My New runner & What do I need to do first?

[leemeister]

Hi all 4runner members.

I've got my 02 4runner Sportedition about a month ago. This is first time that I ever have a SUV, I guess it was a right choice.

Now I wanna make my 4runner runs little better on off-road. So I'm thinking about put all-terrain tire that General Grabber AT2 285/75 16" and lift up couple inches.

Currently, I have 245/75/16" tires and need to change anyway.

I have Toyota rims and I don't wanna change it.

Questions.

1. What would you do first, putting new wide all-terrain tires? Lift up?

2. Is it matter that getting 285 on my rims. Obviously my gas milage wouldn't be great as 245 or 265 tires.

Please give me your best advise. Thanks guys.

Leemeister

 

[PTY507]

welcome!!! Nice ride, i like it.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

You gotta lift first before you even think of putting 285's on.

 

[jsmarine]

Before a lift or any other mod, how about spending some money on maintenance? Oil change, trans fluid, air filter, grease zerks, clean MAF, clean throttle body, etc etc etc, just a few I thought of, but there's more. I would start by cleaning the engine really good with engine degreaser, (buy a few cans) and also the undercarriage too. Then you can start on some of the things I mentioned above.

Since this is your first SUV and 4runner it may be a good to familiarize yourself with the car by doing some preventative maintenance. There are plenty of threads on here if you search if you need any help, or advice on what to look for on your new 4runner.

 

[brian2sun]

1. What would you do first, putting new wide all-terrain tires? Lift up?

2. Is it matter that getting 285 on my rims. Obviously my gas milage wouldn't be great as 245 or 265 tires.

First, welcome to your new hobby and to the best 4Runner forum around! I agree with jsmarine, make sure all your maintenance is up to date first thing. If that's all good, your runner will last for years and years.

To answer your questions, like Clemsonfan15 said, you must lift before you go to 285s. Even then, you'll probably have to do some minor trimming of the plastic fender liners and hammer a couple of pinch welds flat in the front. Most of us also need to run at least 1/4" wheel spacers in the front so the 285s won't rub on the upper control arms. Here's a link to some for sale cheap (scroll all the way to the bottom):
Custom Toyota 4Runner Wheels from Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc

285s will be fine on your stock 7" rims (many of us on here are running that), but some shops are anal and won't mount them, although I've never had a problem. And, yes your MPGs and your power will go down a little w/ 285s unless you re-gear your diffs (or diff if you're 2WD).

 

[MikesToy]

Welcome aboard! Nice rig!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

change the oil

Maintenance first yep.

Synthetics all the way around would be my suggestion. Oil and diffs.

I have been considering those General Grabbers myself. I would stick with a 265/75/16 first and see how you like that. LT designated if you off road and P series tires if you mainly only see pavement.

Good looking ride and welcome!