17 inch Genuine Toyota Steelies

[Antropov]

The wheels came in, and the metallic dark gray paint they came with looked too good to me to paint over it right away. Might do that at some point in the future if they start to rust, but for now I like the black.

I put on some Nitto Terra Grappler G3's in 285/70r17, and they fit perfectly inside the wheel well without poking out. Seems to handle just like stock so far with a similar offset. I just might try to find a dust cap for the rear axles if I get tired of staring at the rust.

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I have the feeling, but hard to be sure, that your LC with that rim size, looks a bit lower than the Dubai's version posted above. Could it be that the UAE versions / utility versions have springs that would be, if not higher, a bit firmer, hence seat 1-2 cm higher when vehicle is empty? It seems visible at least at the back.

I am not a fan of modified vehicles, at all, otherwise I would not read this post... but I think a small and discreet rise of the suspension would suit the whole setup nice... what you think ?

Overall your setup is exactly the one I wished I had. Plain, simple, authentic legendary LC, back to basic qualities that made it succesful all around the globe.

 

[arash]

I have the feeling, but hard to be sure, that your LC with that rim size, looks a bit lower than the Dubai's version posted above. Could it be that the UAE versions / utility versions have springs that would be, if not higher, a bit firmer, hence seat 1-2 cm higher when vehicle is empty? It seems visible at least at the back.

I am not a fan of modified vehicles, at all, otherwise I would not read this post... but I think a small and discreet rise of the suspension would suit the whole setup nice... what you think ?

Overall your setup is exactly the one I wished I had. Plain, simple, authentic legendary LC, back to basic qualities that made it succesful all around the globe.

It’s hard to tell if the gap is larger due to the suspension or if it appears that way because my tires are bigger than the Middle East one. It looks like they’re using a smaller highway tire, and on a 17 inch rim that would likely be even smaller in diameter than the 1958 stock 245/70r18.

Here’s a photo of mine at a similar angle.

As for getting a lift, I think it would look good with at least the front a bit higher but I’m not planning on getting one any time soon. Reason being is that once it’s modified, those suspension parts may not be as reliable and could require more maintenance. I wouldn’t want a spacer lift that makes the ride harsher and limits articulation, so it would need to be a more extensive and expensive upgrade. Someday I might look into some of the manufacturers that also provide OEM Toyota suspensions like Old Man Emu, especially if I get a lot more into off roading once the vehicle is a little older. For now, I share your sentiment of keeping it utilitarian and not over the top. Only other upgrades I have planned right now are skid plates and side rails.

 

[6-funk]

I love this look! I want to do this to my 58' ice cap too! But the brake caliper clearance concerns me. Do any of you think there could be an issue with debris getting stuck in that small space and grinding or scraping the wheel or damaging the caliper? Cheers!

 

[arash]

Valid concern. The front wheels have ample clearance with the calipers, but the rears are somewhere around 1mm between wheel and top of caliper. The wheels are steel so not really worried about damaging them, and the caliper would only get scraped if there’s somehow any contact.

I’ve seen some say as long as there’s any clearance at all it’s fine and many people have run that fine without issue. At the same time I’ve seen brake manufacturer recommendations of at least 5mm clearance. Things are fine so far and hopefully won’t be an issue.

 

[6-funk]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah the Internet seems to think 2-3 mm is the minimum. I've also read that if it clears it's fine as the two (wheel and caliper) move together. Now if I can just get consensus on whether or not 87 octane is ok I'll be good!

 

[arash]

I think running a wheel spacer would solve the clearance issue. Just need to find a reliable 3mm+ thick spacer.

I would just run premium. The engine is designed to run it, it’ll run smoother with it, and you don’t have to worry that maybe you’re putting more wear on the engine. Where I live, premium is about 15% more expensive which is worth the peace of mind. Some people with cars that don’t require premium even run it for smoother operation and potential engine longevity benefits. Finally, the car’s computer can detect octane and there’s a non zero chance that a warranty issue could be denied because premium fuel wasn’t used when it’s required.

 

[Roonie]

I run spidertrax wheel spacer with my FJ62 17" steelies and it has worked great. I have had it on now for 3 years or so no problems.

 

[6-funk]

Thanks, I was just teasing about the great octane debate. But you also helped clear up another question. The space must be tight between the mounting surface of the wheel, not the barrel. I assumed the it was a issue of the smaller wheel diameter. Cool, thanks for the tips!

 

[arash]

I run spidertrax wheel spacer with my FJ62 17" steelies and it has worked great. I have had it on now for 3 years or so no problems.

Those look high quality. I just wish they made less than a 1 inch thickness because the current 60mm wheel offset is working really well for my tires.