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2003 Tacoma looking for wheels

Discussion in 'Street Trucks' started by BislandTaco, Dec 17, 2020.

  1. Dec 17, 2020 at 11:17 PM
    #1
    BislandTaco

    BislandTaco [OP] Member

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    Big Island Hawaii
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    I just picked up project, an 03 Tacoma xtracab, it’s at stock height and I wanna leave it that way, but wanna get rid of those ugly stock 15” wheels and replace them with a 17-19” wheel, just to close the gap of the fender well. Any suggestions on what size rim and tire size I should go with that would make the driving better on turns? What would make for better handling on turns so my truck doesn’t have that leaning feel when I turn?

    F06B2252-E154-4427-8930-5F393C81CFC9.jpg
     
  2. Dec 18, 2020 at 9:50 AM
    #2
    Fredfifty

    Fredfifty Back in a Mini

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    Big Island - SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    99 5 Lug V6
    DJM 3/4 DJM UCA BJ FLIP CALMAX SHOCKS POLYURETHANE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS POLYURETHANE UCA BUMPSTOPS ROLLED FENDERS DJM 4 INCH ANGLED BLOCKS (STEEL) MINI C-NOTCH FROM ROHDE FABRICATIONS MJBTACO LOWPRO BUMPSTOPS CALMAX SHOCKS ROLLED FENDERS
    hooooo da behbahdeez though

    on my 99 i went with 17x8 +35 offset on 215/50r17 tires to keep it close to stock diameter and it handles well but i lowered mine 3/4.

    you no like lower yours?

    and maybe change the sway bar bushings to poly, might help
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2020
    BislandTaco[OP] likes this.
  3. Dec 18, 2020 at 9:54 AM
    #3
    BislandTaco

    BislandTaco [OP] Member

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    Lol. Yea don’t mind the bibs, was lazy to post a nice pic. Lol
     
  4. Dec 22, 2020 at 2:16 PM
    #4
    Jackalope2RZ

    Jackalope2RZ Member

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    ZOOM
    Scan craigslist for Mustang factory take offs. Man they are a sweet swap. Usually have new factory tires and everything. Cheap.

    20201031_164912.jpg
     
    ireymon likes this.
  5. Jan 19, 2021 at 9:14 PM
    #5
    krustytaco

    krustytaco Well-Known Member

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    looks good!
     
  6. Jan 21, 2021 at 1:21 PM
    #6
    2Runner

    2Runner Well-Known Member

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    So Cal
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    2002 Regular Cab 2.4L MT 2WD
    If you want high performance summer rated tires which will be the best mod you can do to improve handling, you need to look at least the 17" diameter and up, they just dont make them smaller any more!

    I am running 2012 Lexus IS250 wheels in 17 x 8" with 45mm offset and 245/45/17's Michelin Pilot Sport 4S:
    20201022_140301.jpg

    And found this was good enough to beat a Lamborghini, Vette, Mustang, Porsche, Camaro and a Miata my first time ever trying an autocross last weekend!
    [​IMG]

    If you are into factory wheels is a database where you can search for your diameter and offset and find most any wheel ever made that will fit your truck. The center bore on these is rather large though and needs to be 67.1 or larger. I had centers bored at a wheel machine shop for $20 each to make them fit.

    The offset calculator was a huge help too. I could look up specs of what others said "worked" and see how it would effect the inner clearance and and far or in the wheel would stick out compared to stock and wheels I was looking at. And of course the legendary Tacoma World tire calculator for diameter and width spec comparisons gets a mention and was highly valuable!

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc

    Keep in mind, tires also have a suggested wheel size range.. the wider the tire the wider wheel you need.

    I started a nifty wheel and tire thread that has some good ideas and more detail here when I did my hunt.
     
    Steves104x4 and krustytaco like this.
  7. Jan 21, 2021 at 1:45 PM
    #7
    98TT2.4

    98TT2.4 I was TUNED in Japan and now F A T here!!!

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    98 Tacoma 2rz-fe 2wd extcab. SR5
    Mild lowered sport suspension, all greasable zerk points front and rear, rear 3.5" lower with 4wd springs,middle leaf pulled and 2wd overload leafs,kyb shocks, rear oem bumpstops and 4 wheel parts shackles and urethane bushings. Front lower 2" custom one off made 2" drop springs oem upper lower arms kyb shocks stock sway bar and urethane bushings, wheels18×9 square et24 Advan Racing RGD2 satin black color, Nitto 225 40 18 NT555g2 tires, ARP wheel studs front and rear, NRG real titanium wheel lugs, sport drilled and slot rotors with ceramic pads, red powdercoated oem calipers, stop tech brake lines front and rear, Motul 550 brake fluid, weight reduction all over, Stripped ext, stripped int, stripped engine bay, full carbon fiber back and black suede semi bucket seats with adjustable sliders, planted technology seat mounts, pioneer single din radio, pioneer speakers, exterior smooth radio antenna, AEM guages, 2.5l fire extinguisher with quick release bracket, blackcat custom instrument cluster guages, Nrg carbon fiber and perforated red stitch leather steering wheel, Nrg quick release for steering wheel, led interior lights,rear adjustable brake proportioning valve, 01 full cabon fiber VIS racing hood, aerocatch safety pins, window tint 35front windows 20 cab side and 15percent rear glass, single piece rear glass,led smoke red taillamps, clear red led third brake light, LCE longtube header, speed factory titanium header studs, magnaflow catalytic converter, custom stainless exhaust pipe, Borla proxs mid muffler going to rear custom notched bumper with an auxiliary vibrant real titanium 4" exit muffler, skunk2 muffler silence insert. K&N air filter, Injen air intake system, LCE throttle body spacer, egr delete, declutured engine bay, LCE fuel pressure gauge, K&N valve cover breather, LCE underdrive pulley, dual 12" electric cooling fans, Mishimoto fan controller and relay, LCE 180 degree thermostat, aftermarket black reflector headlamps with white halogen bulbs, matching corner lamps with amber led, 01 4wd fenders, 4wd modified grille, 2001 srunner front bumper, srunner front bodykit chin spoiler, clear lens amber led signal lamps, smooth tailgate handle relocation, locking gas cap, Ultra guage obd2 monitor. yellow silicone wiper blade, LCE black silicone coolant hoses, Brisk racing silver plugs, Denso ignition wires, Denso ignition coils, 7 pound lithium battery, the paint is oem original maroon color and that's why I have to paint the truck and do the bodywork. Having a nice ride takes alot of work and dedication. The only thing that's easy is to sleep and dream away.
    You won't be closing any gap unless you lower the suspension or go larger diameter tire and then the speedo and the final drive will change. The truck will look better with larger wheels to a certain point. I wouldn't go over 19s because youd need an even lower tire to keep the factory diameter. Unless you dont care and increase the tire size to close the gap like you say then you will be lifting the truck at the same time too. Then your speedo would be off and your gears would be extended and the torque will decrease slightly then youd need a regearing like a 4wd to gain it back assuming you really close tha gap lol. Honestly if you want to lessen the lean you need eighther put better urethane bushings and on the sway bar like I did and lower profile tires or stiffer shocks than stock. The lower you go on the tire profile the less comfy it will ride that also depends on how stiff the sidewall is, there are some that are very stiff to ones you can flex with your fingers. My 98 2wd came with 14" steel wheels and hubcaps. 215 70 14 tires, the overall diameter is 25". I choose 225 40 18" I did my calculations and went with performance low profile tires that ride very comfortable and are not too low. So I went from 14" wheels to 18" wheels with a low profile that stayed at 25" overall to maintain the factory specs for the final drive ratio and the accurate speedometer. I personally like the 18s. I don't really like oversized wheels, I try to find the proportion that looks best. MY shocks are kyb and they are comfy as can be. I like my comfy suspension and tolerable tires alot. I am lowered and it rides wonderful because I didn't overdo it and kept it mild. The truck made a huge in cornering and handling by changing from the factory combination. I can go to stage 2 lol just by getting stiffer shocks for racing lol. These are the things you need to decide and make your decision.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2021
  8. Jan 21, 2021 at 1:48 PM
    #8
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Right on! Bravo!
     
  9. Jan 21, 2021 at 2:14 PM
    #9
    98TT2.4

    98TT2.4 I was TUNED in Japan and now F A T here!!!

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2021
    Member:
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    Messages:
    41
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lazaro
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma 2rz-fe 2wd extcab. SR5
    Mild lowered sport suspension, all greasable zerk points front and rear, rear 3.5" lower with 4wd springs,middle leaf pulled and 2wd overload leafs,kyb shocks, rear oem bumpstops and 4 wheel parts shackles and urethane bushings. Front lower 2" custom one off made 2" drop springs oem upper lower arms kyb shocks stock sway bar and urethane bushings, wheels18×9 square et24 Advan Racing RGD2 satin black color, Nitto 225 40 18 NT555g2 tires, ARP wheel studs front and rear, NRG real titanium wheel lugs, sport drilled and slot rotors with ceramic pads, red powdercoated oem calipers, stop tech brake lines front and rear, Motul 550 brake fluid, weight reduction all over, Stripped ext, stripped int, stripped engine bay, full carbon fiber back and black suede semi bucket seats with adjustable sliders, planted technology seat mounts, pioneer single din radio, pioneer speakers, exterior smooth radio antenna, AEM guages, 2.5l fire extinguisher with quick release bracket, blackcat custom instrument cluster guages, Nrg carbon fiber and perforated red stitch leather steering wheel, Nrg quick release for steering wheel, led interior lights,rear adjustable brake proportioning valve, 01 full cabon fiber VIS racing hood, aerocatch safety pins, window tint 35front windows 20 cab side and 15percent rear glass, single piece rear glass,led smoke red taillamps, clear red led third brake light, LCE longtube header, speed factory titanium header studs, magnaflow catalytic converter, custom stainless exhaust pipe, Borla proxs mid muffler going to rear custom notched bumper with an auxiliary vibrant real titanium 4" exit muffler, skunk2 muffler silence insert. K&N air filter, Injen air intake system, LCE throttle body spacer, egr delete, declutured engine bay, LCE fuel pressure gauge, K&N valve cover breather, LCE underdrive pulley, dual 12" electric cooling fans, Mishimoto fan controller and relay, LCE 180 degree thermostat, aftermarket black reflector headlamps with white halogen bulbs, matching corner lamps with amber led, 01 4wd fenders, 4wd modified grille, 2001 srunner front bumper, srunner front bodykit chin spoiler, clear lens amber led signal lamps, smooth tailgate handle relocation, locking gas cap, Ultra guage obd2 monitor. yellow silicone wiper blade, LCE black silicone coolant hoses, Brisk racing silver plugs, Denso ignition wires, Denso ignition coils, 7 pound lithium battery, the paint is oem original maroon color and that's why I have to paint the truck and do the bodywork. Having a nice ride takes alot of work and dedication. The only thing that's easy is to sleep and dream away.
    Sup Steves4x4! :wave:
     
  10. Feb 5, 2021 at 7:57 PM
    #10
    2Runner

    2Runner Well-Known Member

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    Did you get any wheels and tires yet?

    Check out a front sway bar upgrade to get rid of body lean for way cheaper than wheels and tires!

    If you have a 4 cylinder, grab a v-6 sway bar out of a junkyard and add bushings for under a hundred bucks.

    See more detail on my experience here.

    GAME CHANGER. :thumbsup:
     
  11. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:59 AM
    #11
    NMTOY

    NMTOY Well-Known Member

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    1998 Dark green 2wd extra cab Tacoma V6, auto
    Clear corner and marker lights, 1997 Cobra wheels, KYB shocks, Powerstop rotors and pads
    My 98 stock height with the original wheels from my 97 Cobra. 17x8, 30mm offset, 245/45/17 Michelin Pilots sport AS tires.


    Tacoma 1.jpg Tacoma 2.jpg Tacoma 3.jpg
     
    Plkyone likes this.

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