Help me choose between two setups

[BATomov]

Hey everyone,


I’ve made a ton of posts trying to figure this out for myself, but I’ve finally narrowed it down to 2 options and could really use some guidance.


For context: I drive a 2024 Gladiator Sport S (no max tow). For all intents and purposes, she’s stock. I do a lot of mixed driving, and it’s really important to me that I keep MPG in check and stay comfortable on long road trips. I don’t wheel very hard—mostly ripping around a farm with some mud holes—but I want to keep that option open. The one non-negotiable for me is that whatever setup I run, it cannot have rubbing issues even at max articulation. I’m a perfectionist and like to overbuild things so they run smooth and worry-free, like factory.


Option 1:

• Teraflex 1.5” level kit (would start with the 1” puck and see how it looks)
• 285/70R17 on stock rims

The benefits are obvious: basically nothing major changes. I’d get a slightly better look, more front-end clearance, and a jump from road tires to A/Ts. Since I’m not pushing the setup much, I’d keep good gas mileage, comfort, and reliability—while still improving looks and functionality.


Option 2:

• Spidertrax 1.75” wheel spacers
• Same Teraflex level
• 295/70R17 (top end of width allowance for stock rims)

The thought process here is a more aggressive stance with a little poke. The spacers’ main job is to prevent rubbing at max articulation with the wider tires. But this is where I’m hung up—some say this setup still rubs, even with level + spacers. If that’s true, I’d rule it out completely, because I absolutely do not want rub. I’ve also heard mixed things about wheel spacers in general.


Ideally, I’d just grab new rims with a better offset and run wider tires, but I’m not made of money right now and really like the look of the stock machined aluminum wheels.


So what do y’all think? Am I right to be worried about rub? I know to a lot of you this probably sounds like two “punk” setups, but I’m new and trying to learn. I just want my truck to perform well on and off road, look good, and be reliable.


If anyone is running either of these setups, please share pics. And if you need any other details or clarifications, let me know. Appreciate any help!


TL;DR: 2024 Gladiator Sport S, stock rims. Trying to decide between:

• Option 1: Teraflex level + 285/70R17 (safe, simple, reliable, keeps MPG/comfort)
• Option 2: Teraflex level + 295/70R17 + Spidertrax 1.75” spacers (more aggressive look, possible rub, spacer concerns)
  Worried about rub at max articulation and long-term reliability.

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[Charles 236]

I actually went with option 1. I realize that there are quality spacers available, but I don't want to add the complexity of juggling wheel width and offset, spacer thickness and true tire size. Plus, I saved money by buying a set of takeoff wheel from a Rubicon, giving me the more aggressive tires on factory 17 inch wheels (I have an Overland that came stock with 18 inch wheels and mild A/T tires.) I did use both the 1" and the 1/2" spacers in the Terraflex kit.

 

[BATomov]

I actually went with option 1. I realize that there are quality spacers available, but I don't want to add the complexity of juggling wheel width and offset, spacer thickness and true tire size. Plus, I saved money by buying a set of takeoff wheel from a Rubicon, giving me the more aggressive tires on factory 17 inch wheels (I have an Overland that came stock with 18 inch wheels and mild A/T tires.) I did use both the 1" and the 1/2" spacers in the Terraflex kit.

Okay, Thank you. Do you have pics Charles?

 

[Charles 236]

 

[Verne]

Obviously, you should consider the option that makes you the most comfortable (and economical) but this is your opportunity to increase the size of the tire. I promise you that if you select the correct tire, your ride comfort will be similar. Yes, you will get an mpg hit, but in my experience, it wasn't enough to cause concerns. Our rigs came out of the box with awful mpg (compared to other small trucks). If you want the bigger stance, do it.

 

[Jaxmax]

Perhaps look at the skinny tire options. I just replaced my factory 285/70/17 with 255/80/17 tires both are Falken Wildpeak new tires are 10.3”wide by 33.3” high compared to the factory tires at 11.5” wide X 32.8” high, plus new tires are 5 pounds lighter. Results are I have ran trails with it and performed great, I run the beaches fishing they work great at same PSI (18-19) as factory tires, my gas mileage tough to tell seem to be getting a bit more at 19.8 mpg on highway, but not a real good test and tires size was no reprogrammed but I am going to do it soon half inch is a half inch! Much less chance of rub with a skinny tire and it still looks good, and steering has a lighter feel, you will feel the difference when going wider….Jack

 

[BATomov]

That looks perfect, man—you might’ve convinced me. Can you send one pic from directly in front or behind so I can get a feel for the width?

 

[Charles 236]

That looks perfect, man—you might’ve convinced me. Can you send one pic from directly in front or behind so I can get a feel for the width?

Those pictures are from back in January of this year. I will be glad to get another picture, but it will be a few days. I'm recovering from surgery right now, can't stand to be up and about very much. But as far as width, it is even with the fenders front and rear, which suited me. A bit of poke looks good, but it also can allow road sand and the occasional rock to make a hit on the side, like hinges or rear fenders.

 

[djthumper]

With the level you can fit the 295/70R17 without a spacer. It only places it at 11.6" anything wider than that you will have rub.

 

[BATomov]

Those pictures are from back in January of this year. I will be glad to get another picture, but it will be a few days. I'm recovering from surgery right now, can't stand to be up and about very much. But as far as width, it is even with the fenders front and rear, which suited me. A bit of poke looks good, but it also can allow road sand and the occasional rock to make a hit on the side, like hinges or rear fenders.

No worries man, I really appreciate all your help. Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery!

 

[BATomov]

With the level you can fit the 295/70R17 without a spacer. It only places it at 11.6" anything wider than that you will have rub.

Have you tested it?

 

[djthumper]

With multiple Jeeps, I had 35 x 12.5 17s on mine without spacers I had to go to full lock to get a little rub.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Hey everyone,


I’ve made a ton of posts trying to figure this out for myself, but I’ve finally narrowed it down to 2 options and could really use some guidance.


For context: I drive a 2024 Gladiator Sport S (no max tow). For all intents and purposes, she’s stock. I do a lot of mixed driving, and it’s really important to me that I keep MPG in check and stay comfortable on long road trips. I don’t wheel very hard—mostly ripping around a farm with some mud holes—but I want to keep that option open. The one non-negotiable for me is that whatever setup I run, it cannot have rubbing issues even at max articulation. I’m a perfectionist and like to overbuild things so they run smooth and worry-free, like factory.


Option 1:

• Teraflex 1.5” level kit (would start with the 1” puck and see how it looks)
• 285/70R17 on stock rims

The benefits are obvious: basically nothing major changes. I’d get a slightly better look, more front-end clearance, and a jump from road tires to A/Ts. Since I’m not pushing the setup much, I’d keep good gas mileage, comfort, and reliability—while still improving looks and functionality.


Option 2:

• Spidertrax 1.75” wheel spacers
• Same Teraflex level
• 295/70R17 (top end of width allowance for stock rims)

The thought process here is a more aggressive stance with a little poke. The spacers’ main job is to prevent rubbing at max articulation with the wider tires. But this is where I’m hung up—some say this setup still rubs, even with level + spacers. If that’s true, I’d rule it out completely, because I absolutely do not want rub. I’ve also heard mixed things about wheel spacers in general.


Ideally, I’d just grab new rims with a better offset and run wider tires, but I’m not made of money right now and really like the look of the stock machined aluminum wheels.


So what do y’all think? Am I right to be worried about rub? I know to a lot of you this probably sounds like two “punk” setups, but I’m new and trying to learn. I just want my truck to perform well on and off road, look good, and be reliable.


If anyone is running either of these setups, please share pics. And if you need any other details or clarifications, let me know. Appreciate any help!


TL;DR: 2024 Gladiator Sport S, stock rims. Trying to decide between:

• Option 1: Teraflex level + 285/70R17 (safe, simple, reliable, keeps MPG/comfort)
• Option 2: Teraflex level + 295/70R17 + Spidertrax 1.75” spacers (more aggressive look, possible rub, spacer concerns)
  Worried about rub at max articulation and long-term reliability.

Save your $ on the pucks and leave them out. Look into 255/80-17 tires that are 33.1”, but narrower than the others that will help fit with stock suspension. Take the money you save on pucks for better shocks. The tires are also lighter than the 285’s plus have better all around traction with a higher ground weight per sq inch.

 

[Blade1668]

Not knowing the mileage you have already, new shocks are worth looking into . Along with the 255/80 AT tires or Rubicon take offs.
Leveling pucks is a toss up. You could end nose up. If you get wheel spacers don't go cheap get good ones. (IMHO, I'm not a big fan of them, but I do have a set on my Wrangler to keep stock rims.) A detrimental impact on "tire poke" is more rock chips, mud and even launched rocks on hood and windshield.
I found the stock HT tires flat out suck, I actually got less MPG with them over stock AT tires and handling like crap on road. Not so much with 3rd set of tires. 33x10.5r17 aggressive AT tires in higher load range. At least one of my OEM shocks was blown out, many miles and towing.
I definitely understand you want to dump them HT tires.

 

[Sweetums]

Spacers are a hard "No" from me. Adding one more point of failure is never a good idea, just spend the money and get wheels with the correct backspacing.

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