1st Gen lifts

Having somewhat of an issue, I have already installed a rough country 2.5" suspension lift on a 2003 2wd prerunner. I have Nitto terra grapplers that stand at 31.79". The ride is fine but I'm having some rub issues on the inside back fender on the front end either at a full turn or if I hit a bump just right while turning it will rub. I don't really offroad much with it but I'm still unhappy with the small amount of clearance. My shop guy doesn't like body lifts as he says it can cause extra noise especially when it gets wet and I don't have the funds to go bigger on the suspension lift as I would prob have to go to a 4" to make the clearance. He says spacers won't help either so he offered a smaller tire, but everything is already installed and I don't really want to downsize. Any suggestions on what to do or is my only option to go smaller tire?

 

Sounds like you need to do the pinch weld mod. If that's where it's rubbing...
Just bend that over and smash it down flat if so. You can lift the plastic cover to do that, then after you can flatten the plastic cover with a heat gun without having to cut it all out like I did.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pinch-weld-mod-without-cutting.402931/

 

It's a well known rub spot for our trucks. You need to do the "pinch weld mod" do a search for that on here. Easy fix.


Edit* ^^^ @NightProwler beat me to it.

 

It's rubbing there and the fender flare. How much extra clearance did the pinch weld mod give you?

 

^^^never measured how much but it will be more than enough with your tire size. Removing your front mud flaps will help also.

 

How do you feel about body lifts? I was considering a 1" until a few people expressed disinterest in them.

 

What wheels are you running?

 

Yep should be plenty. As far as the gender flare goes tho, you might have to modify that too. I would also try using a heat gun on that lower part. I cut a lot of the plastic cover off, as well as some of the inside lower gender flare. And now there's a hole that allows mud and dirt and gunk to get in to the fender. No bueno. Idk why I didn't think of using a heat gun to begin with. But you should have plenty of clearance after doing that. Just beat the pinch weld just enough to flatten it, cover it back up with the cover, heat it up and flatten that down, and you should be golden. Any bigger tires in the future will call for extreme smashing with a bfh, or a body lift. I had 32s before and zero rubbing after pinch weld. Went up to 33s and still have rubbing when a passenger rides with me, even after taking a sledge to it even more.

 

Many experienced guys on here run a 1" BL with no real Ill effects. Recommended not to go any more than that though.

I suspect something else going on with your lift though maybe? Are you sure your actually getting 2.5" of lift? With your tire size you should really not be rubbing that much to need a BL. Mostly those are not need until you go bigger than a 33" tire.

 

Fuel Vapor wheels and I'm not sure what the offset is. When I bought them they weren't listed online as of yet, my shop guy got them through his dealer so they are a new wheel. Tire is 285 70R17

 

You know how wide they are? I ran my 33 12.50s on 2.5"

 

Your a bit

Off on your calculations then. That's a 32.8" tire and 11.25" wide

 

Yes when he measured them in the shop they stood 31.79. I just looked on the nitto site and it says 32.76. My bad, you are correct Firstgen

 

All the vapor wheels in 17" are listed at 9" wide.

 

Nitto site lists tires at 11.50" wide. So I've had a bigger tire than I originally thought by an inch. Makes sense now, as the clearance is just too close. Front bumper is close too but I don't think it rubs there.

 

I am running 285-75-16 on a 3" lift. I used to rub as well. Try the PWM and I bet it will eliminate most of your issues. And if not get a bigger hammer ....are you rubbing in the rear at all with some flex? Maybe hitting the mud flap bolts?

 

No rubbing in the rear at all. I have been afraid to take if on a trail cause I don't want to mess anything up. Also is it true that a body lift can cause it to creak and make noises though? I really did consider a 1", and my shop guy will do it, but he said he would rather not as he thinks I will be disappointed.

 

No mud flaps at all!

 

it's a truck. Stuff makes noise eventually. A high quality BL be the best bet for noise. A slight squeak from that sounds a lot better than your tire eating your wheel well though? I don't run a BL though so I cannot really speak to there noise level. I have just read that quality ones are the way to go if you feel the need to go that route. "Get what you pay for"

 

I rubbed on the frame and UCA on 285s. And the pinch weld of course. But cut the plastic and beat the shit out of it.