Will Tacoma Wheels/Rims Fit The Tundra?

Suppose you’re looking to buy a new set of wheels for your Toyota Tundra truck. In that case, you might be wondering whether your wheels are compatible with the Toyota Tacoma.

The Toyota Tacoma came into the market in 1995, replacing the Toyota Pickup. Toyota decided to change its naming structure, and the Tacoma became their mid-size truck. The Tundra followed a few years later, in 1999. 

It was a bigger truck aimed at competing with the likes of Ford’s F-150 compared to its larger pickup, the Tundra.

We all know that changing the wheels or rims of your truck is never an easy or enjoyable task. One of the best ways to make this process a little bit easier (and possibly cheaper) is to know firsthand the options you have at your disposal. 

This means figuring out if your Tacoma wheels have similar or compatible lug patterns with the Tundra truck or any other model from a different manufacturer.

So will Tacoma wheels or rims fit the Toyota Tundra?

From 1999 until now, the Tundra has been equipped with several different wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The same concept can be found for the Tacoma. As long as you can match the wheel sizes and the lug patterns, some Tacoma wheels or rims will fit your Tundra.

For example, all Toyota trucks that have a 6 lug rim are compatible with each other assuming they are the same size. 

However, before you embark on changing the wheels, it’s best to check your manual to see what size you should have. You also have to see if the Tacoma wheels will fit the Tundra because the Tundra is a bigger truck in general so often the size of the tires will be different. 

Additionally, It’s always a good idea to test fit for brake caliper clearance on the front and to check whether the rims will clear the brake rotors. Moreover, you’ll need to ensure that you use the correct lug nuts for the wheels.

Are Tundra And Tacoma Wheels The Same? 

All first-generation Tundras (those manufactured between 1999 and 2006) have the same backspacing as the first-generation Tacomas manufactured between 1995 and 2004. 

This means the wheels are the same and will fit just fine if you have one of those old models.  

What Size Tires Can You Put On The Toyota Tundra?

Things To Consider When Looking For New Tundra Wheels 

One of the things you need to seriously consider is the lug pattern of your Toyota Tundra. Fortunately, the Tundra is a bit easier to figure out when compared to the smaller Toyota Tacoma.  

Generally, if your Tundra is from the first-generation (1999- 2006), you will have a 6 lug 5.5 inch or 139.7mm Medium Offset.

Suppose your Toyota Tundra is from the second or third generation (2007- present). In that case, you’ll likely have a 5 lug 150mm High Positive Offset.

What Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Set Of Wheels For The Toyota Tundra  

Not all rims will fit all trucks. It’s pretty evident that car rims are not the same as the rims needed for trucks or SUVs. Always ensure that you get help measuring your rims so that you get the exact right size.

Generally, there are a few factors that you must keep in mind when selecting new rims for your Toyota Tundra. 

These include:

1. Size

Size matters. While you might like the design of some rims you’ve noticed, whether they are meant for a Tacoma or manufactured for a Tundra, size will definitely limit what you can get. 

Always double-check the size of the rims you have set your eyes on.

2. The Bolt Pattern

It’s all about the bolt pattern. Any rims you want to purchase for your Toyota Tundra need to fit the car’s specific bolt pattern. 

These bolts are used to attach and secure the rims to your wheel so it’s kind of important that the patterns match. 

Keep in mind that not all rims come in the standard pattern. To ensure that your new rims will fit, you can count the number of lug nuts on each wheel. 

You can also measure the distance between the lug nuts on the opposite side.

Smaller cars usually have four bolts, while larger trucks like the Tundra will often have six bolts.

3. Consider The Weight 

Wheels and rims are made from different materials. Depending on the materials used on your Tundra, your new rims or wheels can add to the overall weight of your car.

Back in the day, steel was the standard material used for car rims until alloy rims took over. Steel rims are heavier than alloy, and this has inevitable consequences that you might need to consider.

Added weight on your truck can change how your Tundra drives. For example, you could lose some fuel efficiency. On the other hand, if you’re going to be towing around heavy things, make sure that the wheels and rims you purchase can withstand that kind of activity.

4. Consider Your Budget

While a good set of wheels and rims is crucial, there’s no need to break the bank. Whether you’re just looking for a change or you’re replacing damaged wheels or rims on your Toyota Tundra, try to look for the best deal for your pocket.

Typically larger rims and wheels cost more than smaller ones. So if you’re planning on buying bigger wheels than the factory set, be prepared to pay more than you would for standard-sized wheels.

Additionally, if you want extra accessories such as chrome-plated rims and spinners, you’ll also need to pay more.

Are Bigger Wheels Better For The Toyota Tundra?

I know bigger tires on a truck just look better. Fortunately, Toyota has left some room in the design of the Tundra to expand the wheels and rims. 

But there is such a thing as too much.

1. Speedometer Calibration

How fast your car goes (speed and mileage) is calculated using the number of rotations your tire makes. All of this is based on factory specs. 

So if you intend on buying larger wheels, keep in mind that your speedometer and odometer will no longer be entirely accurate.

2. Loss Of Power 

Sometimes bigger tires on trucks increase the diameter of your wheel. This effectively decreases your rear axle ratio and will cause a reduction of torque upon acceleration resulting in loss of power.

Should You Buy A Toyota Tacoma Or Tundra?

Depending on what you envision, using your truck for either truck can be a great choice. 

For example, the Tundra is bigger and more powerful. It also has a high towing capacity; therefore, it’s perfect for heavy lifting.

On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma won’t give you this same power. Still, it is better for everyday city traveling and will give you better fuel mileage. 

Final Thoughts

Generally, the Tacoma’s wheel or rims will fit the Toyota Tundra. As long as you are aware of the size you need and the lug nut pattern, you should be able to use wheels from either model interchangeably. 

Just remember to keep in mind the factors that bigger wheels will have on how well your Tundra truck drives.