First Post (Have some questions)

[OCMEDIC]

Hey what's up everyone, this is my first post on these forums but I have been a member for a couple weeks and have been reading threads on modding an hour or more every night. But there are some things that I still have questions on. So if everyone could help me out without flaming me I would greatly appreciate it and know that I did do much research myself just couldn't find many of these answers and could use some opinions.

So next week I am going to be picking up an 04 or 05 Limited, I really wanted to go with a 5th gen limited but I wanted to be more responsible and save some money especially so early in my career. So a fourth gen it is. Now onto my questions...

1. First thing is do I need the v8? I am obviously going to get a 4x4 but the v8's are tougher to find and usually have higher mileages for the same price point. I am never going to be towing anything but will probably off road a few times a week. That said there will be times when it is packed full with outdoor gear and I will need to drive out 4x4 roads for miles to get to my destination. Just curious if the v8 would be the better choice if I have the option to go with either? I have read on here that the gas mileage isnt much different so I feel like this one is a no brainer.

2. I am hoping to start ordering parts tonight or tomorrow because I want to buy my Runner and immediately put on suspension wheels and tires. I have decided to go with the Radflo suspension kit with the 650 lb. coild and 2 1/2 in shock body due to the fact that within the first month I plan on adding a shrockworks front bumper and a cbi rear bumper (the one with tire carrier and twin can carrier) and I have heard through pming other members that this would be a smarter kit for adding weight than the toytec ultimate kit. My question is should I get a 1 in. body lift as well or would that be over kill?

3. I have decided to get the method race wheels (the standard) wheels size 17x8.5 and as much as I have seen on here and have seen n parking lots for the last month I think a slightly bigger tire than 285/70R 17 would look best. Is it possible for me to go another size up and what size would that be? If I do am i looking forward to a lifetime of rubbing? Like most people Im sure I think it looks best when there is more tire from the edge of the wheel to the end of the tread. What are other tire size options.

4. I have probably spent 5 hours reading threads about tires and articles on the internet explaining it but I just can't comprehend what the three numbers in the tire size mean and which one needs to be higher or lower to have a bigger tire. The only thing I can assume is the last number matches your wheel size. The funny thing is I am not an idiot at all, its just car stuff has never made much sense to me. So if someone has an easy way of explaining that to me I would hugely appreciate it. Also when i googled BF Goodrich 285/70R 17 there were a bunch of them in the same model at different costs, when buying tires what other things do I have to take into account?

Honestly anything you all are willing to help me with from advice to answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[mrrab]

Probably don't need a V8, but I didn't either, but love the V8. Think the on going saying here is that no one regrets getting a V8, but V6 owners regreat getting a V6 after driving a V8. Plus, the MPGs between the two are neglecable.

Only comments on your other point is that you're probably jumping in too soon.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

1) I prefer the v8. Also, in 2005 the 4runner got VVTI which resulted in a slight bump in power. I'd go with that if possible (it's not a deal breaker either way). The v8 is full time 4x4 (or AWD if you will) while the v6 has selectable 4x4. Since you're planning on a lift, big tires, steel bumpers front/rear, etc, I'd say the extra power of the v8 would be beneficial.

2) I suggest ordering from Radflo directly and to request the Overland Warehouse spec kit. This kit is designed specifically for the 4th gen 4runner, unlike the standard kit which was made to fit multiple applications. Great choice on the suspension. As for the body lift, it really depends on what size tires you plan to run.

3) With 285's and bigger, you'll need some trimming for sure. Be prepared for a body mount chop if you go bigger than 285's (may be needed with 285's). The tire size greatly depends on the tire you choose. Some sizes I've seen:
285/70/17 = 32.70x11.22x17
285/75/17 = 33.83x11.22x17
295/70/17 = 33.25x11.61x17
305/70/17 = 33.81x12.00x17

This site is good for converting tire sizes: Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing. All of these will fit, it just may take a good bit of trimming to get rid of all the rubbing.

4) Here's how the size works:
285/70/R17
_^__^__^
_A__B___C

A- This is the width of the tire in millimeters. The conversion is 1"= 25.4mm so for our example: 285/25.4= 11.22" width.

B- This part is the "aspect ratio" of the tire and is a relation of the tire's width to the sidewall height of the tire. In our example it's '70'. This means the sidewall height is 70% (.70 in calculation) of the width of the tire. That means the sidewall height is:

11.22 x .70= 7.85"
BUT there is a 'sidewall' both above and below your wheel when measuring height, so you must multiply this by 2 when calculating the tire's overall height.

C- This third piece is simply your rim size. So, for a final calculation of a tire's size, you add this to the total from part B.

Even with 285/70/17, I would probably suggest a body lift for added tire clearance. If you go bigger, definitely get a body lift. You'll want to have this figured out before you order bumpers, as it will affect your bumper fitment.

A few final words. Be on the lookout for common problems. I'll list a few that come to mind:
1) Frozen brake calipers
2) Transfer case actuator leak
3) Cracked manifolds
4) Cracked dash

 

[gaterose]

... within the first month I plan on adding a shrockworks front bumper and a cbi rear bumper (the one with tire carrier and twin can carrier) ...

Hope you already placed your order! Those shrockworks bumpers typically take 3-4 minimum to be built and delivered.

Otherwise, sounds like a sweet setup! be sure and post up some pics

 

[A10MileHusker]

I think we have a spammer on our hands ^^^^

Anyways, back to topic, I LOOOVE my V8. I have a K&N CAI and Super 44 muffler and it sounds mean. My friends love having me pass them on the highway so they can hear it.

I also am in love with my Radflo 2.5 with overland warehouse specs. It is so nice with the bumpers and holds the weight of the front bumper real well.

If you're looking to get bigger tires than 285s (im running 35s) you should really look into getting the 3.5" springs in the rear. Really adds height and gets rid of the "bro lean" (rear end lower).

Good luck on the purchase! You'll love the 4th gen!