Decisions to be made.... (Pics Included)

[WrexHAmm]

I have a few issues that I need some help deciding on and since a lot of you seem really bored at work (or home) I would give you a chance to chime in. Plus I also respect and value your opinions

Here is a shot of my rig to start. This might be my first picture of it that I have ever posted. Nothing special but it took me a while to get to where it is now.

Now that you know what you're working with lets begin.

Issue #1: Reverse Rake
Some of you might know that I recently tried to cure my rake issue with a Toytec top plate spacer to combo with my 5100's and TRD coils. This has resulted in the dreaded reverse rake with my 890s in the rear. Problems encountered can be found here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/119779-front-shock-install-need-help-asap.html
What is the best solution? I am not sitting on level ground right now to measure actual height but can't be more than .5 inch higher in the front than rear.

Solutions:
1. Do I add a set of trim packers to the rear and hopefully bring the back slightly higher?
2. Remove the top plate spacer in front and use the smaller spacer?
(Keep in mind I might try out some 33's)

Issue #2: Tires, tires, tires and rims!

I was able to pick up a set of 5 285/75 R16 Duratracs for a very good price only ran about 4000 miles but only downside is they have been studded for snow tires. I have started to remove the studs(what a PITA) and eventually will get them all out. See pic below:

I have been doing a lot of reading regarding all sorts of issues with 33s and can't decide if I want to run them or just resell them and use my 265/75.

1. Can I run the 33s without a bodylift? I would prefer to not do any trimming if possible.
2. Can I run them on stock 5 stars?
3. Can I run them without spacers?
4. Are they worth the gas, off spedo and power loss? ( I have 4.30 gears)
While I have done a lot of research regarding these questions I keep finding Yes and No answers for both. Many issues depending on the tires, where you go to get them mounted, some people don't notice the gas etc.

5. Would 16x8 rims solve the need for spacers or would I still need spacers with an aftermarket rim?
6. Should I sell my current rims and tires together or just swap my new to me tires onto my 5 stars?

Thanks in advance! If you need clarification please let me know and I will do my best to clarify. Links and all comments are welcomed. Even if you don't have anything nice to say you can still post it!

 

[8sm]

Imo, it looks great just way it sits. Perfect for my taste. However, we run 285s on 3" lift with no rubbing issues. The 5stars on the silver 4runners is just plain classy clean. An aggressive tread would further enhance the curb appeal.

Either way u go the foundation is there, congrats.

Regards:.......... 8sm

 

[runnyrunnerton]

1. Can I run the 33s without a bodylift? I would prefer to not do any trimming if possible. Yes, on flat ground. No on rough terrain, they will rub.
2. Can I run them on stock 5 stars? No idea. But those 5 stars look great.
3. Can I run them without spacers? I have 1.25 spacers on mine. But i have taco rims with less offset than stock 3 and 5 spokes.
4. Are they worth the gas, off spedo and power loss? ( I have 4.30 gears)
While I have done a lot of research regarding these questions I keep finding Yes and No answers for both. Many issues depending on the tires, where you go to get them mounted, some people don't notice the gas etc. I get about 16-17 driving like a pansy, and 15-16 driving like i want. Around town #'s and I think I have 4.10 gears.

5. Would 16x8 rims solve the need for spacers or would I still need spacers with an aftermarket rim? Non toyota rims detract from your rig. (emphasis on the period)
6. Should I sell my current rims and tires together or just swap my new to me tires onto my 5 stars? Swap and body lift.

You, like I, fell into the 890 trap. I still wonder why they even produce that spring. I curse the day I installed those pansy flexy sissy cushions.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Yes you can run 33's on 3" suspension lift with not body lift and not rub at all offroad, I do it. Trim a bit of the edge of the flare on the bumper, pound down the pinch weld behind the front tires, and replace the bolts in the rear wheel wells with low profile ones.

You want between 3.5" and 4.25" of backspacing with 285's on 7" wide wheels (5 stars are 7" wide). The 5 stars have 4 5/8" backspacing so you will need a spacer to reduce that amount (yes wheels spacers take away backspacing).

On an 8" wide wheel, you want between 4" and 4.5" of backspacing, the closer to 4" the better.

With 4.30 gears, you wont notice much of a difference with the 285s.


to runnyrunnerton, 890s are not pansy springs, they are awesome. They are made to give 3" of lift with an unloaded rig, and they do a great job at it. You clearly just bought the wrong spring for your purposes. If you need something stiffer you should swap for 891s, they are designed to hold more weight.

 

[Fishwerks]

Issue #1: Reverse Rake

Issue #2: Tires, tires, tires and rims!


1. Can I run the 33s without a bodylift? I would prefer to not do any trimming if possible.
2. Can I run them on stock 5 stars?
3. Can I run them without spacers?
4. Are they worth the gas, off spedo and power loss? ( I have 4.30 gears)
5. Would 16x8 rims solve the need for spacers or would I still need spacers with an aftermarket rim?
6. Should I sell my current rims and tires together or just swap my new to me tires onto my 5 stars?

4Runner looks sick! Now for my opinions/answers:

Reverse Rake: I say drop the top plate spacer. How bad was the rake w/ 890s before the top plate?

Tires:
1. You can run them without a BL, but you would have to trim if you want to stuff em.
2. Yes you can run them, they will look narrower on the 7" rim.
3. I think you need spacers to avoid contact w/ the control arm.
4. Are they worth it to you is the question. It's not gonna like I-70 much, but it will still go up it.
5. 16x8 would be fine they just need less backspacing than the 5-stars
6. How much do you want to spend?

And if you decide to sell, I'll buy the 33s from you. I'll trade you my 265/75 Duratracs with like 6000 miles....:roadkill:

 

[SCRunner12]

1. Can I run the 33s without a bodylift? Yeah, but rubbing will occur. You would have to trim either way, but a body lift just makes it less trimming.
2. Can I run them on stock 5 stars? Yes they will fit the 5 stars no problem.
3. Can I run them without spacers?I want to say yes. It might be close, but every 285 is different. I know others are running 285 Duratracs and 5 stars, but I can't remember who.
4. Are they worth the gas, off spedo and power loss? Depends. You live in Colorado with lots of hills, so the power loss and mpg might bother you. I have 265's like you and will be bumping up to 285's when I can afford it. I just think they look better and will help offroad.

5. Would 16x8 rims solve the need for spacers or would I still need spacers with an aftermarket rim? It's not the width of the rim, but the backspacing that makes a difference. You will want 4.5" or lower backspacing to clear 285's with the UCA and no spacers. The 8" wide wheel is nice to have though as it pushes the tire a bit more out towards the edge of the flare.
6. Should I sell my current rims and tires together or just swap my new to me tires onto my 5 stars? Depends if you like the 5 stars. It will be about the same price either way you go wheel wise. If you keep your 5 stars you will probably want to get spacers (they look better with them). That's ~$180. If you sell the 5 stars you will probably have to put another $200-300 on top of the money you get for the 5 stars to get new wheels (wheel choices will vary the extra money spent). I say go with the Duratracs and sell the current tires, but keep the 5 stars. It looks really clean as it is and just get some spacers.

Also I think you should keep the height in the front and add some OME trim packers in the back to lift it up a bit. It would look awesome with the 285's.

 

[WrexHAmm]

First off thank you for all the replies! They are very much appreciated. I try to ask the wife these questions but all I get is "why are you spending more time on that thing!"

I really always wanted to get aftermarket rims but after the positive responses from everybody it looks like I should keep the 5stars. It does look like I will need to get some spacers however (1.25 inch). Never been keen on running spacers but can't really find any evidence to support or veto the use of them, most are just opinions.

I believe I am going to try out some trim packers in the rear. If that fails then I will remove the front top plate spacer and try a smaller one.

Again thank you for the replies and thank you for the compliments! I might have gone a different route if it wasn't for the help. I will post up some pics after the rear trim packers to show the difference.

 

[SCRunner12]

Are you going to try the Duratracs or just stick with the 265's?

 

[fightman80]

I believe I am going to try out some trim packers in the rear. If that fails then I will remove the front top plate spacer and try a smaller one.

I know you hate the rear rake... but.....

Are you planning on doing plate bumpers?? If not, I'd forget about the trim packers, get some LC coils and sell your 890's.

I've gone with Tundra struts, a toytec top plate spacer, and some 8 wrap LC coils... and I love the combo for daily driving. Even loaded, the truck sits level, and rides good.... a big plus for me!

Now, wheels... you have one of the nicest wheels that the 4Runner came with... I'd keep them! Don't paint them black, or graphite, or any other dark color... the Silver on Silver theme you have going on looks AWESOME! The only thing I would do, is buy some spacers and call it a day!

As far as tires go.... I LOVE MY 33's! I hate putting on my 265's for the winter, I find them too narrow, and they don't stick out of my wheel wells enough! lol! (another reason why I like the wheels I have too.... great offset on them!) I don't know what gear ratio I have, but I can't feel a big difference between my 265's and my 285's. In fact, I find I get better mileage in the summer..... but that could just be the gas quality.

Anyway, that was my 2 cents... you have a great rig man! IF it were MINE, I'd put the LC coils on, some 33's, wheel spacers, and call it COOL!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[GSPRunner]

You PM'd me earlier and we already talked about the need for spacers. I really like your truck btw. Looks really clean. I'm with Fightman, get some LC springs for the rear. Thats what I have and there is plenty of lift and the ride is excellent. You shouldnt have much rubbing with those 285s. Maybe a little at full lock, and maybe a little when you're wheeling and stuffing the tires but not much. Another thing you could do rather then go with wheel spacers that I didnt mention before is aftermarket UCAs, which I'm actually considering. Either way nice truck, and I think you should stick the 285s on. You'll love the way it looks. Look into LC springs as well. Cruiserparts.net sells them used for $80 shipped, thats what I did and I just cleaned them up a little and put them on and I love the way my truck rides and sits.

 

[shadow247]

You PM'd me earlier and we already talked about the need for spacers. I really like your truck btw. Looks really clean. I'm with Fightman, get some LC springs for the rear. Thats what I have and there is plenty of lift and the ride is excellent. You shouldnt have much rubbing with those 285s. Maybe a little at full lock, and maybe a little when you're wheeling and stuffing the tires but not much. Another thing you could do rather then go with wheel spacers that I didnt mention before is aftermarket UCAs, which I'm actually considering. Either way nice truck, and I think you should stick the 285s on. You'll love the way it looks. Look into LC springs as well. Cruiserparts.net sells them used for $80 shipped, thats what I did and I just cleaned them up a little and put them on and I love the way my truck rides and sits.

I second the idea for the UCA's. They will allow you to correct your alignment Caster back closer to factory, and give you the clearance you are looking for. I plan to go with UCA's rather than spacers. I have found the Light Racing UCA's here ->>> Light Racing to be the least expensive option. Not only do they fix a lot of problems for you to be able to run the 285's, but they fix your alignment and look cool too. I can't stand the skateboard feel that our rigs have after a lift kit, the caster being negative or less than 1 degree really makes it a handful to drive on the highway.

 

[Fishwerks]

Oooh definitely post up once you do the trim packers (2 per side I'm assuming?). I have been thinking about doing that with my 890s as well.

I vote keep the 5-stars as well, they look so nice on your rig!

 

[WrexHAmm]

I am pretty sure I am going to go with the Duratracs but not positive yet. Not to mention pulling out snow studs sucks hard. I don't want to be that guy in the right had lane holding up traffic on I-70 during the ski season (that one is for Colorado folks). They have just been sitting in the garage waiting for me to make a move but I will post some after pictures if they get mounted.

Things that have been established:

1.)5 stars are staying and staying silver. Thank you for the input all! I never would have made that decision without your input.
2.) 1.25 spacers if I go to the 33s. While the UCA route would be awesome I just don't think I have the scratch to do it right now. Another great suggestion however especially to correct the alignment and clearance issues.

Now to the LC coil question. I know Fightman will swear up and down by these coils (I've read his threads :thumb3 and I have heard many good things from other threadsl but I am worried about running the 5125 Bilsteins with them. I switched out my Comfort Rides 60028 for the Billies cause they were too stiff, now the 890 and Billie combo is great. My concern would be the LC and Bilstein combo would be mush but at the same time it seems a little stupid for me to waste $40 in trim packers (2 sets on each side) to achieve a lift that can be found from a pair of LC coils?!

Sigh.... damn you options!

 

[junr]

Not to get off track...but how do you load your bike on the roof without any sliders or the factory boards?

I have the toytec coil overs with 890's and was thinking of taking off the factory boards but being 5'9" I find it a tad hard to load my road bike up top.

Junr

 

[Qyota]

Not to get off track...but how do you load your bike on the roof without any sliders or the factory boards?

I have the toytec coil overs with 890's and was thinking of taking off the factory boards but being 5'9" I find it a tad hard to load my road bike up top.

Junr

Most would step up on the tire, or open the rear passenger door and step up on the sill. But yeah, hitch-mounted bike rack FTW.

 

[WrexHAmm]

Most would step up on the tire, or open the rear passenger door and step up on the sill. But yeah, hitch-mounted bike rack FTW.

Bingo! I usually step onto the rear tire while grabbing the cross rails with one hand and holding my bike with the other. Kind of looks like an acrobatic move when I do it. Same when loading skis and snowboards. Just have to be careful you don't slip off the tire when it's snow packed. This should hopefully be solved with some sliders and grip tape but that's a whole new thread.

 

[junr]

thanks, I was curious how you were doing it.

my short a_s can't get my legs up on the tire to do it and as you noted, I don't want to drop/scratch either the 4R or the road bike.

I have a hitch mounted as well, I just don't care for the noise it adds when driving over bumps or that I have to pull a pin and lower to get in the back...I know, lazy!

junr

 

[martin770]

If you just wanted to fix the rake, I'd say take out the front spacer. But since you want bigger tires, you'd be better off raising the back end.

Here's an old thread about trim packers with 891's:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/93995-trim-packers.html

Daystar makes leveling kits that you can usually find cheap on Amazon:
Daystar™ - Driven by Design


I have LC coils with stock shocks in the rear and it rides great, and gives a 1" rake with Tundra coils + spacer in the front.

 

[WrexHAmm]

Here is an update for everybody and anybody interested. I still am not sitting on level ground so I can't get you measurements but I will. This looks like the final setup I will be running, happy with the ride and happy with the ride height. 05 Tundra TRD with Tundra 5100s on 2nd perch and Toytec top plate spacer w/extended bolts in front and 890s with 2 10mm trim packers on each side with Bilstein 5125s.


Thanks for all the advice! Next step will be the 33s and hopefully I can clear them with spacers, no BL and little to no trimming. I will post up once I get those done.