Stock split-3's with spacers fit 231mm brakes?

Just as the title implies.... If anyone has attempted this or has any info on this let me know. I was wondering what size spacer would make the stock split-3 wheels fit over the tundra 231mm brakes without rubbing with 265-70-16s.

Even if someone has attempted (or succeeded with some grinding).... how close were the stock split 3's from fitting.

And yes, I have read the thread about the 231 brakes, and know that if I got other wheels it would work out but that's not in my college-student budget right now.
 
Register to hide this ad
The 199mm brakes fit perfectly without spacers. I'm running them and they're a huge improvement over stock with no grinding.
 
So the fitment of the 231mm calipers inside the split 3's has to do with interference with the inner face of the wheel. The caliper and rotor will clear the inside of the rims, just not the face.

So what is the thought on grinding on the wheels vs. grinding on the calipers?
 
The 199mm brakes fit perfectly without spacers. I'm running them and they're a huge improvement over stock with no grinding.

I was thinking of just going for the 199mm but my argument is that if I'm already spending money on the upgrade why not spend just a little more and get stronger brakes. But if you don't mind me asking... how much did your build cost? I'm thinking since their smaller calipers the costs should be a bit less.

So the fitment of the 231mm calipers inside the split 3's has to do with interference with the inner face of the wheel. The caliper and rotor will clear the inside of the rims, just not the face.

So what is the thought on grinding on the wheels vs. grinding on the calipers?

That's correct on it interfering with the wheel face from what I've gathered. Its caused from the outward facing portion of the 231 caliper being beefier and reaching out farther than the stock (or 199mm) calipers. I wouldn't be too comfortable with grinding either since the caliper is pretty important (DUH) and I would wanna mess with that.... and grinding the wheel could cause some balancing issues since you couldn't be 100% sure that you are taking the exact amount of weight off of every 'side' of the wheel.
 
I have a split 3 spoke for my spare that I ground down to clear the 231mm tundras. I had to remove around 3/16 of an inch of aluminum to clear. My thought - it's ok for a spare but you probably don't want to grind all four wheels for everyday use.

I have some pictures on my camera that show how much I had to grind; I'll post them tomorrow. Five stars fit with no issues; buy a set for $200 - $250 and sell your split three spokes for $150 to $200. Might take some time to find new wheels and sell your old wheels but it's a better option than grinding. I sold my three of my split three spokes one at a time for $50 each.

Edit - If you grind the caliper you risk it leaking brake fluid; the general consensus is that it's better to grind the wheel than the caliper.
 
Last edited:
My thought - it's ok for a spare but you probably don't want to grind all four wheels for everyday use.

I have some pictures on my camera that show how much I had to grind; I'll post them tomorrow.

Yeah I wasn't planning on grinding either my wheel or caliper... but rather was trying to figure out how much material was shaved off so I could just get that size wheel spacer. And the pics would be great.
 
I was thinking of just going for the 199mm but my argument is that if I'm already spending money on the upgrade why not spend just a little more and get stronger brakes. But if you don't mind me asking... how much did your build cost? I'm thinking since their smaller calipers the costs should be a bit less..


I don't remember what it cost but there wasn't any real price difference in the parts for 199s vs 231s. Except for the fact that with the 231s you need different wheels, wheel spacers or have to grind down your rims.
 
Here are some pictures of a split three spoke ground down to clear the 231 brakes. I'd guess I removed about 3/16's of an inch of aluminum, and that a 1/4 " spacer should allow the wheels to clear if you don't want to grind the wheels. Just a guess.

I'm using this wheel as my spare as the stock spare does not clear the 231mm brakes. Not even close. I have no idea what size spacer would be required for the spare to clear.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2864-1.jpg
    IMG_2864-1.jpg
    71.7 KB · Views: 1,390
  • IMG_2865-1.jpg
    IMG_2865-1.jpg
    77.1 KB · Views: 1,845
  • IMG_2861-1.jpg
    IMG_2861-1.jpg
    66 KB · Views: 1,315
  • IMG_2862-1.jpg
    IMG_2862-1.jpg
    72.8 KB · Views: 1,280
  • IMG_2863-1.jpg
    IMG_2863-1.jpg
    58.4 KB · Views: 1,209
Here are some pictures of a split three spoke ground down to clear the 231 brakes. I'd guess I removed about 3/16's of an inch of aluminum, and that a 1/4 " spacer should allow the wheels to clear if you don't want to grind the wheels. Just a guess.

Thanks a ton for the pics and explanation. I figured a 6mm or 7mm spacer should work and your pics support that idea. And I assumed the spare wouldn't be anywhere near fitting but if I ever get a flat on the front I'll take a rear wheel to the front and put the spare on the rear since there wouldn't be any fitting issues there :eyebrows:
 
I didn't want to grind so used 1/4" spacers with the split 3 spokes and 231mm brakes. It cleared by millimeters. The biggest hassle was it made for 1/4" less threads on the studs. Hard to get the wheel on and 1/4" less threads to bolt to. As soon as I could afford it I went with 1" adapters instead. Way better and it solved some clearance issues with the 285s.
 
Got a phone call from the PO this morning.... turns out he was able to search through his wife's auto records (was her T4r before they got married). Long story short the timing belt/water pump/ect had already been changed at 80k miles. SCORE!!! :party: So now I can do the Tundra Upgrade earlier than I thought with the spare cash saved.
 
I didn't want to grind so used 1/4" spacers with the split 3 spokes and 231mm brakes. It cleared by millimeters. The biggest hassle was it made for 1/4" less threads on the studs. Hard to get the wheel on and 1/4" less threads to bolt to. As soon as I could afford it I went with 1" adapters instead. Way better and it solved some clearance issues with the 285s.

What 1" adapters are you talking about? I have the split 3's and would like get the 231mm over the 199mm.

If I got spacers and longer studs would there be any negative impact to the suspension or any other part of the vehicle?
 
What 1" adapters are you talking about? I have the split 3's and would like get the 231mm over the 199mm.

If I got spacers and longer studs would there be any negative impact to the suspension or any other part of the vehicle?

Seems most people get Spidertrax hubcentric adapters the 3rd gen these days, I don't remember where I got mine, they are not hub-centric and are thinner than what Spidertrax offers.

Spacers and longer studs are an option too, have seen others go that route. For the least impact different stock 4Runner wheels would do it. I believe options like the 5-stars fit (research for yourself if you want to go that direction). I've been running the adapters for somewhere around 80,000 miles now but also have a few non-4Runner parts under there. Did re-replace the oem lower ball joints sooner than anticipated but tend to attribute that to wheeling. Running 285 BFGs I am still very happy I went with the adapters over the spacers for more than just the 231mm caliper clearance. The dirt up the sides of the truck when I take the fender flaps off, for instance. :D

There's a ton of discussion and opinions on all this so don't accept mine only, time for some reading and conclusion making.
 
Seems most people get Spidertrax hubcentric adapters the 3rd gen these days, I don't remember where I got mine, they are not hub-centric and are thinner than what Spidertrax offers.

Spacers and longer studs are an option too, have seen others go that route. For the least impact different stock 4Runner wheels would do it. I believe options like the 5-stars fit (research for yourself if you want to go that direction). I've been running the adapters for somewhere around 80,000 miles now but also have a few non-4Runner parts under there. Did re-replace the oem lower ball joints sooner than anticipated but tend to attribute that to wheeling. Running 285 BFGs I am still very happy I went with the adapters over the spacers for more than just the 231mm caliper clearance. The dirt up the sides of the truck when I take the fender flaps off, for instance. :D

There's a ton of discussion and opinions on all this so don't accept mine only, time for some reading and conclusion making.

Finding a set of compatible 4runner wheels locally is difficult which is why I am looking at spacers or an adapter. My truck is a little over the 150k mile mark so I already have a new set of OEM lower ball joints ready to go. I figure I might as well do both while I'm under there.

Can you link me to the adapter you are using?
 
Finding a set of compatible 4runner wheels locally is difficult which is why I am looking at spacers or an adapter. My truck is a little over the 150k mile mark so I already have a new set of OEM lower ball joints ready to go. I figure I might as well do both while I'm under there.

Can you link me to the adapter you are using?

Awesome on the LBJs. Yeah, hard to find used stuff here too.

Spidertrax 6x5.50 hubcentric adapters, 1.25
http://www.spidertrax.com/Toyota-Hub-Centric-Spacer?sc=2&category=9984

Trailgear 6x5.50 adapters, 1.00, not hubcentric (Iirc this is what I have)
they're sold in all sorts of places, possibly by a forum vendor too, I grabbed this link randomly:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tgi-140001-1-kit/overview/
 
Last edited:

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,111
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top