Benefits of wider wheel base?

[slider76]

Hi All,

I know that the appearance of a wider wheel base or stance is something that a lot of people like for their 4Runners, but I was looking for information about any benefits that could be gained for off-road use from widening the wheelbase with wheels that have a negative offset or spacers.

Thanks!

 

[Flyer]

Given the current width of the wheels, there is no benefit. There are some serious disadvantages though. The main one is more leverage on the axles and joints when off-roading, as well as the minor possibility of not being able to squeeze through tight trails. Plus, it looks pretty tacky when the wheels stick out like the lowriders do.

 

[techno]

Just a minor point... 'wheel base' is used to describe the distance between the front and rear axle and 'wheel track' is for the distance between wheels on the same axle. Clearly your question is referring to wheel track, but thought you might like to know
In theory, a wider track will improve stability around the roll axis and reduce the chance of a roll over, but in practice a couple of inches makes very little measurable difference.

However, the main advantage to wheels sticking out a bit is the much improved mud spray you get all down the side of your rig after a day on the trails. That really shows others you're a carefree reckless hardcore wheeler and are not to be messed with.

 

[Gamma Ray]

However, the main advantage to wheels sticking out a bit is the much improved mud spray you get all down the side of your rig after a day on the trails. That really shows others you're a carefree reckless hardcore wheeler and are not to be messed with.

BRB. Buying spacers.

 

[Smitty19TRD]

However, the main advantage to wheels sticking out a bit is the much improved mud spray you get all down the side of your rig after a day on the trails. That really shows others you're a carefree reckless hardcore wheeler and are not to be messed with.

Sooooooo, you're saying I can improve my spray job?

Brb, I'm going with him to grab some 6" spacers. Screw the wheel bearings, I'll change them with the oil. [emoji38]

 

[techno]

Sooooooo, you're saying I can improve my spray job?

Absolutely! And going off that pic, you really need to up your game, lol

 

[Smitty19TRD]

Definitely! I found a trail section that was my favorite kind of mud. The kind that stopped the 4r in 2wd but didn't instantly sink to the frame, no standing water that hides damaging objects. The tires had enough slip to be fun but without big turns, I couldn't get a lot of sling on the sides. I played on that section for quite bit. Used all goodies even though they weren't needed. 4H Mud/Sand mode was the most fun. Crawl control worked perfectly but, with nary a slip of the tire, kinda boring.