16" vs 17" wheels

Hey guys so I have the 16" stock alloy wheels for my sr5 and I am thinking about powder coating them. But before I go spend a chunk on that what rim size is ideal for off-roading? I mean would 17" give you a better clearance? Whats the advantage to either?

Thanks in advance.

 

16>17.

 

This...but not by much. With a smaller wheel and more tire you can get a more pliable ride off-road, especially when aired down, and keep the wheel that much further from being damaged from rocks. There are also more tire size and type options for the 16" wheels.

That being said, I doubt 1 inch makes that big of a difference as far as off-roading is concerned. Just don't be a mall crawler and get shiny 18's.

 

16s are generally cheaper to by rubber for.

That said, the problem with the stock Tacoma wheels isn't the size but the offset (read up on offset and backspace to learn more). They put the stock rubber right next to the upper control arm, which limits your options should you choose to install bigger tires in the future.

So, if your future plans include a lift kit and bigger skins I'd start looking for wheels with a better offset (or plan on running tall/skinny tires or installing spacers with the stock wheels to push the wheels out). I'd type more but I have to go... hopefully someone will fill in the blanks.

 

I was just thinking about the offset. I used to have spacers for my rice rocket and its mostly frowned upon by insurance companies, anyone ever have a problem with that? I do like having the wheels stick out with spacers.

 

I've never used spacers myself, but lots of dudes have used them without issue. Just make sure they're torqued correctly and you shouldn't have any issues.

A 1" spacer will bring your backspace out to that of a normal offroad wheel. That said, I'm pretty sure your rim is 7" wide... which again will limit your options when it comes to tire selection. Wide tires on a narrow rim will flex more when cornering and may roll off the bead if you air them down.

Long story short... the stock SR5 wheels will hold you back unless you go for something like a 255/85R16. It's a narrow 33" tire and will fit the wheels/backspace. There's a thread on them in this sub-forum if you want to read up about them.