1/2" Wheel spacers?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I purchased a pair of wilwood D52 calipers a while ago and they are beyond returnable. Not because they have been used but due to their return policy.

I have a set of 15x8 steel wheels (the white ones with 4 nubs and dog dish caps) The backspacing is 4". They do not clear the calipers. I put a 1/4" spacer and they now clear.

I'm searching for people's experience or expertise on this subject. I've researched all over the net and it's nothing but mixed reviews. Is it that bad to run a spacer up front? What are possible side effects, if any?

I welcome all feedback.. bad or good.

My other option is to eat the cost of the calipers that cost 400 bucks and go back to using a set of stock calipers. The other option, and I really don't want to go this route because I've already invested in the wheels and tires, is to take the centers of the wheels and put them in a 16" hoop which would clear the willwood calipers.