Will 15" wheels fit on an '03 taco?

[Logan176]

This question was BRIEFLY touched on in an earlier posting, but here it goes...

Will a 15" rim fit on my '03 taco? I called a local tire dealer and he said that I might have to stick with a 16" rim to clear the break calipur. I would like to know if anyone has tried the 15s.

Also, what is the backspacing on the stock 16x7 rim that comes on an '03 Tacoma?

Thanks!

[snorkleman]

Well...this is actually a big topic for taco's. Some 15" wheels work and some do not. I've heard stories about ABS and non-ABS vehicles but read that it doesnt matter. So...Yes 15" wheels should work on your truck. What wheels you use does matter. Here is a partial list of wheels I found on a tacoma board.

All Stock Toyota 15x7 wheels that came on earlier Tacoma’s
That should be easy enough to find. These have the same BS as your 16” wheels. You can run up to 32x 11.5 with no suspension clearance issues.

Mickey Thompson Classic II’s and I assume the Classic Locks since they are based on the same wheel
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

Wheeler's Toyota Wheels
15x8, 3.75 BS


Here is the link to the thread but you have to be a member to view.
forums.delphiforums.com/tacomaterritory/messages/?start=Start+Reading+%3E%3E

Good Luck

Hats off to BryanCCFSHR aka "The wet dog" for the partial list and info on this.

[liftedtacoma99]

l just ordered 15X8 in rims today heres a web site that might help you out www.wheelersofforad.com/toywheels.htm im going to order my tires next week (spent to much time in the hosptial and not working to afford them this week) ill let you know how they work out. ive heard good things about them though

[Logan176]

Okay guys, I want to thank everyone for their advice on the 15" wheel topic. Even though my local tire shop says they'll never fit on my 2003, I'm going ahead and ordering the 15s. I hear good things from you guys about the Mickey Thompson Classic 2s and when I measured my stock 16x7 wheels, there was a 3/4" space all the way around.

I just got back from talking with my dealership about my warrante and the lift will affect it too much. So as long as I can fit the 15s on my Taco, I'll be running the BFG 31x12.5s AT KO without a lift. If they don't fit then it's back to the drawing board. There really needs to be more options in the metric sizes.

I guess it's balls to the wall for the 15s. Once I get them, I'll put the question of whether or not Mickey Thompsons will fit on a 2003 to rest.

[liftedtacoma99]

(dry) mount the rim to your truck before you mount the tire to the rim. this way you can see if the rim will fit and if it doesnt fit you might be able to return them. my friend didnt do this with his firebird and got screwed with rims with the wrong offset... good luck

[Logan176]

Hey Liftedtacoma99,
Since I'm not 100% sure if the 15s will fit, I called the store about the return policy. They said the same thing...dry mount and if they don't fit I can still return them.

Before I buy them, I need to choose a wheel width for my 31x12.5 tire...8" or 10"? I know that an 8" with will protect the wheel when off roading. But will my tire bulge a lot with the 8" wheel? Is there a downside to the 10" wheel? As always, thanks for the help?

[liftedtacoma99]

the 8" rim with a 12.50 will have a stronger beed when its aired down then the 10" rim. the 8" rim will wear the center of the tire more than a wider rim. but i would rather deal with that than popping a bead offroad.

[Logan176]

And the verdict is in...

After all the research, reading, and measuring for whether or not 15's would fit on an '03 Taco, I purchased a set and they came in today. I bought the Mickey Thompson Classic II's in the 15x8. I know that not all 15" wheels will fit, but...

THE MICKEY THOMPSON CLASSIC II's FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The break calipur had just enough room on the sides but the face of the calipur comes kinda close to the front of the wheel. My neighbor suggested they I buy a small spacer just to play it safe and I'm taking his advice.

I really want to thank Snorkleman and Liftedtacoma99 for all the input. Once I pick up my 31x12.5 BFG AT KO, I'll let everyone know if they rub and I'll try to get some picks together. Thanks again guys!!!

[liftedtacoma99]

glad to here that you got your rims and that they fit... im still waiting for mine they should be here tuesday.

[snorkleman]

Awesome man....glad they worked out for ya.

[Hoodlum]

Almost all Tacoma's come from factory with 15" rims it is the dealer option for 16" rims this is usually offered on TRD off-road models but if you have the vin# checked the catalog will tell you it's 15" .The issue about ABS or not only is a factor with aftermarket rims.