My wife & I just purchased a 1994 Lexus GS 300. We also
purchased a fancy 18 inch Milano rims from a private party.
Apparently the rims came off of an LS 400.

The challenge is it requires wheel spacers on the front
but not on the rear wheels (rims hit the brake caliper w/o spacers). We got 2 on each side aftermarket spacers from Kragen (1/4 inch & 1/16 inch = 8.35 millimeters).
Since I don't know much about cars, I did some research on the net and found out I have to replace the studs or buy a spacer kit.

I don't know the measurements, but here's my dilemma:

I dont know if 15 millimeter will fit in the front.
If it did, do I need to put spacers in the rear as well with 15 mil.

or

how about 15 mil. on the front and 25 mil on the rear.

I'm not sure what to do yet, & I don't want to order this spacer
from H&R since I can't return them and they're very expensive.

I would appreciate any input or comments.

Thanks.
Jhuzzee

Jhuzzee9@msn.com

 

Hi Jhuzzee,

The first thing to do is determine how much clearance you need for the calipers. I upgraded my brakes and calipers and I needed a spacer to clear the calipers. Did you try the ones you bought from Kragen to see if the clear the calipar? If they do, then you probably won't need spacers that provide extra studs. There should be enough thread for the lug nuts. Try putting on the spacers and then put on the lug nuts afterwards to see if you get enough thread on the factory studs...

The best thing is to return the wheels and get rims that actually fit on a GS and not an LS...But that is up to you.

Brent

 

Thanks Brent.

The spacers from Kragen did fit. There are two aftermarket spacers on each front wheels (1/4 & 1/16 inch = 8.35 mm).

This is a safety issue because anything over 5mm needs longer
studs. Thus, I'm thinking of getting a spacer kit.

The question is do I get 15 mm spacer kit on all 4 wheels or 15 mm on the front and 25 on the rear. What's the disadvantage
of a spacer?

Unfortunately, I can't return the rims anymore.

 

the disadvantage of a spacer is it will wear out yoru wheel bearings very fast because it puts more strain on them than stock.

if you still want them after hearing that i think H&R sells both 15mm and 25mm spacers. i Woudl select 15F and 25R well actually i woudln't use spacers but if i would i would use 15F and 25R

 

To answer your particular question, yes, get 15mm in the front and 25mm in the rear.

Sasha is right that the spacers may put under stress on the wheel bearings BUT if you just stayed with the 8.4 mm one I think you would be fine. As for going with the 15mm and 25mm spacers, as long as your not auto crossing, the extra stress should not effect the wheel bearings wear by a lot.

Once again, the best thing to do is put the wheels on ebay, and buy rims with the correct offset and widths (ie, 8.5 front and 9.5-10 rear)....

Brent

 

Thanks Sasha & Brent for the feedback.

Unfortunately, I can't get a way not having spacers on the front.
So at the minimum, I will have to get 15 on the front and replace the studs.

Would it look funny though, if put in 25mm on the rear instead of 15mm? That's what bugs me. I'm not even sure if 25mm will fit in the rear or if it did, how much will it stick out of the fender well.

I can't and don't know how to measure them. - Jhuzz

 

25mm in the rear will look perfect. It will remove the tucked in look of the stock wheels and bring the wheels closer to being flush with the wheel well. It will not stick out (that would look ugly) like a ghetto car. If you want to be safe just go with 15mm all around...

If you have your wheels on now, just imagine them sticking out an inch more...

Nremt