The Frankenstein Build! LT/Expo/Trail rig..and BS

You should be able too. the ratios are almost the same. But you would end up running a lower tire preassure to get even wear which would mean worse MPGs yes.

with 31s, it'll look great. Lisa's rig is setup exactly like that now and looks good.

nothing wrong with 31s. The 32s would look better but 31s for your situation would be fine.

 

But his are like 36s or 37s. That makes a big difference.

 

mathematically speaking. Its just like running a 8'' wheel on a 12.5 rim.

8'' w/12.5'' = 36% wider then the rim
7'' w/11.5'' = 40% wider then the rim

Not that math is always the right way to go..but still a thought.

up to you really, i mean id go for 32s. But thats me. I can say 31s will look good still with the mild lift. i have seen it and i thought mine looked fine with my 3''+ with stock bumpers.

32s will look big with the small lift though.

 

Would it? It's still a 12.5" tire that was crammed onto a 7" wheel. They measure 10" wide on the wheel because of that.

 

Taller/more sidewall is gonna flex more and dampen those effects that a narrow wheel would have, plus other factors like sidewall thickness will make a difference too.

Honestly though, you're correct. With proper tire rotation and PSI suited to on-road vs off-road, any of the effects/differences should be negligible. I ran 33x12.50s on 15x8"s and was religious about PSI and rotation, and they wore extremely well. Ask Monte. I'll be running 17x8"s with my 40"s.

 

Next up is:

Should I go with the Dakars or Wheelers 5-pack?

I run my fiberglass topper almost 95% of the time. The other time it will be a bed rack and a bed loaded with a fair amount of weight on a trail.

I don't mind some rake when unloaded but don't want to look like the ass is way up in the air.

 

That's a great stance. Always said that.

I want to keep running 15s.

Plus I love the look of the stock alloys.

 

Dakars give more lift and probably more weight capacity.

They sit level with 882/883s

the 5 packs sit more level with the 881s. Lisas rig sits nice with her bed rack and rtt. I'll find a photo for you.


i like my alcans though. Ride nice and flex good. Dakars have nice reviews too though.

 

So... I hate to rehash but what about a 33x10.5? I'm running those on stock 15x7. Hammered pinch weld and minor trimming for wheeling, that's it. If you are going 3" with 882/883, might as well! Also with the Dakar.... If you go with the 882/883, you'll need longer shackles or Dakar aal to maintain level or rake. I'm dealing with this now - installing aal this weekend.

 

Check out my build for details to see what I mean, posted pics along the way I think.

 

yea 10.5 on 7'' wheel is fine. Just like stock really.

If you carry any loads id get the AAL for sure. . If you want rake definitely get the aal or shackles. possibly even both. It should be pretty close to level with 883s and just the dakars after stuff has settled a bit.

a lot will also depend on if you have armor and such.

 

I read your post again closer (was at work...) and with a topper alone, you'll be pushing the Dakar pack. In my opinion the aal should be on your list, no doubt. Longer shackles are easy to add later if you need. My .02

 

Here is Lisa's man. Has 5 packs and 881s. The white 98






I would get the AAL with the 5 packs. Helps the weight capacity a lot and doesn't affect the ride too much. and they flex fantastic.

 

Say Monte, on the frame ends of the 98-00 when you cut the horns off the front for the Elite bumper install-- what do the frame end plates Tim provides do exactly?
Is it just a way to close up the frame so mud/dirt/debris doesn't get in or is there more meaning to those?

 

should have a taped hole in it..

Because you should have to put a stud in the hole to mount the bumper on.

On mine and the 02 i have done an install on we have mounting points on the ends of the frames. We put a grade 8 stud on it and it goes into a hole on the bumper. Then there are the two bolts that the factory tow point and hook go thats on the bottom of the frame. Then the two side bolts.

I can draw up something if you need.

 

Here is a crude drawing for the frame. Should have a stud out the front and the two lowers. The two sides and mounted on the frame too but on horns that stick out that is pretty obvious.

 

When there 5 or more Tacomas with RTTs parked together on the trail...

Is that called a beveeee of Tacomas or is it a gaggle to Tacomas?

 

Ah yeah thanks-- I figured it out, I just used Grade 8 hardware, have it tac welded into the frame plate mount and from there I can just add the nut to the screw and voila-- welded & mounted

 

Monte

In another person's build someone recommended the Dakars + 6XL because they are running a topper all the time. Would that be too stiff for my set up in your opinion?