I was searching around for some info on a KZN185 1KZTE swap, and came across this:

http://www.todoroki-trading.com/stoc.../stock006.html

I've never seen a rear tire carrier that was Pathfinder-style for the 3rd gen. Anyone have any details about this thing? I think it's a great compromise to an expensive rear bumper that's built around a swing out carrier...

 

Ohh. Heres a bump for this. I want to find out too. When I was in Japan I saw a bunch of 4runners with these, but I never thought about finding a part #

 

I would assume it installs like the 2nd gen. one, which has a brace on the inside of the body that you have to weld in. You also have to cut out some of the body on the inside to put the tire carrier brace in, and then re-weld the inside body part back in. A lot of work.

Chris Geiger did it on his old 2nd gen. but the article isnt up anymore.
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/ar....jsp?id=186335

 

That doesn't sound too bad, and if it was less than $1500 all said and done, then I'd do it. From the issues I've seen with bumper mounted carriers (bearing failures), I think this is a solid choice. Hell, the bracing might even already be there...

I'm sure some JDM-exploiting-importer could get a hold of these things without much fuss, too.

 

From what I have read, you wouldnt want to mount anything larger than a 33" on these carriers, they just arent super strong. A 33" might be pushing it too.

 

1500 will get you a fabbed rear bumper and carrier! i know you have read issues on bearing failures but did they have the best types of bearings in them? what caused them to fail? to me it looks like a blazers swing carrier. go custom!

 

The stock 265/70/16 Michelins run 41 lbs./each. I run 255/85/16 BFG MTs, and those are 53 lbs. Even a 285 is only 15 lbs. heavier than stock. I would think that this carrier would have no trouble handling the ~10 lbs. more...

I should have been more clear. I'm not trying to spend anywhere near $1500 to get a tire carrier, and I know that's the ball park of a custom bumper/carrier. If I could utilize the OEM carrier for 1/3 of the price of a custom piece, I think it would be worth it. Again, I have no idea on the price or labor to install one, I'm just theorizing...

All the one's I've seen with bearing issues used nice needle roller bearings. But in my eyes, the custom bumper focuses the weight of an 80 lb. wheel/tire, a heavy steel carrier assembly and possibly a 40 lb. Hi-Lift all on one pivot point. The OEM carrier clearly distributes the weight better and has the potential to be cheaper.

 

subscribed!

would the toyota japenese FSM have the part # for the carrier?

 

According to the currency converter I used, that Hilux is less than $8,00. I wonder what importing would run?

 

I have one on my second gen and you will also need a different tailgate or fab your existing one for back up lights on the outside of licence plate mounting point as it is. Where your plate is now you would have to mount the catch for the swing out and move your plate lights to the right over the new plate hanger on the swing out. I carry a 35 B.F.Goodrich on a micky thompson with not weight issues at all on it so i dont think you will have much issue with the weight of your spare. Just a little fyi

 

Kinda cool. I'm guessing your spare doesn't fit underneath? IMO the good quality spare tire carriers are going to be much stronger. Tied to the frame as opposed to the body. It really depends on the quality of the fab work. I've seen diesel powered welders (HEAVY) mounted on swing out bumpers that stay put. These are on 1ton's not a 4runner. The heavy bushing type carriers are much better than the ones made from trailer spindles. They seem to handle 38's and larger on landcruisers without problem.

I guess i'd say that's a unique carrier. It'd be different, but I don't think it would be any better. If your spare is to big to fit underneath, it should probably be on something tied to the frame. Plus it would be one more thing to move before getting into the back. It would free up some room for an air tank or aux fuel tank under there though, but I don't see many third gens with Yorks or comparable compressors that would put that big of a tank to use.

That tire rack would probably be a cool way to put a highlift and a gas can or two on with a factory look. I wish I had that surf!, I'd be using diesel cans...

 

I was looking at it as a piece I could put on before epic trips. Keep my spare underneath and put one on the back as a back up

 

Here's some pics with Part Numbers for the factory tire carrier. These were posted somewhere else on this forum but I cant remember where.
There is alot of work to do to add these....

 

I got a BFG MT LT285/75R16 Load Range D on my stock spare tire carrier and it doesn't show any sign of distress, nor has the body. The bushings on the upper arm needs to be replaced to as it rattles when I go fast over uneven surfaces on the road.

 

I have a 33x12.50 on a stock rim and it fits okay, and although it is way heavier it still hasnt given me any problems.

 

Honestly It looks cool but I think it is a "grass is greener" thing im sure if you asked someone who owns a hilux surf they wished they didnt have it ... I would just go with a swing out tire carrier much more heavy duty and will most likely hold up better while wheeling

 

On my trip to New Zealand back in March, I got to spend some time in local wrecking yards (more on that later) and I saw LOTS of 3rd gens with rear mounted tire carriers, and yes they are almost identical to the way 2nd gens are mounted, why toyota didn't offer these as options here is beyond me. They are secured by inner corner supports that are part of the inner corner assembly of the rear quarter. You would need to literally cut out the braces from a wrecked JSM and then get the lift gate as well. It is different and the mounting of the carrier to the lift gate is considerably different, not a simple bolt and go, but they really are great. I am considering such a "transplant" along with the rear spoiler w/mirror, fender mirror etc, the whole deal. Waht I really would like to do is imprt the whole dang truck!

 

so did you modify your 4Runner to incorporate a swing out tire carrier from the Hilux Surf?