True or False? All aftermarket 16" wheels will rub calipers on a 3rd gen 4Runner

4Peanut · 10-20-2005, 09:18 AM

Stopped into a local 4x4 shop this morning to get a price on a set of 16x8 Mickey Thompson Classic II's for my '96 4WD 4Runner. They told me that the Classic II's would rub the calipers, and I would have a problem with any 16" aftermarket wheel. They suggested I step up to 17" wheels, but my 285/75 16 BFG AT's are no where close to needing replacement.

I've been on yotatech for almost two years, and I've spent the last hour searching the forums. Is this really an issue? Is everyone out there with aftermarket 16" wheels grinding their calipers (but not telling us)? Can anyone recommend a 16x8 wheel (not black) that fits without clearance problems?

4Peanut

99_Runner · 10-20-2005, 09:22 AM

I don't know what they are thinking, but if your 4Runner came with 16" wheels from the factory, then a 16" rim won't rub the caliper no matter who makes the rim. A 16" rim is a 16" rim.

Keggo · 10-20-2005, 09:24 AM

Sounds like they just want to make a quick buck. Plus... offroad tires in R17... isn't that pretty expensive?? Like 99 Runner said "A 16" rim is a 16" rim..."

bamachem · 10-20-2005, 09:26 AM

they aren't talking about the outer edge of the caliper, but the face close to the hub.

all you have to do is take an angle grinder to the caliper high spots and then hit w/ some rattle-can and then most 16" aftermarket wheels will fit. the strength of the caliper isn't comprimised by the grinding, by the way.

4Peanut · 10-20-2005, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamachem

they aren't talking about the outer edge of the caliper, but the face close to the hub.

Got it. Is it enough to prevent the wheel from being mounted? In other words, could I drive out of there and just let the wheel grind down the caliper itself?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamachem

all you have to do is take an angle grinder to the caliper high spots and then hit w/ some rattle-can and then most 16" aftermarket wheels will fit. the strength of the caliper isn't comprimised by the grinding, by the way.

Has anyone had a shop do this for them?

BTW, bamachem, my initial reason for stopping into the shop was to schedule an appointment to have them install the two pairs of top out spacers I bought from you. I am finally going to get my 4Runner sitting level.

I'd still be interested in hearing from anyone who has installed 16"x8" aftermarket wheels on a 3rd generation 4WD 4Runner without having to grind down the calipers.

4Peanut

bamachem · 10-20-2005, 10:02 AM

most shops won't do it due to being afraid of liability if something were to happen.

you can't drive off. the wheel is locked to the caliper if they don't clear.

this is common w/ the tech1 rockcrawler wheels.

SC4Runner · 10-20-2005, 10:19 AM

I have the 16" wheel calipers and have had no problems with fitting 16" rims.

I've heard people grinding the calipers to fit 15" wheels, but, never 16"?

Why dont you just have them stick some on and then show you where they will rub.

99_Runner · 10-20-2005, 11:19 AM

Another thing you have to remember is to get the right backspacing. I guess this is what they are talking about.

Unhappy99 · 10-20-2005, 11:42 AM

16 inch rims are NOT all alike.

Differences in offset (backspacing refers to the same), shape of the spokes, material thickness, etc., all play a part in 'will it fit or will it rub'.

That being said, there are many 16 inch wheels which will fit.

JGM · 10-20-2005, 11:50 AM

I have the 16x8 tech1 black rockcrawlers (4.25" BS) and never had a problem.

Flamedx4 · 10-20-2005, 01:12 PM

{{if your 4Runner came with 16" wheels from the factory, then a 16" rim won't rub the caliper no matter who makes the rim. A 16" rim is a 16" rim.}}

Not true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unhappy99

16 inch rims are NOT all alike.

Differences in offset (backspacing refers to the same), shape of the spokes, material thickness, etc., all play a part in 'will it fit or will it rub'.

That being said, there are many 16 inch wheels which will fit.

You nailed it. Assuming the correct backspacing, the differences in the shape if the wheel (the "style" if you will) from one wheel to another can indeed cause one to rub when another doesn't.

grimpy · 10-20-2005, 01:44 PM

Get the wheels with a 4" BS... When you get them, take off one of your front wheel and bolt the sucker on, try to spin it. If it spins freely then you are good. If it gets stuck, then you will need to either grind down the caliper or get some small spacers to push it out a little further.

4Peanut · 10-20-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamedx4

You nailed it. Assuming the correct backspacing, the differences in the shape if the wheel (the "style" if you will) from one wheel to another can indeed cause one to rub when another doesn't.

Now, can anyone with a '96 4Runner post the 16x8 wheels they mounted without caliper clearance issues (I realize this may be a small subset of the yotatech community, but Mickey Thompson told me that Toyota changed the caliper from '96 to '97).

So far, I know that Tech1 Rockcrawlers and MT Classic II's won't fit without grinding.

4Peanut

Gangus2006 · 10-20-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Peanut

Got it. Is it enough to prevent the wheel from being mounted? In other words, could I drive out of there and just let the wheel grind down the caliper itself?

Has anyone had a shop do this for them?

BTW, bamachem, my initial reason for stopping into the shop was to schedule an appointment to have them install the two pairs of top out spacers I bought from you. I am finally going to get my 4Runner sitting level.

I'd still be interested in hearing from anyone who has installed 16"x8" aftermarket wheels on a 3rd generation 4WD 4Runner without having to grind down the calipers.

4Peanut

Our Runner came with 16" wheels stock, and I have American Racing 16x8 Victors on there now. No grinding. Actually, I can fit my hand in between the caliper ad the spokes, where, witht he stock wheels, a hair could barely fit.

JGM · 10-20-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Peanut

Now, can anyone with a '96 4Runner post the 16x8 wheels they mounted without caliper clearance issues (I realize this may be a small subset of the yotatech community, but Mickey Thompson told me that Toyota changed the caliper from '96 to '97).

So far, I know that Tech1 Rockcrawlers and MT Classic II's won't fit without grinding.

4Peanut

Not true. See my post above.

Albuquerque Jim · 10-20-2005, 04:13 PM

I have 16" MT Classic Locks...they fit fine.

***waskillywabbit*** · 10-20-2005, 04:28 PM

It all depends on the backspacing...as I've had several sets of rims and (1) set rubbed on my 3rd gen, the other didn't, the difference was a 0.25" of backspacing that made all the difference. Get out a tape measuer and see what you got and match it to your new rims.

ebelen1 · 10-20-2005, 06:42 PM

Like others have said above, it's more a backspacing issue than a rim size issue. I have a 3rd gen that came with stock 15" wheels and upgraded to 16" aftermarket wheels w/no issues.

Bluedog · 10-20-2005, 06:53 PM

I have the black alloys but they do make silver.

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/toyblackalloys.htm

10-20-2005, 09:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
4Peanut Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 239	True or False? All aftermarket 16" wheels will rub calipers on a 3rd gen 4Runner Stopped into a local 4x4 shop this morning to get a price on a set of 16x8 Mickey Thompson Classic II's for my '96 4WD 4Runner. They told me that the Classic II's would rub the calipers, and I would have a problem with any 16" aftermarket wheel. They suggested I step up to 17" wheels, but my 285/75 16 BFG AT's are no where close to needing replacement. I've been on yotatech for almost two years, and I've spent the last hour searching the forums. Is this really an issue? Is everyone out there with aftermarket 16" wheels grinding their calipers (but not telling us)? Can anyone recommend a 16x8 wheel (not black) that fits without clearance problems? 4Peanut __________________ 1996 4Runner SR5 4WD Front Suspension: OME 91S/881 + 2 pairs of bamachem's spacers Rear Suspension: OME N86/891 Tires: BFGoodrich AT KO, 285/75R16 Wheels: OEM 16x7 Rack: Yakima Crossbars and Load Stops Fun: Hidden Hitch Round Tube that pulls a 1999 Malibu Sportster LX

10-20-2005, 09:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
99_Runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 1,111	I don't know what they are thinking, but if your 4Runner came with 16" wheels from the factory, then a 16" rim won't rub the caliper no matter who makes the rim. A 16" rim is a 16" rim. __________________ Drew 99 4Runner SR5, auto, 3.4 V6, factory rear locker, 265/75 Yokohama Geolander AT+II Stock for now, but hopefully not for long.

10-20-2005, 09:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
Keggo Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,867	Sounds like they just want to make a quick buck. Plus... offroad tires in R17... isn't that pretty expensive?? Like 99 Runner said "A 16" rim is a 16" rim..." __________________ - Kevin E. G. SOLD!!! '91 4Runner SR5 V6 5spd: CLICK!! FOR SALE NOW! Proud dad of Kai E. G.!

10-20-2005, 10:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,179	I have the 16" wheel calipers and have had no problems with fitting 16" rims. I've heard people grinding the calipers to fit 15" wheels, but, never 16"? Why dont you just have them stick some on and then show you where they will rub. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

10-20-2005, 11:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
99_Runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 1,111	Another thing you have to remember is to get the right backspacing. I guess this is what they are talking about. __________________ Drew 99 4Runner SR5, auto, 3.4 V6, factory rear locker, 265/75 Yokohama Geolander AT+II Stock for now, but hopefully not for long.

10-20-2005, 09:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20	they aren't talking about the outer edge of the caliper, but the face close to the hub. all you have to do is take an angle grinder to the caliper high spots and then hit w/ some rattle-can and then most 16" aftermarket wheels will fit. the strength of the caliper isn't comprimised by the grinding, by the way.

10-20-2005, 10:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20	most shops won't do it due to being afraid of liability if something were to happen. you can't drive off. the wheel is locked to the caliper if they don't clear. this is common w/ the tech1 rockcrawler wheels.

10-20-2005, 11:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
Unhappy99 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 381	16 inch rims are NOT all alike. Differences in offset (backspacing refers to the same), shape of the spokes, material thickness, etc., all play a part in 'will it fit or will it rub'. That being said, there are many 16 inch wheels which will fit. __________________ 03 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD...its amazing Ex: 1999 4Runner JT3HN86R1X0199261...Now somebody elses Karl Malone Toyota 'Certified' POS Legendary Toyota quality is exactly that: A thing of legend. Defective fuel gauge - 'Certified' Defective brake rotors - 'Certified' Defective axle seals - 'Certified' Defective heater diverter - 'Certified' etc. etc. etc.

10-20-2005, 11:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
JGM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 342	I have the 16x8 tech1 black rockcrawlers (4.25" BS) and never had a problem. __________________ 1996 4Runner & 1971 FJ40

10-20-2005, 01:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
grimpy Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 668	Get the wheels with a 4" BS... When you get them, take off one of your front wheel and bolt the sucker on, try to spin it. If it spins freely then you are good. If it gets stuck, then you will need to either grind down the caliper or get some small spacers to push it out a little further. __________________ 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport 6speed Pro Comp 6" - Bilstein 5100 front 18x9 Moto Metal 951B - 325/60/18 NTG Pro Comp Skid - Lund Grill Cover 17x10 Weld EVO Velociti 6 *soon

10-20-2005, 04:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
Albuquerque Jim Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 2,567	I have 16" MT Classic Locks...they fit fine. __________________ '00 SR5, "Highlander" Dual Cases, Aisin Hubs, E-Lock'd, Cryo'd, Chromo'd, ARB'd, 315's, Sonoran Steel Bumper, Lift & UCA's, 4 Crawl 1" BL, Armored...etc. F-Toy #081 in progress Dual Cases, 30 Splines, 5.71's, E-lockers, Hydro-Assist, 37's, DOM Hendrix Chassis, 80Proof, ORS, Sonoran Steel...etc.

10-20-2005, 04:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
*waskillywabbit* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 11,482	It all depends on the backspacing...as I've had several sets of rims and (1) set rubbed on my 3rd gen, the other didn't, the difference was a 0.25" of backspacing that made all the difference. Get out a tape measuer and see what you got and match it to your new rims. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC www.myspace.com/wabfab FOR SALE: 1987 4Runner GRAY FOR SALE: 1987 4Runner RED 6th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, May 22-25, 2009

10-20-2005, 06:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
ebelen1 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Socal Posts: 1,969	Like others have said above, it's more a backspacing issue than a rim size issue. I have a 3rd gen that came with stock 15" wheels and upgraded to 16" aftermarket wheels w/no issues.

10-20-2005, 06:53 PM	#19 (permalink)
Bluedog Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Deerfield, IL Posts: 259	I have the black alloys but they do make silver. http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/toyblackalloys.htm __________________ 2005 Tundra iForce V8 4WD American Racing Teflon Mojave's. Pirelli Scorpion ATR LT 265/75 R17 1995 FZJ80 Wheeler's 16 Black Alloy Wheels.