2wd Maxtrac Spindle Lift Clearance

[SR_5runner]

I've searched to no avail. I am looking to change up my lift from the current 3" toytec spacers (front) to spindles, specifically these:

2003-2010 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2WD / 03-15 4 RUNNER 4" LIFT SPINDLES

My question is this: These spindles call for a backspacing of no more than 4.75" on a 17" wheel. I would like to put on 18" w/ a backspacing of 5" (see below) but am not sure if the added diameter will allow me to clear the extra backspacing.

https://www.fnwheels.com/new-products/bfd/

I emailed the folks at maxtrac and they unfortunately did NOT have an answer for me. I have asked for some pictures of the profile to see how far the spindle moves away from the hub to see if I can take a guess and maybe just pull the trigger, but trying to see if anyone can help out before I risk it blindly.

**Maybe a few of the 2wd members with these installed could help me guess at it!?**

Thanks

 

[Ryan04]

I'm running the maxtracs and have 4.75" of backspacing on my wheels with no problem. What exact measurements do you need? i will be swapping out my shocks this wednesday so i can get some detailed pics or measurements for you.
If there isn't enough clearance with the wheels you want, you also have the option to run a small wheel spacer to get the clearance needed.

 

[Troymclure]

Dont know if those wheels work, but maybe someone here asked and had it answered. I would go through all the pages myself, but thats a lot of work haha

Maxtrac Spindle Lift for 2nd Gen Prerunners - Tacoma World Forums

 

[SR_5runner]

I'm running the maxtracs and have 4.75" of backspacing on my wheels with no problem. What exact measurements do you need? i will be swapping out my shocks this wednesday so i can get some detailed pics or measurements for you.
If there isn't enough clearance with the wheels you want, you also have the option to run a small wheel spacer to get the clearance needed.

Thanks for the quick answer. If you look on the link that Troymclure posted, I'm looking for a picture similar to the one on the first page, post #12, third picture. If you could snap one with your 17's @ 4.75" mounted up I might be able to get a guess if an 18" @ 5"BS might have a chance to fit. I also thought about adding a spacer up front but I would like to keep the width as narrow as need be, since the spindles already add 0.75" track width. If I cant find a solution I may work w/ a very minimal spacer to see if I can squeak by.

Dont know if those wheels work, but maybe someone here asked and had it answered. I would go through all the pages myself, but thats a lot of work haha

Thanks for the link, I have no problems working through the thread until I start to lose it! Hopefully I find the "needle in the haystack"!

 

[SR_5runner]

Updates

To update anyone interested...(MAYBE 2 PPL!?)

Found a user over on TacomaWorld ( :thanks: [MENTION=95421]Troymclure[/MENTION] )running the same maxtrac 4" spindles. His profile says hes running some 18x9 KMC XD806 Bomb wheels. Via their website, the SMALLEST backspacing he is running is 5" (or 6.18, which I seriously doubt). I haven't found any instance of him mentioning adding front wheel spacers so it seems like it will work. He is also running 285/65/18s (32.6x11.2) which is wider than what I think I want to run.

What a perfect segway! :bravo:

My plan is to run 265/70/18s (32.6x10.4R18). I currently have 255/75/17s and LOVE having such a narrow tire, but looking around has me curious. It doesn't seem like many choose this size. My other choice would be a 275/70/R18 (33.2x10.8R18), but I am pulled toward the 265s bc of the slightlyyyy more narrow dimensions. Does anyone have any suggestions/input/experience/etc. with EITHER of the two above tire sizes? I'm looking for the least amount of rub, trimming, etc. while still having as full of a tire as I can fit.

Sorry for the long-winded novel, thanks for any input!

P.S.-- thanks to the power of the internets I tracked down above mentioned user and found his other social media accounts and have reached out to him to hopefully hear some info "straight from the horses mouth"...

 

[SR_5runner]

Bump for being bitten again by this bug, still looking for some "data" confirmation!

When I last posted, I had reached out to the Tacomaworld member, definately no luck what-so-ever...

so Here's where I stand. I want to do a 18" bronze wheel, but if I'm being frank, the FN wheels are just too expensive for me. This leaves me with two other options. The Level 8 MK6, which are 18x9 +12, (so like a 5.5" backspacing) which is more than likely a NO-GO.

I have found a set of intriguing wheels and am looking for any reviews please!

Ambit Wheels RS02 18x9 +0 Matte Bronze (Truck Series) ? Rev Motion

@$650 for 4, thats much closer to the # I'm looking for for a price!

If any far too kind soul who has the maxtrac spindles could possiblyyy measure to see if a 5" backspacing 18x9 wheel would rub the spindles, say next time they have to take a wheel/tire off anyway!?, I would forever be indebted!

I'm also going to reach out to Discount Tire here on the forum to see if there are any 0 offset level 8 mk6's still around or some way to get a set! (going for the hail mary on that one!)

P.S. cannot figure out for the life of me how to tag their username here on the forum reply...Have I overlooked a basic operations guide sticky somewhere here on the forum!? :help:

 

[truckhigh]

I would say you could because i ran a 4.89 bs and it worked w a 315/70/17 tire too. I only had about 1/4 in clearance from spindle to tire. If you are just running a 285 you should be fine. I wasn't comfortable with the 315 tire clearance so i switched rims. If your wondering if you can just add a 1/4 wheel spacer to clear it. i will tell you for a fact that you need longer wheel studs

I was in your exact dilemma a little while ago and you just got to try it out. I wanted the mk6 also and ended up with the punch. i don't like the look as much but i saved 8 lbs per rim. those mk6 are hefty 29lbs

 

[SR_5runner]

I would say you could because i ran a 4.89 bs and it worked w a 315/70/17 tire too. I only had about 1/4 in clearance from spindle to tire. If you are just running a 285 you should be fine. I wasn't comfortable with the 315 tire clearance so i switched rims. If your wondering if you can just add a 1/4 wheel spacer to clear it. i will tell you for a fact that you need longer wheel studs

I was in your exact dilemma a little while ago and you just got to try it out. I wanted the mk6 also and ended up with the punch. i don't like the look as much but i saved 8 lbs per rim. those mk6 are hefty 29lbs

Thank you! that definitely helps clear up the picture in my mind about this. My only other concern is running 18x9, 0 offset (5" BS) wheels and either 265/70/18s (32.6x10.4R18) or 275/70/R18 (33.2x10.8R18) and clearance with the upper control arms and also when turning :redbrick:

Referencing this same thread when I first started gathering info, the tacoma I used for fitment specs was running an 18x9, 5" BS, and 285/65/18s (32.6x11.2), so ASSUMING the Taco and 4Runners are SOMEWHAT similar in terms of wheel well and suspension geometry/ clearances, I think I should be good to go!

Also more than willing to give the Ambit wheels a test for the price. In regards to the added weight, I was worried about keeping things light at first, but anything is heavier that OEM so it's a loose loose if I look at it that way. I'm waiting to hear back from the Ambit wheels about weight per wheel, they honestly look like FN knock-offs...Knowing the 18" level 8s are like 32-33lbs, EACH I'd be happy to see any number lower!

 

[truckhigh]

the spindle makes the UCA 4 in higher so there is no way for it to hit. I would think the 275 shouldn't have any problems.

I'm pretty sure all those rims come from the same place. thats an awesome price and I originally want fn or scs wheels. I worry about weight because i don't plan on going smaller then a 315 anymore. plus I wouldn't mind an extra mpg.

 

[SR_5runner]

the spindle makes the UCA 4 in higher so there is no way for it to hit. I would think the 275 shouldn't have any problems.

I'm pretty sure all those rims come from the same place. thats an awesome price and I originally want fn or scs wheels. I worry about weight because i don't plan on going smaller then a 315 anymore. plus I wouldn't mind an extra mpg.

^^That seems like reasonable logic.^^

A few good developments for today:

PM'd Discount Tire on the forum here, and in fact they CAN get me a set of the 18x9 0mm offset level 8 MK6's even though they are discontinued. Awesome! Those (according to old posts) should weigh in around 33.5 lbs a piece, kindaaa heavy! hwell:

This was the response to my emails with Ambit about their RS02's that have grabbed my attn:

"Hello,

There currently isn't any weight info available for this model. Being as they are similar in size to other 18 inch wheels made by Ambit, they should be in the 26-27 lb range possible\y more as they have a higher load rating than wheels made for a car.

RevMotion"

Hmmm... now I have this decision to make.

At first blow, I say go with Ambit, they weigh less. Even though weight isn't a primary concern, it's definately an added bonus all other things equal, which is what the 0mm offset Level 8s provide. Either wheel will suit my preference and other "requirements". But in reading into the emailed response a little, I become a little wary. Do I really want to buy from a wheel company that doesn't even have the weight of one of their products they sell!? :wow: Isn't that kinda one of the things you should know? What other surprises am I going to have to field if thats the start of this 'relationship'

For some quick rough tire/wheel weight math:

OEM (sr5, ~25lbs) + OEM (265/65/17)= 64lbs

What I am currently running:

OEM (sr5) + BFG Mud-Terrain (KM1, 255/75/17)= 73lbs

Proposed "Upgrades":

Level 8 MK6 (18x9, 0mm) + 265/70/18 (BFG AT2 for ex.)= 88.5lbs
Level 8 MK6 (18x9, 0mm) + 275/70/18 (BFG AT2 for ex.)= 90.5lbs

Ambit (18x9, 0mm) + 265/70/18 (Same As Above)= 82
Ambit (18x9, 0mm) + 275/70/18 (Same As Above)= 84

 

[truckhigh]

the ride feels better and i have at least a mpg better. I shaved 17 lbs per wheel and thats 68lbs of unsprung weight. if you get it closer to stock you won't lose as many mpg's or difference in braking. I know its a truck but if you had a choice in the matter.

old set up

enkei Rts 26 lbs
bfg Ko 69 lbs
wheel spcr 6 lbs

101 lbs

new set up

lvl8 punch 21 lbs
cooper At3 63 lbs
no spacer

84 lbs

 

[SR_5runner]

For a small update on this for anyone interested in the Ambit Wheels I mentioned, this was an email exchange with the "sales" Dept of the wheel company...

To which they answered...

I normally like to try to trust everyone and try to take other forum talk about the "grave mistake it is to buy wheels that are not certified to the highest, most stringent standards" with a grain of salt. That being said, I kindaaa get that feeling that those wary ppl talk about haha! More than likely going to cross them off the list of options unfortunately. Or at least until I can get more concrete reassurance that it might be a good wheel for an even better price (i.e. eBay uniball control arm discovery!)