I'm Going Mad !!

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Joined
Apr 26, 2008
Threads
6
Messages
37
Location
Victoria B.C.
So after having my 76'cruiser a few days I decided to get new rims (16") and tires (35"). It went downhill from there:mad:.
4 weeks in now and still no rims that I can get to work.

Frist picked a nice polished 16" Aluminum wheel. Problem. center hole would not fit over front hub

Second picked a different wheel with a bigger center hole in a 16" Aluminum wheel. Problem Hit Tie Rod end.

Third went with the same wheel in a 17", does not contact tie rod end yay! Problem now hits leaf spring while turning

Can anyone give me some examples of what your running that works? Make and Model or something I can google
 
17"

I bought some black 17 x 8 rims from Summit. Everything cleared nicely. Changed to 4x4 Labs Crossover Steering then the rims hit the tie rod. Added 2.5" wheel spacers. Everything is Groovy.

1972 FJ40. Stock axles.
IMG_4619.webp
 
Actually the spacer are 1.5". Big difference.
 
What we run doesn't matter. What you need to know is:

backspacing -- backspacing is the measurement that affects tie rod and leaf spring

standard is 4.5" or more backspacing, which is too much. Most you can run on a FJ40 is 3.75 --

Aluminum rims will be tougher to find 3.75. You may have to go with 2", but then that throws your wheels out from under your fenders, so you'll need flares/mudflaps.
 
Can anyone give me some examples of what your running that works? Make and Model or something I can google

I did a special order through Rocky Road Outfitters. They came bare ready for powdercoating. Turned out to be a little pricey, but I wanted a set of 16X8 so I could run the same size tires off my 80-series. If I had it to do over, I'd probably save some money by going with the stock look and some skinnies.

Custom Wheels & Rims
 
Since we are on topic, does anyone have the backspacing measurement for the stock rims?

Thanks,

Tripper
 
So after having my 76'cruiser a few days I decided to get new rims (16") and tires (35"). It went downhill from there:mad:.
4 weeks in now and still no rims that I can get to work.

Frist picked a nice polished 16" Aluminum wheel. Problem. center hole would not fit over front hub

Second picked a different wheel with a bigger center hole in a 16" Aluminum wheel. Problem Hit Tie Rod end.

Third went with the same wheel in a 17", does not contact tie rod end yay! Problem now hits leaf spring while turning

Can anyone give me some examples of what your running that works? Make and Model or something I can google
I like American Racing white spoke steel rims. Not stock but back in the seventies they were what everybody ran on their off road rigs so you could say they are "period".

If you are hitting the leafs it's probably more the tire size than the wheel size. This problem can be solved by adjusting the turn stops. Your rig will have a larger turning radius but you will also reduce the stress on your Birfields. Birfields are most likely to break in tight turns, especially going down hill which put more weight on the front axle.
 
Find some 16x6 factory split rims and run Q78-16 swampers. They're about 34" tall and they look badass. Search the forum for "tall skinny" and look at some pictures. If you space out something wide, you're going to trash your fenders. Stay narrow.
 
Just thought I would update as I hate when posts die without conclusion.

Saturday I am trying another set of aluminum 15's they swear will work.

If it works I will post pictures tomorrow
:cheers:
 
I agree, go with the 17" rims then you don't have to worry about arm clearance. You might need to add a spacer depending on your setup. Here are the 17" Mojave's on my '78.



I bought some black 17 x 8 rims from Summit. Everything cleared nicely. Changed to 4x4 Labs Crossover Steering then the rims hit the tie rod. Added 2.5" wheel spacers. Everything is Groovy.

1972 FJ40. Stock axles.
IMG_1749.webp
IMG_1750.webp
 
IMG_0678.jpg


steel wheels these are 36X14.5 R15. I have no problems turning I do have a little rubbing though I need wheel spacers
 
don't worry

my metal tech full roll bar should arrive next week.
then a couple days to weld up and alls good
 
ok This thread is done finally done

went somewhat oldschool

15x8
35 12.5

but they work YAY!

OLD School? It's a 40! It's a classic! Old school is cool my friend!:flipoff2:
 

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