Hello,
Noob here. This is actually my second post. First one was asking about an FJ I had thought about buying. A few of you lead me to a different one and after a long wait for a title issue with the previous owner I am finally getting my first ever FJ40. It is a Feb 1971. Very excited. (Also, want to thank mtntopper from the the mud family for all of his help with checking it out for me and answering all of my new guy questions.)
It sounds like I will need new tires pretty much immediately when I get it here. Because of this I have a few questions. I have read a ton in the forums and have learned a lot, but still have a few questions that I was wondering if you guys could help me with.
MY PLANS: So I am planning on putting a disc brake conversion on it (at least in the front). Also, when I can afford it I may like to do a 2-2.5 in. lift. It is currently stock.
MY QUESTIONS:
On some of the forums there was discussion about 15” vs 16” wheels. I realize the ones I have currently will not allow me to do the disc brake conversion because of the rivets. So I will need new wheels.
1) Will a disc brake conversion fit with 15” wheels, or am I better off getting 16” wheels?
2) Are there any drawbacks to either the 15” or 16”?
3) People on the forums seemed to have really liked the BFG 32x9.5x15 tires in the past, which they apparently don’t make anymore. If I go with the 16” it looks like I can get a 235/85r16 which is technically 31.7x9.25x16 which seems pretty close to the BFG’s everyone seemed to like in the past. I found the 235/85r16 at the local “National Tire and Battery” for about $150 a piece (Cooper tires). Would 235/85r16 fit on the stock FJ (not hit the wheel well when I turn or hit a bump? On one of the forums someone said they had to bend the pitman arm.). Would they still look decent if I get a lift? (Also, the tires for the 16” wheels seem to be cheaper and have the most options at my NTB which I like. Also 265/75r16 are an option that is pretty cheap. Would they fit?
4) If I get the 15” wheels it seems like many just prefer to run 33x10.5x15. It seems like there is some question on if they might rub when the FJ is stock, and also weather or not tire places will mount them on the 15 inch rims. Could anyone educate me if they run these in a stock rig and if they rub when turning or hitting bumps?
5) Another option is the 31x10.5x15. Thoughts? Will it rub, how will it look on the stock, and with a 2-2.5”lift.
6) I have had a friend tell me that with the 16” wheel there will be less sidewall on the tire which means there will be less cushion on an already rough ride. Anybody have any thoughts on that? (I realize I’m not buying this FJ for the comfy ride.
Finally,
Does anyone have any pictures of any of the following combinations:
FJ40 with:
-15” wheels no lift and 33x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift with 33x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels no lift with 31x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift with 31x10.5x15 tires.
-16” wheels with no lift and 235/85r16 tires.
-16” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift and 235/85r16 tires.
-16” wheels no lift with 265/75r16.
-16” wheels with 2” lift and 265/75r16 tires.
Thank you all for any input and pictures. Sorry for this getting so long.
Noob here. This is actually my second post. First one was asking about an FJ I had thought about buying. A few of you lead me to a different one and after a long wait for a title issue with the previous owner I am finally getting my first ever FJ40. It is a Feb 1971. Very excited. (Also, want to thank mtntopper from the the mud family for all of his help with checking it out for me and answering all of my new guy questions.)
It sounds like I will need new tires pretty much immediately when I get it here. Because of this I have a few questions. I have read a ton in the forums and have learned a lot, but still have a few questions that I was wondering if you guys could help me with.
MY PLANS: So I am planning on putting a disc brake conversion on it (at least in the front). Also, when I can afford it I may like to do a 2-2.5 in. lift. It is currently stock.
MY QUESTIONS:
On some of the forums there was discussion about 15” vs 16” wheels. I realize the ones I have currently will not allow me to do the disc brake conversion because of the rivets. So I will need new wheels.
1) Will a disc brake conversion fit with 15” wheels, or am I better off getting 16” wheels?
2) Are there any drawbacks to either the 15” or 16”?
3) People on the forums seemed to have really liked the BFG 32x9.5x15 tires in the past, which they apparently don’t make anymore. If I go with the 16” it looks like I can get a 235/85r16 which is technically 31.7x9.25x16 which seems pretty close to the BFG’s everyone seemed to like in the past. I found the 235/85r16 at the local “National Tire and Battery” for about $150 a piece (Cooper tires). Would 235/85r16 fit on the stock FJ (not hit the wheel well when I turn or hit a bump? On one of the forums someone said they had to bend the pitman arm.). Would they still look decent if I get a lift? (Also, the tires for the 16” wheels seem to be cheaper and have the most options at my NTB which I like. Also 265/75r16 are an option that is pretty cheap. Would they fit?
4) If I get the 15” wheels it seems like many just prefer to run 33x10.5x15. It seems like there is some question on if they might rub when the FJ is stock, and also weather or not tire places will mount them on the 15 inch rims. Could anyone educate me if they run these in a stock rig and if they rub when turning or hitting bumps?
5) Another option is the 31x10.5x15. Thoughts? Will it rub, how will it look on the stock, and with a 2-2.5”lift.
6) I have had a friend tell me that with the 16” wheel there will be less sidewall on the tire which means there will be less cushion on an already rough ride. Anybody have any thoughts on that? (I realize I’m not buying this FJ for the comfy ride.
Finally,
Does anyone have any pictures of any of the following combinations:
FJ40 with:
-15” wheels no lift and 33x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift with 33x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels no lift with 31x10.5x15 tires.
-15” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift with 31x10.5x15 tires.
-16” wheels with no lift and 235/85r16 tires.
-16” wheels with a 2-2.5” lift and 235/85r16 tires.
-16” wheels no lift with 265/75r16.
-16” wheels with 2” lift and 265/75r16 tires.
Thank you all for any input and pictures. Sorry for this getting so long.