spacer lug nuts

I have had to remove my spacer lug nuts a couple of times recently and find it a royal pain. I end up using two socket sets and work against each other, but the last bolt I need to use a big screw driver wedged between the lug bolt and the metal cover over the lockout hub, which of coarse bends the chrome plates cover, making it look like sh.t.

Anybody got a better method, as I now have to remove them again.
thanks,

 

If you don't have a true locker in your axle, have someone sit in the jeep and push the brakes hard to keep the wheel from spinning. If you do have a locker, keep the tire on the other side of the axle on the ground, and if it's in the front, turn the hubs in to engage the locker. I'm curious, please tell me what kind of wheel spacers you are running (brand and thickness), as I put mine on once, and every spacer has had at least one lug nut sieze on the spacer threads, causing me to use so much pressure to loosen them I shear the spacer stud off. I'd like to keep running spacers, but need some that aren't $50/wheel for one time install only!!!

 

I'm curious as to what kind of spacers BOTH of you are using :?

 

The ones I am having problems with are Omix-ADA ones ("Rugged Ridge"). I have a set of spidertrax ones too, but I have not installed them yet. I have heard they will be better, so I sure hope so.

 

I'm planning to pick up a set of Spidertrax myself so I was hoping the bad exeriences were with something else

 

Not having issues with the spacers, just getting them off when I have know one to help, IE pushing in the brakes etc..) They are AL. 1.5" have worked well for me, don't know the brand as they came with the jeep.

 

So are most people running spacers on the front, or back, or both? I have 1.25" spacers front and rear, 10" rims, 13.5 tires, and a dana 44 in the front. Am I gonna be blowing the front end up all the time, or will I be okay as long as I'm not hard on the throttle and not hard on it if bound up with the wheels turned (I'm more of a finesse than raw power 'wheeler).

 

Engine torque doesn't have anything (well, not much) to do with spacer related problems. Spacers move the weight of the tires away from the wheel mounting surfiace creating a longer lever on the wheel bearings and ball joints. The actual damage normally is increased and accelerated wear on both parts. If you jump the vehicle, the spacers could contribute to broken wheel studs, spindles, bearings, hubs, knuckles, rear wheeel bearings, rear axles, and axle tubes front and rear. Spacers generally aren't a good idea unless you're a pretty conservative driver.

I'm planning to run spacers front and rear for better steering clearance and a more stable track width. If I ever go to bigger tires, I'll also go to bigger axles.

 

I jam a big pry bar between a couple wheel studs and against the hub. If you're worried about marring the hub, stuff a rag in there.