One of the things that has made the Chevy Silverado attractive since its first release in 1999 is that you get the option to install wheel spacers to improve its stance and increase its track width. If you are a Chevy Silverado driver, you have probably considered installing them at least once.
However, you can’t just choose a random wheel spacer and install it on your truck. At least not if you want to avoid experiencing vibration, poor wheel fitment, or even safety issues. This article will explain how to choose the best wheel spacers for a Chevy Silverado 1500:
Choosing Wheels Spacers for Chevy Silverado 1500: Key Factors to Consider
When choosing wheel spacers for Chevy Silverado 1500, there are some main factors you should consider. This will ensure your truck’s good performance and safety, while also achieving your goals:
1. Choose the Right Type of Wheel Spacers
There are two main types of wheel spacers: hub-centric and lug-centric. For a Chevy Silverado, the right space wheel spacers to go for are hub-centric spacers: they have a center bore that fits snugly over the Silverado’s hub.
Hub-centric wheel spacers are perfect for a Chevy Silverado because they allow the weight to be transferred evenly through the hub, which ensures precise centering of the wheel. Choosing this spacer type also ensures a safer and more durable fitment, with fewer vibration issues.
Do Lug-Centric Wheel Spacers Go For Chevy Silverado?
For a heavy vehicle like the Silverado 1500, lug-centric spacers are overall a bad choice, and you should avoid them at all costs. Lug-centric spacers rely on the lugs alone to center the wheel.
As a result, they can introduce a slight wobble if the fit isn’t perfect. This might not be a big problem for smaller cars, but it's not the right fit for a Chevy Silverado.
2. Look For the Right Material Quality
Given how big and heavy the Chevy Silverado is, you should also pay close attention to the material quality of wheel spacers. Most wheel spacers are made from aluminum alloy because this material offers strength while still being relatively lightweight. However, not all aluminum is equal.
- The best wheel spacers, like the 4pcs 6x5 Wheel Spacers, from Orionmotors are made of higher-grade alloys. Higher grade allows, and proper heat treatment provides better tensile strength and durability. There is also a difference in surface treatment.
- Hard anodizing or durable coatings improve corrosion resistance and help prevent galling where steel studs meet aluminum.
This is especially important for wheel spacers that will get installed on heavy trucks such as Chevy Silverados.
3. Ensure Proper Thickness
Another important thing to consider is the spacer thickness. Thickness determines how far the wheel moves outward.
- Small spacers of 5 to 10 millimeters offer a modest stance change and can be installed with factory lug nuts.
- Thicker spacers create a more aggressive offset and may require extended studs and different lug nuts.
When choosing between thick and thin, think about clearance to the fender and suspension components. Also, keep in mind that moving a wheel outward increases leverage on the hub and studs.
So, if you decide to go for thick spacers, you’ll need to ensure high-quality materials and proper installation.
5. Ensure Bolt Pattern Compatibility
The Chevy Silverado 1500 uses a 6x139.7 bolt pattern. Before choosing any spacer model, make sure it fits this pattern. Spacers must match both the number of holes and the pitch circle diameter precisely.
Using an incorrect bolt pattern will compromise your safety and can damage both the spacer and wheel.
Chevy Silverado 1500 Lug Pattern Guide
For more detailed info on the Chevy Silverado 1500 lug pattern, take a look at this table:
| Specification | Detail |
| Bolt Pattern | 6 x 139.7 mm |
| Center Bore (common OEM) | ~78.1 mm (verify with your wheel) |
| Typical OEM Lug Type | 1/2" or M14 studs (varies by year/trim) |
| Recommended Spacer Type | Hub-centric for best fit and safety |
| Common Stock Wheel Offset Range | +10 mm to +40 mm (varies by wheel) |
Make sure to double-check every detail in this table and compare it to your wheel. Some specifications might vary, especially if you’re not the first owner of your truck, and you aren’t sure what wheel modifications have already been made.
6. Check Proper Stud Length
Thread engagement is often overlooked, but it is critical for the integrity of the whole fitment. After adding a spacer, the effective stud length changes and may even reduce how many threads the lug nut engages.
Aim for enough engagement so the lug nut still covers at least the original number of threads that contacted the wheel.
7. Ensure Proper Load Rating
Chevy Silverado trucks are often used for towing and carrying heavy cargo. That’s why you should only use wheel spacers with appropriate load ratings. Usually, manufacturers list maximum dynamic or static loads.
Pay close attention to this, and try to pick spacers tested above the vehicle’s gross axle weight rating in normal operating conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Wheel Spacers for Chevy Silverado
There are some common mistakes when choosing wheel spacers for the Chevy Silverado:
- Buying lug-centric spacers without confirming wheel bore and hub fit can lead to vibration.
- Underestimating thickness effects on stud engagement. Insufficient thread engagement is a frequent cause of wheel looseness
- Skimping on material quality or corrosion protection may cause galling and premature failure
- Not checking brake and suspension clearance after the mock-up can result in rubbing or damage when driving on rough roads.
Top Wheel Spacer Recommendations
2 Inch Wheel Spacer Kit with M14x1.5 Studs Compatible with Chevy Silverado 1500
This wheel spacer kit adds 4 inches of track width to improve the stability of your Chevy Silverado. It uses a hub-centric design for safer performance, and is made from durable T6 aluminum with highly corrosion-resistant bolts.
1.5 Inch Wheel Spacer Kit with M14x1.5 Studs Compatible with Chevy Silverado
This hub-centric wheel spacer kit adds 3 inches of track width. It is built from T6 aluminum with highly corrosion-resistant bolts for long-lasting strength. You can install it on a wide range of Chevrolet trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Conclusion
Your Chevy Silverado 1500 truck could benefit greatly from installing wheel spacers, but you need to do it properly. Otherwise, you might cause some significant issues long-term. To avoid that from happening, consider some important factors, such as spacer type, material quality, thickness, and more.
Explore more tips on how to install wheel spacers.
