Balancing a tire and wheel issue (1 Viewer)

[Blackhawk1]

Just to repeat what I asked on another thread:

Hi guys. I'm new here and I just got my 6th Toyota 4Runner, a 1997 with V6, 5 speed, and factory locker. My question concerns using different wheels on my rig. I current have the 16" wheels it came with, and therefore the 16" rotors and drums. I kept the 15" alloy wheels and 31" BFG tires from my previous '94 4Runner and would like to use them on the '97. My question is, if I swap out the 16" rotors and drums (which need replacing anyway) and install 15" units to accommodate the 31-10.5-15 set I have, can I still use the 16" 265 tires and wheel on the 15" rotors and drums?

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[Jetboy]

I didn't intend to offend you in the other thread. Welcome to Mud. I actually have a similar situation in that I have a set of new <1k miles MT's that have been sitting in storrage for like 3 years becuase they won't fit on my 4runner. They came on a landcruiser I bought, which is now on 38's, so it's unlikely to use them anytime soon.

It's my opinion that the 4runner is heavy enough that the bigger brakes are not something I'd want to compromise on. I do tow a boat on a regular basis in the summer and that taxes the brakes to some degree. That said, the brakes on the landcruiser do just fine stopping the bigger tires, so they may be adequate for a 4runner too. The Landcruiser is considerably lighter though. Also it's important to recognize that you do have a 5speed which can take a lot of the work load off the brakes.

Anyway I bought a set of FJ cruiser take offs, the standard 17" six spoke aluminum ones, and I think they look pretty good on the 4runner. Plus they were $500 with a new set of factory street tires. With all the new vehicles running 265/70/17's its easy and cheap to replace them with factory takeoffs. Some of which are decent tires. Then the 16's can get the mud tires. Once the tires are shot on your current rims it might be worth it to go that route. I actually really like the stock FJ cruiser tires for street duty.

Depending on your offroad desires, IMO a 15" rim does have advantages in the snow where the larger sidewall will benefit you. Other than that I don't see much advantage either way.

Also, I gotta ask; Have you tried putting them on? Some came with the smaller brakes, and with the manual that might be the case?

Oh: to answer the question, yeah, the wheels should still fit just fine.