SPC UCA and tire clearance concerns (pics inside)

[madbomber08]

Specs:
Sonoran Steel 1.2
2014 4runner Trail edition wheels
NO wheel spacer
285/70/17 BFG Ko2

The photos show how much clearance there is between the tire and and knuckle. I cannot fit my finger past the first knuckle as shown. I would say no more than 0.5" clearance, possibly less. I plan to take a 1000ish mile trip next week and don't want any surprises. The people I've showed didn't think it was a problem unless I hit a major bump going fast it could deform the tire enough to rub for a split second. The only real issue I see is if offroading it and compressing the front suspension, the tire very possibly to start to rub. However I don't plan to do any serious offroading on this trip, a gravel/dirt road would be the most offroading I'd do.

Should I be concerned?


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[Hopeless Diamond]

Well, if the tire is deflecting that much at the top where it might contact, you probably have bigger problems. I had much less clearance than that with the stock UCAs and never contacted. You should be good but it never hurts to keep a watch and see if there ends up being any contact

 

[thezentree]

When I first lifted mine and installed SPCs, the tire shop I went to for new tires and an alignment refused to mount 285s because of the small clearance there, so I ordered a set of spacers.


...then again, they also claimed they couldn't align it because it was too tall with a 3" lift :wacko:

 

[deves2]

you will be fine. your tire will NOT deform at the top. If it does you are in a serious crash or rolling sideways off a cliff.
that is actually a lot of clearance.

 

[madbomber08]

When I first lifted mine and installed SPCs, the tire shop I went to for new tires and an alignment refused to mount 285s because of the small clearance there, so I ordered a set of spacers.


...then again, they also claimed they couldn't align it because it was too tall with a 3" lift :wacko:

Funny you mention that. The tire shop I went to advised not putting the tires on it because they'd rub. Almost had me convinced. Then later on that same day I realized, why not try it? It'd be worth the mount and dismount fee to see for my own eyes that it wouldn't work. So I drove back to the dealership and told them to try it. Lo and behold it works, and I shouldn't need to run spacers.

The same shop aligned it also, and it was my mistake for not telling them only to adjust the upper control arms since I dialed in the lower by myself. So I go out to see the lower cams all in different positions after they aligned it. :wow: I'm going back friday to get it realigned to have some more positive caster.

 

[phattyduck]

1/2" of tire clearance there is huge! The knuckle and tire fixed in location to each other. Lift the front and check at full droop - that will be worst case. The upper arm will get closer to the tire, but it looks like you will still have room.

I've run street car tires with 3mm or less clearance with no rubbing... I'd leave a bit more for a truck tire, but you are fine there.

-Charlie

 

[madbomber08]

Thanks for the advice! I did end up buying a couple of 1/4" wheel spacers in case I do need to run my steel spare which won't work up front with the tundra calipers.

 

[BirdDog2025]

Similar Concern

Newbie to the forum.....

I just installed Fuel Vector 20x9, +19 wheels with 275/55/20 Michelin LTX M/S on a 2015 4 Runner LTD. Put a Rough Country 2" level kit on the front.

I have about a finger width between the tire and the UCA knuckle....

I assume it will be safe with no issues also. Thinking about aftermarket Old Man Emu UCAs. They seem a bit smaller, tubular and the knuckle isn't as large. Could provide a bit more clearance???

Appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks!

 

[Endlessblockades]

Newbie to the forum.....

I just installed Fuel Vector 20x9, +19 wheels with 275/55/20 Michelin LTX M/S on a 2015 4 Runner LTD. Put a Rough Country 2" level kit on the front.

I have about a finger width between the tire and the UCA knuckle....

I assume it will be safe with no issues also. Thinking about aftermarket Old Man Emu UCAs. They seem a bit smaller, tubular and the knuckle isn't as large. Could provide a bit more clearance???

Appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks!

I think you are looking for the 5th Gen forum: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/