They will wear out your wheel bearings faster as it places the wheels farther out which in turn applies more stress due to leverage.

 

I run 1.25" spacers no problems on my end. Dont know a brand though. When i first put them on it seemed to help me turn tighter, not 100% sure but it feels like it.

But yes rcguymike is right about them putting more pressure on wheel bearings.

 

You should only use spacers to correct changes made by modifications. They are another fail point and cause extra stress. If you want a wider track I would suggest looking at after market wheels. You would get the same effect, without the draw backs. people who are modifying accept the negatives with the positives.

 

Run some no name aluminum 1.25" spacers, yes they do wear out wheel bearings quicker, I had a rear bearing replaced but it was on it's way out anyways.

AIC how would wheels with back spacing similar to spacers not wear out the bearings as fast? I"ve always wondered this.

For me, it was wheel spacers, or not be able to drive my vehicle with the lift and tires I had.

If you need them get them.

 

I think it is because, even a wheel with more back spacing concentrates the forces from the wheel directly at the hub, vs the wheel spacer concentrates those forces 1.25" away from the hub causing them to be exaggerated. I'm no physics major, but I think that is right.

OP doesn't have a lift, so there is no "need" to run spacers. Running a spacer with have 0 effect on ride comfort, and a minimal effect on handling, the suspension is too tall and soft. ride quality and handling are almost opposite ends of a spectrum when it comes to tires, you can get better quality ride with a tire with a taller sidewall, or you can get better handling by going to a larger rim with a lower profile tire. that is of course without changing the suspension - which is a different story.

 

Since the wheel spacers put more wear on the wheel bearings,i would think that if you have a stiff suspension,adding wheel spacers would also put more leverage on the suspension making it easier to push up on the suspension causing a smoother ride if it were too stiff?

The reason im asking about wheel spacers is that i think the Patriot feels kinda unsafe and unpredictable on the road because of the narrow track the Patriot has.A stiff gust of wind really pushes this thing around.Figured a wider track = better handling?

 

Better tires and bushings will do way more than spacers.

 

already upgraded my tires and as far as i know,the only bushings that can be replaced on a patriot with polyurethane, is the sway bar and i already have those.