Author Topic: tacoma wheels on my 81 pickup (Read 600 times)

jeffbost · « **on:** Feb 05, 2023, 07:39:53 PM »

Hi and thanks in advance, this has probably been asked before, can I use some spacers to put the 16-inch Tacoma aluminum 6 lug mags on my 1981 Toyota 4x4 pickup? As it is now the wheels rub on the control arms and it looks like a 6mm spacer might make it work but, maybe an 8mm would work better. it looks like if I go up to the 12mm then my wheel studs will be to short and need to be replaced. I am just trying to use up some old tires on my ranch truck without spending much money.

a1gemmel · « **Reply #1 on:** Feb 05, 2023, 09:03:53 PM »

What are the wheels rubbing on? 1981's don't have control arms, they have solid front axles.
Without knowing what year wheel you're talking about - Some of those newer wheels have a lot more backspacing than the solid axle truck wheels, you would probably be better off with the spacers that have their own studs, 1.5" or more. The cost of those may negate your attempt to save money reusing old tires. Maybe you could just cycle them through on the rear axle if you're just using 4x4 in loose traction scenarios.

As well, be sure you use the right lug nuts. Newer tacoma wheels need flat lug nuts, not the older conical style:

jeffbost · « **Reply #2 on:** Feb 06, 2023, 03:49:44 AM »

Sorry for such incomplete information. The wheel hits the tie rod end, I realized that after I posted. The wheels are aluminum mags that look just like the factory original wheels on my 98 Tacoma. they have more backspacing than the wheels on the 81 but it is close. I am getting the one flat tire fixed today and if it is not ruined, I am going to order some spacers and see what will work. I will post my results. I guess I will have to look into lug nuts too thanks for the heads up on that.

And I live in Idaho the truck stays in 4wd for months at a time the snow is usually around a foot deep.

jeffbost · « **Reply #3 on:** Feb 10, 2023, 05:43:15 PM »

the answer is yes it can be done with about $40 worth of spacers and lug nuts I put the 16-inch Tacoma wheels on my 81. The 8mm spacer will work on the driver's side but you need 12mm for the passenger side, so just order the 12mm pair to begin with. None of it would work without the maglock lug nuts, thanks for that tip, they thread on below the outside of the wheel, and I got 5 full turns before they tightened up. Trying to post pics but they are too big

jeffbost · « **Reply #4 on:** Feb 12, 2023, 08:35:12 AM »

I got pics resized

jeffbost · « **Reply #5 on:** Feb 12, 2023, 08:35:51 AM »

jeffbost · « **Reply #6 on:** Feb 12, 2023, 08:36:34 AM »

final

jeffbost · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 12, 2023, 08:40:29 AM »

Overall, I spent just over $40 to use up some pretty bad tires but those will last about 4 years on the ranch truck that never even sees pavement. The old tires and wheels off of that truck have alot more tread but they are so weather checked that air comes out the sidewalls.