i want to widen my 400EX without spending too much money. ive seen wheel spacers in catalogs, but i can't figure out just how they work. also, are they worth the money, or should i just empty my pockets and get a longer axle?

 

StevieD,

Wheel spacers are basically a plate that you bolt on to your existing lugs. They have their own set of lugs on them and you bolt your tire back on to them, thus adding more width.

I am not possitive, but I think some of the issues with them are strenght. You are adding a lot of extra pressure on your original lugs. Another thing I have heard are geometric issues. Since you are basically just extending the ENDS of the a-arms horizontally to the ground. I don't know if what I just said makes much sense, but they say it's better to get longer a-arms instead. I would say the rear would be okay though (other than the strenght issue mentioned before).

Sorry I can't be of much help...I just wanted to get the ball rolling on this topic for you.

-Josh

 

See www.sand-sport.com These are nice units, and extremely strong. I have bashed around the desert with these, with no problems. I used Durablue way back when, but didn't particularly like them!!

 

I have the sand-sport spacers on my Raptor and no problems at all. They are a great, cheap(er) than A-arms and axle mod.

 

how much of an increase in width do they give you over the stock set-up?

 

Four inches front and rear (two inches on each side). That will put your EX at 50" wide, which is usually what most people want to achieve. That little bit of extra width makes a BIG DIFFERENCE.

 

i wouldnt put front spacers on if u plan on jumping it very much, they easily break... back ones arent too bad tho, but an axle is a more dependable investment

kinda a late response, but did a search and saw the topic

 

stay away from spacers, get axles and a arms
spacers make it harder to turn and more stress on ball joints