For me, it took about an hour to get all four spacers on. The spacers come with an instruction manual, which I found pretty useful even though I’ve been around cars for a while.
They also come with Loctite, which I appreciated because it gives that added layer of security. You’re meant to torque them down to about 72-80 ft/lbs, and I’d recommend following that closely.
One heads-up: some people, especially Tacoma and FJ owners, might run into a situation where the included lug nuts don’t engage enough threads. In this case, KSP recommends using ET lug nuts to ensure a secure fit, which is definitely something to keep in mind before getting started.
- Performance and Driving Experience
Once I got everything installed, it was time to hit the road.
Let me tell you, the difference was immediately noticeable – in a good way.
The most significant change was in the vehicle’s stance.
With the wheels pushed out by an extra 32mm, my truck went from looking slightly awkward to absolutely dominating the road.
It’s amazing what a small change in the wheel offset can do for the overall look of the vehicle.
Performance-wise, I didn’t notice any vibrations or changes in handling that made me uncomfortable. The spacers allowed me to clear the brake calipers and gave me that little extra clearance that made all the difference when off-roading.
The steering felt just as precise as before, and that’s likely due to the hub-centric design of the KSP spacers, which helps eliminate unnecessary play.
The Pros of KSP Wheel Spacers
- Aggressive Look: The visual difference is probably my favorite part about these spacers. They give your vehicle that wide, aggressive stance that makes it stand out on the road. If you’re like me and love the aesthetics, this is a huge plus.
- Quality Materials: The 6061-T6 aluminum build is lightweight yet durable. I’ve had cheaper spacers before, and you can feel the difference. Plus, the anodized finish means I don’t have to worry about corrosion.
- Better Clearance: For those who’ve installed a lift or larger tires, these spacers help fix clearance issues. I had rubbing issues with my upper control arm, but after adding the spacers, everything was perfectly spaced out.
- Easy Installation: They came with all the hardware and even Loctite for a secure installation. It’s a relatively easy job that can be done at home.
The Cons of KSP Wheel Spacers
- Compatibility Issues: One downside I noticed is that they don’t fit some factory wheels. This happened with my 2019 Tacoma, and I had to do a bit of research to realize I needed hub-centric spacers for a perfect fit. I’d recommend double-checking compatibility before buying.
- Possible Broken Studs: One reviewer mentioned a stud breaking at 50 ft/lbs, and while I didn’t experience this myself, I think it’s worth mentioning. Make sure you follow the recommended torque settings and check everything after a few hundred miles.
- Potential Vibration: While I personally didn’t experience vibration issues, some people have. This can happen if the spacers aren’t installed correctly or if they aren’t hub-centric. Taking your time to make sure everything lines up perfectly can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Maintenance Tips For KSP Wheel Spacers
- Retorque After Installation: I can’t stress enough the importance of re-torquing the spacers after a few hundred miles. The bolts may settle or loosen after some driving, so it’s critical to make sure they’re still tight.
- Regular Inspections: Every few months, it’s a good idea to take a look at the spacers and the bolts. You want to ensure that there is no visible damage, corrosion, or wear. It’s better to catch any issues early before they become bigger problems.
- Keep Them Clean: Road grime and salt can lead to corrosion over time, even with anodized aluminum. Giving the spacers a good rinse every now and then, especially after winter, can help extend their life.
- Check for Hub-Centric Fit: If you’re experiencing vibration, the spacers may not be seated properly on the hub. Make sure they’re hub-centric and properly aligned to avoid any unnecessary shaking when you’re driving.
Comparison With Other Brands
So, how do KSP wheel spacers stack up against other brands on the market?
- KSP Vs. Bora Wheel Spacers
Bora is a well-known name in the wheel spacer world, often praised for their high-quality materials. While Bora spacers are also made from premium aluminum, they tend to be pricier than KSP spacers.
In my experience, the KSP spacers offer almost the same quality at a more budget-friendly price point. If you’re someone who wants premium quality but doesn’t want to break the bank, KSP is a solid choice.
- KSP Vs. Eibach Pro-Spacers
Eibach Pro-Spacers are another popular choice, especially for performance enthusiasts. The Eibach brand is synonymous with performance, but again, you’re going to pay a premium for that name.
While the Eibach spacers are lighter and possibly better suited for sports cars, I found KSP’s durability to be perfect for off-roading and trucks, which means they’re better suited for my needs.
- KSP Vs. Rough Country Wheel Spacers
Rough Country offers some tough competition. Their spacers are also known for durability and solid build quality, but where KSP edges them out is in price and fitment precision.
I found that KSP’s hub-centric design was more reliable in avoiding vibrations, something that’s important to me on those long drives.
Are KSP Wheel Spacers Worth It?
After driving around with KSP wheel spacers installed for several weeks, I have to say I’m impressed. They’ve held up perfectly, even through some tough conditions.
The quality of materials, the attention to detail in the engineering, and the overall performance make them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s stance and handling.
The few drawbacks, like compatibility issues or the potential for broken studs, are manageable if you take the time to understand what you need for your vehicle and follow the installation guidelines closely.
If you’re willing to put in that bit of effort, these spacers are definitely worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a few top contenders when it comes to wheel spacers, including Bora, Eibach, Rough Country, and of course, KSP. The best brand really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after a balance of quality and affordability, KSP is a great choice. If you want something with a performance-oriented pedigree, Eibach might be more your speed.
For KSP wheel spacers, the recommended torque is between 72-80 ft/lbs. It’s crucial to torque them to this specification to ensure they stay secure, and make sure to re-torque after a few hundred miles.
Wheel spacers, while improving the vehicle’s stance and clearance, do have a few downsides. They can add stress to suspension components and may require additional maintenance checks. Improper installation can also lead to vibration or even stud failure.
Yes, wheel spacers are generally safe for daily driving as long as they are installed correctly and regularly maintained. Proper torque settings and ensuring they’re hub-centric are key to avoiding issues.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s stance, improve clearance, and achieve an aggressive look, KSP wheel spacers are a fantastic choice.
Their combination of quality, affordability, and performance makes them a worthy addition to your ride. I’ve been enjoying the improved aesthetics and handling, and I believe you will too
