So two questions about the 15x7's on my 4Runner.

I saw something on another forum that stated it was rare to have 15's on the third gen... how valid is this statement?

Was involved in an accident, one of the wheels needs to be replaced, since the 31x10.5r15 tires on the rig now still have plenty of life in them, I figured I would keep them and just swap on new wheels.

I don't have fender flares or trim or anything on mine, so I wanted to keep the stance as close to stock as possible, since the tire tread just barely shows from the side. As I read the wheel it is 15x7JJ 15. I am assuming this is a 15mm offset which equals 4.75" of backspacing or so. Assuming this is correct, does anyone have recommendations on wheels? I am about to most likely order the new Mickey Thompson Classic III in 15x7 with a -8mm offset because I can't find anything closer to the stock than that.

I believe they would fit. I don't see a reason why they wouldn't. The reason 15s are so rare on 3rd gens is because most 3rd gens have brakes that are too big to clear a 15 inch wheel. If it came with 15s stock, which you stated yours did, then you should be fine. The 15s are more common on the 96-98 models. After that most of them came stock with 16s either as a dealer option or from the factory. The ones put on by the dealer can usually run 15s. I had 15s on my stock 97. Just put 16 sport ed/limited wheels on it. Im not sure how far you are from me, but I could sell you just one stock 15 split 3 spoke. youre probably too far away though. just thought id throw that in though! also try craigslist and junkyards. i see these wheels on craigslist all the time here.

It's not that I am worried about them fitting, most other 15x8's and 15x7's will fit, it is just a matter of if they are too wide. Trying to avoid being pulled over by the police for having wheels wider than the fenders, especially since my '02 has no fender flares, or fender trim - just mud flaps.

Appreciate the offer, but I was never really a fan of the stock wheels. Want a high polish. I currently have the three split spoke style wheels. Not a fan, and they are all chewed up so after the accident I decided to take the $250 cash that was offered to replace one wheel and "ornamental cap" and just replace all four with something I like for $175 or so extra (minus mount/balance).

I figured it had something to do with the brakes. I guess there was an upgraded brake package? I got my rig in 2006 so I never remember them new, but considering how much the car makes me feel like it has front-heavy braking, I wonder if the rear drums are just coke bottle caps.

I don't think it was really an upgrade. Toyota just made some with bigger brakes. lol. They seem to handle the same though. mine has the smaller brakes and my dads has the bigger ones for the 16 inch wheels. i couldnt tell a difference. only thing ive noticed is the wear on the front brakes on the smaller ones is significantly worse than the larger ones. If i were you, id think about getting a set of 17 or 16 inch wheels and doing the tundra brake upgrade. but as you said the tires are still good. maybe you could sell em and try to piece together something a bit different with larger wheels. Im working on doing that myself.