Problems with new wheels. Keep or not?

[KCcarguy]

Avoid 4wheelparts!!!

Well, 4WHEELPARTS were total a**holes about the whole thing. I simply asked for store credit or an exchange and they refused.....so much for "satisfaction guaranteed" Keep in mind, this is less than 24h after I picked up the wheels at their store. They have a "90 day warranty" on the back of my receipt. They said once the tires had been mounted the warranty was void. Nothing about that is mentioned in the written warranty. And it makes no sense to me that you can't even test-fit a wheel/ tire combo? I'm tempted to lawyer-up here, but not sure if it's worth the trouble for $750.

So, after simmering-down a bit, I called Method Racing directly and they were MUCH nicer, as they have ALWAYS been while I was researching wheels, etc. Jaime took the time to listen to my problems and was extremely helpful. These guys need to teach others about customer service.

The wheels look great and I sincerely hope this works out. I would advise anyone interested in these wheels to deal directly with Method and not with the d*ckheads at 4wheelparts.

I will try one more time with the Roadforce on Monday and see what happens.

As for the calipers. After thinking about it a bit, I don't see how new pads would cause any problems? In my experience (though on BMWs) the pads move within a fixed caliper.

 

[KCcarguy]

Welcome to the world of mods! If you pick a new wheel, post the specs and plenty on here will tell you if it fits without further "modifications."

I actually did several months ago. I think the problem is, not many on here run these wheels so I didn't get a ton of feedback on this model specifically. It was more of a "yes, a wheel of this spec should fit".

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/100862-backspacing-rubbing-question.html

 

[Gerdo]

Let me see if I'm following you correctly.

The wheels do fit.
There is clearance between the wheel and the caliper. (3mm-5mm)
You have balance issues.
More weight than you would expect to need to balance them.
You have used tires mounted.
They say the wheels must have been bent in shipping.

Sound correct?

When spinning (during balancing) do the wheels wobble?
If so, they or the shipper should replace them.

Could the balance issue be a result of the used tires?

If the wheel doesn't rub, then the wheel does fit.

It is not right that the shop treated you poorly.

Do you like the wheels?

 

[KCcarguy]

^^^^^correct in all the above. The wheels looked awesome, and I hope you're right about the balancing. We shall see on Monday.

Take home so far is just to avoid 4wheelparts like the plague.

 

[proquip]

I actually did several months ago. I think the problem is, not many on here run these wheels so I didn't get a ton of feedback on this model specifically. It was more of a "yes, a wheel of this spec should fit".

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/100862-backspacing-rubbing-question.html

FYI, I remember this guy had the same wheels on his 4Runner without issue - take a look.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65893-post-your-lifted-pix-here-4.html

Really sucks about 4WheelParts. It defies logic that they would offer a satisfaction guarantee on an item but only on cosmetic issues, not on functional ones (how else would you identify an out of round issue with the wheel unless you mounted it on the truck?). Simply put, whoever you're talking to at 4WheelParts doesn't want to process a warranty claim with Method (who would ultimately be responsible for the wheel if it was not manufactured properly), doesn't want to process a damage claim with the shipper (if in fact the wheels were damaged during shipping) or they're covering up the fact that they damaged the wheels themselves and don't want to own it. You're not responsible for any of the above scenarios. Try to escalate the matter to someone who is willing to listen. If unsuccessful, you might have recourse through your credit card company (assuming you used a cc to pay). Unless the receipt or bill of sale says warranty is void if mounted, file a claim with your credit card company and deny the charges on grounds that what was sold was not as advertised. All the while, keep talking with Method and get them to force 4WheelParts to warranty the wheels if possible (I would want to force 4WheelParts to process the claim out of spite at this point). As a last resort, keep talking with Method to see if they'll warrantee the wheels directly and replace the wheels that are out-of-round.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[KCcarguy]

Well, I got great news yesterday! I had the wheels evaluated at a second shop and they are straight, no damage. The second guy was able to balance them with much less weight. He said the first guy must have not had much experience with custom wheels/ larger tires. This is a huge relief. The wheels are gorgeous and I couldn't be happier.

So, in the end, the wheels were fine, 4wheelparts were still complete d**ks ...refusing to even hear me out or offer any help. BUT Jaime at Method Wheels was a huge help and is a total stand-up guy. He answered several emails from me when I was trying to decide on wheels and talked to me on the phone when I thought I had a problem. I'd highly recommend these wheels to anyone that might be interested, but find another retailer or try and purchase direct from Method.:thumb3:

I'll post some pics on the lifted pics thread....

 

[Stifler]

4wheelparts is notorious for hiring clowns.... I have one 5 minutes from my house and I wouldn't even let them put gas in my 4runner much less install anything. Nothing but IDIOTS working there. Glad you got it resolved... but i like the stock wheels better:hiding:

 

[ADUB]

Glad to hear it was a simple fix!

 

[bofa]

4wheelparts is notorious for hiring clowns.... I have one 5 minutes from my house and I wouldn't even let them put gas in my 4runner much less install anything. Nothing but IDIOTS working there. Glad you got it resolved... but i like the stock wheels better:hiding:

Doh... That about kills it for me then. I was on the phone with them Monday getting a quote for installing 5100s. Back to the drawing board...

 

[Stifler]

Doh... That about kills it for me then. I was on the phone with them Monday getting a quote for installing 5100s. Back to the drawing board...

there are far better shops for less! If you were in Tampa I would say Twisted Metal Off Road or Hoyt 4x4. I have to drive 30 minute more to get to both but it is worth it!

 

[KCcarguy]

Doh... That about kills it for me then. I was on the phone with them Monday getting a quote for installing 5100s. Back to the drawing board...

That's such a simple install any shop can do it. Don't feel you have to settle for a "specialty shop". Find a quality installer.

 

[gamerc]

Or drive to Chantilly Va and get them installed correctly at High Tech Auto (HA, SHAMELESS PLUG FOR BOBBY).

 

[bofa]

Yeah but I have no idea who is good around here. I called a local Goodyear too and they wanted almost $500 for the labor... wowsa. So I figured I'd try a specialty shop. I would attempt it myself but my back just can't hang anymore. :nono: I'll check some of the local offload boards too see if there are recommendations.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

Well, I got great news yesterday! I had the wheels evaluated at a second shop and they are straight, no damage. The second guy was able to balance them with much less weight. He said the first guy must have not had much experience with custom wheels/ larger tires. This is a huge relief. The wheels are gorgeous and I couldn't be happier.

So, in the end, the wheels were fine, 4wheelparts were still complete d**ks ...refusing to even hear me out or offer any help. BUT Jaime at Method Wheels was a huge help and is a total stand-up guy. He answered several emails from me when I was trying to decide on wheels and talked to me on the phone when I thought I had a problem. I'd highly recommend these wheels to anyone that might be interested, but find another retailer or try and purchase direct from Method.:thumb3:

I'll post some pics on the lifted pics thread....

Glad it worked out for you and were able to find someone who knows their ****. Seemed kind of odd what the first place was telling you, and should not require that much weight.

I am though still curious as for you're clearance, as mine would not clear the brakes without spacers, no way no how. And I cant see the brake spec's changing on the 4R from 2011 to 2013. I guess time will tell when it comes time for you to replace you're brakes.

 

[Okki]

Well, 4WHEELPARTS were total a**holes about the whole thing. I simply asked for store credit or an exchange and they refused.....so much for "satisfaction guaranteed"

I was looking to use my local 4wheelparts for my compressor/tank setup and could not get hold of the local store and their phone-sales where both rude and clueless.

I will not look at them ever again after that experience.

Okki

 

[FactoryRide]

Seems like a running theme with 4WheelParts huh? Both of them around me have terrible customer service. Heck, Even southern offroad close by doesnt know their head from their a$$. What ever happened to a quality offroad shop? Duc, you need to start a chain of High Tech's! You'd have my business.

 

[KCcarguy]

Glad it worked out for you and were able to find someone who knows their ****. Seemed kind of odd what the first place was telling you, and should not require that much weight.

I am though still curious as for you're clearance, as mine would not clear the brakes without spacers, no way no how. And I cant see the brake spec's changing on the 4R from 2011 to 2013. I guess time will tell when it comes time for you to replace you're brakes.

Yeah. I don't know what to tell you. After a closer look, there's a reasonable amount of clearance. I think the DoubleStandard is a newer model. Maybe that has something to do with it . I would not have been happy if I had to use spacers. Tires sticking outside the fenders looks good on TEs but not SR5s/ LTDs IMO.

I was looking to use my local 4wheelparts for my compressor/tank setup and could not get hold of the local store and their phone-sales where both rude and clueless.

I will not look at them ever again after that experience.

Okki

I'm glad to hear you say that. We put some pretty serious money
into our trucks. The least you could ask for decent installer who care about the quality of work and basic customer service.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

Yeah. I don't know what to tell you. After a closer look, there's a reasonable amount of clearance. I think the DoubleStandard is a newer model. Maybe that has something to do with it . I would not have been happy if I had to use spacers. Tires sticking outside the fenders looks good on TEs but not SR5s/ LTDs IMO.

Well, hate to bust you're bubble, but I am not the only one -->http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/115277-method-wheel-warning.html. Mine are double standards and the manufacture date on mine are 6/25/2012, what are yours?

(and IMO, if you saw my 4R you would reconsider that statement, on a mall crawler like yours though, I agree they might look out of place.)

 

[KCcarguy]

Well, hate to bust you're bubble, but I am not the only one -->http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/115277-method-wheel-warning.html. Mine are double standards and the manufacture date on mine are 6/25/2012, what are yours?

(and IMO, if you saw my 4R you would reconsider that statement, on a mall crawler like yours though, I agree they might look out of place.)

Wow....sensitive? Just an opinion. To each their own. If you like that look, great. I'd actually like to see some pics. Tires sticking out the sides have absolutely no functional advantage and don't make your limited any less of a "mall crawler". I don't do what some guys on here do, but my truck sees its fair share of dirt.

Mine are Standards, yours are Double Standards. Two different models. That was my point. Who knows what the problem is?