Rims, tires, lift for daily driver

Hi. Just bought a 2015 Tacoma not long ago and would like to buy some rims.

Been to a couple shops recently and they seem to want to recommend a 3inch suspension lift with a 1 inch block in the back with tire size 285/70/17. Lift, rims, and tires total $3,700. I will not be climbing rocks. This is my daily driver and i simply want to improve the looks of my truck.


Right now, i can't decide whether i want a 16 inch or 17 inch rim. It appears the 285's are very popular on the 17's. What's the negative point about going with a smaller rim and going with 265/75/16's? Is this all a matter of preference?

The stock rims is 17inch, so should i follow the stock size? Is there someone that can give me some guidance?

 

This is exactly what came on my truck when I bought it and I personally did not like the look. A 3"/1" kit will leave you with some bro lean (front end higher than the rear). 3" front will also mean alignment issues - not sure if what you're quoting there is a spacer lift or a better lift with UCA's to correct the alignment.

With that setup there was also rubbing on my truck - the previous owner had cut out part of the bumper/liner and mudflap for clearance but there was still a little rubbing.

 

31s would look good, 33s are big and could possibly require CMC and pinch welds.

I currently run 265/70/17's with a 3 inch lift and they look great. I plan on 285/70/17s after these set though.

 

Those are two different tire sizes. If its a daily driver I'd stick to either 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 and no bigger.

 

3 inch lift on 285/70/17
Same lift on 265/70/17

 

did the tire with the stock wheel ride flush with the fender

 

Only with a wheel spacer. 1.25"

 

255/75/17s filled out my wheel wells nicely imo. Ran them stock on the sport wheels for a year, and then put them on the SEMAs which moved them out about .75". No rubbing either way.

I eventually added 5100s and set the fronts on the first notch to put me up .85" and leveled it out. I might add a 1" block to get some rake back but I only haul crap a couple times a year.

 

If your stock wheels are 17 inch and you like them, keep them and go with 265/70/17 tires. If you have 16 inch wheels already then go with 265/75/16. They are the same size tire circumference, about 31.5" give or take.

If it's your daily and you want to keep your fuel economy and you don't plan on much offroading then no reason to go for a 33" tire (i.e. 285/70/17). Most people put them on for the looks and to get Instagram fake internet points. Your miles per gallon will go down, fuel costs will go up. You also start running into things like needing to chop/cut body parts or the cab mount. Suggest avoiding this...unless you like doing that kind of thing, in which case go for it!

If you don't want to drop serious coin on suspension upgrades then keep it to a small lift. I'd stay stock height or less than 2". TacomaWorld favorite setup is Bilstein 5100's at all 4 corners, maybe a small spacer up front, and either a spacer block or AAL (add-a-leaf) out back. Just depends if you even want to lift at all. Stock height is free but doesn't look as cool.

Or don't do any of that and read more on TacomaWorld. It's all been done before. Your answer probably depends more on your budget and what you really want to get out of it. I don't know what you think looks cool, that's all personal taste. Search, search, and then search some more. Down the Tacoma rabbit hole you go! Good luck and apologies to your wallet!

 

For what you're talking about I don't see the point of a lift. It increases your wear and maintenance, causes alignment and ride hassles, speedo isnt accurate, and will reduce your mileage.

That's extra money up front and extra money more often along the way with no gain except for personal aesthetics.

In this particular economy especially there are many more places I'd be putting my money.

 

I'm no expert, and maybe size matters, but a lift alone wont throw off your speedo.

 

Whatever route you go it looks like you have a Sport Pre-runner(?), so 16” wheels may not fit over your brake calipers- stick to 17” rims.

 

31 is not the standard tire size from the factory for 2015. They're just under 30 as I recall

 

For a DD I'd consider weight of the tire/wheel setup as a big consideration. Also don't buy a tire that's too aggressive for your needs. I'm running 16" SCS F5s (19lbs) and SL-rated Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 3s in a 265/75/16 (40lbs). You can get a 17" 265/70/17 setup for about 2lbs heavier than what I have. 17" rims do have more tire selection and give you the option to run the 4runner brake upgrade. The stock rims are usually about 24-25lbs so whatever rims you go with I would make sure they are no heavier than what you already have.

That being said: looks (lift height/rim size & backspacing/tire size & weight rating) are very subjective so I would look for pictures of trucks you like and make a decision from there. There are TONS of threads with pictures for inspiration.

 

There are plenty of good looking quality tires that fit stock rims. Buy some custom rims to go with them and call it a day. Spend money on gas. Why do you want a lift?