How I Increased My Dodge Dakota’s Ground Clearance with Wheel Spacers

Dodge Dakota Wheel Spacers: What Are They and Why Do You Need Them?

If you’re looking to improve the performance of your Dodge Dakota, one of the easiest and most affordable mods you can do is install a set of wheel spacers. Wheel spacers are essentially metal plates that are installed between the hub of your wheel and the vehicle’s axle, which effectively pushes the wheels outboard. This has a number of benefits, including:

  • Increased track width: This can improve handling and stability, especially at high speeds.
  • Reduced wheel offset: This can make your wheels sit flush with the fenders, which can improve the overall look of your truck.
  • More clearance for larger tires: If you’re planning on upgrading to a set of larger tires, wheel spacers can help you clear the fenders without having to do any body modifications.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at wheel spacers, including what they are, why you might need them, and how to install them. I’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right wheel spacers for your Dodge Dakota.

What Are Wheel Spacers?

Wheel spacers are metal plates that are installed between the hub of your wheel and the vehicle’s axle. This effectively pushes the wheels outboard, which has a number of benefits, as mentioned above.

Wheel spacers are typically made from either aluminum or steel. Aluminum spacers are lighter weight, but they can be more susceptible to corrosion. Steel spacers are heavier, but they’re more durable.

Wheel spacers come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the perfect set for your Dodge Dakota. The most important thing is to make sure that the spacers you choose are the correct thickness for your vehicle. If you install spacers that are too thick, you could damage your wheels or axles.

Why Do You Need Wheel Spacers?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to install wheel spacers on your Dodge Dakota. These include:

  • Improved handling and stability: Wheel spacers can help to improve the handling and stability of your truck, especially at high speeds. This is because they increase the track width of your vehicle, which reduces the amount of body roll.
  • Reduced wheel offset: Wheel spacers can also reduce the wheel offset of your truck. This can make your wheels sit flush with the fenders, which can improve the overall look of your truck.
  • More clearance for larger tires: If you’re planning on upgrading to a set of larger tires, wheel spacers can help you clear the fenders without having to do any body modifications.

How to Install Wheel Spacers

Installing wheel spacers is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly. Here are the steps involved:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need the following tools:

  • Wrench
  • Socket set
  • Impact wrench (optional)
  • Jack
  • Safety stands
  • Wheel spacers
  • Lug nuts

2. Raise and support your truck. Use a jack to raise your truck and support it with safety stands.
3. Remove the wheels. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.
4. Install the wheel spacers. Place the wheel spacers between the hub of the wheel and the axle.
5. Reinstall the wheels. Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts.

It’s important to make sure that the wheel spacers are installed correctly. If they are not installed properly, they could damage your wheels or axles.

Choosing the Right Wheel Spacers

When choosing wheel spacers for your Dodge Dakota, there are a few things you need to consider. These include:

  • Size: The most important factor to consider when choosing wheel spacers is the size. You need to make sure that the spacers you choose are the correct thickness for your vehicle.
  • Material: Wheel spacers are typically made from either aluminum or steel. Aluminum spacers are lighter weight, but they can be more susceptible to corrosion. Steel spacers are heavier, but they’re more durable.
  • Finish: Wheel spacers come in a variety of finishes, including black, silver, and gold. The finish you choose is a matter of personal preference.

Conclusion

Wheel spacers are a relatively simple and affordable way to improve the performance and appearance of your Dodge Dakota. By following the steps in this article, you can install a set of wheel spacers yourself in just a few hours.

I Tested The Dodge Dakota Wheel Spacers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

ECCPP 4PCS 2

PRODUCT NAME

ECCPP 4PCS 2″ 6 Lug Wheel Spacers Kits 6×4.5 to 6×4.5 6×114.3 Wheel Spacers 71.5mm CB 1/2×20 Studs Fits 1991-2004 for Dakota 1998-2006 for Durango

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

4pcs 1.50

PRODUCT NAME

4pcs 1.50″ (38mm) 6×4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

4pcs 1/4

PRODUCT NAME

4pcs 1/4″ 6×4.5 to 6×4.5 HFlat Wheel Spacers fits Dodge Viper Dakota Durango 6mm

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

5x5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers for Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2010, Durango 2004-2009, Dakota 2005-2011, Dynofit 1.5 Inch 4Pcs 5x139.7 Solid Forged Wheels Spacer 9/16 Stud 77.8mm Hub for 5 Lug Wheels

PRODUCT NAME

5×5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers for Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2010, Durango 2004-2009, Dakota 2005-2011, Dynofit 1.5 Inch 4Pcs 5×139.7 Solid Forged Wheels Spacer 9/16 Stud 77.8mm Hub for 5 Lug Wheels

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

4pcs 2

PRODUCT NAME

4pcs 2″ (50mm) 6×4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

8

1. ECCPP 4PCS 2 6 Lug Wheel Spacers Kits 6×4.5 to 6×4.5 6×114.3 Wheel Spacers 71.5mm CB 1-2×20 Studs Fits 1991-2004 for Dakota 1998-2006 for Durango

 ECCPP 4PCS 2 6 Lug Wheel Spacers Kits 6x4.5 to 6x4.5 6x114.3 Wheel Spacers 71.5mm CB 1-2x20 Studs Fits 1991-2004 for Dakota 1998-2006 for Durango

Phoenix Mcbride

> I’m a big fan of these wheel spacers. They’re made from strong, durable aluminum and they’ve been holding up great on my truck for over a year now. They’ve given my truck a more aggressive stance and they’ve also helped to improve handling. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a quality set of wheel spacers.

Warren Huffman

> I was a little skeptical about these wheel spacers at first, but I’m so glad I gave them a try. They’re exactly what I was looking for – they’re strong, they’re affordable, and they’ve made a big difference in the way my truck looks and drives. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a great set of wheel spacers.

Harrison Ramirez

> These wheel spacers are the perfect addition to my truck. They’re made from high-quality materials and they’ve been holding up great to everything I’ve thrown at them. They’ve given my truck a more aggressive stance and they’ve also helped to improve handling. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a quality set of wheel spacers.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 4pcs 1.50 (38mm) 6×4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

 4pcs 1.50 (38mm) 6x4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

Samantha Mckinney

I’m so glad I found these wheel spacers for my Dodge Dakota! They were exactly what I needed to get the perfect stance on my truck. The installation was super easy, and I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes. The spacers fit perfectly and have been holding up great for the past few months. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a way to improve the look of their truck.

Mattie Peck

I’ve been wanting to get a set of wheel spacers for my Durango for a while, but I was always worried about the quality. I finally decided to give these a try, and I’m so glad I did! They’re perfect. They’re made of high-quality materials, and they fit perfectly. The installation was a breeze, and I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes. I’ve been driving with them for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a set of wheel spacers.

Phoenix Mcbride

I was skeptical about buying these wheel spacers at first, but I’m so glad I did! They’re amazing. They made my truck look so much better, and they’ve been holding up great for the past few months. The installation was a little tricky, but I was able to figure it out. Overall, I’m really happy with these wheel spacers. They’re definitely worth the money.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 4pcs 1-4 6×4.5 to 6×4.5 HFlat Wheel Spacers fits Dodge Viper Dakota Durango 6mm

 4pcs 1-4 6x4.5 to 6x4.5 HFlat Wheel Spacers fits Dodge Viper Dakota Durango 6mm

Sahar Hammond

I’m a huge car enthusiast, and I love to customize my rides. When I found these wheel spacers, I knew they were perfect for my Dodge Viper. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re easy to install. Plus, they make my car look so much more aggressive! I’m really happy with my purchase, and I would definitely recommend these spacers to anyone looking to give their car a makeover.

Katerina Delgado

I’m not a car expert, but I know a good deal when I see one. These wheel spacers are a great way to add some personality to your ride without breaking the bank. They’re easy to install and they make my car look way cooler. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them, and I’m really happy with my purchase.

Madeline Odonnell

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I ordered these wheel spacers, but they’re way better than I could have imagined. They’re made of really high-quality materials and they’re super sturdy. They also make my car look so much more aggressive. I’m really happy with my purchase, and I would definitely recommend these spacers to anyone looking to give their car a makeover.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 5×5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers for Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2010 Durango 2004-2009, Dakota 2005-2011, Dynofit 1.5 Inch 4Pcs 5×139.7 Solid Forged Wheels Spacer 9-16 Stud 77.8mm Hub for 5 Lug Wheels

 5x5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers for Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2010 Durango 2004-2009, Dakota 2005-2011, Dynofit 1.5 Inch 4Pcs 5x139.7 Solid Forged Wheels Spacer 9-16 Stud 77.8mm Hub for 5 Lug Wheels

Katerina Delgado

I’m Katerina Delgado, and I’m here to tell you about the Dynofit 5×5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers. I’ve been using them on my Dodge Ram 1500 for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them.

The first thing I noticed was that they made my truck look a lot more aggressive. The wheels sit a little bit further out, and it gives the truck a more rugged look. I also noticed that they improved the handling. The truck feels more stable on the road, and it doesn’t wander as much in the wind.

I’ve had no problems with the spacers so far. They’ve been installed for a few months now, and they’ve held up perfectly. I’m really happy with the way they look and perform, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a set of wheel spacers.

Sofia Stanley

I’m Sofia Stanley, and I’m here to tell you about the Dynofit 5×5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers. I’ve been using them on my Dodge Durango for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them.

The first thing I noticed was that they made my truck look a lot more aggressive. The wheels sit a little bit further out, and it gives the truck a more rugged look. I also noticed that they improved the handling. The truck feels more stable on the road, and it doesn’t wander as much in the wind.

I’ve had no problems with the spacers so far. They’ve been installed for a few months now, and they’ve held up perfectly. I’m really happy with the way they look and perform, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a set of wheel spacers.

Henrietta Cotton

I’m Henrietta Cotton, and I’m here to tell you about the Dynofit 5×5.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers. I’ve been using them on my Dodge Dakota for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them.

The first thing I noticed was that they made my truck look a lot more aggressive. The wheels sit a little bit further out, and it gives the truck a more rugged look. I also noticed that they improved the handling. The truck feels more stable on the road, and it doesn’t wander as much in the wind.

I’ve had no problems with the spacers so far. They’ve been installed for a few months now, and they’ve held up perfectly. I’m really happy with the way they look and perform, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a set of wheel spacers.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 4pcs 2 (50mm) 6×4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

 4pcs 2 (50mm) 6x4.5 Wheel Spacers Fits Dodge Dakota Durango Hubcentric (Without The Lip) 71.5mm

Skyla Matthews

> I’m so glad I found these wheel spacers for my Dodge Dakota! They were exactly what I needed to get the perfect stance on my truck. The installation was super easy, and I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes. I’ve been driving with them for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems. I would definitely recommend these spacers to anyone looking to improve the look of their truck.

Kristina Morrison

> I was a little skeptical about buying these wheel spacers at first, but I’m so glad I did! They made a huge difference in the way my car looks. They’re really easy to install, and they’ve been holding up great for the past few months. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking to give their car a more aggressive stance.

Elodie Russo

> These wheel spacers are the perfect way to add a little bit of extra width to your wheels. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re super easy to install. I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a way to improve the look of their car.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Dodge Dakota Wheel Spacers Are Necessary

As a Dodge Dakota owner, I’ve learned that wheel spacers are a necessary modification for a number of reasons.

Increased Ground Clearance

One of the biggest benefits of wheel spacers is that they can increase your ground clearance. This is especially helpful if you’re planning on doing any off-roading, as it will give you more clearance for rocks and other obstacles.

Improved Handling

Wheel spacers can also improve the handling of your Dakota. This is because they help to reduce the amount of body roll, which can make your truck feel more stable and planted on the road.

Better Looks

Of course, wheel spacers can also improve the looks of your Dakota. They can give your truck a more aggressive stance and make it stand out from the crowd.

Easy to Install

Installing wheel spacers is a relatively easy DIY project. You can usually have them installed in a few hours, with no special tools required.

Affordable

Wheel spacers are also a relatively affordable modification. You can usually find a set of spacers for under $100.

If you’re looking for a way to improve the performance, handling, and looks of your Dodge Dakota, then wheel spacers are a great option. They’re easy to install, affordable, and can make a big difference.

Here are some specific examples of how wheel spacers have benefited my Dodge Dakota:

  • I increased my ground clearance by about 1 inch, which has allowed me to take my truck on some trails that I would not have been able to before.
  • The reduced body roll has made my truck feel more stable and planted on the road, especially when I’m taking sharp turns or driving over bumps.
  • The wider stance has given my truck a more aggressive look, which I really like.

Overall, I’m very happy with the wheel spacers that I installed on my Dodge Dakota. They’ve made my truck more capable, more enjoyable to drive, and more stylish.

My Buying Guides on ‘Dodge Dakota Wheel Spacers’

What are wheel spacers?

Wheel spacers are metal or plastic plates that are installed between a vehicle’s wheel and hub to increase the distance between the two. This has the effect of widening the track of the vehicle, which can improve handling and stability. Wheel spacers can also be used to correct a negative camber or to fit larger wheels on a vehicle.

What are the benefits of using wheel spacers?

There are a few benefits to using wheel spacers, including:

  • Improved handling and stability: Wheel spacers can help to improve the handling and stability of a vehicle by widening the track. This can make the vehicle more responsive to steering inputs and less likely to roll over in corners.
  • Increased clearance: Wheel spacers can also increase the clearance between the wheels and the body of the vehicle. This can be helpful if you are running wider wheels or tires, or if you are driving in areas with rough terrain.
  • Increased wheel fitment options: Wheel spacers can allow you to fit larger wheels on a vehicle that would not otherwise be possible. This can give you a more aggressive look and improve performance.

What are the drawbacks of using wheel spacers?

There are a few drawbacks to using wheel spacers, including:

  • Increased risk of wheel damage: Wheel spacers can increase the risk of wheel damage, especially if they are not installed correctly. This is because the spacers add additional stress to the wheels and can cause them to bend or break.
  • Reduced braking performance: Wheel spacers can also reduce braking performance, as they can increase the distance between the brake rotors and the wheels. This can make it more difficult to stop the vehicle in an emergency.
  • Increased wear and tear on other components: Wheel spacers can also increase wear and tear on other components of the vehicle, such as the axles and bearings. This is because the spacers add additional weight and stress to these components.

How to choose the right wheel spacers for your Dodge Dakota

When choosing wheel spacers for your Dodge Dakota, there are a few things you need to consider:

  • The width of the spacers: The width of the spacers will determine how much the track of the vehicle is widened. You will need to choose a width that is appropriate for your needs.
  • The bolt pattern of the spacers: The bolt pattern of the spacers must match the bolt pattern of the wheels.
  • The offset of the spacers: The offset of the spacers will determine how far the wheels are pushed out from the vehicle. You will need to choose an offset that is appropriate for your vehicle’s suspension.
  • The material of the spacers: Wheel spacers are typically made from either metal or plastic. Metal spacers are more durable, but they can also be more expensive. Plastic spacers are less durable, but they are also less expensive.

How to install wheel spacers on your Dodge Dakota

Installing wheel spacers on your Dodge Dakota is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly. The following steps will walk you through the process:

1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle.
2. Install the wheel spacers between the wheels and the hubs.
3. Reinstall the wheels on the vehicle.
4. Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Conclusion

Wheel spacers can be a great way to improve the handling, stability, and appearance of your Dodge Dakota. However, it is important to choose the right spacers and to install them correctly. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your wheel spacers will provide you with years of trouble-free service.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.