Guys I'm torn here. I want to widen my raptor over the winter, but have heard pros and cons of both options that are now making me rethink my options. My original plan was to go with spacers the whole way around and save some $$$. Now I have read that the spacers put extra pressure/tension on your suspension mount, wheel bearings etc. Now I could probably come up with the dough to get the axle and a-arms, but I understand that you then have to replace your shocks and brake lines because of the extra distance that has to be covered.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img] Now I don't know which way to turn. I will be riding TT's and have NO interest in doing MX, so would the extra tension and pressure still be an issue with the spacers? Maybe I could do a combination deal? Front spacers, wider axle in rear? Your opinions would be appreciated guys. Thanks in advance.

 

If you don't jump, you shouldn't have a problem with front wheel spacers. I ran +3 spacers in the front for a while until I could afford a new front end, it made a world of difference in the handling. I would do the rear axle and get spacers for the front until you can afford to upgrade the front suspension. If you really want to improve handling, new shocks should be on your list but I'd wait until you get new a-arms so you can get them matched.

 

I've been running 2 1/2" rear wheel spacers since I got My Raptor and have not had a problem yet. I still have the original axle and I take some moderate jumps and hit the woops and breaking bumps pretty hard. I know one of these days I'm going to break the axle, but I know a lot of Raptor axles broke without any spacers. I ran 2" spacers on the front til I bent an a-arm. It wasn't because of the spacers, it was because a damn beaver cut down a tree and left the stump in the snow. Some guys turn their front wheels around, but you have to drill a hole for a new air valve and plug the old one. I would go with the spacers til you can aford the proper mods or you break something and have to change.
When you do go with wider a-arms, you will have to get new shocks or you void the warenty. Also, the stock shocks weren't made for extended a-arms, they will be weak at best.