Polaris Rangers are workhorses, no doubt about it. Even so, these rugged machines could use a bit more stability and handling—and most importantly, a more commanding look. That's where Polaris Ranger wheel spacers come in.
These easy upgrades can make all the difference in how your Ranger handles heavy loads on the farm or gnarly trails at some point over this weekend. What can a few inches do for your ride? Well, this guide will help you understand all about Polaris Ranger wheel spacers.
This article will go over the advantages, how to choose them properly, and what you can do right after fitting. If you want a way to increase your Ranger styling and performance, here it is.
What Are Wheel Spacers and How Do They Work on Polaris Rangers?
The Polaris Ranger wheel spacers are machined inserts designed to slide in between the hub assembly of both vehicle and wheels. These neat simple accessories will effectively push your wheels outwards, which adds to the track width of your new Ranger. But why would you want to do this?
The science behind wheel spacers is straightforward. By increasing the distance between your wheels, the result is your Ranger has a wider stance due to how the wheels are further apart. This seemingly small change can greatly improve vehicle handling, stability and overall performance.
Polaris Ranger wheel spacers are supplied in different dimensions, normally 1-2 inches. Choosing your size depends on what suits you and the model of Ranger. Because for example Polaris Ranger 1000 wheel spacers could slightly differ from the likes of Polaris Ranger 570.
Benefits of Adding Wheel Spacers to Your Polaris Ranger
There are a few key benefits to using wheel spacers on your Ranger:
1. Improved Stability
Installing wheel spacers for Polaris Ranger significantly enhances stability. The spacers increase your Ranger's track width while effectively lowering the vehicle's center of gravity.
This helps with cornering handling and (just as importantly) stability over rough terrain. Whether you're navigating tight trails or traversing rocky landscapes, the added stability provides a more confident and controlled ride.
2. Better Traction
When faced with difficult working conditions, the use of Polaris Ranger wheel spacers can significantly enhance traction on your vehicle.
Spacers increase the distance between wheels which in turn can give tires a better grip, especially when running on mud or any other loose ground. This improved grip can be the difference between powering through a tough spot and getting stuck.
3. Aesthetic Enhancement
Wheel spacers offer one of the most visible changes aesthetically. Wheel spacers for Polaris Ranger make the tire stick out from your UTV, giving it an aggressive, planted stance.
They can make your vehicle appear just at home on an off-road trail as on any paved stretch of asphalt. This visual enhancement is something of a crowd-pleaser for riders wanting their UTV to look better than the stock versions.
4. Tire Clearance
Making room for those wider tires is where wheel spacers come in handy. Spacers push the wheel further away from your suspension components and also prevent rubbing against your ATV’s body.
This allows you to run wider tires without creating interference issues with other parts on or around that particular area. This feature is particularly beneficial for off-roaders who need bigger tires to deal with more challenging terrains easily.
Are Polaris Ranger Wheel Spacers Good or Bad?
Most UTV enthusiasts will ask this question. If done right, wheel spacers can greatly improve the performance and appearance of your Ranger.
Take for example the popular Polaris Ranger 570 mid-size wheel spacers. Designed to optimize dimensions and weight distribution of mid-size 570 model Most users have claimed that the tires deliver a better ride and give them more control when negotiating rough trails.
Choosing the Right Wheel Spacers for Your Polaris Ranger
Choosing your wheel spacers for a Ranger means making the right choices to improve performance and safety. Now let us explain the essential parameters you must take into account:
Vehicle Model Compatibility
The first and most important thing to consider is that Polaris Ranger wheel spacers are made for a specific year make and model vehicle. For example, Polaris Ranger 900 wheel spacers are designed to work with the proprietary hub shape and weight distribution of the different models in that series.
These spacers will not necessarily fit a Ranger 570 or 1000 model. Every series of the Ranger has its own different specifications such as hub size, bolt pattern, and load capacity. Thus, using spacers designed for a different model may affect the truck's fitment, as well as its performance and safety.
When you are selecting wheel spacers, always check the fitment and ensure that they mention your year model.
Spacer Width
The width of your wheel spacers is a big part in how well your Ranger performs. Polaris Ranger 2-inch wheel spacers will offer a more far-reaching alteration to stance than Polaris Ranger 1 inch wheel spacers.
Wider spacers push the wheels further out, increasing the vehicle's track width. The result is an increase in stability, particularly while cornering or over rough ground.
That said, it's also worth bearing in mind that wider is not always better. Overly broad spacers could strain the suspension of your Ranger and possibly necessitate additional adjustments to get things properly aligned.
Think about what you are using it for. If your Ranger is primarily used as a workhorse and travels on flat lands, then the 1-inch spacer may do. For more hard-core off-roading, or a more pronounced visual change, a 2-inch spacer could be appropriate.
Material Quality
The quality of the material used in your wheel spacers is incredibly important for their ability to last and provide greater performance. The best compromise between strength and weight loss is provided by high-grade aluminum alloys, such as 6061-T6.
The aluminum spacers are light, which will keep the rise in unsprung weight down to a minimum. They are also naturally corrosion resistant, making them a great fit for off road applications where the parts need to be able to withstand constant exposure to water and mud.
While steel spacers are sometimes available and offer excellent strength, they have a lot more weight, which is not ideal for performance. Orion Motor Tech's Polaris Ranger wheel spacers are crafted from premium aluminum alloys, ensuring durability without compromising performance.
Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric Design
The choice between hub-centric and lug-centric spacers is important for both performance and safety on your Ranger. A hub-centric spacer is specifically designed to fit with your vehicle's existing hub; thus the combination of wheel and spacer will be centered.
This configuration is better for load distribution and putting less force through the wheel studs. The hub-centric spacers also help prevent any potential vibration issues and keep wheel balance accurate.
The lug-centric spacers, alternatively depend on the lug nuts only to be centered. We recommend hub-centric spacers for your Polaris Ranger to ensure the best possible fitment and safety, especially in demanding off-road situations.
Bolt Pattern Compatibility
Ensuring that the bolt pattern of the spacer is suitable for your Ranger is vital to proper fitment as well as safety. A common bolt pattern used on many Polaris Rangers is 4x156mm.
Using a spacer with an incorrect bolt pattern can lead to improper wheel attachment, potentially causing wheel separation during use. When considering wheel spacers for Polaris Ranger 570 mid-size or any other model, always double-check the bolt pattern specifications.
Some spacers are designed with dual bolt patterns to fit multiple vehicle models, but it's crucial to ensure that one of these patterns matches your Ranger's exact specifications.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
You must take care of your Polaris Ranger wheel spacers for it to perform well and stay increasingly safe. This are some of things you may want to take a note on:
- Regular Inspections: Examine your spacers every 1000 miles or after rough riding for any signs of wear, corrosion, loosening.
- Torque Checks: Re-torque your lug nuts after ~50 miles of use with new spacers and periodically afterwards.
- Cleaning: If you ride a lot, keep your spacers clean, especially if you spend a lot of time riding in dirt or dust.
- Alignment: After installing spacers, it's a good idea to have your Ranger's alignment checked.
For those considering Polaris Ranger wheel spacers adapters, it's important to understand the difference between spacers and adapters. Both will add to the stance of your Ranger, but adapters also provide new bolt patterns for different wheels (potentially from another car).
This increases complexity and potential failure, so it is important to select quality products, taking care that they are installed correctly.
Conclusion
We’re sure you’re already convinced about outfitting your Polaris Ranger with a wheel spacer. But why not go with the best makers around?
Orion Motor Tech has your best interest in heart, with durable, corrosion-resistant wheel spacers made specifically for your specific vehicle. Browse Orion Motor Tech’s wheel spacers and discover your next Polaris Ranger wheel spacers.