Wheel spacers are a popular option for drivers who want to change a truck’s stance, clearance, and track width. They can improve handling, let you fit wider tires, or give a more aggressive look. However, choosing the wrong wheel spacers can also cause certain issues. The most common issues include vibration, accelerated stud wear, and safety problems.
So, to avoid these issues, you need to be careful when choosing wheel spacers for the GMC Canyon. You have to pay attention to the right wheel spacer types, the right material quality, bolt pattern compatibility, and even proper wheel thickness.
Choosing GMC Canyon Wheel Spacers: Key Factors to Consider
Without further ado, let us take a deeper look at what you should look for when choosing a wheel spacer for your GMC Canyon:
1. Choose the Right Type of Wheel Spacers
There are two main types of wheel spacers: lug-centric and hub-centric. Most GMC Canyon trucks use hub-centric spacers. These are the safest option because they transfer load through the entire hub, not just the lugs.
- Lug-centric spacers use wheel lug nuts to center and secure the wheel.
- Hub-centric spacers are attached to the wheel hub and center the wheel on the hub’s bore.
Do Lug-Centric Wheel Spacers Go For the GMC Canyon?
You can use lug-centric spacers, but only when the spacer and wheel tolerances are proven tight, and the studs are long enough to allow full thread engagement.
- The wheel’s center bore should be small enough to be supported by the spacer.
- The spacer needs to have a raised hub ring that matches the vehicle hub.
Still, keep in mind that hub-centric spacers minimize the risk of vibration and premature stud damage.
2. Look For the Right Material Quality
For the GMC Canyon, always choose wheel spacers that are made from forged billet aluminum or high-grade steel. Forged aluminum offers high strength with less weight. Steel is significantly heavier but very strong.
Avoid wheel spacers made of cheap and low-quality materials. Cheap cast aluminum or poorly heat-treated parts often crack under stress. Look for wheel spacers with clear load ratings, proper machining, and corrosion-resistant finishes.
3. Ensure Proper Thickness
Also, pay close attention to wheel spacer thickness when it comes to choosing wheel spacers for the GMC Canyon. The thickness determines how far the wheel moves outward. Small spacers can provide that subtle flush look without major changes to wheel geometry.
Larger spacers push wheels far outside the fender. They may require extended studs or wheel bolts. As such, they could also affect wheel bearing life if overused.
4. Ensure Bolt Pattern Compatibility
Make sure to match the wheel spacer bolt pattern to your truck and your wheels. For most 2015–2022 GMC Canyon models, the common factory bolt pattern is 6×120 mm. Newer model years (for example, 2023 and up) use a 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") pattern on some trims, so confirm your year and trim before buying. For a better insight, here is the table with bolt pattern info:
| Model Year | Generation | Common Lug Pattern | Notes |
| 2004–2012 | 1st Gen | 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") | Standard across trims; same pattern as many GM midsize trucks of the era. |
| 2015–2019 | Early 2nd Gen | 6×120 mm (6×4.72") | Used on most models, including SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. |
| 2020–2022 | Late 2nd Gen | 6×120 mm (6×4.72") | Continues the same pattern as earlier 2nd-gen models. |
| 2023–2024 | 3rd Gen | 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") | GMC reverted to the larger GM truck pattern on the redesigned Canyon. |
| AT4 / AT4X (off-road trims) | 3rd Gen | 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") | Matches the new platform shared with Colorado. |
5. Check Proper Stud Length
We already mentioned that if you use thicker wheel spacers, you’ll also need to find longer studs. However, even if you’re using thin wheel spacers, you should still pay attention to choosing a proper stud length.
Make sure that you still have at least the original recommended thread engagement. As a rule, you want at least the same number of full threads engaged as before. If the spacer uses its own studs, check if they pass fully through the wheel and allow the lug nut to torque to spec.
6. Ensure Proper Load Rating
Wheel spacers usually come with engraved or otherwise shown load ratings and torque specs. Make sure to only use the wheel spacers with an appropriate load rating for your GMC Canyon. When installing them, don’t over-torque or under-torque them, as it could lead to stud damage or your wheels detaching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Wheel Spacers for GMC Canyon
There are also some common mistakes that many truck owners make when choosing wheel spacers for the GMC Canyon:
- Buying the cheapest spacers
- Assuming all 6-lug patterns are identical across model years.
- Installing spacers without checking stud length and torqueing to the manufacturer's specs.
- Using extremely thick spacers without consulting a mechanic about bearings and alignment.
Top Wheel Spacer Recommendations for GMC Canyon
1. Orionmotors 4pcs 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers 1.5-inch Wheel Adapters with Studs.
This set of 4 Orion Motor Tech wheel spacers works with the GMC Canyon. 1.5 inches (38mm) thick, these powerful wheel adapters mount onto their 6x5.5 (6x139.7) bolt pattern to let you add larger wheels or improve your old wheels' performance and handling, with excellent wheel balance and a more aggressive stance.
The 4 wheel spacers in this wheel accessory kit are made from aircraft-grade T6 billet aluminum, forged in a single piece, giving you lightweight strength with high corrosion resistance under even the most punishing use.
Final Words on Wheel Spacers for GMC Canyon
Your GMC Canyon could benefit from having wheel spacers installed, but you shouldn’t do it blindly. Instead, you should do your research and consider some important factors, such as bolt pattern, material, stud length, and several others. No matter what you decide to do, always prioritize safety and performance.
You may also be interested in wheel spacer safety and whether wheel spacers are safe for your truck.
