YotaTech Forums - View Single Post - Fitting 35's on a 3rd gen without going sky-high.

SEAN_at_TLT · 12-02-2005, 01:43 PM

I recently ordered a set of Maxxis Bighorn tires in 305/70/17. That metric size equates to 34x12.2", or roughly the same size as BFG 35x12.5" in reality (EDIT: After measuring the Maxxis against the BFG's, they are EXACTLY the same size). The tires won't be here for a few weeks since they are on back-order but in the mean time I needed to make room the new meats. My rig is already geared for 35's so that's not an issue but the 285's I've been running for a few years now barely fit at full compression as is.

We have a set of BFG muds in 35x12.5 on hand since that's what we run on the red Tacoma so we had tires to use for mock-up purposes. We decided to go ahead and clearance the inner and outer fenders for when the new tires arrive. Having done similar work to the Tacoma we knew this project would take us at least a full day for the front alone and we estimated about the same for the rear but having never done the rear of a stock bodied 4Runner before we couldn't be sure we wouldn't run into a snag along the way.

We did the work over Thanksgiving weekend and it came out great. There is still a little bit of finishing work to do on the rear but I'll have to wait for the rain to let up to get to that. The end result looks factory clean and will let me run a full 35x12.5" at full compression and the only even slight rubbing is on the frame-rails at full-lock steering (regardless of suspension position) and also slightly on the firewall at full-lock steer AND full compression which is a situation that will rarely if ever occur.

Here's a link to the pics and a brief write-up. There are no final pics yet because like I said the tires are back-ordered and I still need to paint the rear fender lip but you can see the basics of the project in good detail. This is a time consuming but relatively simple modification that is of tremendous benefit.

Tools needed:

4" angle grinder
Welder (TIG or MIG)
Various common hand tools

Supplies needed:

6-8) 4" Cut-off wheels
1) 4" Flap Disc
1) 1-1/2 x 2' piece of sheetmetal, ~3/32" or thicker depending on preference.
1) 10' length of 3/16" steel rod
1) Can rubberized undercarriage coating spray (Bondo and Dupli Color brands are good)
1) Can primer
1) Can semi-gloss black spray paint
1) Roll masking tape
1) 10' roll universal door edge trim
1) Tube clear silicone sealant
1) 14oz. can of body filler
1) Package sand paper, various grit levels

12-02-2005, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
SEAN_at_TLT Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 752	Fitting 35's on a 3rd gen without going sky-high. I recently ordered a set of Maxxis Bighorn tires in 305/70/17. That metric size equates to 34x12.2", or roughly the same size as BFG 35x12.5" in reality (EDIT: After measuring the Maxxis against the BFG's, they are EXACTLY the same size). The tires won't be here for a few weeks since they are on back-order but in the mean time I needed to make room the new meats. My rig is already geared for 35's so that's not an issue but the 285's I've been running for a few years now barely fit at full compression as is. We have a set of BFG muds in 35x12.5 on hand since that's what we run on the red Tacoma so we had tires to use for mock-up purposes. We decided to go ahead and clearance the inner and outer fenders for when the new tires arrive. Having done similar work to the Tacoma we knew this project would take us at least a full day for the front alone and we estimated about the same for the rear but having never done the rear of a stock bodied 4Runner before we couldn't be sure we wouldn't run into a snag along the way. We did the work over Thanksgiving weekend and it came out great. There is still a little bit of finishing work to do on the rear but I'll have to wait for the rain to let up to get to that. The end result looks factory clean and will let me run a full 35x12.5" at full compression and the only even slight rubbing is on the frame-rails at full-lock steering (regardless of suspension position) and also slightly on the firewall at full-lock steer AND full compression which is a situation that will rarely if ever occur. Here's a link to the pics and a brief write-up. There are no final pics yet because like I said the tires are back-ordered and I still need to paint the rear fender lip but you can see the basics of the project in good detail. This is a time consuming but relatively simple modification that is of tremendous benefit. Tools needed: 4" angle grinder Welder (TIG or MIG) Various common hand tools Supplies needed: 6-8) 4" Cut-off wheels 1) 4" Flap Disc 1) 1-1/2 x 2' piece of sheetmetal, ~3/32" or thicker depending on preference. 1) 10' length of 3/16" steel rod 1) Can rubberized undercarriage coating spray (Bondo and Dupli Color brands are good) 1) Can primer 1) Can semi-gloss black spray paint 1) Roll masking tape 1) 10' roll universal door edge trim 1) Tube clear silicone sealant 1) 14oz. can of body filler 1) Package sand paper, various grit levels __________________ -Sean Trails Less Traveled Last edited by SEAN_at_TLT; 01-29-2006 at 06:54 PM.