Why Five?
- Thread starter 5Runner
- Start date
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
LC's were 6 lug up until 1998, at the introduction of the 100 Series they went back to 5 and continued on with the 200 as well as the Tundra. Why? Who knows...
corbinwelter
Observer
it may be 5 lug, but arnt the studs larger? I am pretty sure it went through extensive testing as much as the rest of the truck did, and they choose it for a reason. Could be more cost effective also, for one extra stud that wasnt needed.
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Yes...the stud diameter on the 100-Series is 14mm...
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Call me a curmudgeon if you want, but real Land Cruisers have 6 lugs. Toyota SUV's with "badge engineering" have fewer. This isn't an engineering decision, it is an emotional opinion. That's likely to upset some folks, sorry - it's my opinion.
As to the engineering & economics behind it, I got an object lesson in the power of bolt circles at a previous job. I've no doubt that 5 lugs, when spaced and sized appropriately, can be just as strong or stronger than the 6 x 5.5" BC that Land Cruisers use. That one stud becomes 4 per vehicle, factored by how many thousands of vehicles it becomes a staggeringly large $$ number.
As to the engineering & economics behind it, I got an object lesson in the power of bolt circles at a previous job. I've no doubt that 5 lugs, when spaced and sized appropriately, can be just as strong or stronger than the 6 x 5.5" BC that Land Cruisers use. That one stud becomes 4 per vehicle, factored by how many thousands of vehicles it becomes a staggeringly large $$ number.
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
cruiser guy
Explorer
I wouldn't say that. I've lost a wheel on the rear semi floater axle due to busted studs after a particularly nasty section of road in southern Mexico. Those studs carry the weight of that corner of the vehicle AND take the pounding of off road. That's not to say that I don't see them with 3 or 4 left functioning in Central America but it shouldn't be a race to the bottom of the pile!
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Exactly!
AmericaOverland
Explorer
I think the reason they do it is a compromise between strength on rough roads and the time factor required to getting the tire off and on when your impact wrench won't work because your compressor just got hosed going across the river (or you forgot to recharge it before getting it hosed), and you have to use your backup hand wrench. This would be useful when you're trying to outrun natives hellbent after you. If you blow out a tire, drive about a mile if you can, pull over, change the tire while keeping an eye out, and get out.
Stephanie
Stephanie
Cackalak Han
Explorer
If safety is a concern, don't worry. These 100's have been around for 12+ years and i don't think I've heard of a stud failure when not bashed to bits against rocks. Even then......
My folk's Tundra has been used, abused and hauling all kinds of heavy heavy loads with zero issues.
My folk's Tundra has been used, abused and hauling all kinds of heavy heavy loads with zero issues.
cruiser guy
Explorer
Bet it wasn't on a new ToyotaNew stuff is hub-centric
Someone who goes on the "Relic Run" doesn't usually drive a new truck:smiley_drive:
5Runner
Adventurer
Thanks for all the responses.
I trust Toyota engineering overall, so I wasn't really worried that it wasn't safe or something.
It just seemed weird to me, and I have been trying to get a feel for and research whether the 100 series is a worthwhile "trail" rig, or if that generation was one when it became a fancy-dancy mall-wheeler.
Seeing some of the differences between the 80 series and 100 series was making me question the trail-worthyness of the 100...the lugs made me question it more so.
I feel I have since learned that the 100 is a fine trail rig...with a few mods of course!
I trust Toyota engineering overall, so I wasn't really worried that it wasn't safe or something.
It just seemed weird to me, and I have been trying to get a feel for and research whether the 100 series is a worthwhile "trail" rig, or if that generation was one when it became a fancy-dancy mall-wheeler.
Seeing some of the differences between the 80 series and 100 series was making me question the trail-worthyness of the 100...the lugs made me question it more so.
I feel I have since learned that the 100 is a fine trail rig...with a few mods of course!