I was following the "Installed Terraferma Lift" and the topic of wheel spacers came up.
I've been wanting to add spacers to my D1 for a long time but I am concerned with stressing the wheel bearings.
I don't do off roading, more like greenlaning.
The real reason for the spacers is the reduced turning circle and my winter wheeles are "Italia" aftermarket with Hakkapellita snow tires. The Italia rims are thicker at the center so I only get 6 turns of the OEM lugnuts. I use steel nuts that get me about 12 turns. I was reasoning that a wheel spacer with longer bolts would be safer and give me the smaller turning radius.
What is your spacer size?
Any issues with the spacers?

SD

 

I have a set of 1.5" spacers they do have longer studs then whats on the hub. But i had to take them off because i cant get state inspection done with anything more than 1/4" spacer. Im sure using them will definately increase wear on the bearing and hubs. Also my turning radius has increased not dramaticly but I can notice it.

 

I would not use spacers on a daily driver.

 

I've been running RTE spacers on the front of my Disco for about 7 years with no issues.
Unfortunately RTE doesn't make them anymore, unless they started again in the past year or two. I wish I'd bought another couple sets when they had them

I haven't seen any ill effects on anything from them at all.

I've seen quite a few complaints about the spacers sold on ebay.

 

I think on a D1 with full floating axles you really shouldn't have a problem. The semi-floating axles on the D2 are more likely to have wheel bearing problems.

 

Yeah, that too. The D1 bearings are really large compared to many others.
I'd look to the UK for some quality spacers if you want them.

 

Thank you Tom.
I understand that the spacers decrease the turning circle, is this right?
Is 1" too much for a D1?
Scorpion Racing UK won't sell to US and Canada but I can bounce it off my cousin in Italy so they won't know.

SD

 

I think my RTE spacers are 1.5 or 2". I know they are thick enough that when installed the lug nuts that hold them to the hub are just a little shy of being flush with the face of the spacer. If one of the lug nuts backs off they can't go more than a thread or so, before being stopped by the wheel.

 

If you are just wanting to reduce your turning radius, just adjust the steer stops.

 

The idea of spacers, and least for me, was to allow taller tires without rubbing the radius arms, and therefore a somewhat smaller turning radius. Adjusting the steering stops wouldn't have accomplished that.