Switching 2000 LX 470 from 20" wheels to OEM or Methods

[Manyu]

Hi there,

Let me start off by saying thanks. I know there are a million wheels and tires posts on the forum already and I have tried reading a bunch of them, but my head's spinning with all the spacer/lift/offset info. I even went to a couple of local offroad shops but they weren't very helpful. So I appreciate your help and wisdom.

I bought a 2000 LX470 last year with 20" Tundra TRD wheels and 285/55/20 Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires. The truck looks great but the problem is that one of the tires ( only 10K miles on tires) has pretty visible sidewall cracks. I also don't have a full size spare. Now, from what I have read on this forum, it seems to make more sense from an overlanding perspective to buy smaller wheels and new tires instead of buying another spare and new tire on the current setup.

The truck has a 2.5" OME lift and I believe 1.25-1.5" spacers right now.

I am looking at two options. Buying OEM wheels off Facebook marketplace or getting new wheels (like the Method 703's). Both have their pros and cons.

OEM - 1) does it make sense to spend $300-$500 on a set of 20 year old wheels? is that reliable or does it just make sense to bite the bullet for new wheels?
2) What size tires can I fit on the 16" with my 2.5" lift such that I can fit a full size spare in the wheel well, have decent gas mileage and off road capability?

Method 703 option: will cost about 4K for 5 wheels and 5 Toyo AT3 tires (or KO2s).
1) What size tires can I fit on these with my 2.5" lift such that I can fit a full size spare in the wheel well, have decent gas mileage and off road capability?

I come at you guys as a newbie and appreciate all the help.

Thanks!

 

[saucebox]

If you're patient, you'll be able to find OEMs for way, way less. I snagged a full set of 5 for like $75 last year. Then sold them for the same price later on. OEM is tough to beat in terms of price, strength, and weight, and you won't need spacers. And reducing unsprung weight is a net positive. The Methods are some sexy wheels though...

You can put a lot of miles down for the difference in price. Or at least you used to be able...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I would think you could get the one warrantied if they only have 10k on them. And buying a single spare and like a 20" steel take off Tundra rim is way cheaper than 5 new wheels and tires.

 

[Manyu]

If you're patient, you'll be able to find OEMs for way, way less. I snagged a full set of 5 for like $75 last year. Then sold them for the same price later on. OEM is tough to beat in terms of price, strength, and weight, and you won't need spacers. And reducing unsprung weight is a net positive. The Methods are some sexy wheels though...

You can put a lot of miles down for the difference in price. Or at least you used to be able...

Nice, so you wouldnt be worried about the wheels being 20 yrs old? What size tires do you think I could throw on it?

 

[Jeremyleeblack]

I found some LX 570 wheels ($500 for 5), added Bora 1.5 inch spacers for fitment reasons, threw some new tires on them, and really like the way it turned out. My use for the truck is more for a family cruiser so the black walls aren't sufficient for any real off roading.

 

[saucebox]

Nice, so you wouldnt be worried about the wheels being 20 yrs old? What size tires do you think I could throw on it?

I'm definitely the wrong person to ask on sizing...mine's now set up a bit different than most. I'd think anything really in the 33" range, although I'm not super aware of how that translates to the weird fractional sizing. Too dumb for maths! ~33" tires won't punish your mileage too bad, either.

As to age—no way. OEM are outstanding wheels. I mean you certainly wouldn't want ones chipped all to hell, or cracked, etc. but you'd see that on purchase anyway. And AFAIK, OEM wheels can be had in 16, 17 and 18" rim sizes. Choose 16 or 17 if you're into running trails (more sidewall for grip and comfort aired down some), 18 if yours is really more of a family hauler. If it's really mostly road use and family hauling, I'd think Trunk Monkey's advice is most sound—it'd be cheapest to replace like for like.

 

[Manyu]

I'm definitely the wrong person to ask on sizing...mine's now set up a bit different than most. I'd think anything really in the 33" range, although I'm not super aware of how that translates to the weird fractional sizing. Too dumb for maths! ~33" tires won't punish your mileage too bad, either.

As to age—no way. OEM are outstanding wheels. I mean you certainly wouldn't want ones chipped all to hell, or cracked, etc. but you'd see that on purchase anyway. And AFAIK, OEM wheels can be had in 16, 17 and 18" rim sizes. Choose 16 or 17 if you're into running trails (more sidewall for grip and comfort aired down some), 18 if yours is really more of a family hauler. If it's really mostly road use and family hauling, I'd think Trunk Monkey's advice is most sound—it'd be cheapest to replace like for like.

Thanks, this is very helpful indeed.