98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

[blcktpgsr]

There's only a handful of you guys on this trip this time eh? Nonetheless it looks like a good time. Wow that was alot of recoveries, too! That must've taken the bulk of the day between you guys.

Yeah Vic and I texted and that's how I knew of your Crowsnest trip the day after.

 

[rickashay]

There's only a handful of you guys on this trip this time eh? Nonetheless it looks like a good time. Wow that was alot of recoveries, too! That must've taken the bulk of the day between you guys.

Yeah Vic and I texted and that's how I knew of your Crowsnest trip the day after.

Yah it was a smaller group but we were trying to keep it that way so we could cover more terrain. Yes, recoveries ALL day! haha oh well it was good practice for varying situations.

Well as summer is approaching, I am trying to make plans as far as what mods are next on my 4Runner and the direction I want to go. I will be upsizing my tires for sure. But that is the debate: 35s, 34's, or 33's. I like the idea of 35's but am worried about all the other aspects that come along with running them. As I said in the beginning of this build, keeping the truck VERY reliable is at the top of my priorities while still being very capable. I plan to make trips to Colorado, Cali, Utah, and Arizona in the future so the truck needs to be highway capable in order to get there in relative comfort. Today I test fit a 315/75/16 to see how bad the cutting would have to be to make it work:

Keep in mind I'm at like 2-2.25" of lift in the front right now. I could technically drive around with that wheel/tire/spacer combo right now on the street if I had to. However there would need to be some serious tubbing done at this lift height to make it functional offroad. I'm not really worried about the rear, it's the front that's the issue.

So my current thinking is not to run 35's. I was thinking of either going with a 305/70/16 (33x12.50 essentially) or getting 17" wheels and running a 285/75/17 tire (34x11.5 essentially). I kind of think the 34's might be a good compromise as they are just over an inch narrower and about an inch smaller.

Pro's of 34's:
- not hit the frame at full lock with the proper BS and NO spacers
- the tire would be lighter than both a 305/70/16 and a 315/75/16 being easier on drivetrain, CV's, and steering
- No BL and could probably get away with running them with only bumping my coils up to the next perch
- not 35's but still a large tire for our trucks

Cons:
- limited tire choice (I would go with Toyo MT's in this size)
- Would still need to re-gear (I could probably hold off on this though for a bit, as I have 4.30's)

What do you guys think?

 

[FrankM23]

what about 295/75/16. If you're looking at toyos 295/70/17. 11.5 to 12 wide but taller than 33, about 33.6 i think

 

[Supra725]

How's the light output of the Lightforce 240's?

 

[rickashay]

what about 295/75/16. If you're looking at toyos 295/70/17. 11.5 to 12 wide but taller than 33, about 33.6 i think

Yah, that's an odd size too but would work. However, I decided I will be running MTZ's so I am limited by the size I can get in that tire.

How's the light output of the Lightforce 240's?

CRAZY. haha I am about to try and sell them though as I originally wanted an LED lightbar. The LED's won't be near as bright but I have some badass headlights on the way. $400 + shipping will get you some Lightforce Blitz 240's with new Morimoto 50watt ballasts, bulbs, and harness. I will post a legit ad here soon-ish. These sell for 800 new last time I was looking...

UPDATE: I have a pending sale on my LC80 wheels and tires. Which means, I am in the market for new wheels and tires. I have decided against 35's for now as I need other things for the Runner at the moment before gears.... unfortunately.

Right now I am looking at getting these wheels and running them without spacers:
Mickey Thompson Part 1268412 - Classic II Black Alloy Wheel by Mickey Thompson

or these, and running 1.25" hub centric spacerslink won't work?? Silver FJ TRD wheels...)
Search Results - TRDparts4u accessories for your Toyota car, truck, 4x4 or SUV with Genuine Toyota and offroad specialty parts.

 

[quicksilvr]

I'm intrigued by the 305/70r16 size. I've even thought about that size for my rig when I get wheels and tires. I'll probably end up sticking with the 285/75, but that 305 seems like a nice size for our 4Runners. Not very many tires offered in it though.

I know you're not getting KM2's again...but how would you rate them for your use? They're my top tire choice right now.

 

[rickashay]

I'm intrigued by the 305/70r16 size. I've even thought about that size for my rig when I get wheels and tires. I'll probably end up sticking with the 285/75, but that 305 seems like a nice size for our 4Runners. Not very many tires offered in it though.

I know you're not getting KM2's again...but how would you rate them for your use? They're my top tire choice right now.

Yah, 305's aren't very popular but I think I would benefit from the extra width as they will "float" better in snowy/muddy conditions and provide more surface are (or traction) in the rocks. But, it's a trade off, as mileage will probably decrease as the 305's will be heavier and harder on drivetrain.

I LOVED my KM2's for summer wheeling and on the highway etc. They are great in mud, loose dirt, rocks, and super quiet on the highway for an MT. They have been wearing pretty good also. I have no punctures of any kind at this point. Their downfall IMO is their performance in icey conditions and snow to a point. I would only rate them as "decent" in deep snow. (but that may be due to the fact that the tire size I have is pretty narrow... and doesn't float too well) They just don't have enough siping for them to be any good as soon as it gets icey. If you don't wheel in the snow though, or have two sets of tires, they are an AWESOME all around tire.

Most guys in CT4WD run MTZ's. They seem to perform better in the snow/ice than the KM2's and are equal in other conditions, from what I have seen. The trade-off being they are noisier on the road. I figure with all the people who run them in my local area and conditions, it must be a good tire....

 

[fightman80]

Just a question... but why are you getting rid of the LC rims??

 

[FrankM23]

Yah, 305's aren't very popular but I think I would benefit from the extra width as they will "float" better in snowy/muddy conditions and provide more surface are (or traction) in the rocks. But, it's a trade off, as mileage will probably decrease as the 305's will be heavier and harder on drivetrain.

I LOVED my KM2's for summer wheeling and on the highway etc. They are great in mud, loose dirt, rocks, and super quiet on the highway for an MT. They have been wearing pretty good also. I have no punctures of any kind at this point. Their downfall IMO is their performance in icey conditions and snow to a point. I would only rate them as "decent" in deep snow. (but that may be due to the fact that the tire size I have is pretty narrow... and doesn't float too well) They just don't have enough siping for them to be any good as soon as it gets icey. If you don't wheel in the snow though, or have two sets of tires, they are an AWESOME all around tire.

Most guys in CT4WD run MTZ's. They seem to perform better in the snow/ice than the KM2's and are equal in other conditions, from what I have seen. The trade-off being they are noisier on the road. I figure with all the people who run them in my local area and conditions, it must be a good tire....

I asked blcktpgsr about the difference between 285's and 305's since he made that jump. He said the difference wasn't really noticeable since he was already regeared to 4.88's. Something you might want to consider.

 

[rickashay]

Just a question... but why are you getting rid of the LC rims??

Sale is still "pending" as we need to see if the wheels will fit on his Tacoma. I'm really only doing it because it's easier to sell wheels and tires as a combo as I wont have to get the tires removed. Plus, the guy who is pending-sale is a good friend and he has always wanted my wheels.... and I guess, to be honest, I'm kind of a wheel whore. haha

I asked blcktpgsr about the difference between 285's and 305's since he made that jump. He said the difference wasn't really noticeable since he was already regeared to 4.88's. Something you might want to consider.

I don't plan on re-gearing immediately with 305's or 285's. I have the 4.30 gears and I feel like I can live with the small lack in power over my current 32's. Re-gearing may be done in the future, at which point I would go to 4.88's.

 

[fightman80]

Another Wheel whore eh??? lol! I'm a bit of a wheel whore, as I have a winter and Summer set.....

That being said, I'd love to get my hands on some LC rims! I know a guy locally who has a set with Rubber on them, in storage, but he won't part with them!! lol! I know... I've offered to buy them!

I'd still rock my Procomp wheels, and just sell my split 3 spokes. Just keep the LC wheels for winter. This way, would have some nicer wheels with a nice offset to run during those months!

Good luck on the sale, and you should really like the Mickey T Classic II's!

 

[rickashay]

Well I sold my Lightforces, and have a guy coming to test fit my wheels and tires next week as said above. If they fit, I'll be in the hunt for some tires and wheels. There is a sale on the Procomp 8069's that I've been watching and they have the 4" BS that I want.... I might be joining the ranks with Hepar and BFAD: hope they don't mind.... haha Not to mention they clear the Tundra's without spacers.

Oh, did I mention that I placed an order for a CBI rear bumper today?:bravo:

And, completely 4Runner un-related, but I'm off to Barbados tomorrow so I'll be out of touch for a while!:fishing:arty::surfer:

 

[quicksilvr]

I like 8069's, and I like Barbados. Therefore....I like that post.

 

[Hepar]

Well I sold my Lightforces, and have a guy coming to test fit my wheels and tires next week as said above. If they fit, I'll be in the hunt for some tires and wheels. There is a sale on the Procomp 8069's that I've been watching and they have the 4" BS that I want.... I might be joining the ranks with Hepar and BFAD: hope they don't mind.... haha Not to mention they clear the Tundra's without spacers.

Oh, did I mention that I placed an order for a CBI rear bumper today?:bravo:

And, completely 4Runner un-related, but I'm off to Barbados tomorrow so I'll be out of touch for a while!:fishing:arty::surfer:

I don't mind! I think they're a good choice. They're cheap enough and I think they look good, so it's a win win. You won't feel bad beating them up, but you'll still like to look at them.

Have a good holiday!

 

[4-Ripcord]

You should vacation to a cool country.. Like 'Merica!

I kid of course, I am quite jelly of your trip. Have fun!

 

[rickashay]

I like 8069's, and I like Barbados. Therefore....I like that post.

I don't mind! I think they're a good choice. They're cheap enough and I think they look good, so it's a win win. You won't feel bad beating them up, but you'll still like to look at them.

Have a good holiday!

You should vacation to a cool country.. Like 'Merica!

I kid of course, I am quite jelly of your trip. Have fun!

Thanks gentlemen. I'm heading out the door now... I entrust you all to hold down the fort while I'm gone! hahah (not that you wouldnt anyway...) And Rip, either this fall or next spring my vacay will be to Merica' to do some southern wheelin!

Cheers

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Bon Voyage, Rick. Travel safe, and travel well.

BTW, am I the only one seeing this?

Oh, did I mention that I placed an order for a CBI rear bumper today?:bravo:

OH hell yeah!!! Congrats on the purchase man. And I definitely don't mind you joining the 8069 club. I used to give Hepar a hard time about recommending them because I didn't want to see them on a bunch of rigs, but I finally realized the wheels sell themselves... They are an ideal wheel in every way IMO.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Oh snap.

:guitar2:

 

[Hepar]

Bon Voyage, Rick. Travel safe, and travel well.

BTW, am I the only one seeing this?



OH hell yeah!!! Congrats on the purchase man. And I definitely don't mind you joining the 8069 club. I used to give Hepar a hard time about recommending them because I didn't want to see them on a bunch of rigs, but I finally realized the wheels sell themselves... They are an ideal wheel in every way IMO.

I missed that too! And yeah. You didn't know I got a cut of every set of 8069's sold. They are around on this forum a bunch, but I've yet to run into someone else running them on their rig in person.

 

[rickashay]

UPDATES:

Sold my Lightforce Blitz
Sold my LC80 wheels and BFG KM2s

- CBI is "supposed" to ship June 1
- Purchased new wheels/tires

A few pics with tha new kicks:

Wheels - ProComp 7069, 16x8, 4" BS (same wheel as the popular 8069 but is 'matte' finished instead of gloss - 8069 is discontinued; clearing the Tundra brakes with space to spare!)
Tires - 285/75/16 MTZ's


20120514-IMG_1582 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr


20120514-IMG_1583 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr


20120514-IMG_1579 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr


20120514-IMG_1587 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

Also ordered some QuickFist clamps for my shovel and axe in order to mount on my Thule basket:


20120514-IMG_1573 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr


20120514-IMG_1571 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

Seeing as how the tires poke a little more than my last set, I thought I'd try to keep some of the mud/rocks under control by using some old mudflaps I had lying around. Actually, the old mud flaps were ripped off of my previous black Toyota on my first-ever wheeling trip with CT4WD to Maclean, where I got stuck for several hours.... hahah oh reminisce.... Hope they will stay on the Duster a little longer!


20120514-IMG_1570 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

Some bolts with rounded heads to keep from thrashing the new tires.

20120514-IMG_1569 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr