4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: wheel spacers., wheel spacers, wheel bearings

Question
I just recently bought a Rav4 and I was curious if I put 1.5" wheel spacers on it if it would improve the handling any since it is top heavy. And would the spacers decrease my MPG?

Answer
Lewis,

Wheel spacers may make a slight difference, but they are extremely hard on wheel bearings. The reason for this is that they change the center on the wheel putting the pressure outward on the axle shafts.
As far as the MPG goes, they will not make any difference as they are widening the stance of the vehicle, but not changing any gearing or tire size.

Carl