From Faq
Below is a list of wheels (with their specifications) that members have found that work without any clearance issues
There is much debate on the topic of which aftermarket wheels will and will not fit on 2001 or newer Tacomas. When asked at most tire and wheel shops the typical response is usually either "Why would you want to do that?" or, "You can’t do that because they won’t clear the calipers". Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions.
Q Why would you want to run 15” wheels when your truck came with 16” wheels?
A This is a matter of practicality for an Off Road enthusiast and saving some money in the life of the vehicle. There is a far greater variety of tires available in 15” sizes. These tires come in more desirable sizes that are hard to find in 16” sets, one example being the 32 x 11.5. Which fits nicely on a Tacoma with a 2.5-3” lift. Another advantage of the 15” on the trail is the increase in overall sidewall height. This allows the tires to spread more while aired down with greater protection to your wheels and the higher sidewall helps insulate your truck from bumps better.
Q How do you save money by going to 15” wheels?
A You save money with every tire you buy when you compare it to a similarly sized tire for a larger wheel. Let’s take tire size in the popular 33x12.5. To demonstrate I picked one retailer and tire at random to compare I found that the 33x12.5 x 15 is $153 a tire while its 16” equivalent LT305/70R-16 is $186 a tire. Link to price sample http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/mickeythompson_bajaradial_mtx.htm . That is a $33 a tire difference or $132 for the first set of tires for 4 and $165 if you buy a new one for a spare. That’s money you can be using elsewhere on your truck and the difference only gets greater as the tires get bigger.
Q So the tire Shop was wrong?
A Not exactly, most retailers are reluctant to recommend a part that is out of a vehicles factory specs. It could also be a result of a few unhappy customers who purchased the many 15” wheels that will not work with the 3rd generation Tacoma’s. That means when you purchase 15” wheels you should be sure it is what you want to do. If you are unsure if the wheel of your choice will fit you should ask to test fit one un-mounted to a front tire location on your Tacoma. The tightest clearance is on the face of the caliper against the flange or center section of the wheel. If it spins freely without scraping the caliper you found a wheel that will work, although more room is always preferable to paper thin clearance.
Warning: Never grind your calipers to force a wheel to fit. Modifying a pressurized hydraulic system by removing metal is not a good way to improve the safety of your vehicle. The rest of us have to share the road with you so please do us a favor and get the right wheel the first time and save the grinder for fabrication.
- As with all Modifications to your truck you should take careful consideration when choosing new wheels. By going to an aftermarket 15” wheel you are likely stepping out to 3.75” or less BS.
Q What will that do?
A Less BS will place the centerline of the tires further away from your trucks frame. This could either resolve or create rubbing issues. It will relieve frame rubbing up front due to large diameter tires but it will increase the likelihood of rubbing in the fenders and the pinch weld areas. Some additional lift may be needed to clear tires of the same diameter, from your fender areas when you install wheels with less BS. The following is a list of wheels that members have had success running on their 2001 and later Tacoma’s.
Q What if you have ABS?
A Anti-lock brakes are a fine safety system that allows you to slow your vehicle down in emergencies without locking up your wheels and losing control. As far as wheels go I have ABS brakes and I see no difference between my calipers and non-ABS calipers it shouldn’t be an issue. If it will fit a non ABS 2001+ Tacoma, it will fit an ABS equipped Tacoma.
What 15” wheels will work for you?
15" Wheels that fit 2001-2004 Tacomas
All OEM Toyota 15x7 wheels that came on earlier Tacoma’s. These have the same BS as your 16” wheels. You can run up to 32x 11.5 with no suspension clearance issues
15x8 American Eagle 1189 (3 3/4" BS)
15x10 Bajas (3 3/4" BS)
Mickey Thompson Classic II’s and Classic Locks
15x8, 3 5/16” BS
15x10, 3 5/8 BS
Allied Daytona, Type 51
15x8, 3.75 BS as sold by Les Schwab and other outlets http://www.alliedracingwheels.com/r50.html
15x8 Wheelersoffroad.com Steel Wheels (87-5883 Series Rockcrawlers)(Type A for tires up to 11.5" wide, Type B for tires up to 12.5" wide)
15x8 Ultra Type 164 (Alluminum Wheel)
Weld Stonecrusher
15X10 3 5/8'sBS
16" Wheels
16.5" Wheels
17" Wheels
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