Help Please - re: Scrub Radius

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the Tacoma world. Just bought a Gen 3 TRD Off-Road Manual Transmission. I've read through many threads but have specific questions regarding a few things. Hoping somebody can help.

Background: I had decided on a Total Chaos +3.5" Race series Long Travel kit for the front. In my infinite wisdom, I ordered the advanced fiberglass fenders (4" bulge 2" rise) before getting the lift kit. I will be driving this to Canada a few times a year on the highway. Work from home the rest of the time (even before COVID). When I spoke to TC, they were more trying to push me to the +2" with the swaybar. A few questions please.

1.) Is the roll that bad in a +3.5" TC kit? Is it something that is not manageable on the highway?

2.) If I get the +2" kit as they recommend and I manage to accommodate for the wider fenders with spacers and offset to allow the wheels to have the correct stance width-wise, will that not adversely affect the scrub radius of the vehicle worse than if I were to use a +3.5" kit as I would imagine the longer travel system would be able to manage a closer to zero scrub radius? Also, if that is correct, any suggestions on how to compensate/mitigate the adverse qualities?

3.) Any suggestions for a good AT tire that will do good offroad in snow as well? I've been looking at two tires 1.) Faulkner AT3W, 2.) KO3. The only reason I would not want to use the K03 is I spent so much on the Fenders and would like to fill it out better and I heard K03s run smaller.

Thank you very much, everyone, for your time. It's greatly appreciated.

 

1. There is more roll and definitely different highway manners with 3.5" LT and no sway bar but for most people it is something you can get used to. For me it's most noticeable as a negative at high speeds on big sweeping turns with tight lanes or lane changes while on big sweeping turns. I find I have to be more focused on driving while turning at freeway speeds than in a stock vehicle with a sway bar. This is my opinion from my LT 4runner which had more weight to roll around than a truck so keep that in mind as it should be less noticeable in a tacoma.

2. Yes running spacers on a + 2 kit to get the desired track width for your 4" flare fenders would be bad for your scrub radius which would add more strain on your steering system, hubs/wheel bearings , and your spindles. Spacers in the front can also cause steering vibration and are another point of possible failure. A 3.5 kit with a zero offset wheel and 4" flared fenders is the typical setup and will look proportional and have good suspension geometry.

3. Don't have much input here, sorry.

Definitely buy a kit where the outer uniball is built into the lower arm like the TC race kit.

Run the 3.5" with your fenders or sell the fenders and run smaller flare fenders or cut your stock fenders with the 2" kit

Hope that helps

 

Happysmiley, I cannot thank you enough Sir. Based on your input, I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and buy smaller McNeil fender flares and go with the +2kit. I appreciate it!

 

No prob, that's just my opinion though so maybe see if some others have some input for you with their experience with 3.5 kits and freeway driving.

Obviously LT is not cheap so I would do the most research or listen to the most feedback you can before spending the cash.

The cost is about the same for 2" and 3.5".
3.5" being best bang for the buck for off road performance if you want to do more high speed desert stuff, but there is a lot that needs to be built up and reinforced to have a truck capable of this type of driving.
2" prob being better for 4x4 trail/adventure driving.

I think a 3.5 kit needs 35" tires to look proportional with the flares and everything. Full bump/compression with a 35" tire will typically hit and damage your inner fender sheet metal.
Maybe a 2" kit doesn't quite cycle as much bump travel and this is less of an issue or you can run 33 or 34" tires and still look proptional with a smaller fender flare.

Adv fiberglass is the best quality, too bad they don't have a smaller flare fender.
That being said, all fiberglass companies products take work to make them fit well.

I would definitely have welded lower arm cab tab gussets installed when the suspension is being installed. Spindle gussets would be a good idea too.

 

I would recommend +2, low offset wheels, and staying with stock fenders.

You can cut the flares & fenders 2.5” which will allow you to fit 35” tires!

There are a lot of benefits with TC +3.5, but also downsides. Fiberglass catches wind, +3.5 tracks more than +2, harder to fit in spots.

I had +2 and loved it! I’ll be buying another TC +2 kit here shortly.

AT3W kicks butt, and so does the Kenda Klever RT. Underrated tire. I run a 35x10.50x17.

 

Thank you once again Happysmiley. I definitely will. I had the gussets on my shopping list and definitely will be doing cam tabs too!

 

Thank you Socalexpeditions! That's one thing I had never considered that the Fiberglass catches wind. Definitely something to keep in mind. I will check out the Kenda Klever RTs, I have never heard of them! Thank you very much!

 

Have you checked out https://jdfabrication.com/collections/gen-3-tacoma-16-6-lug offering? If not do so before making your decision.

 

Hi 01 dhrracer, Thank you. I never had seen them before. I will review it some more! I'm pretty set on a TC kit just because of how many reviews I see of them being great, but you never know! Thank you again!

 

One thing that JDFab offers that no one else does is a system that addresses the problems with the foundation (lower control arm mounts) of the front suspension. I also feel there prices are better than the others.

 

You put on fiberglass fenders, you will then want 35" tires as stated in prior posts to fill the 'hole'. 33' just don't do it justice. But then comes regearing and bigger brakes and so on. I can speak from experience having run the TC 2" LT kit for 2 years and then going to TC 3.5" race kit with JD Fab LCA mounts. Put repurposed the 2" kit on my FJ Cruiser. Body roll is not that much different from 2" to 3.5". But initially going from stock to no sway bar will require an attitude adjustment in terms of driving. I like it. But again, as stated from those who have driven LT trucks on the freeway, it requires you to pay attention. My wife drove mine home once as I followed in my FJ and did a sudden lane change due to being cut off, she nearly lost control. Last time she drove that truck. I have no such issues after become accustomed to the handling. The 2" kit gives you a $500 sway bar option and may be the best setup for a daily driver that is on the freeway a lot. Mine is more of a 'hobby' truck and thus I am free to pursue the more impractical but fun modifications.

 

Hi 01 dhrracer, I definitely see what you mean regarding the prices. Thank you!

 

Hi kzrpk5, If i go with the 2", I would be definitely going with the sway bar option. I was planning on 35" as well. Also will get the 5.29 re-gear done. I would like to put some armor on the truck and don't want it to be a dog. Looking into the OV tunes as well. I spoke to the TC guys and they told me that the sway bar they offer is less stiff than a stock one so still allows for articulation. He seemed very confident in it. So definitely if it's going to be a +2 kit, then I will be using the sway bar. Thank you for all the information. It's greatly appreciated!

 

Hi Socalexpediations. One more question please. Is there any reason you chose a 10.50 wide tire instead of a 12.50 size? I think I'm going to be running the fiberglass and will fab some wells up. Just wondering was it turning radius or what that you chose the narrower wheel. I'm looking at some Nitto Grapplers and deciding to the width size. Thank you!

 

ehh. Sorry Socal, I should have read more before I bothered you again. I get it. Less rolling weight too and is better in snow if they are thinner I'm seeing. I believe I may go the 10.50" route too. I'm also sold on the Kendas from what I'm reading. Thank you!

 

I've driven in plenty of snow! The Kenda's are a fabulous tire - I have loved my set and will purchase another set after. I come from running 35x12.50x17 AT3W's, and have noticed less rolling resistance, better MPG, better handling, less tracking on the freeway, lower weight, ability to have them in a load range D, and the Kenda's are cheap (look for black friday deals). Skinny tires cut through and also float better when aired down. There's a great explanation done by expedition portal I believe.

I travel a lot and need a reliable setup, and I'll be doing a +2 setup (again). With the skinny 35's and -6 offset, I'll be able to cut my fenders, lower ride height, and still tuck the tires. And the rear could just use a spacer!

The only reason I'd say do +3.5 is if you're bombing in the desert.

 

I will vouch for the Kenda Kleevers as well. I run a 35x10.50x17 and love them, not expensive, balanced out decently and ride quite well.

 

Thank you very much Socal!

 

Sounds good kzrpk5! I am too now. Going to be ordering those up. Now just have to find a good rim. But at least the tires are out of the way now! Thank you very much for your input!

 

If you plan on doing LT, be careful about your wheel/offset/backspacking choice.

(avoid -38 SCS stuff). Here's an idea what -6 looks like. Just enough room to fit +2 and tuck.