TRD Wheels or Stick with OEM?

[MK_Ultra]

I am thinking about upgrading my 14 Trail (KDSS) with either TRD Pro or TRD Beadlock wheels. 80% is spent on pavement and 20% on trails, snow, sand. I don't mind the Trail wheels but want to know if there is a benefit in performance with the TRD wheels overall (Vehicle handling & gas mpg)? I want to run T/A KM All-Terrain LT255/75R17 tires without a lift at this point.

Are the wheels worth it for performace or is it more for looks? Should I do a lift on a KDSS rig with the new tires and wheels?

 

[Bodhi327]

trd wheels

I think the trd Pro wheels would just be for looks. FN wheels makes a clone that is slightly wider but then again, that would be just looks as well. Beadlock would be overkill if not going heavy offroad.

 

[12Bravo4R]

FN wheels makes a clone that is slightly wider but then again, that would be just looks as well.

Going form a 7" wheel to an 8" wheel has more benefits than "just looks"

 

[Smiley]

I've looked into the TRD wheels also. I'm kind of partial to the grey, but would like to paint my SR5 center caps to match. All of it would be for aesthetics though, the A-Trac and 4wd get me everywhere I need to go.

Hutchinson does make a beadlock that fits and is DOT legal, but they are some more pricey wheels.

 

[MK_Ultra]

Did some digging in the search and found the best answer for the Beadlock wheels. "If you have to ask if you need Beadlock wheels, you do not need them" Learned more about their purpose and function.

So, the TRD Pro's worth the performance aspects mentioned above or stick with the OEM trail wheels? For looks, I am really digging the ATX Series AX202 Wheels! Would they ruin the handling characteristics of my vehicle as I like the way mine rides now.

 

[UT_RUNN3R]

Looking at the specs for this tire (BFG MUD-TERRAIN T/A KM - SIZE: LT255/75R17), it is designed to fit a 6.5-8.5" wide wheel. The trail wheels I believe are 7.5", so they should fit.

Also, going by this thread here - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/156378-going-bigger-5th-gen-tire-fitment-guide.html you shouldn't have any rub with this tire (you don't need a lift).

I personally would like to spend my money on functional upgrades as my primary motivation is a DD (70%)/off-road(30%), but if you are going after building a sweet looking rig, then yes changing the wheels would definitely improve the looks.

 

[MeefZah]

The TE wheels are actually better... wider, better valve stem protection... TRD are nice looking wheels (I have them) but actually not as usable for off road stuff. They do have a slightly wider stance though, by 4mm.

 

[itschuck]

Oddly that 4mm made a weird difference for me. By swapping to the TRD wheels with stock size Wildpeaks, I get a tiny amount of rub at full lock in reverse.

 

[Nklxwcyz]

I don't mind the Trail wheels but want to know if there is a benefit in performance with the TRD wheels overall (Vehicle handling & gas mpg)?



Should I do a lift on a KDSS rig with the new tires and wheels?

I don’t think you’ll see any handling or fuel economy benefit by switching to TRD Pro Wheels. They’re half-an-inch narrower (7”) than Trail wheels (7.5”) and as another poster pointed out, don’t have the same degree of valve stem protection. Weight difference between the two wheels is negligible. With that said, I gotta admit I’m a fan of the look.

If you’re interested in a slightly wider wheel (8”) with more offset than TRD Pros, but like the TRD Pro look, check out FN Wheels f(x) pros. I bought a set a few months ago and recommend them without reservation. With these, you can expect to save a few pounds at each corner over the Trail wheels, but not enough to realize any noticeable gains in fuel economy or changes to handling.

If interested in learning more, do a quick search - these wheels have been discussed extensively on this forum.

With respect to lifting your T4R, I didn’t experience any rub with the f(x) pros, factory tires, and stock Trail suspension. I don’t have experience with 255/70 17s so can’t comment on them. Of course, there’s a lot more to consider when deciding on suspension mods - a good place to start is by asking yourself what you plan to do with the truck. Is the existing setup meeting your needs?

 

[mrblah]

i thought trd wheels is OEM :ear:

 

[CollinJ]

I’m sure it is something that doesn’t concern many people on the 4Runner as many of us add weight rather than try to remove it but aren’t the TRD Pro wheels about 23lbs where the TRD off-road and SR5 Wheels come in around 32lbs.

If this is true that’s a 9lb saving per wheel of unsprung weight...so adding a larger heavier tire that is 8-10lbs heavier than factory duractracs would be no increase in weight.

That being said I like my off-road rims but have been considering changing to the Pro or something else as I’ll so be getting some LT tires that will weigh about 10lbs more.

Just another way to look at it.

 

[LandCruiser]

did some digging in the search and found the best answer for the beadlock wheels. "if you have to ask if you need beadlock wheels, you do not need them" learned more about their purpose and function.

So, the trd pro's worth the performance aspects mentioned above or stick with the oem trail wheels? For looks, i am really digging the atx series ax202 wheels! Would they ruin the handling characteristics of my vehicle as i like the way mine rides now.

i thought trd wheels is OEM :ear:

Only if it's a TRD.

 

[MK_Ultra]

Thanks guys, I've got a lot more to learn about. I will be doing more research and trying suppress the urge to get things which I do not need on my rig. I am BS'ing myself as to how much offroading I will be doing to justify a lift and big aggressive tires aside from how awesome that looks. This is my daily driver.

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

WEight loss in the wheel will be more than offset by weight gain in the tire.

This is cuz the weight loss is at a small radius, mostly in the spokes and maybe in the actual rim, but that's till only a foot or less away from the hub.

The added weight int he tires is another half a foot or more further out, so you'll feel that weight gain (along with the change in gearing) a lot more.

All that said, the TRD wheels would be a static weight reduction, if the 9 lb difference is true. It seems shocking if that's really how much less they weigh, but I guess it's possible. The spokes look pretty light to the eye, and there's a half-inch of rim less.

It's a negligible factor either way at the end of the day tho. IT's like bikes. Some would say get 26" wheels for fast rotation and lightness, but others value 29"ers because the built-up momentum and larger diameter can take you over stuff without having to work as much.

Go with what ya like the looks of!

 

[itschuck]

Hmm, I actually have a trail and TRD rim at home with no tires or valvestems on them. I'll put them on a scale and see what the weight difference is this weekend.

 

[CollinJ]

Hmm, I actually have a trail and TRD rim at home with no tires or valvestems on them. I'll put them on a scale and see what the weight difference is this weekend.

I would very interested in seeing their actual weights!

 

[BigEyeDuck]

Stick with OEM. I have a 2017 in MGM that I was planning on doing a logo black out and throw on TRD Pro rims.

Seems every 4Runner I see here in Portland is an SR5/TRDOR converted to a TRD Pro.
What I don't see is a lifted TRD ORP with stock rims and not blacked out which is why I am leaving my outside stock.

The best goodies are hidden with the ICON and complete entertainment swap out.