Wide Ride – Borne Off-Road Wheel Spacers

Whether you’re driving your truck or Jeep to the office, hauling heavy loads, or tackling rugged wilderness, these vehicles represent the perfect balance of style and utility. Built to look robust, aggressive, and practical, they deliver on all fronts. The same can be said for our Borne Off-Road wheel spacers, a must-have upgrade for any of these versatile machines.

Wheel spacers may not be the first modification that comes to mind when thinking about combining form and function, but they provide undeniable benefits. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your build, wheel spacers deliver significant benefits. These components are engineered to extend the distance between the wheel and the hub by inserting a durable plate between the two, creating extra space.

Two blue wheel spacers on a wood grain table.

By adding this offset, you improve both the aesthetic and performance of your vehicle, on and off the road. Visually, the spacers push the wheels further out, giving your vehicle a more aggressive stance. This makes them a great option for those aiming for an ideal wheel positioning and a bolder look.

A blue wheel spacer installed on a wheel hub.

Wheel spacers also open up more options for your wheel and tire combinations, which can enhance off-road performance. The right tires are essential for navigating tough trails, but large off-road tires can present challenges with clearance. Taller sidewalls and wider tires can affect turning and cause rubbing on fender liners. Installing spacers to reposition your wheels solves these issues and transforms your truck into a versatile machine that performs well both off-road and on. Additionally, the increased clearance allows for larger brake systems, improving vehicle control. Finally, the wider stance resulting from the spacers provides better handling and a more stable ride.

A GIF showcasing the difference between stock, 1

To illustrate, here is the difference in wheel positioning with our 1" and 2" spacers on our Bronco 2.3L Base.

As with all modifications, there are trade-offs. While wheel spacers offer great benefits, it's important to consider potential downsides. The most notable are increased steering input and a shortened maintenance cycle for certain suspension parts and wheel bearings. These effects become more pronounced as you opt for larger spacers, and they can vary depending on your vehicle.

At Borne Off-Road, we focus on enhancing both form and function, so developing our own custom spacers was a natural decision.

A wheel spacer on a work bench with a vehicle on a lift in the background.

Given that spacers are a structural part of your vehicle, we ensured they are tough but lightweight. Our spacers are crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum, providing a strong, durable connection without adding unnecessary weight. For extra strength, we forge the aluminum, making the spacers more resistant to stress and wear over time. Additionally, the wheel studs are made from 12.9-grade steel and paired with application-specific lug nuts for added security.

Curious about why we choose forging over other manufacturing methods? We’ve created some visuals to explain the differences between casting, machining, and forging:

A graphic showing the structure of cast grain.

The key distinction lies in the alignment of the metal's grain. Cast components are the most cost-effective and easiest to produce, but the process doesn’t align the molecules in the metal, making them less durable. While casting is ideal for complex shapes like intercooler end tanks, it's not the best choice for wheel spacers.

A graphic showing the structure of machined grain.

When machining, the tool used dictates the metal grain’s direction. While this allows for some alignment, it still results in a piece that is less flexible.

A graphic showing the structure of forged grain.

Forging, on the other hand, works similarly to the way a blacksmith shapes metal. Applying pressure to the metal realigns the grain, ensuring that the finished product is as strong as possible. This process ensures the greatest strength and durability for your spacers.

A close-up of a wheel spacer.
Another close up of a wheel spacer.

Proper fitment is critical for your wheels. Any imbalance can negatively affect ride quality, which is something we strive to avoid. That’s why our spacers are hub-centric, with center bores and bolt patterns tailored to specific applications, ensuring a smooth, balanced ride. To top it off, we anodize them in sleek black or Borne blue, and offer a range of widths to suit your needs.

Three different sizes of black wheel spacers laying on a wooden-top workbench.

In the world of trucks and jeeps, form and function go hand in hand. Our wheel spacers are no different—they’re designed to enhance both. Get yours today and take your vehicle's performance and appearance to the next level.