Going to a smaller rim size (18" to 16")

[Merle]

Currently I have the '08 Limited which comes with 18" rims (18x7.5) but have been looking at the TRD Gunmetal ones http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyo...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories with 16x7.5) for looks.

I think I have a handle on some items, but besides looks, what are the benefits to going with a smaller rim?
Cheaper tires?
Better protection for rims due to more rubber?
Does it handle better or does it get more wriggly?

 

[Will_4R]

The 16 in rims might not fit your truck. You will want to check what size your brake rotars are. Two sizes of brakes were offered on the 4th gen 4runners. The 16 in rim won't clear the larger ones.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The 16 in rims might not fit your truck. You will want to check what size your brake rotars are. Two sizes of brakes were offered on the 4th gen 4runners. The 16 in rim won't clear the larger ones.

:iagree: 17" is the smallest you can go without changing from 13.3" front brakes to the SR5's 12.6" brakes.:cry2: Several members have gone the other direction and it involves rotors and calipers, that's it.


- 16" would get you more tire options, cheaper.
- Handling would deteriorate somewhat. Overall grip wouldn't change that much as tire width and overall diameter would remain similar. The crispness of the steering would decrease somewhat as a result of the taller sidewall. There'd be more sway when you snatched the steering wheel quickly as in an evasive maneuver.
- The rims would be protected better while off-roading.

 

[Mike07SE]

It's already been discussed that the TRD FJ wheels will clear the upsized Sport rotors and calipers.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

It's already been discussed that the TRD FJ wheels will clear the upsized Sport rotors and calipers.

I forgot about that! The different offset allows them to fit, wasn't that the conclusion?

 

[mosha20]

Since you have a limited, they will not fit over the larger brakes, unless you want to really shave the inside of the rim. I tried putting the FJ TRD wheels on my limited and they did not fit and scraped the inside of the rim. CJ3Flyr is correct with 17" being the smallest with the limited brakes.

 

[Mike07SE]

I forgot about that! The different offset allows them to fit, wasn't that the conclusion?

Yes, it has been physically confirmed. The back of the wheel face is the issue which is taken care of with the more aggresive backspacing. FJ's use the larger brake setups that 4Runners have.

 

[Mike07SE]

Since you have a limited, they will not fit over the larger brakes, unless you want to really shave the inside of the rim. I tried putting the FJ TRD wheels on my limited and they did not fit and scraped the inside of the rim. CJ3Flyr is correct with 17" being the smallest with the limited brakes.

Limited and Sports share the same brakes. How much was needed to be shaved off? I believe I heard it was minimal, is it not?

 

[mosha20]

Limited and Sports share the same brakes. How much was needed to be shaved off? I believe I heard it was minimal, is it not?

It probably is minimal, it was tough to get the rim over the brakes and we were not able to get the lug nuts on because it was not flush. When we took the rim off (we were never able to get it on, but it was kind of resting there) there were scrapes on the inside of the rim. You probably need to shave off...I don't know maybe an 1/8 of an inch? But shaving for is definitely needed, otherwise I would have bought those rims.

 

[JeremyH]

- 16" would get you more tire options, cheaper.
- Handling would deteriorate somewhat. Overall grip wouldn't change that much as tire width and overall diameter would remain similar. The crispness of the steering would decrease somewhat as a result of the taller sidewall. There'd be more sway when you snatched the steering wheel quickly as in an evasive maneuver.
- The rims would be protected better while off-roading.

On a positive note, the taller sidewall will make the ride less harsh.

 

[Merle]

Good answers! As I stated, I do have the limited and wasn't sure about the rims over brakes issue. Thanks for the information on the shaving and inner rim, it's something I'd prefer NOT to do.

So, would a set of Spidertrax wheel spacers help eliminate the issue?

I don't think there are 17" rims that look like the FJ TRD SE version (in gray/gunmetal/anthracite/black) to avoid the problem, is there?

 

[mosha20]

Good answers! As I stated, I do have the limited and wasn't sure about the rims over brakes issue. Thanks for the information on the shaving and inner rim, it's something I'd prefer NOT to do.

So, would a set of Spidertrax wheel spacers help eliminate the issue?

I don't think there are 17" rims that look like the FJ TRD SE version (in gray/gunmetal/anthracite/black) to avoid the problem, is there?

I'm not sure about any 17" rims that look like the TRD, the stock FJ rims are 17" if you like those and they will fit. There are a ton of companies that make good rims that you could search and try to find something. I went with Pro Comp's (below), but I'm sure you'll find something you like, good luck in the search!