norville

Hey all, I just finished up fixing the mechanicals on my newly acquired short bed regular cab 94. It's relatively rust free and is driving well for a 4cly. I still need to address the seat and a few other things.


I pulled off the bald 31x10.50's with aluminum directionals and replaced them with a new set of tires with directionals.. I'm not a fan of the directionals so I have a set of outlaw 2's here with the same specs to put on.. The wheels are 8.5"x15 with a 4" BS.. I'm at a fork in the road at the moment. I plan to stay 31's but I'm in Pa and I need to address the issue with the wheels sticking out.. I also have a set of 6x15" Land cruiser fj60 wheels here that would make me legal. Keeping the wide wheels, I'd have to add a 1.5" fender flares. Money is not the deciding factor but it is a factor.

Are there any thoughts on this decision? Maybe input pro's con's? OHw about a few pics? "don't be an cheap-as$ .... just buy the flares..."

Looks like the PO ran garden edging or something similar for inspection.

thanks
bob

Stetson_md

Skinny tires get better mpgs and do better in some mud but suck ass in other mud
If you want cheap flares look up flexy flare there not always the best looking but there cheap I'd get the surface mount over the under the fender mount if you do get flexy flares

norville

a few pics of the truck

norville

I guess I'm a little concerned that it will look silly with flares and only 31's

snobdds

FJ 60 wheels are usually 15x7, with a 3 3/8 backspacing. This would make your wheel stick out over 2.5 inches.

In order to get the wheel to tuck in more, you will need a wheel with more backspacing. Usually a 94 with IFS came with a wheel that had a backspacing of 4 3/4.

I would find a wheel from a IFS Toyota truck or 4runner to start out with. Then you won't have much "fender" to put over it...

Edit: That third picture of the rim and tire is not a OEM Toyota landcruiser wheel...It's aftermarket.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

the wheel/tire combo in the pics won't pass inspection? man, glad we don't have that nonsense (but we get screwed with stuff like emissions). those outlaw ii's in the 3rd pic are pretty much what i have on my truck, but with 33x12.5s and less backspacing - puts the tire out of fender around 1.5", a 31x10.5 tire would probably be around 3/4-1" sticking out still.

there are a few companies still making fender flares for our trucks - look into bushwacker and jungle fender flares, xenon, etc, to get an idea of pricing/look -- definitely not a cheap option IMO. almost the same price as buying a brand new set of wheels. if you're selling all 3 sets of your current wheels then you've got even more money for new wheels/tires.

as for the "look" it won't be that horrible, this is really subjective though - but just think of how many rigs, like Tacomas, came with low-profile fender flares on stock tires. google images will give some good pics of what your new look would be.

Stetson_md

looks like this truck is on 31s with jungleflares

norville

thanks all, I tried the cruiser wheels I have with 30x9.50 on them and the tire "tread" would only stick out. The law says the tread has to be covered but that would pass. I'm currently about 1.5" at the tread and 2+ at the bulge with the outlaws..

Flares are not cheap and get busted I know but I don;t want to get busted either... I was looking at some non pocket bushwackers..

bob

Stetson_md

Pacer 2 1/2" no lip flexy flares are $50 a pair that's comparably cheap. sorry the pics of a jeep but its all I could find the no lip on