I am often asked what the first mod should be on a new build, and my answer is always to get a new set of wheels. As simple as it sounds, they can totally change the look of your rig and give it the perfect personalized touch.
My Tacoma came with the factory TRD Offroad silver/black alloy wheels. The moment I bought it home, though, I knew something had to change. With so many brands, finishes, and designs, picking the perfect set was difficult, to say the least. Lock Off-Road’s Lunatic wheels stood out for their intricate design, which was both rugged and refined and gave my build the exact aesthetic I was looking for.
If you’ve been searching for off-road focused wheels that will leave enough money in your wallet for the tires to go on them, Lock Off-Road has an incredible lineup!
Table Of Contents
Overview
The Lunatic wheels are offered in the following sizes for the Tacoma:
- 17×9 +1mm Offset | 6×139.7 Bolt Pattern | 5.040 Backspacing | 106.2mm Center Bore
- 17×9 -12mm Offset | 6×139.7 Bolt Pattern | 4.530 Backspacing | 106.2mm Center Bore
The specs of my wheels are 17×9 with a -12mm offset, and I opted for the machined finish.
Clean & Consistent Finish
Before getting my tires mounted and balanced, I took a good look at the wheels while still in the box. I noticed the clear coating was thoroughly applied all over for protection, which surprised me (in a good way). Having that added peace of mind is always a plus from the rocks and curbs. Overall, the wheel had a completely smooth finish, and the cap was nicely powder-coated black.
Faux Beadlock Design
The look of beadlock wheels always drew my attention, but this was my daily. So, I knew safety-wise, running actual beadlocks (while they can be safe – just require more maintenance) was a no-go as my daily. Lock Off-Road incorporated a simulated bead-lock, which simulates the appearance but without the potential hazards like leaks. They nailed it with this design for those who really want the look but don’t have the need to air down to single digit PSI.
Choosing Offset
I went with a negative offset (this pushes the wheels out aka “poke”) because I enjoy the aggressive look it gives the truck. However, Lock Off-Road does offer milder offsets for easier fitment, especially with larger tires. If you aren’t aware, having a negative offset usually causes the wheels to rub the firewall or body mount when turning. That said, other wheels people run on their Tacomas can be -25mm or even -38mm. That’s where problems really start (more intense trimming). If you are on the fence, -12mm is a good middle ground between all the offsets out there. Just enough poke to remain tasteful for most.
Weight
The Lunatic wheels weigh 30.36 lbs. each, only a couple of pounds heavier than the stock wheels. Avoiding adding too much rotational mass helps to keep unsprung weight down.
Initial Impressions
Because these wheels are not much heavier than the OEM wheels, I did not see a drop in performance or gas mileage. Their cast aluminum construction also makes them budget-friendly for anyone looking to upgrade wheels without breaking the bank.
I initially hesitated about the cast design over more premium flow-formed or forged, but the value sentiment is hard to beat. Cast wheels are typically cheaper to produce and heavier than using the other methods. That doesn’t mean that these wheels are weak in any sense, and they have no problem holding up to the rigors of the trails. In addition, the TACT-coated finishes ensure durability against mud and dirt so that your wheels resist damage and look great after every wash.
I am currently running 35×12.50R17 tires with 1.50″ wheel spacers. This effectively makes my -12mm offset wheels about -37mm offset, and combined with the wider tires, I rub just a tad bit while turning. That was expected, of course. However, with some trimming, hammering, and a solid alignment, you will be ready to hit the trail!
Final Thoughts
The Lunatic wheels have an aggressive design that perfectly balances performance and looks. Available in different sizes and finishes, there’s a combination to suit anyone’s build. I’m partial to the machine finish in combination with my Lunar Rock paint (get it? Lunar Rock, Lunatic?). However, the bronze and black finishes look equally as amazing. If you prefer a cleaner wheel design, Lock Off-Road’s Baja wheels are equally as impressive.
The wheel’s simulated bead-lock paired with my Yokohama G003 M/Ts gives my Tacoma the aggressive look I’ve always wanted. And while it took a bit of work to get the wide offset and tires to fit properly, it was well worth it. 35-inch tires, machined wheels, and Lunar Rock paint – name a better combination, I dare you!
If you are in the market for some solid wheels that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend checking these guys out!
