Wheels Issue Issues on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner: What Owners Report

How to Address Wheel Modifications and Fuel Consumption

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a capable SUV, and many owners choose to modify the wheels and tires for enhanced off-road performance or a more aggressive look. However, these modifications can sometimes impact fuel consumption and overall driving experience. As one owner reported: "Lifted with some new wheels Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires" (source). This guide will help you understand the potential issues associated with wheel and tire upgrades on your truck, how to diagnose them, and what steps you can take to address them.

Symptoms

Owners often report a few key symptoms after modifying the wheels and tires on their 2020 Toyota 4Runner. A common concern is increased fuel consumption. Larger or heavier tires require more energy to rotate, which can lead to a noticeable decrease in miles per gallon. The added weight and rolling resistance can put a strain on the engine and transmission.

Another symptom relates to the overall feel and handling of the vehicle. Some owners mention rubbing, particularly when using wider or taller tires. This rubbing often occurs against the upper control arms (UCAs) or the fender liners, especially during turns or when the suspension is compressed. Addressing rubbing issues usually involves modifications to the suspension or trimming of the fender liners.

Furthermore, the speedometer and odometer might become inaccurate after installing tires with a different diameter than the original equipment. This is because the vehicle's computer uses the wheel speed to calculate speed and distance. If the wheel circumference is altered, the readings will be off. This can also affect the transmission shifting points, as the computer relies on accurate speed data to optimize gear changes.

Finally, some owners experience a change in the vehicle's ride quality after upgrading wheels and tires. Larger, more aggressive tires often have stiffer sidewalls, which can result in a harsher ride on paved roads. Conversely, the increased tire volume can sometimes improve ride quality on uneven terrain by absorbing bumps and vibrations more effectively.

Most Likely Cause

The primary cause of changes in fuel consumption and handling after wheel modifications on your truck stems from alterations to the fuel system and tire size. When you increase the tire size, the engine has to work harder to maintain the same speed. According to one owner: "Be ready to either take 1.5x times as long to get there as you would in stock form due to the need for more fuel stops." (source This is due to the changes in the fuel system.

The larger tires effectively change the final drive ratio, making the vehicle less efficient at highway speeds. The engine needs to rev higher to achieve the same velocity, which in turn consumes more fuel. The increased rolling resistance and weight of the new tires also contribute to the reduced fuel economy.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing issues related to wheel modifications involves a combination of observation, measurement, and potentially some basic calculations.

1. Check for Rubbing: Inspect the tire sidewalls and fender liners for signs of rubbing. Look for scuff marks or worn areas, especially near the UCAs and fender edges. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and observe the tire clearance at various points. Also, check for rubbing when the suspension is compressed, such as when driving over bumps or dips.

2. Verify Speedometer Accuracy: Use a GPS device or a smartphone app to compare your actual speed with the speedometer reading. If there's a significant discrepancy, it indicates that the speedometer needs to be recalibrated. Many tire shops or automotive service centers can perform this recalibration.

3. Monitor Fuel Consumption: Track your fuel consumption over several tanks of gas to establish a baseline. Note the mileage at each fill-up and calculate the miles per gallon (MPG). Compare this figure to your previous MPG before the wheel modifications. A noticeable decrease in MPG suggests that the larger tires are impacting fuel efficiency.

4. Assess Ride Quality: Pay attention to the overall ride quality on different types of roads. Note any changes in harshness, vibration, or handling. A stiffer ride might indicate that the tires have less sidewall flex, while increased body roll could suggest that the suspension is not adequately supporting the larger tires.

5. Inspect Wheel Offset and Spacers: Confirm that the wheel offset is appropriate for your truck. Using wheels with an incorrect offset can lead to rubbing issues or put excessive stress on the wheel bearings. If you're using wheel spacers, ensure they are properly installed and torqued to the correct specification.

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing wheel modification issues on your 2020 Toyota 4Runner may require a combination of adjustments, upgrades, and recalibrations.

1. Address Rubbing: If you're experiencing rubbing, the first step is to identify the exact location where the tire is making contact. As one owner mentioned: "Went with 33’s (255/80r17)and seeing how easy they cleared has made me want 35’s. (35x10.5r17). Going to get the scorched fab ultra high clearance fender kit and start preparing." (source. Depending on the severity, you can try trimming the fender liners or installing a lift kit to increase tire clearance. For more severe rubbing, aftermarket UCAs may be necessary to provide additional clearance.

2. Recalibrate Speedometer: To correct the speedometer reading, you'll need to recalibrate it using a speedometer calibrator. Some calibrators plug directly into the vehicle's OBD-II port, while others require more complex wiring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to program the calibrator with the correct tire size. This will ensure accurate speed and mileage readings.

3. Re-Gear Axles: If you've installed significantly larger tires and are experiencing a noticeable loss of power and fuel economy, consider re-gearing the axles. This involves replacing the gears inside the differentials with a set that is better suited to the larger tires. Re-gearing will improve acceleration, restore fuel economy, and reduce stress on the transmission.

4. Adjust Suspension: To improve ride quality and handling, you may need to adjust or upgrade your suspension. A lift kit can provide additional tire clearance and improve off-road performance. Upgrading to aftermarket shocks and springs can also enhance ride quality and handling on both paved and unpaved roads.

5. Consider Tire Size: If you're experiencing multiple issues with your current tire setup, it may be necessary to downsize to a more appropriate tire size. Choose a tire size that is compatible with your vehicle's suspension and wheel offset. Opting for a narrower or slightly smaller tire can often resolve rubbing issues and improve fuel economy.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Fender Liner Trimming Tools: Utility knife, heat gun (optional), sandpaper.
• Speedometer Calibrator: Example: Hypertech Speedometer Calibrator (check compatibility with your 2020 Toyota 4Runner).
• Lift Kit: Numerous options available depending on desired lift height and budget. Research reputable brands like Old Man Emu, Bilstein, or Toytec.
• Axle Gears: Requires professional installation. Gear ratio will depend on tire size and desired performance characteristics.
• Aftermarket Shocks and Springs: Research reputable brands like King, Fox, or Bilstein.
• Wheel Spacers (if needed): Ensure they are hub-centric and made from high-quality materials.
• Torque Wrench: For tightening wheel nuts and other fasteners to the correct specification.
• Basic Hand Tools: Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing wheel modification issues can vary widely depending on the specific problems and the solutions you choose.

• Fender Liner Trimming: DIY, approximately $20-$50 for tools.
• Speedometer Calibrator: $200-$400.
• Lift Kit Installation: DIY, approximately $500-$2000 for the kit, depending on the type and quality. Professional installation, $500-$1500.
• Axle Re-Gearing: Professional installation required, approximately $1500-$3000 per axle.
• Aftermarket Shocks and Springs: $500-$3000 for the parts, depending on the brand and type. Professional installation, $300-$1000.
• Wheel Spacers: $100-$300 per pair.
• "Set of RRW RR7 wheels currently sitting in my cart, just have to push the purchase button." - rcm6413 (source

Prevention

Preventing wheel modification issues starts with careful planning and research.

1. Choose the Right Tire Size: Select a tire size that is compatible with your vehicle's suspension and wheel offset. Consult with a tire professional or use online resources to determine the maximum tire size that can be safely installed on your truck without rubbing.
2. Consider Wheel Offset: Pay attention to the wheel offset when choosing aftermarket wheels. An incorrect offset can lead to rubbing issues or put excessive stress on the wheel bearings. Select wheels with an offset that is similar to the original equipment or that is specifically designed for your truck.
3. Install a Lift Kit: If you plan to install larger tires, consider installing a lift kit to increase tire clearance. A lift kit will also improve off-road performance and give your truck a more aggressive look.
4. Use Wheel Spacers with Caution: If you need to use wheel spacers to achieve the desired wheel offset, ensure they are hub-centric and made from high-quality materials. Install them correctly and torque them to the correct specification. Regularly inspect the spacers for signs of damage or wear.
5. Monitor Tire Pressure: Maintain the correct tire pressure to ensure optimal fuel economy and handling. Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it as needed.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from TOYOTA owners:

Owner Experiences

"Lifted with some new wheels Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires." — HawaiianSpaghettii (source)

"Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires. Wescott pre collar lift to level it off" — HawaiianSpaghettii (source)

"Went with 33’s (255/80r17)and seeing how easy they cleared has made me want 35’s. (35x10.5r17). Going to get the scorched fab ultra high clearance fender kit and start preparing." — RipRelevant9616 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Then after maybe 40min I get the warning of the TPWS malfunction and all tires showing “—-“ reading. Contact the shop and they mention needing to reset it along with driving for a bit after." — kaitlyn2004 (source)

⚠️ "I remember leaving and checking the tire pressure shortly after and it was 34 all around. Then after maybe 40min I get the warning of the TPWS malfunction and all tires showing “—-“ reading." — kaitlyn2004 (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Be ready to either take 1.5x times as long to get there as you would in stock form due to the need for more fuel stops. My advice: Take the truck out as is and see what you like and don't like." — theoriginalharbinger (source)

💡 "My advice: Take the truck out as is and see what you like and don't like. These are really competent in stock form." — theoriginalharbinger (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix rubbing issues after installing new wheels?

A: Depending on the severity of the rubbing, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to resolve. Minor rubbing can often be fixed by trimming the fender liners, which can be done in a few hours. More severe rubbing may require installing a lift kit or aftermarket UCAs, which can take a few days to install and adjust.

Q: Can I drive with rubbing tires?

A: Driving with rubbing tires is not recommended, as it can damage the tires and fender liners. It can also affect the vehicle's handling and stability. If you're experiencing rubbing, it's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Q: Is modifying wheels and tires a common issue on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

A: Modifying wheels and tires is a common practice among 2020 Toyota 4Runner owners who want to improve off-road performance or enhance the vehicle's appearance. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise from these modifications.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended for addressing wheel modification issues?

A: The decision to DIY or hire a mechanic depends on your skills, experience, and the complexity of the job. Simple tasks like trimming fender liners or installing wheel spacers can often be done DIY. However, more complex tasks like installing a lift kit, re-gearing axles, or recalibrating the speedometer are best left to a professional mechanic. One owner stated: "Need to be sure there is actually no rust on the frame and not just rust that has been painted over. I say this because the stock wheels have been painted or dipped, so there’s a good chance other stuff was done too." (source