New Member: Couple big questions!!

[ajwhitt44]

Hey guys!

Oh man, this is an exciting time for me. I've wanted a 4Runner for as long as I can remember. SOmething about the off-road capability and also the fact that the rear window goes down has drawn me to the brand for quite some time.

After car shopping over the past month (I was looking at LR3's originally), I JUST took delivery of my new (to me) 2008 SR5 in Shadow Mica!!!.

From what I've been reading this color is pretty highly sought after due to it's versatility. I love it!! Pics are below.

I have a couple big questions that hopefully I won't get flamed for :flamethrwoer2:....I've started doing some research but have just gotten my feet wet in this forum......and sometimes it's better to just ask, so I'm going to do just that.

I don't intend to offroad too much, but I do enjoy a bit of 'subtle aggressiveness' when modding my cars (as you'll see with the pics of my 2nd car below)...therefore I am looking to make the car badass while still retaining stock characteristics. This is more or less a daily driver which the fiancée will also be driving, so I don't want to go too overboard.:guitar2:

1. Where can I find an OEM spoiler? I found this link SPOILER SUB-ASSY, REAR. SPOILER & SIDE MUDGUARD (GRN21#,UZN21#). 2008 TOYOTA 4Runner # 7608535070B2
I believe this is for the OEM spoiler & I'ts painted Shadow Mica (Code: 1F4)....can someone just confirm for me if this is the correct part?

2. I don't want a lift. What's the beefiest tire/wheel combo I can fit without fender work? I've been reading that 265/65/17 is about as big as I can get, but I recently saw a sponsored car with Goodyear MTs that were 265/70/17 with no lift...maybe I can fit that?

3. Any tire recommendations (for stock lift)? I see mostly Michelin and General Grabber, where else should I be putting my research time?

4. Who makes the best skidplate? I see Westin, Steelcraft, OEM, and others, but it seems to be personal preference. I know people HATE the Westin bull bar compared to the steelcraft, but there are SOOO many aftermarket options I don't know where to start. Any help here is appreciated.

That's all for now, onto pics!





And here's some shots of my 2nd car, a 2011 M3....It's supercharged and catless, making around 600whp.















Thanks and looking forward to getting dirty.

 

[JustSomeName]

get the spoiler on ebay, WAY cheaper, I got a color matched spoiler for about $110 and paid a shop another 60 bucks to install it. I've always believed that you shouldnt go cheap on performance parts but when it comes to looks, its ok to cut corners a bit. $600+ for an oem spoiler is kind of ridiculous.

Get some all terrains if you're going to go with stock height. They are a good all around style that is good on road and off road. BF Goodrich TA KOs seem to be a very popular option on this site.

I think you're not using the term "skid plate" in the same context as how everyone else uses it on this site, have a look at the armor thread for more information on skid plate options (if thats what youre really looking for)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/125636-4th-gen-armor-thread.html

Lastly, read this thread, the first post has information on tire size possibilities dependent on type of lift (or stock height, in your cas)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Welcome to the site, last year I replaced my 03 Silver 4R Sport with an 08 Shadow Mica SR5 just like yours. I'm sure you will enjoy this truck as much as I do. Also, that is a very clean and nice lookin beamer. As for the skid plates, it really depends if you are looking for something just to replace the stock skid or if you really want armor under the truck for offroading. As for the tires, you definitely can fit a 70 series tire as far as I know. JustSomeName answered most of your other questions, +1 for BFG AT's

 

[zopperman]

depends on your needs. I have the michellin LTX and they're great for road driving and mild trails. I have them in 265/65 and with the daystar lift and spidertraxx they just barely don't rub, i;ll have to trim a bit to fit bigger tires

I'm happy to sell them to you so I can get some duratracs :biggrin2:

 

[anotherrunner83]

your M3 is ridiculously sexy. well done. nice truck too, but damn...

 

[sluggercz]

That is a great picture, and an even finer automobile you have there. :hatsoff:

 

[ajwhitt44]

get the spoiler on ebay, WAY cheaper, I got a color matched spoiler for about $110 and paid a shop another 60 bucks to install it. I've always believed that you shouldnt go cheap on performance parts but when it comes to looks, its ok to cut corners a bit. $600+ for an oem spoiler is kind of ridiculous.

Get some all terrains if you're going to go with stock height. They are a good all around style that is good on road and off road. BF Goodrich TA KOs seem to be a very popular option on this site.

I think you're not using the term "skid plate" in the same context as how everyone else uses it on this site, have a look at the armor thread for more information on skid plate options (if thats what youre really looking for)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/125636-4th-gen-armor-thread.html

Lastly, read this thread, the first post has information on tire size possibilities dependent on type of lift (or stock height, in your cas)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

Wow thanks for the detailed response man....means a lot, as I know it would have taken me quite some time to find those answers. I appreciate the help.

By 'skid plate' I mean the armor I see most of you have directly under the front bumper.

Welcome to the site, last year I replaced my 03 Silver 4R Sport with an 08 Shadow Mica SR5 just like yours. I'm sure you will enjoy this truck as much as I do. Also, that is a very clean and nice lookin beamer. As for the skid plates, it really depends if you are looking for something just to replace the stock skid or if you really want armor under the truck for offroading. As for the tires, you definitely can fit a 70 series tire as far as I know. JustSomeName answered most of your other questions, +1 for BFG AT's

It's such a cool color, I had no idea! I catch myself doing the look-back too many times when I park, haha. The BFG AT's look great also!

depends on your needs. I have the michellin LTX and they're great for road driving and mild trails. I have them in 265/65 and with the daystar lift and spidertraxx they just barely don't rub, i;ll have to trim a bit to fit bigger tires

I'm happy to sell them to you so I can get some duratracs :biggrin2:

So you're rubbing on a 265/65 WITH a lift? What's your wheel diameter?

your M3 is ridiculously sexy. well done. nice truck too, but damn...

That is a great picture, and an even finer automobile you have there. :hatsoff:

Haha thanks! The M3 has come a long way, though a couple different iterations. I drive that thing in snow, mud, you name it. I have a sweet set of winter tires and am a firm believer that you can drive pretty much anything in the snow with proper tires.

That being said, my old WRX felt INVINCIBLE in the snow, and I imagine my 4Runner will feel even better!!!

Thanks for the comments thus far!

 

[JustSomeName]

By 'skid plate' I mean the armor I see most of you have directly under the front bumper.

then you're looking more for a grill guard/brush guard. skid plates protect the underbelly of the car when people go rock crawling and cannot be seen from eye level, only when you jack the car up, dont think you'll need those since theyre for the more hardcore offroaders and can get quite expensive.

in terms of grill guards, it is literally all for looks, so just get whatever you think looks good.

 

[zopperman]

I'm just barely NOT rubbing on the fender liner with a lift and wheel spacers. My caster happens to be particularly far forward too, don't know why, but that's how the alignment sits.

also, do you mean skid plate or push bar/skid plate like this that goes up the bumper?
you should have a factory skid under there too

 

[RAIDN]

I think you'll find most people on here don't like the bull/push bars on the front of the 4Runners. A lot of them are pretty cheap and don't hold up very well, I saw some pictures of a guy's that was rusting pretty bad after just a few years.

I have the BFG ATs and I love them, great tire. MPGs will take a hit though, but if you go stock size, it won't be too bad. I have the daystar lift, and I'm just barely not rubbing with 275/70s, its close, and sometimes I do get a little rub. Though offset of my wheels contributes to that too. If you really don't want to lift or level, I would highly suggest just staying 265/65 for size, just get a more aggressive tire. Its just annoying to deal with the rubbing. Other good comparable tire to look at is Nitto Terra Grappler.

 

[zopperman]

I think you'll find most people on here don't like the bull/push bars on the front of the 4Runners. A lot of them are pretty cheap and don't hold up very well, I saw some pictures of a guy's that was rusting pretty bad after just a few years.

I have the BFG ATs and I love them, great tire. MPGs will take a hit though, but if you go stock size, it won't be too bad. I have the daystar lift, and I'm just barely not rubbing with 275/70s, its close, and sometimes I do get a little rub. Though offset of my wheels contributes to that too. If you really don't want to lift or level, I would highly suggest just staying 265/65 for size, just get a more aggressive tire. Its just annoying to deal with the rubbing. Other good comparable tire to look at is Nitto Terra Grappler.

agreed on the bull bars, i dont love mine, but in a city it's a must. I'm actually trying (fruitlessly) to sell this one and get a smaller one so that you can see my custom grille once its finished and so i have somewhere to mount my KC lights

 

[JustSomeName]

agreed on the bull bars, i dont love mine, but in a city it's a must. I'm actually trying (fruitlessly) to sell this one and get a smaller one so that you can see my custom grille once its finished and so i have somewhere to mount my KC lights

+1 on the grill guard. I got mine as a gift, so no complaints. If it wasnt for free, i probably wouldnt have gotten one at all, or maybe just a light bar or something similar to mount the Hellas on

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Those M3's are fun to drive... Welcome to the forum.

 

[iBison]

Nice HRE's.

Also, check out the thread in my sig.

 

[anotherrunner83]

i'm running 265/65/18 (=265/70/17) michellin ms2. i had previously installed the wheel spacers and the daystar 1" leveling kit up front. i rubbed on the mudflaps and the fender liner. i was able to trim the mudflap (basically in half) and just unbolt the fender liner, push it forward about half an inch, and pop the bolt back in. no more rubbing.

everything i've read on the forum, however, suggest that you wouldn't have any issue with rubbing if you didn't run the wheel spacers. i just love the look of the stance with the spacers and felt the minor adjustments were worthy of the look.

 

[natevans65]

AMSOIL...... Change to synthetic. They make a product for just about every fluid for the Yota.

 

[ajwhitt44]

Nice HRE's.

Also, check out the thread in my sig.

Dude I have spent the last 3 days going through your post, such an incredible collection of info!!! Awesome! Thanks!

then you're looking more for a grill guard/brush guard. skid plates protect the underbelly of the car when people go rock crawling and cannot be seen from eye level, only when you jack the car up, dont think you'll need those since theyre for the more hardcore offroaders and can get quite expensive.

in terms of grill guards, it is literally all for looks, so just get whatever you think looks good.

Ah I see, thanks so much!! I may skip the grill guard, I like the clean look of the bare front:hippie:

I'm just barely NOT rubbing on the fender liner with a lift and wheel spacers. My caster happens to be particularly far forward too, don't know why, but that's how the alignment sits.

also, do you mean skid plate or push bar/skid plate like this that goes up the bumper?
you should have a factory skid under there too

Nice rig! Thanks for the info... LOL didn't realize cars sit differently than others from the factory! Can you explain what people say when they talk about "moving the fender liner forward?" How much work does that entail/

I think you'll find most people on here don't like the bull/push bars on the front of the 4Runners. A lot of them are pretty cheap and don't hold up very well, I saw some pictures of a guy's that was rusting pretty bad after just a few years.

I have the BFG ATs and I love them, great tire. MPGs will take a hit though, but if you go stock size, it won't be too bad. I have the daystar lift, and I'm just barely not rubbing with 275/70s, its close, and sometimes I do get a little rub. Though offset of my wheels contributes to that too. If you really don't want to lift or level, I would highly suggest just staying 265/65 for size, just get a more aggressive tire. Its just annoying to deal with the rubbing. Other good comparable tire to look at is Nitto Terra Grappler.

I'm thinking 265/70 in the Wrangler DuraTrac or the Cooper ST Maxx....Think I'll rub? If not, will a small lift affect my handling? (the smallest lift possible to eliminate any rubbing).

agreed on the bull bars, i dont love mine, but in a city it's a must. I'm actually trying (fruitlessly) to sell this one and get a smaller one so that you can see my custom grille once its finished and so i have somewhere to mount my KC lights

+1 on the grill guard. I got mine as a gift, so no complaints. If it wasnt for free, i probably wouldnt have gotten one at all, or maybe just a light bar or something similar to mount the Hellas on

Haha yeah, in the city it does add some good protection!

Those M3's are fun to drive... Welcome to the forum.

Thanks!! It is fun to drive indeed, you can get into trouble quick!

i'm running 265/65/18 (=265/70/17) michellin ms2. i had previously installed the wheel spacers and the daystar 1" leveling kit up front. i rubbed on the mudflaps and the fender liner. i was able to trim the mudflap (basically in half) and just unbolt the fender liner, push it forward about half an inch, and pop the bolt back in. no more rubbing.

everything i've read on the forum, however, suggest that you wouldn't have any issue with rubbing if you didn't run the wheel spacers. i just love the look of the stance with the spacers and felt the minor adjustments were worthy of the look.

I don't get it, you used a wheel spacer, which pushes the wheel/tire OUT (i.e. away from the fender)......so that should prevent rubbing, not cause it....right?

See my note above...I was thinking 265/70 DuraTracs or Cooper ST Maxx's.....can I get away with them on some stock-sized Method Standard wheels without rubbing? How much lift would I need to avoid the rub, and would that compromise my handling?

I like the truck-feel, but I need to keep it discreet yet mean and I need to retain stock handling characteristics or better.

 

[ajwhitt44]

AMSOIL...... Change to synthetic. They make a product for just about every fluid for the Yota.

Can you explain this post a little more?

 

[zopperman]

Wow, 3 posts and you already have the hang of multiquoting, you're gonna fit right in :thumb3:

Moving the fender liner forward is super easy.
Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

Check out the above posted thread with instructions.
Edit, no reason for LTX if you're looking for STTs... I think you may get a little rub with really aggressive tires an inch over stock size, but nothing too bad, maybe just at full lock or full stuff

Also, I think the 2" front leveling spacer would really help your needs. I mean you could also do a 1/2" BL but that's a pain to install but it would help with the rubbing issues. SOmetimes when you push the tire away from the hub it actually does cause more rubbing. You're mot going to lose any handling with the lift, especially with wheel spacers. I actually like the way my truck drives better now with the lift and spacers than it did stock. I want stiffer springs too :becky:

 

[chmura]

Welcome to the forum!

I just recently sold my 2011 e90 M3 that I did European Delivery on. I miss that car dearly. In fact miss it so much that I will be doing another European Delivery on the next M3.