spacers or no spacers?

[WMD]

I just obtained a set of 2012 Ford OEM 20" wheels..(chromed plastic bonded 7 spoke?) with Michelin*LTX A/T 2 (275/65/R20s).

My truck is a 2004 F250 FX4.. currently using 265/75/R16s on stock wheels.

I have tried to read and digest the information in this forum..and have spoken with local tire shops, etc.. and still I am uncertain if I need spacers or not... any specific knowledge is appreciated. The spacers would be $740 for all four corners.. thanks!

[HVAC SuperTech]

With a leaf sprung front end, you will need spacers. Those wheels have a 0 offset and will scrub the leafs during the turns.....

[WMD]

I assume that if I space the fronts... 2".. I would need to do the rear or it will look strange...

Should I expect any problems over time with the spacers?

Should I just resell the tires/wheels? Would changing from leaf springs to bags make this a non issue? Any bag recommendation?

Thanks for the reply.. New to this and my head is spinning.

[travisH3]

To fix the issue you would have to install the 05+ suspension that is coil sprung. They use different axles that's why the rims have different offsets. If you buy 2" spacer for the front you need it for the back too. I'm not a fan of spacers, plus I don't know if any that are hub centrentric like the factory wheels. Most spacers are lug centric meaning the lug nuts center the rim which won't work real well because the factory rim is centered by the hub. There are some strong ones out there but you will pay big bux.

[WMD]

If I was going the spacer route.. I would use 2x Ford, Chevy and Dodge Truck 8-Lug In-Between Dually Wheel Spacer from wheeladaptor.com.

I will try to read up on the options this week... I assume changing the suspension will cost more than the spacers.. might be easier to sell the wheels and buy some aftermarkets that wont require spacers?

Thanks again!

[HVAC SuperTech]

Yes, only use Fred Goetzky wheel spacers. They are hub centric and won't break period. Lots for people on here are using them including myself.

[WMD]

I guess the only thing to do now is to call Fred tomorrow..

Thanks again for the responses.

[BIG Laing]

Originally Posted by HVAC SuperTech

With a leaf sprung front end, you will need spacers. Those wheels have a 0 offset and will scrub the leafs during the turns.....

The 04 and older have 0 offset? I know the 08+ are +40 (not sure about 05-07)

[HVAC SuperTech]

The 05 and up have 0 offset.....or wait, is it backspace........I can't remember for sure. It's one or the other.....

[CT Performance, Inc.]

We carry spacers..

These are U.S. Alcoa 6061t6 billet aluminum, Lifetime warrentee, hub-centric and wheel-centric The spacers are roughly 3-5 times stronger than the Ford cast 20" wheels .

2" spacers will work without needing to cut off your existing wheel studs.

cary