265/70R17 rub with spidertrax

[Erkelbot]

Hey guys,

I installed my spidertrax today, and as you can imagine the slight run got less slight. I'm running Bilstein 5100s in front (set to 2.5") and a spacer in the rear to eliminate the rake. I've already backed out the fender liner 1"+, and trimmed the lower bumper on both sides a fair amount... The trouble is, it's still rubbing.

I compared my rig to my buddy's today (an 05), and the bumper is markedly different. His looks to fit easier when turning. Pretty irritating, really...

Is it my tire (Nitto TGs), or just the size? I've done a lot more trimming than I thought I'd need to...just seems weird. I can probably do a bit more trimming et, but I'm starting to get concerned I'm going to hit a wall and need o swap the tires.

 

[erklep]

Hey guys,

I installed my spidertrax today, and as you can imagine the slight run got less slight. I'm running Bilstein 5100s in front (set to 2.5") and a spacer in the rear to eliminate the rake. I've already backed out the fender liner 1"+, and trimmed the lower bumper on both sides a fair amount... The trouble is, it's still rubbing.

I compared my rig to my buddy's today (an 05), and the bumper is markedly different. His looks to fit easier when turning. Pretty irritating, really...

Is it my tire (Nitto TGs), or just the size? I've done a lot more trimming than I thought I'd need to...just seems weird. I can probably do a bit more trimming et, but I'm starting to get concerned I'm going to hit a wall and need o swap the tires.

erkelbot, meet erklep. My vote is more trimming. I am running the same size and had to trim the bumper from the beginning, when I threw on my spacers, I had to trim the bumper more. Installed Daystar lift and had to trim it once again. Just last week I upgraded to FJ OR suspension and kept the Daystar kit and guess what? need to be trimmed again! The higher and wider you go, the more flex you get which in turn causes more rubbing. Have someone drive it slowly in circles while you walk next to the truck and see where its rubbing. Just a fresh razorblade is all you need to make adjustments

 

[Erkelbot]

Thanks, Erk brother.

I have a feeling I'm close with this now, but it did take me by surprise at how much trimming was needed for such an innocuous set of mods. I'm sure I'll get there soon, but man...what a pervasive problem. I almost wish I went with 255/70R70s to clear that bumper corner...almost...

 

[erklep]

Thanks, Erk brother.

I have a feeling I'm close with this now, but it did take me by surprise at how much trimming was needed for such an innocuous set of mods. I'm sure I'll get there soon, but man...what a pervasive problem. I almost wish I went with 255/70R70s to clear that bumper corner...almost...

:iagree: You'll get it! I wish I had gone skinnier as well. Would have caused less headaches trying to resolve the rubbing issues as well as a few other benefits(lighter, less rotating mass etc). I do love the wheel protection that extra meat provides though.

 

[Jabberjaw]

255/80R17 for the win!

 

[Erkelbot]

I've got another .25" at least of bumper to shave off to eliminate the bumper growl in reverse. I spent a good 15 minutes this morning doing reverse donuts in my work lot. Aside from looking like a real winner, I also got a chance to experience when and where the rub happens. 30ish degrees is where it's worst -- and only in reverse at this point. Man does it growl and sound like hell. It'll also growl a bit under moderate braking in front when I'm turning at the same angle.

Tonight I give it another haircut. I think that oughtta do it. I'll post pictures once it's all sorted out so other folks have it for reference.

 

[Erkelbot]

Seems like I've hit the point where the bumper clears. The liner still runs subtly in reverse at near full crank, but I think I "fixed" it.

 

[Erkelbot]

Looks like this on both sides now. You can't see it from the outside, but under the well it's fairly evident it has been monkied with.

 

[Erkelbot]

One more from the side for good measure.

 

[erklep]

take a straight edge and razor that straight across and it makes it near invisible to the average joe that it has been trimmed up. glad you solved the issue though. The noise will make you cringe every time even knowing its only plastic rubbing

 

[Erkelbot]

take a straight edge and razor that straight across and it makes it near invisible to the average joe that it has been trimmed up. glad you solved the issue though. The noise will make you cringe every time even knowing its only plastic rubbing

Cringe is right -- especially when it's the bumper and not the liner. The liner rubs, the bumper vibrates and growls. Bad stuff...

I'll tidy it up later today. I made those quick cuts last night in 10 mins to placate the wife and stay out of the garage. She doesn't understand why an 'improvement' (which is how I pitched it when I replaced the wheels and tires, and added STs) makes more work necessary.