My TRD Pro wheel saga

Just like everyone else, I decided to get some 4R TDR wheels, and fit them with 265/70/17 tires. Seems easy enough. I order the wheels on eBay, and got a set of Geolandar A/Ts from Tire rack.

The tires and wheels got here in a few days and I head over to America's tire for them to fit. They charged me $100 to mount and balance. I also brought them over a new set of TPMS so they would program.

First issue was when we opened the last box. The wheel was obviously damaged from dropping the box, so I immediately called the dealer and they told me to buy a new wheel, and I can return the old one. I put an order for a single wheel.

So for the week where i'm waiting for the new wheel to be shipped, I had a bit of a pulling problem with the new tires, so off to America's tire I go back--I had them road force balanced for $80, and things seem better. I still had a pulling problem, so I started swapping wheels L/R/F/R etc.. still pulled. I bit the bullet and got an alignment done. $140 for a pro alignment and all is well. Truck drives straight now. I decided I don't like the ride quality of A/T tires after all, and decided I should just get HT tires. I pretty much read every review on the Michelin MS/2 (now defender) so I decided to just get a set of those. I waited til my new wheels came so I can buy new tires and have the new wheel swapped in.

So today the new single wheel came and I head back over to America's tire. $900 for a set of Defenders mounted and balanced.

I got a call an hour later and they said that they scratched 2 of my wheels. ARRGGG. Hundreds of people have the TRD pro wheel, and i'm the one that gets them mounted and scratched up. I head back to America's tire, and they apologized profusely and offered to replace my 2 wheels. Here's the kicker. They said the last time they scratched a customer's wheel was over a year ago. And yes--it was my wheel too! I had them mount tires on my WRX, and they scratched a wheel so they ordered me a new one.

the manager remembers me, and he was probably more upset than anyone. Long story short, they offered to buy me 2 replacement wheels, I get to keep the 2 scratched wheels, and refund me half the cost of the defenders. How can I be upset after that!! I have to say, scratching wheels aside, they did me right.

Anyways, looks like I won't have a clean set of TRD wheels for another week, but man this has been an adventure. All I wanted was a set of TRD wheels mounted on my truck!



It's really not bad, plus I get to keep 2 wheels for spares.

 

Sounds like you came out good! How do you like the MS2? I'm looking at going w/those. Any full truck shots?

 

I did! But man, did I waste a lot of time waiting around. First to get the tires mounted, then wait for them to get road balanced, then the alignment shop, then new tires today, and i'll have to go back when my 2 new TRD wheels get in. I told them, they should put me on the payroll! ha.

Here's my truck with the Geolandar A/Ts which I drove for a week and removed.



Here's the Michelin Defenders (new MS/2)



Not as aggressive obviously, but my truck is 100% street driven. Also you may note that the center caps are not on. I actually removed them myself since I am much more careful than them prying it with a screwdriver.

Honestly the scratches can really only be seen if you are 2 feet away. It's a very fine line. Almost looks like I can buff them out, but not sure how to try since these I assume are powder coated. Any ideas? heck, it's not like I really care anymore. One will go underneath the truck as a spare, and the other i'll sell.

 

You can check out wheel repair kits. I fixed some expensive forged Mugen rims on my civic that were graphite color and they came out perfect when 1 was curbed, or good ol' plastidip them You could try a claybar and wax maybe.

 

Thanks for the tips! I'll give it a try.

Also to answer your question, the Defenders are very very nice.. Steering feel is spot on. think where you want the truck to go , and it goes. On the HWY, they are very smooth. A bit floaty because I went with 70 series, but not that bad. They can take corners with confidence. I've only done like 60 miles on 'em, but i'll write something up after a full break in.

Oh sorry, about the lack of photo. I'm probably the only guy here that has HT tires on the TRD Pro wheels.

 

You should just sell your 2 "scratched" wheels.

 

Why did they charge you so much to mount the tires? Mounting at America's Tire is 16 dollars per wheel. That should be 64 bucks.

 

Looking at the invoice, it is $16 per tire/wheel, and $8 per wheel upcharge for 17/18" wheels.

My new replacement wheels came today. They were brand new from Toyota. We opened each box and inspected for damage prior to putting them on.

I just said, can I take the wheels and get them mounted elsewhere? They let me keep the 4 'old' wheels, and off I went with new wheels.

I'm thinking of getting the old set re-finished in a different color and selling them.

 

You installed A/Ts and didn't like the stiffer, harsher ride? Not surprised.

 

Or..

If anyone wants a set of the grey TRD wheels (2 have a fine line scratch on the edge of the wheel, other 2 are mint.)

I'll sell all 4 for $350 bucks, you pickup in the SF Bay Area.

 

If you haven't already I'd also post in Classifieds section and your region/area forum.