Upgrading the wheels and tires on a truck is one of the most important modifications. The Tacoma is no exception, and numerous Tacoma owners want to know – Can I put 17 rims on my Tacoma?
The answer is yes, but it’s more complex than buying new rims and slapping them on. When upgrading your wheels, there are several factors to consider, such as tire size, offset, and brake clearance.
This article will discuss the options for 17 rims on a Toyota Tacoma, the pros and cons, and what you need to know before upgrading.
Can I put 17 rims on my Tacoma?
You can put 17-inch rims on a Toyota Tacoma, but consider a few things before changing them. One of the most important things to consider is the impact of larger rims on your vehicle’s performance and handling.
More giant rims can affect your truck’s handling and negatively impact the ride quality. It’s also important to double-check that your Tacoma’s suspension and braking system suit the new wheels.
If the rims are too large, they may not fit properly and could cause problems with the suspension, steering, and braking systems.
The size of the tires that will mount on the new rims is another crucial consideration. The tires on your Tacoma must be the correct size and have the appropriate load rating.
If the tires are too small, they may not provide enough support for the vehicle and could cause problems with handling and braking.
Before making any changes to your car, you should always talk to a professional mechanic or a Toyota dealership.
They will be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether 17-inch rims are the right choice for your Tacoma.
Check the specifications of the rims, tire size, and load rating to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Tacoma. With the proper wheels, not only will your Tacoma look great, but it will also perform at its peak.
How do you put 17 rims on a Tacoma?
Installing 17-inch wheels on your Tacoma isn’t too hard, but you need to make sure that the wheels you choose are right for your car. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in completing the circle:
1. Research the right rims for your Tacoma: Ensure that the bolt pattern, offset, and center bore of your selected rims are compatible with your Tacoma. The bolt pattern is the number of lug holes and their spacing.
The offset is the distance between the hub mounting surface and the wheel’s centerline. And the center bore is the diameter of the hole in the wheel’s center that fits over the hub.
2. Purchase the necessary equipment: You will need a lug wrench, a jack, and jack stands to remove and install the rims.
3. Remove the old rims: Loosen the lug nuts on the current rims with the lug wrench, then lift the vehicle and place it on the jack stands. Carefully remove the old rims and tires.
4. Install the new rims: Place the new rims on the vehicle and align the holes with the lug studs. Then, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts according to the instructions from the manufacturer.
5. Check the wheel balance: Get the wheel balance checked by a professional to ensure the new rims are correctly balanced.
6. Test Drive: Do a test drive to ensure it drives smoothly and has no vibration issues.
However, if you need more confidence in your mechanical abilities, having a professional mechanic attach your new rims is best.
Researching the right rims, purchasing the necessary equipment, and having a professional check the wheel balance after the installation are required.
Why is it important to check tire size and load rating when putting 17” rims on a Tacoma?
When installing 17-inch rims on a Tacoma, it is essential to check both the tire size and load rating.
The tire size is the physical dimensions of the tire, including the width, aspect ratio, and diameter. The load rating, or ply rating, specifies your Tacoma maximum load the tire can safely carry.
There can be several problems if the tires aren’t the right size for the rims and the vehicle.
For instance, if the tires are too small, they may need to provide sufficient surface area to support the vehicle’s weight. It can lead to increased wear and tear on the tires and reduced handling and stability.
In addition, if the load rating is too low, the tires may not be able to support the weight of the vehicle and its occupants safely.
It can result in hazardous tire blowouts and other tire failures, which can cause accidents and other serious incidents.
Before putting 17 rims on a Tacoma, you must check the tire size and load rating. In addition, you can also be sure that the tires will provide the necessary support and safety for the vehicle.
Also, it would be best to talk to a professional mechanic or tire expert to ensure that the tires are the right size and rating for your vehicle and the way you drive.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while putting 17-inch rims on a Tacoma is possible, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your vehicle’s performance and handling.
The new wheels you buy for your Tacoma must fit properly and work with the vehicle’s existing suspension and braking system. It would help if you always talked to a professional mechanic before making any changes to your car.
Adding good rims to your Toyota Tacoma with an accurate tire size and load rating will make your driving more enjoyable, and you can do it with Tacoma 17-inch rims.
