Wheel Offsets EXPLAINED with the New Toyota Tacoma 2024

Westcott Designs
13 Feb 202410:58

TLDRIn this Tech Talk Tuesday, Jeff Wescott Designs discusses the new 2024 Tacoma, addressing common questions about lift and tire compatibility. They explain the importance of wheel offset and demonstrate how to safely install larger tires by removing the safety bracket. The video also covers their design philosophy for a mild lift, improved ride quality, and protective rock sliders. Additionally, they showcase new roof rack designs with 'Easter eggs' matching Toyota's design language and discuss the practicality of their new bottle opener and wheel choices.

Takeaways

  • 🚜 **Tech Talk Tuesday Introduction**: A new segment called 'Tech Talk Tuesday' has been initiated to address questions about the new Tacoma trucks.
  • 🛠️ **Wheel and Tire Fitment**: The safety bracket on the 2024 Tacoma needs to be removed to accommodate larger tires, which involves removing three 17mm bolts.
  • 📏 **Wheel Offset Importance**: Correct wheel offset is crucial for fitting larger tires without needing a significant lift, affecting the truck's ride quality and rollover risk.
  • 🏎️ **Suspension Upgrade**: A mild lift is recommended for improved ride comfort and to avoid excessively raising the truck's center of gravity.
  • 📐 **Measurements and Clearance**: Specific measurements are provided to demonstrate the clearance between the wheel wells and the tires for different offset configurations.
  • 🔨 **Rock Slider Enhancements**: New design elements have been added to the rock sliders, including radiused edges and a rear kick tube for improved protection and strength.
  • 🔩 **Mounting Points**: The rock sliders feature multiple bolt points for secure installation, utilizing existing holes in the vehicle's frame.
  • 🚀 **Roof Rack Design**: The roof rack design includes 'Easter eggs' that match the vehicle's design elements, such as the TRD Pro logo and hybrid emblems.
  • 💡 **Lighting Solutions**: A filler plate with a light is incorporated into the roof rack design, allowing for adjustable lighting and handle functionality.
  • 🍺 **Bottle Opener Design**: A new bottle opener design matches the vehicle's aesthetic, with a double overlay and可选择的 finish options.
  • 🔄 **Wheel Choice**: The script ends with a question to the audience about their preference between black wheels and machined wheels, showcasing the customization options available.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the 'Tech Talk Tuesday' segment discussed in the script?

    -The purpose of 'Tech Talk Tuesday' is to address common questions and concerns from consumers about the new Tacomas, specifically regarding modifications such as lifts and wheel/tire upgrades.

  • What is the safety bracket mentioned in the script and where is it located?

    -The safety bracket is a component mounted in the front of the truck, near the front corners. It needs to be removed to make room for larger tires on the new Tacomas.

  • How does wheel offset affect the ability to fit larger tires on a Tacoma without a significant lift?

    -Wheel offset is critical in determining how well a larger tire will fit on a truck without causing rubbing or other issues. Choosing the right wheel offset allows for a larger tire fit without the need for a large lift, thus avoiding increased risk of rollover and maintaining a more comfortable ride.

  • What is the specific lift modification discussed for the Tacomas in the script?

    -The lift modification discussed is the Westcott Design lift, which provides about 2.5 inches of lift in the front and 1 inch in the rear, for a total of 3/4 inch lift at the rear, aiming for a more plush and comfortable ride rather than a tall, high-center-of-gravity setup.

  • How much clearance is there from the outside edge of the wheel well to the bottom edge of the rocker slider?

    -There is 2 and 3/4 inches of clearance from the outside edge of the wheel well to the bottom edge of the rocker slider.

  • What design enhancements were made to the new rock sliders?

    -The new rock sliders have a radiused front edge to match the body line of the lower rocker panel, contouring at the back to match the bottom of the fender, and additional extension at the rear for more protection between the rock slider and the tire on the fender. They also feature a rear kick tube for added strength and multiple mounting points for secure installation.

  • How does the new roof rack design tie into the aesthetic of the vehicle?

    -The new roof rack design includes cutouts that match the design on the truck's logo and hybrid emblems, as well as a filler plate with a light for added functionality and visibility. The design also includes good handle grips and a visually integrated bottle opener.

  • What was the reason for not going taller with the lift on the Tacomas?

    -The decision to not go taller with the lift was based on learnings from the Tundras, where consumers preferred a more plush and comfortable ride over a high lift. The goal was to soften the ride without increasing preload too much and to maximize the lift height without sacrificing comfort.

  • What is the measurement from the center of the axle to the bottom edge of the wheel well on the rear wheel well?

    -The measurement from the center of the axle to the bottom edge of the wheel well on the rear wheel well is 25 inches.

  • How does the plus 25 offset wheel setup affect the truck's functionality and appearance?

    -The plus 25 offset wheel setup allows for a larger tire fit without rubbing issues and provides a more usable and cleaner look while still maintaining some 'poke' or aggressive stance. It also enables the truck to pivot without issues due to the correct offset.

  • What type of wheels and tires were chosen for the truck in the script, and why?

    -A plus 25 offset, 17 by 8.5 inch Method 305 wheel with a satin black finish and gloss black accents was chosen, paired with a 35x2.5 by 17 tire. This combination was selected for its functionality, allowing the truck to fit the larger tire without rubbing issues and for its aesthetic appeal, complementing the vehicle's design.

Outlines

00:00

🚜 Tech Talk Tuesday: New Tacoma Modifications

The first paragraph introduces the concept of 'Tech Talk Tuesday' by Jeff Wescott Designs, focusing on the new Tacoma trucks. It discusses the common questions and concerns raised on social media about truck modifications, such as offsets, lifts, and轮胎 choices. The speaker explains the importance of wheel offset in determining the size of the tires that can fit a truck without a large lift, emphasizing the benefits of a mild lift for ride comfort and minimizing the risk of rollover. The paragraph also details the process of safely removing the safety bracket to accommodate larger tires and the decision behind the specific lift dimensions chosen for the Tacoma.

05:00

🛠️ Enhancing Tacoma's Design with Rock Sliders and Visor

This paragraph delves into the design and functionality of the new rock sliders and visor for the Tacoma. It highlights the improvements made to the rock sliders, such as the radiused front edge for a seamless match with the body line and the additional strength provided by the main and kickout tubes. The visor's design is also discussed, with its aim to reduce drag and wind noise by aligning with the windshield's angle. The paragraph further explores the aesthetic and practical considerations behind the design of the roof rack and bottle opener, emphasizing the attention to detail and the effort to integrate the accessories with the vehicle's overall design.

10:02

🏎️ Wheel and Tire Choices for Optimal Performance

The final paragraph focuses on the selection of wheels and tires for the Tacoma, discussing the switch to a plus 25 offset for better usability and functionality. It contrasts the previous tire setup with the new one, highlighting the benefits of the 35x12.5x17 tire in terms of size and performance. The paragraph also touches on the aesthetic preference between black and machine-finished wheels, inviting the audience to share their opinions on the different looks.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Tech Talk Tuesday

Tech Talk Tuesday is a themed event where the speaker discusses various aspects of the newly released Tacoma trucks. It's a platform designed to educate consumers about the features and modifications of these vehicles, such as lift kits, wheel and tire choices, and overall aesthetics.

💡Wheel Offset

Wheel offset refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. It's a critical factor in determining how a wheel and tire package will fit within the wheel well of a vehicle. A positive offset means the mounting surface is towards the back of the vehicle, while a negative offset means it's towards the front.

💡Lift Kit

A lift kit is a mechanical assembly that is used to raise the body of a vehicle from its frame. It typically consists of components like coil springs, shock absorbers, and control arms. Lift kits improve ground clearance and can enhance the vehicle's off-road capabilities, but they can also affect ride comfort and handling.

💡Tire Size

Tire size refers to the dimensions of a tire, which are indicated by a series of numbers and letters, such as 35x12.50R20. The first number represents the tire's width in millimeters, the second number is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of the width), and the 'R' indicates radial construction. The final number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.

💡Safety Bracket

A safety bracket is a component in a vehicle's suspension system that provides additional structural support and safety. In the context of the Tacoma, it is a specific bracket located in the front of the truck that needs to be removed to allow for larger tires and full steering lock.

💡Steering Lock

Steering lock refers to the maximum angle at which a vehicle's steering wheel can be turned from its straight-ahead position. It determines the tightness of turns a vehicle can make and is an important consideration when fitting larger tires, as it affects how much clearance the tires have at full lock.

💡Rock Sliders

Rock sliders, also known as rocker guards or skid plates, are protective elements installed along the sides of off-road vehicles to protect the vehicle's undercarriage, including the fuel tank, exhaust, and other components, from damage caused by rocks and other obstacles.

💡Roof Rack

A roof rack is a structure mounted on top of a vehicle, designed to carry additional loads such as luggage, equipment, or cargo. Roof racks are an essential accessory for many vehicles, especially those used for outdoor activities or in situations where extra storage is needed.

💡Windshield Visor

A windshield visor is an accessory attached to the top edge of a vehicle's windshield. It is designed to reduce wind noise and turbulence, as well as to prevent water from flowing onto the vehicle's roof, which can cause drag and reduce fuel efficiency.

💡Wheel Well

The wheel well, also known as the fender, is the curved part of a vehicle's body surrounding the wheel. It provides clearance for the wheels to turn and protects the vehicle's body from debris and dirt thrown up by the tires.

💡Tire Clearance

Tire clearance refers to the amount of space available within the wheel well for a tire and suspension system. It is an important consideration when upgrading to larger tires or installing lift kits, as insufficient clearance can lead to rubbing or damage to the tires, vehicle body, or other components.

Highlights

Introduction of Tech Talk Tuesday and the new Tacomas.

Addressing consumer questions and social media discussions about new Tacomas and their specifications.

The importance of wheel offset in vehicle modification and its impact on the need for a lift.

Jeff Wescott Designs' approach to providing a mild lift for improved ride quality and aesthetics.

The decision not to increase the lift height based on consumer preference for a comfortable ride.

Explanation of the safety bracket removal process for fitting larger tires.

The impact of wheel offset on tire clearance and the potential for larger tires without extensive modifications.

Demonstration of the wheel well clearance and the maximum safe tire size.

The design and features of the new 0 degree Doom Mig welded Rock sliders.

The contouring of the rock sliders to match the vehicle's body lines for improved aesthetics and protection.

The strength and mounting points of the rock sliders for secure installation.

The new design of the roof rack with its streamlined shape and integration with the vehicle's design.

The Easter eggs in Toyota's design, including matching emblems and logos in the roof rack design.

The innovative light system integrated into the roof rack for added functionality.

The new bottle opener design that complements the vehicle's aesthetics.

The switch to plus 25 offset wheels for improved functionality and appearance.

The choice between black and machine finish wheels and the impact on the vehicle's look.