It's going to be subjective either way. I can say I'd personally be fine with it more than likely, but would still spend the 200$ and a few hours to make it "right". I run 35" tires on my Tacoma that's got an automatic and 4.10's and it doesn't really bother me, a lot of people on here would be a different story.
I guess there's no real harm in putting the 31's on and seeing how it drives. I can always pop in some 4.10s in the future. Where's the best place to pick up some 4.10 front and rear diffs?
Search Craigslist for local partouts Facebook marketplace, local junkyards. They're everywhere in my area I could find probably 10 sets within 30 miles right this second.
So you’re saying turning off overdrive saved you gas? How did staying out of 4th gear get you better mpg?
You sure you don't have the 3.90 gears? Anyway, I did the opposite while I was in process with my 4WD swap. I put in the rear 4.10 diff while I still had the 29" tires. There is definitely a large change in performance and highway RPM. You'll probably want the OEM 4.10's once you step up to the larger tires - but luckily there should be a ton of 4.10's out there and available for you.
No, that's no problem. You will notice the lack of brakes... The 16" wheel trucks have bigger front rotors and calipers and bigger rear wheel cylinders. I still need to upgrade my brakes, especially since my wife daily drives the 4Runner sometimes...
Meh. I have had multiple trucks with the stock "small" brakes and 35" tires, it's not the huge difference that people make it out to be. Difference in pad engagement is something like an extra quarter inch. Never had a problem stopping my 4runner weighing in at 4200 lbs and a 90 lb wheel and tire on each corner.
The door sticker on almost all 3rd gen 4Runners says the tire size is 225/75-15. There is a good chance your truck is actually a 16" wheel truck despite the door sticker. I say that because my 4Runner actually was a 2WD 15" wheel truck and has an A01A axle code, verified to be 3.73's.
