2002 Tacoma with 280,000 miles and big tires. Just got for my daughter.

Everyone, I just got this truck for my 17 year old daughter and we live in Cape Hatteras North Carolina. She will be driving on the beach and it came with a lift kit and 35 inch tires which rub on the frame. Obviously, the speedometer is off and I’m not sure if I should go down a size or two on the tire. not as likely to flip, with not such an aggressive tread which will be better on sand. It’s amazing on the beach the way it is, Justin is looking for some guidance, I want it to be as safe as possible for her. I’ve been driving on the beach my whole life so I’m not a dummy I just never had a lift etc. I don’t know how long it’s gonna last, but it’s in very good condition. Thanks for any feedback.

 

She's lucky to have that as a first truck. Leave it as is.

 

Nice and welcome to TW!

 

Cool truck! If the goal is make it to make it as safe as possible for your daughter, sell it, and buy her a Honda Civic. That truck could get any 17 year old in some trouble. Lift, tires, whatever either way isn't going to do much.

 

I recommend checking and making sure the lower ball joints are good. Other than that do the proper maintenance and that truck will last her forever.

 

I figured somebody might say that, you’re right but trucks are very popular here and she likes them. Training her would be a key. But however, I was still wondering about the tire and rub. Maybe something smaller, just a little bit?

 

Thank you

 

My dream high school truck! I’d probably go down to 33s to reduce or eliminate the rub

 

Good to hear, They seem to be fine and believe it or not not much rust, especially on the frame

 

I can respect that. People like what they like. Lucky daughter's 1st truck! In a very basic sense, yes, a smaller tire will have a lower chance of rubbing, so a 285 would be the logical choice.

 

OK that’s very good info, again this stuff is not my thing. The lift, etc..

 

Thank you

 

I guess it all depends on how much rub you’re getting and where it’s rubbing. Sometimes the offset of the wheels isn’t helping either. I wonder if a tire shop could steer you in the right direction.

 

I got some friends I’ll ask them, obviously coming on here is better than doing a wide search on Google, so I appreciate everybody chiming in

 

Definitely! There’s so much knowledge on this forum. I’ve definitely been the recipient of a lot of it

 

did you check the frame? the gap between the cab and the bed looks off like the bed is sagging
or its just the angel of the pic

 

Yes I did and it looks great and I think it’s the angle, but of course I’ll double check

 

Looks better in that pic