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what happens when switching from 16" rim to a 15"?

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Old 09-12-2005, 09:59 AM
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what happens when switching from 16" rim to a 15"?

It is about time for new tires. Truck is stock, 265 70 R16 tires on the TRD rims. But, you know, black steely rims look so cool.... i was price shopping and black rims in a 15" are on sale. tires are also a bit cheaper for that size (265 75 R15 to maintain 32"). my question is does doing this kind of swap do any harm/good? other than boosting my ego because my truck will look so cool in black. Or is there more to this than I'm realizing (brake interference or something)?
Old 09-12-2005, 10:48 AM
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won't work... brake calipers on the front will interfere...
Old 09-12-2005, 10:51 AM
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On the 4runner. I don't think there is that concern on the Tacomas. I tried test fitting steel 15s on mine and it seemed to fit just fine.

If your overall tire diameter remains unchanged I don't *think* you'd run into any problems. Though I have heard of problems balancing the black steels.
Old 09-12-2005, 10:57 AM
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ahhhh, i thought the newer tacos that came w/ the 16" wheels also had the same brake system as the 4runners w/ the 16" wheels... i could be wrong, though.
Old 09-12-2005, 10:57 AM
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I had heard that it may have problems with the brake calipers on ABS equipped trucks. Wheelers Off Road randomly has 15" black steelies that clear so try them.
Old 09-12-2005, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by bamachem
ahhhh, i thought the newer tacos that came w/ the 16" wheels also had the same brake system as the 4runners w/ the 16" wheels... i could be wrong, though.
That is true, there was a list running around here or TTORA somewhere about 15's that fit. There are some.
Old 09-12-2005, 11:05 AM
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Your best bet is to test fit the rims. That is the ONLY way you are going to be 100% certain they work for your set up.

Mine came with 16" rims and I am running 15" black steelies just fine. But, it depends upon the brand of the rims.
Old 09-12-2005, 11:24 AM
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I had asked the same question but in reverse (moving from 15" to 16") and the few replies said it was not possible. I just put on 16" wheels but would not buy them unless the seller could put them on the truck. I checked to make sure the brake calipers and control arms didn't rub and it worked for me. Good luck to you.

BTW, I know a guy with a late model Taco (not the newest but the one prior) and he swapped 16" wheels for 15" w/o a problem. Went the same route as you b/c of tire costs...
Old 09-12-2005, 09:01 PM
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So, on a 98 4Runner w/ stock 16s...can I put my 15x8 Rock Crawlers on it?

I'm confused, some say yes, some no. Someone please clarify.
Old 09-13-2005, 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by geneius
So, on a 98 4Runner w/ stock 16s...can I put my 15x8 Rock Crawlers on it?

I'm confused, some say yes, some no. Someone please clarify.
I think the general consensus is to test fit a wheel to be sure.
Old 09-13-2005, 08:38 AM
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I replaced the 16's on my T100 with 15's. Unless you have larger rotors/upgraded front brakes there really shouldn't be any problems with proper backspacing.
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