Just bought a 2004 4WD 4Dr V6 SR5

been looking for a good used Tacoma for a couple of years now and just found this one with 93k miles....I'm ecstatic!
The tires are done, and it has the chrome rims that I don't really like...6 lug with 265/70 r16s...i would like for it to sit up a little higher with a higher profile taller tire....I am thinking I will try to find a set of newer take offs with rims and tires...my questions:

What years of rims will fit my 04? Up to what year?
Do some of the newer models have larger rims i.e.:17" and if so would I need to raise to prevent rubbing?
It rides great, and I want to keep it that way...would replacing the shocks hurt that? Would 5100s raise it any or make the ride too stiff?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks

 

Nice find, and welcome to TW.

All Tacomas up to present year have 6 on 5.5" lug spacing with 106mm hubs, so they will all fit on your truck. 2005+ (2nd and 3rd gen) factory OEM wheels have a 5.25" backspacing, as opposed to 1st gens (yours) which have a 4.5" backspacing. That means that they will sit 3/4" more inboard than your wheels (if yours are stock backspacing). You can also use wheel spacers to achieve the correct backspacing if desired. With near-stock size tires, it usually doesn't make much of a difference, and shouldn't rub much if at all.

There are some newer models that come with 17" wheels, generally the tire sizes for those are comparable to the 16" wheels, so they should fit the same. If you go up in size from stock, it may rub a bit near the back of the front wheel wells, especially on mudflaps, etc. There are lots of threads on here for every different tire size and wheel combination, you should be able to find specifics for the tires and wheels you want if you search around. Tire sizes also vary slightly by manufacturer, even if two different tires are "the same size", they might not be.

I have no experience with 5100s, from what others have said they do ride a bit stiff, but that might be a personal preference thing. With suspension components, you usually get what you pay for.

Edit: Oh yeah, post up some pics!

 

If you're keeping the tire size 275 I'd go with 16" wheels - first gens with 17's and 270/275 aren't my favorite look - I like more tire to wheel than that. If you're going 33" + then 17's are alright imo (just my opinion - not a huge deal).

 

More tire more cushion also.