Trimming???

[ftbjoe87]

Hey I just got new bfg 285's on my 4runner and it looks like I will have to do some trimming. My questiong is how I go about doing this? What tools should I use to do this and should I have my tires on or off? Ive never trimmed anything off a car before so Im completely new to this. Also what areas have you guys with 285s had to trim? It looks like I might be in a little trouble because at full lock I think they might rub my upper a arms? Is this normal or is there a way to fix this? thanks

 

[Expat]

Not that I have 285's but no one seems to be responding to your questions sooo......to trim you can use a dremel for the plastic.

For the A-arms I guess correct backspacing or wheel spacers.

There's tons of info if you search.

Good luck

 

[ftbjoe87]

Hey thanks for the reply. I talked to the guys that installed the tires and I am just getting a new set of wheels with the right offset and back spacing. I was just curious about the a arm because a couple guys said they are running 285's with the stock rims with no rubbing. I also figured out about the dremmrel. I guess my only question is now is do you guys trim the plastic when its still on or do you take the whole inner fender plastic peice out and cut it off of the vehicle. Thanks for your help.

 

[Cleric]

I run 285/60/18 on mine and I also changed out my rims with the new tires. It seems that everybody's experience is a little different in terms of what needs to be trimmed, depending on your setup.

I removed the front mud flaps (I have the grey cladding, so scratches are not a big concern) and trimmed the rear ones. Other than that, I only get VERY mile rubbing on my wheel well when at full lock with some amount of compression.

For this, you could trim it right there on the car, but I am going to get a lift (OME) and see how that affects it before I trim anything else.

 

[4route]

I used a knife on the inner plastic, and a dremel on the fenders, and a grinder on the frame (to fit 315s).

To fit the 275 MTRs (which are bigger than the 285 BFGs) I just had to cut some of the inner plastic out. With aftermarket wheels of 4.5" backspacing, you should be fine and not have to do much trimming ... probably just the inner plastic, and possibly a little plastic fender (if at all).

Good luck! It's really easy to do, and the dremel will be perfect.

 

[Expat]

To fit the 275 MTRs (which are bigger than the 285 BFGs) I just had to cut some of the inner plastic out.

Tracey - you had to trim for the 275's? I didn't. I wonder if its wheel alignment variation as I had one alignment where they rubbed ever so slightly on the plastic triangles in reverse at full lock but another alignment removed that problem.

 

[4route]

When I had to trim, it was because I had the Revtek lift, and during offroading, they barely hit the inner plastic, so I cut it off.

 

[AlexJet]

I used a knife on the inner plastic, and a dremel on the fenders, and a grinder on the frame (to fit 315s).

To fit the 275 MTRs (which are bigger than the 285 BFGs) I just had to cut some of the inner plastic out. With aftermarket wheels of 4.5" backspacing, you should be fine and not have to do much trimming ... probably just the inner plastic, and possibly a little plastic fender (if at all).

Good luck! It's really easy to do, and the dremel will be perfect.

275 bigger then 285
4.5" backspacing. How much this will be in offset?

 

[4route]

Yep, the 275 MTR measured a larger OD than a 285 BFG -- I've had both tires. The 285 BFG is supposed to be 32.8" OD, and the 275 MTR is supposed to be 32.4" OD, but in reality they aren't exactly those measurements, and the MTR is actually taller. Of course, this depends on tire pressure to some extent.

Funnily enough, the 265/70 in the Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip is actually closer to 33" than either the MTR or the BFG!!! (It is supposed to be 32.6" OD, right between the 275 MTR and the 285 BFG, but is larger than both in person --- granted, these differences are very very small).

A manufacturer's tire in one size is often going to be different in actual overall diameter than another company's tire of the same "size". I am sure the lugs on the MTRs play some part in it being bigger than the BFG too.

That said, I think the BFG is wider, so you may experience a bit more rubbing, but at least it will probably only be on the plastic (if you experience any at all) and not on the upper arms since you're moving the tires out a bit with the 4.5" backspaced wheel.

I think 4.5" backspacing was = 0mm offset if I remember correctly.

 

[kimboy]

Ive never trimmed my inner fender before, however, before you do decide to cut, use some chalk to outline where it is your rubbing. This will probably save you some extra cutting.

 

[Koz]

:corn:

Koz