My experience with a 3" lift and 285's

So like many of you I scoured the threads in hopes of answers for how to lift, what can fit, what won't fit, etc. I figured I'd briefly document my adventure through the process and put some more answers out there for folks who are wondering about doing the same to their trucks. (I'm horrible with documentation so I don't have pics on the process...I know I know, pictures are proof. You'll just have to take my word for it)

I've got a 2013 Double Cab Short Bed 4x4 and always wanted to lift it since I got it. The stars aligned and it was time to make the leap to lift. After much research, I decided to go with the ARB OME 3" lift with the full Dakar leaf pack in the back (I went with the spacers to get a full 3" up front). I opted for the 885 coils because I didn't see myself getting a bumper up front (that might be changing soon). I also got the Light Racer UCA's because if I'm going to do it, get it right the first time.

After the install, I didn't like how the stock wheels on 265's looked. I wanted to keep the 16" wheel because I like the big tire smaller wheel look. I went for the Pro Comp 7069-6883 wheels and put some BFG K02 285/75/16's on. Upon leaving the tire shop and taking my first drive, the ride was great with the new tires but the moment I had to reverse I heard that dreadful rubbing sound. I searched the forums for remedies that many of you had done and started cutting fender and plastic in the wheel well. After cutting and testing and cutting and testing I thought I escaped the rub. Of course with my luck the last thing that rubbed was on the frame itself.

I was hesitant to doing a CMC because cutting the frame just didn't seem right. Again, after much reading and research I came to the conclusion that I liked the 285 look and wanted to keep it. I read enough forums on CMC's and saw that many who have done it didn't experience many negative effects. I went to a local shop in the Bay Area (Shaffer's Offroad plug) and they helped do the CMC in a day. I no longer have rub at full turn (forward and reverse) for now. I'm looking to do some wheeling in Hollister again and will see if the rub makes an appearance.

**Note**
My truck is mainly used on the street with occasional trips to Tahoe, Hollister, and the desert. Getting the new look and ride has put an even bigger grin on my face when I get in the truck.

I also have a full 285 spare sitting in the bed of the truck. I haven't decided on what to do with it.

 

I know people are gonna call BS on this, but whatever.

When I bought my DCLB, it was on stock suspension with a spacer lift, 285/75/16 open countrys and my truck did not rub at full lock in either direction, forward or reverse, mudflaps on. I was also on stock UCA's.

I don't know how it was possible at the time, but all I have to say is that every truck is different, and not one size fits all in terms of solutions. That's the beauty of modding!

 

285's are expensive, use that full size spare and do a 5 tire rotation. Make them last!

I had similar experience with my lift and 285's I even had SCS 10MM BS wheels to help with rubbing issues. All-Pro upper arms, I ended up doing lots of trimming, still rubbed, more trimming, still rubbed, after my 285 where kind enough to remove my fender flares for self clearance I had enough, CMC, folded my pinch weld, trimmed the crap out of everything and now all is well!

Minus the left side fender flare.

Thinking about McNeil +2" fibreglass flares instead of fixing or replacing my ripped off fender. Eventually I would like to make the jump to a small LT kit, but that's way down the road.

 

Not rubbing while driving around on the street is one thing, not rubbing while off-road is another animal entirely.

True that every truck is different though. I had very few issues with rubbing on my right side but my left rubbed like crazy.

 

No BS calling needed. I read that some people like yourself experienced no rubbing at all. I was hoping I'd be part of that small group but unfortunately I wasn't...

 

You do make a point about using that 5th spare! I'll make it habit to rotate it in.

I did go wheeling before the CMC and had rubbing at full turns. From what I can tell, I've trimmed all areas where the plastic rubbed so I think I'm safe for now...hopefully the CMC has solved those issues on the next adventure.

Let me know how those McNeil flares work for you. I was thinking about getting something different too.

 

If you can when you get it aligned ask them to set the caster around 3-3.5. That will put it in the sweet spot as well. I did most of what you said and eventually you will hit a snag wheeling and to ask yourself what else you need to do.

 

I was still rubbing even with my caster set to 3°. In fact the forward caster is what made me rub up front, had no issues previously on the front.

 

Thanks for the advice!

I guess I’ll have to go wheeling and see what happens. Didn’t even think about the caster as a possible issue.

 

That spare will fit fine in the stock location. Gently push the retaining brackets out JUST A LITTLE with a big fucking hammer. I have a 33.5" spare in the stock location.

 

Good to know!

I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend.

 

This is what I like to read. Someone taking the time to do all the research and answering their own questions, and doing it right the first time. Good on you!

 

Thanks!

I didn’t want to be another one of those threads so I just read and read.

 

I just installed Mastercraft CXT 285/75R/16 on my 2013 Tacoma TRD Sport and have rubbing on mud flaps only as far as I can tell so far , I don't take it off roading so not big issue but have been thinking of installing Bilstein 5100's up front to see if I can keep mud flaps if possible but may be warmer weather before I can install

 

Wow you're lucky. But if memory serves me correctly, I think the TRD taco's have different suspensions than non TRD's?

Hopefully the Billies take care of the issue with the flaps. I personally like the no flap look but to each his own.

 

Yea its not so much the look but flaps do there job keeping down debris from flying up, and I was worried when I put the tires on but have seen a few post about some trd tacomas seemingly work out better with this setup , just put them on yesterday so we will see how bad the rub is but so far it appears to just be flaps , which I can handle until the new 5100's can be installed , but I do want to check it more closer as I drive it . As I have read many having much worse issues but the old tires on tacoma were the same size but were Falken high country 285/75r/16 and they just barely rubbed the flaps at full turn and never worried me and lasted for years and zero damage to any trim so I think I will be good after the 5100's or at least I hope , as these tires seem to rub worse than the old ones and as far as I know this is a stock suspension and no spacers for sure

 

Not worthless just want a pic

 

Since I just had them installed, this is the only picture for now,

 

Pre CMC. Not on a level surface but at least gives you some idea.

 

How much you rub and where you rub is all going to be dependent on the offset of your wheels. THIS is why some people may or may not have To trim and do a CMC.

I run 285/75R16 Cooper STT Pro’s and I do not rub. My wheels are 0 offset which gives the tires more room than any other offset.

So wheel choice is what you have to look at when you decide to run 285’s.