Put FJ steel wheels on my FJ60. Horrible rubbing sounds!

[fil1983]

I just put on a set of FJ Cruiser steel wheels and tires on my '86 FJ60. I had the same set on a '90 FJ62 with no rubbing issues but on my 60, it rubs really bad at not even close to lock. I'm sure I'm not the only one with a stock suspension and these wheels on a 60. Any advice?

 

[ElHefe]

You'll need at least a 1.5 inch spacer. The backspacing is not compatible.

 

[GeologistFelix]

Three things that could be rubbing:
- Calipers on the inside of the wheels (would happen all the time, regardless of what you're doing with the steering wheel, would sound like metal-to-metal grinding)
- Tie-rod ends on the lip of the wheel or sidewall of the tire (might only happen with a slight amount of turning, would sound like metal-to-metal, metal-to-rubber, or possibly rubber-to-rubber)
- Leaf spring on the tire (would only happen when turning a fair bit, would sound like rubber on metal [duh])

Did the 62 come with those wheels? If that's the case, it's possible that the PO ground down the 62's calipers for clearance, and now that the wheels are on the 60 (with presumably unmodified calipers), it's grinding. It's also possible that the 60 just has a different brand of calipers that happen to stick out a bit further than on the 62.

Another thought: maybe the 62 has some old, rusty 1/4" spacers on the front axle that look like they're part of the hub?

To know for sure, get down on the ground and look at the axle side of the wheel. If it's the tie-rod, there ought to be some scuffing around the lip of the wheel and/or the sidewall of the tire. If it's the leaf spring, there'll be scuffing around the outer edge of the tire. To see if it's the caliper, see if you can get a sheet of paper between the caliper housing and the wheel (the 'paper test' works for the tie-rod, too, if you suspect it but there aren't any telltale marks on the wheel/tire.

 

[fil1983]

The response I got from tlc4x4.com:

No, those wheels do not have the correct off set for a FJ60. If you use spacers it will over correct and damage the front wheel bearings.

I'm inclined to believe them. But I'm so bummed out about it. I really love these wheels.

Is there an after market set that is similar? Maybe something like the NATO style for Land Rovers?

 

[Trapper50cal]

I think many folks on here are running them with spacers...While it's true that the wheel bearings will be stressed a bit more, it's just a matter of them wearing a bit faster. A shop just has to play a little CYA on it's advice...

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Here's an option.

specter has these...16" rims which get you more/better tire options.... here's the Part number... 080-09A-16AU

 

[ElHefe]

If you do go for the spacers, be extremely careful and follow all of the instructions.

 

[TS888]

I think many folks on here are running them with spacers...While it's true that the wheel bearings will be stressed a bit more, it's just a matter of them wearing a bit faster. A shop just has to play a little CYA on it's advice...

If the spacers move the wheel out to the equivalent of 3.5" backspacing, it's exactly the same load on the bearings as stock wheels.

 

[Trapper50cal]

If the spacers move the wheel out to the equivalent of 3.5" backspacing, it's exactly the same load on the bearings as stock wheels.

Except (unless I'm mistaken) it's the offset not the backspacing that is the issue...the tire might end up in the correct location but the metal from the hub to the outer ring of the rim is further out and not directly above the same spot, therefore creating a load focus further out. (Unless I'm not conceptualizing it correctly)

 

[Elbert]

I've used 1.5 spacers for some time now.... I also torque them after reinstall/removal. I've had one issue with a wheel stud and thats been it. I don't dd my truck...but do drive it around town a little bit must most of the drive time is off road with 33 15 12.5 MT tires.... I aslo have the FJ cruiser wheels with something like 285 17 AT tires and I've driven them a few thousand miles on the pavement without issue...

I don't like spacers at all, but I've not had issues with the 1.5 inch versions...

 

[fil1983]

Which spacers should I get? Need to order them asap

 

[snowboardonsnow]

What is the bs of the wheel, buy whatever will put you back to 3.5 bs and your wheel bearings will be back on. A hub don't care if its 3.5 bs rim or a 0 bs rim with 3.5 spacer.

Btw there is leeway our bearings are tough, lots will run 3.5 with like a 10 or 12" wide rim, you think that won't put stress on the bearings? or just having stock stuff with huge tires.

Point is find out what size spacer for the look you want or find whatever the will clear.

 

[gregnash]

There are many threads on this topic and the topic of "spacers/adapters" is hotly debated.
The consensus is... use at your own risk. Some users have had issues, others have not, but if you do follow the instructions closely, continually recheck them (especially if it is on a DD), and some guys recommend using blue locktite on the threads of the spacers/adapters.

I am going to have to give Stockton wheel a call and see how much it would cost to have a set of similar rims made with the proper FJ60 backspacing.

 

[Elbert]

Toyota Wheel Spacers, 6x5.50 | WabFab Off Road

I bought my spacers from this guy....at 1.5 width becuase thats all they had at the time, you can search via google for other sources.

 

[Sacto60]

There are many threads on this topic and the topic of "spacers/adapters" is hotly debated.
The consensus is... use at your own risk. Some users have had issues, others have not, but if you do follow the instructions closely, continually recheck them (especially if it is on a DD), and some guys recommend using blue locktite on the threads of the spacers/adapters.

I am going to have to give Stockton wheel a call and see how much it would cost to have a set of similar rims made with the proper FJ60 backspacing.

ancient thread revival, but did Stockton wheel have anything in the correct 60 series bs?