The age old tire rub question

[thedrumfish]

I have seen MANY discussions on this topic but not one that addresses my specific set up. Please bare with me as I am new to this and truly just looking for some solid information!

I have a 2002 4Runner sport with Procomp wheels 7069 series, 16x8 with 4 inch backspace and an offset of -12. I have 3 inch RevTech coil spacers as well. I have the plastic bulbous wheel flares and have removed the running boards. Still have stock bumper (for now).

I am interested in putting BFG KO2 ATs size 285/75/16's on. (I currently have 275/70/16s BFG KO ATs) Given what I have on the vehicle, should I expect any tire rub upon turning or articulation? Help a guy out! Thanks in advance.

 

[Supermoney]

I have the same 02 Sport, 7069s and 285 KO2s.

You want a good alignment tech to squeeze out at least +2.0 of caster, this will push the tire away from the pinch weld and toward the front bumper.

Then you take a utility knife and trim the inside of the bumper flare to avoid rubbing.

I could cut more off here, but haven't yet, as it does not rub often at all. An aftermarket bumper would eliminate any rubbing.

You will also need to peel the liner back a little and hammer the pinch weld flat, then put the liner back in place (heat helps) and use a low profile fastener to hold it down. You may also need to trim the liner a little if your tire catches it and starts peeling it up lol, all pretty self explanatory after driving around a bit you will see what is needed.


And here is a pic of the setup you are talking about if you want to know how it looks:

 

[JayRolla]

Trim bumper, issue fixed.

 

[Renton4runner]

I have a 98 and I just put on similar wheels(17x8 level8 trackers with 4.25 backspacing with 33inch duratracs) and I still get some rub on the rear of the wheel well at certain angles. This is after I bent back the pinch weld, got an alignment to bring my caster to 3+, installed icon UCA's, and icon coilovers.

Meanwhile, a friend with a very similar setup has no problems at all in his 99. I think you will find that every 4runner is different, and what you read on the forum may or may not fix things.

 

[thedrumfish]

Beautiful rig, Supermoney. Did you just remove the bumper flare and start shaving? It looks so neat, as if it were machined.

Also, is it possible to remove the liner altogether? Pros/cons?

Sorry, I'm not very mechanically inclined so trying to get a clue....

 

[derpiful]

Beautiful rig, Supermoney. Did you just remove the bumper flare and start shaving? It looks so neat, as if it were machined.

Also, is it possible to remove the liner altogether? Pros/cons?

Sorry, I'm not very mechanically inclined so trying to get a clue....

I had 7069s and 285s a while back. A little bumper rub (like the picture shows), along with a tiny bit at the pinchweld. To do the bumper cut, I put it on jackstands, removed the tire, and used a grinder to cut off that corner. For the pinchweld, I just used some tinsnips to trim the plastic, and left it at that. Not too bad at all, and it really only rubbed while offroad.

You could remove the liner altogether, and I even have mine off now (had to for a fender chop for 35s). You'll notice more mud/ water in the engine bay (more places for it to come in), and the airbox will have more dirt in it (mine did, at least). It may not be the best idea, but it is possible.

 

[Supermoney]

Beautiful rig, Supermoney. Did you just remove the bumper flare and start shaving? It looks so neat, as if it were machined.

Also, is it possible to remove the liner altogether? Pros/cons?

Sorry, I'm not very mechanically inclined so trying to get a clue....

Its very easy to get a smooth curved cut with a utility knife.

I didn't even take the wheel off lol, I just turned it full lock and trimmed. Repeat on the other side, all done.

Take the wheels off if you are going to hammer the pinch weld though.

 

[thedrumfish]

Good info, everyone. I'll give it a go and see how it turns out. :hatsoff: