I'm soon to be the new owner of a '96 T4R SR5 4WD 5 speed, 130k mi. I'm buying it a great price from within the family, however, I haven't been able to fully check out the vehicle as it is in GA and I'm in NY (drove it briefly this past weekend, but back in NY now).

Anyway, the truck has the base steel wheels, and while I didn't check out the exact size, they appeared to be the 225/75R15. Would it be difficult to upgrade to the P265/70R16 alloy wheels? Specifically, would any modifications be necessary (i.e., brakes, odometer reading)?

While I'm at it, what would be the best place to buy the upgraded wheels - ebay, craigslist, etc?

Much appreciated.

 

You could upgrade the wheels and tires fine with not mods needed BUT your speed WILL be off and need to be redone. just like anytime you upgrade your tires. Though if you are going that big you might as well go to 32's instead of just 31's.

But breaks will work, though with the bigger tires/rims you can upgrade to bigger breaks like the tundra breaks.

 

Can I use OEM wheels from later 4Runner models on a '96, or is there a specific time period for which to use?

Thanks again.

 

Yes, you can. I would look for 4Runner wheels from a 99-00 (5-star) or Tacoma wheels. I believe the 4th Gen 4Runner wheels have a higher offset (same with 05+ Tacoma wheels), so I'd stay away from those (don't quote me on this, I have yet to verify).

 

Yes, I think the 15" rime trucks have a 5 lug bolt pattern. You can use any 5 lug rim. Though virtually all toyota 5 lug rims are 15" so that will not do anything for you.

If you have 6 lug rims now though then you can use virtually any toyota 6 lug rims.