Okay, so I've always wondered what the true backspacing was on our 3rd Gen 4Runner wheels (16" alloy). I've first heard it was 4.5, then 4.375, then more recently, 4.75. Using the search function did not help, as most thought that it was 4.375". I just bought some 5-star rims, so I thought I'd find out for myself.

First, I laid it flat, facing up:



Hard to get a good picture that way. So, I laid it on it's top, and laid a straight stick across the top. I got better pics that way.





Seems the backspacing is 4 5/8 (4.625"). Hope this puts some of the confusion to rest.

 

Are those 3rd gen stock wheels? They look difference than mine. I thought they only offer 1 type of Alum wheel for the 3rd gen???

 

I'm not sure what year they started it, but in the later years of the 3rd generation the Limited got a nice solid 5-spoke wheel design. Mine is a 1998 Limited and still has the split 3-spokes. Also the Sport Edition has a different wheel also, which is still a 5-spoke but different design.

 

good information, you could be off by 1/8" since the tip is supposed to be flush with the surface not on top of it....since we're getting all exact here

 

For the 3rd gen, the primary types of wheels were the 3 spoke split, most commonly found on 96-98, then the 5 star on the 99-00, and the coke bottle ones off the 01-02. This trend was consistent with the limited models. Now there was alot of overlap from the early years to late years based on the other trim levels.
Edit: His wheels were the 5spoke design found on 99-00 ltds.

 

I brought this back up, because I wanted to see if any of you Tacoma guys wouldn't mind doing the same thing and posting up the pics (01-04 5-star 16" rims preferred).

Thanks.

 

So is the backspacing the same on the split 3-spoke wheels???

 

Yes the backspacing SHOULD be the same for all 3rd Gen runner wheels, but I can vouch that the backspacing on the split 3-spoke wheel is the same as the measurements in this thread. I measured mine when I replaced them in favor of Tacoma rims.

 

Thanks man for the info!

 

Here ya go... The "official" 16" 3rd Gen Split 3-Spoke Wheel Backspace Pic's...






As you can see, the actual backspace measurement is 4 5/8" for the 16" 3rd Gen Split 3-Spoke Wheel.

 

How wide is that ( are those ) rim(s)? Are they 7 " or 8 " ?

 

^ they are 7" -all 3rd gens wheels are.

 

Actually if you knew how to read a tape measure you would know that the reason the end of it moves and isnt fixed is to compensate for the thickness of the end of the tape. Laying it on top is the correct way to use it. If he lined it up flush then he would be off. So much for being a smart ass.

Good thread. We should add a few more stock rims to it and then make it a sticky.

 

Good work. So, I guess it's safe to assume all 3rd Gen wheels have the same backspacing of 4 5/8.

I am going to measure my Tacoma wheels tonight or this week. I'll add the pics.

 

Which brings me to a question. Has anyone used '05 or up Tacoma/Tundra wheels on a 3rd gen 4Runner? I'm looking at a set of steelies, but the backspacing is 5.25, so it's about 5/8 further in that my current wheels.

Anyone know if it will clear everything? I could always use spacers, but I'd rather not.

 

5 1/4" BS is WAY too much for a 3rd gen!

 

Well stated!!

 

Great Work!

Can anyone confirm what the backspacing is for for the 5 spoke wheels that came stock on all the TRD tacos is?

Ive done a bit of seaching, and I still have yet to find a definite answer.
I'm stuck in a neck brace from a motocross accident for a few weeks, so I probablly shouldn't be changing any tires right now.

 

Same as shown/stated above, give or take a centimeter.
Tundra and Sequoia wheels are also the same.

 

excellent. thanks!