Rock Warrior - RW - Spare Tire / Wheel Options

[Cruiserhead05]

Looking for some input here.

As with a lot of rock warrior wheel sets that come up for sale, I purchased mine as a set of four. This leaves me with the stock wheel/tire for my spare.

Personally, I'm not hung up on having a matching spare, as my current tire size could fit in the spare location as opposed to the requirement to carry it on a rear bumper where it would be visible that it didn't match. Even then, not sure I'd care.

Here is my question. I have a set of tundra 18" steelies and I know these are readily available on the cheap for others faced with this issue. Per the calculation below from Tacoma World, there is a tire size (265/75/18) that closely matches my 285/75/17.

Due to the full-time 4WD, I know it's not preferred to run unequal sized tires but wanted to get some feedback on whether this seemed close enough to avoid any ill effects. Long term, I'll keep hunting for a proper RW wheel to serve as a spare, but considering this in the short term.


285/75-17 VS 265/75-18 Difference
Diameter inches (mm) 33.83 (859.3) 33.65 (854.7) -0.18 (-4.6) -0.5%
Width inches (mm) 11.22 (285) 10.43 (265) -0.79 (-20) -7%
Circum. inches (mm) 106.28 (2699.57) 105.71 (2685.12) -0.57 (-14.45) -0.5%
Sidewall Height inches (mm) 8.42 (213.75) 7.82 (198.75) -0.59 (-15) -7%
Revolutions per mile (km) 596.15 (370.43) 599.36 (372.42) 3.21 (1.99) 0.5%

 

[Yossarian]

Looking for some input here.

As with a lot of rock warrior wheel sets that come up for sale, I purchased mine as a set of four. This leaves me with the stock wheel/tire for my spare.

Personally, I'm not hung up on having a matching spare, as my current tire size could fit in the spare location as opposed to the requirement to carry it on a rear bumper where it would be visible that it didn't match. Even then, not sure I'd care.

Here is my question. I have a set of tundra 18" steelies and I know these are readily available on the cheap for others faced with this issue. Per the calculation below from Tacoma World, there is a tire size (265/75/18) that closely matches my 285/75/17.

Due to the full-time 4WD, I know it's not preferred to run unequal sized tires but wanted to get some feedback on whether this seemed close enough to avoid any ill effects. Long term, I'll keep hunting for a proper RW wheel to serve as a spare, but considering this in the short term.


285/75-17 VS 265/75-18 Difference
Diameter inches (mm) 33.83 (859.3) 33.65 (854.7) -0.18 (-4.6) -0.5%
Width inches (mm) 11.22 (285) 10.43 (265) -0.79 (-20) -7%
Circum. inches (mm) 106.28 (2699.57) 105.71 (2685.12) -0.57 (-14.45) -0.5%
Sidewall Height inches (mm) 8.42 (213.75) 7.82 (198.75) -0.59 (-15) -7%
Revolutions per mile (km) 596.15 (370.43) 599.36 (372.42) 3.21 (1.99) 0.5%

I tried to get the guy I bought my RW's from to sell his stock spare also. He had a huge lift and massive tires, I told him his spare might not do him much good.

I think if it was ok for the Tundra, stock, it would be ok for the LC. That said you pointed out full time AWD vs. part time 4WD.

 

[kevinfoutch]

I believe there was another thread with similar discussion, and I think if you are within 3% of overall diameter (or was it circumference?), you should be ok to drive minimal distance to get you home safely and / or have tire repaired.

Personally, I like have all 5 as an exact match so that I can do a simple 5-tire rotation every 5k miles. Since you're on the hunt for a 5th RW, you should be ok in the short run.

Many others with a LOT more knowledge and experience will surely weigh in here. Stay tuned...

 

[shelby95]

I am, by no means, an authority but I doubt it will have any effect. My reasoning being as follows:

The difference in radius is 0.09 based on your difference in diameter of 0.18.

0.09 is approximately 3/32 of an inch.

Using the BGG AT KO2 as an example with its 15/32 tread depth, the 3/32 equates to 20% tread wear and thus would equal the aforementioned radius and thus other pertinent specs you address.

In short, typical wear on tires makes these differences negligible in my mind.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I am, by no means, an authority but I doubt it will have any effect. My reasoning being as follows:

The difference in radius is 0.09 based on your difference in diameter of 0.18.

0.09 is approximately 3/32 of an inch.

Using the BGG AT KO2 as an example with its 15/32 tread depth, the 3/32 equates to 20% tread wear and thus would equal the aforementioned radius and thus other pertinent specs you address.

In short, typical wear on tires makes these differences negligible in my mind.

This was my thought process and perhaps rational behind being able to use a steel wheel I have readily available and free.

 

[dc916cruiser]

I was in the same situation as you and ended up finding a reconditioned TRD Rock Warrior wheel online for a great price. Figured it wouldn't hurt getting a full size spare with the same size tire (285/75/17). This also fits in the stock spare location with a slight mod to the spare tire holder (see my build thread for pics).

This is where I bought it from:
http://www.getallparts.com/toyota-t...num-alloy-6-double-spoke-wheel-rim-69574.aspx

HTH

 

[teambell]

What is the spare tire carrier mod to fit the RW wheel exactly? I need to do this and would like to know where the trim is needed. Also what type of tool is used to do it. I did check you build thread and saw the pic of the carrier but am unable to know what was altered.
Thanks!

 

[Markuson]

What is the spare tire carrier mod to fit the RW wheel exactly? I need to do this and would like to know where the trim is needed. Also what type of tool is used to do it. I did check you build thread and saw the pic of the carrier but am unable to know what was altered.
Thanks!

Needed: Dremel tool or hacksaw...

-Lower the wheel and have a look at the metal piece at the end of the tire chain.
-All you do is cut off a portion of the extended piece so that it can fit through the small wheel hub hole.
-When you lower the chain and look at the hole compared to the anchor piece, it will be obvious what part to cut. It's a somewhat strangely shaped metal piece. You just need to remove about an inch of material from the end so that it fits.

-I then sprayed a bit of paint on over the cut to help prevent rust...and done.

Takes all of 5 minutes with a dremel tool....

 

[dc916cruiser]

Thanks Markuson, I couldn't have said it better

 

[Yossarian]

What is the spare tire carrier mod to fit the RW wheel exactly? I need to do this and would like to know where the trim is needed. Also what type of tool is used to do it. I did check you build thread and saw the pic of the carrier but am unable to know what was altered.
Thanks!

Landcruiser 200 TRD Rock Warrior Fix

 

[teambell]

Great help, thanks all!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I have a couple of loose RW's I may entertain selling. I need to check with our Canguro Racing needs first. I'll let you know.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I have a couple of loose RW's I may entertain selling. I need to check with our Canguro Racing needs first. I'll let you know.

Awesome. I'd be good for buying one. Doesn't need to be pretty; just functional.

 

[Eisbaer]

Is there a trick to preventing the RW rims from sticking to the hub? I know someone else had this problem but I can't find the thread. Last time I put mine on, one of them was a real pain to remove. I know I am using the right torque on the lug nuts. Do I need to sand/clean the inside of the RW wheel? Lube? Thoughts?

 

[Markuson]

Is there a trick to preventing the RW rims from sticking to the hub? I know someone else had this problem but I can't find the thread. Last time I put mine on, one of them was a real pain to remove. I know I am using the right torque on the lug nuts. Do I need to sand/clean the inside of the RW wheel? Lube? Thoughts?

I had that same issue with my RWs early on. Had to use a pry-bar to get the fronts off...so similar to your problem.

I used this on the recommendation of my tire shop...and it worked a charm.

For good measure, I wire-brushed the crud off of the hubs and wheels first...then spread a very thin coat of this...
***...being careful to stay away from the bolts themselves, of course.***

Good news is...this stuff does NOT travel (run or spread) as it's almost metallic and white thick.
-I even checked several times just to be certain, and it did not move or spread. Works extremely well for the weird, sticky metal reaction between RW and hub.

You can find this at most auto parts stores.

 

[40Man]

I had a 16" spare on my awd 4runner and ran 17s and went through this same process using the tacomaworld calc. Decided it was ok to have a slightly smaller diameter spare, especially b/c the main tires would likely wear before I need the spare. I would also make sure you are buying a spare with similar weight (do not mix P and LT).

 

[Chocolate]

I had that same issue with my RWs early on. Had to use a pry-bar to get the fronts off...so similar to your problem.

I used this on the recommendation of my tire shop...and it worked a charm.

View attachment 1390066

For good measure, I wire-brushed the crud off of the hubs and wheels first...then spread a very thin coat of this...
***...being careful to stay away from the bolts themselves, of course.***

Good news is...this stuff does NOT travel (run or spread) as it's almost metallic and white thick.
-I even checked several times just to be certain, and it did not move or spread. Works extremely well for the weird, sticky metal reaction between RW and hub.

You can find this at most auto parts stores.

After the corrosion on my previous Lexus' wheels, I used this on my new RWs and the mounting points still look new. It works great. Also good on the threads of any fastener that may see water or moisture- such as license plate screws which are notorious for rusting out.