The TE37 Truck Division

At this point I don’t think it’s up for debate that RAYS Volk Racing TE37s are one of the most iconic aftermarket Japanese wheels ever designed.

Go to any show or track event and you’re likely to see at least one authentic set, and several more wish-they-weres. Usually, we feature the versatile six-spoke on cars, but when a number of trucks pulled up to the recent RAYS Tribute meet in Santa Ana, California we had to switch things up.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9344

Organized by Mackin Industries, the North American distributor for RAYS, in collaboration with Super Street and held at The Enthusiast’s Network HQ, the appreciation meet exclusively featured – as the name implies – a whole lot of RAYS-equipped vehicles.

Around midway through the event something surprising happened: a fleet of trucks on TE37s pulled up and parked in a row that disappeared into the early afternoon sun. They may have originally been designed for tarmac use, but when wrapped in aggressive rubber and tossed under a truck that is even slightly lifted, TE37s look unexpectedly great. For those of us considering, ahem, perhaps more sensible, family-friendly daily drivers, a setup like this is a great alternative to something slammed.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9342

I’ve been considering a Toyota Tacoma as a daily driver for a few years now (I’m waiting for my wallet to agree), and seeing such a well done variety of them above certainly doesn’t help me attempt to forget the idea.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9336

The ’80s nerd in me wonders if you could do a Marty McFly-style 2018 Toyota build, but use TE37 wheels on it? A black truck, KC roll bar lights, some aftermarket bumpers and a set of gloss black TEs?

I think it could work, especially after Biff puts on that second coat of wax.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9751

Parked on the outskirts of the venue was this little black Nissan Hardbody. The oddball six-lug bolt pattern of these trucks makes aftermarket wheel selection a bit tricky, so I can only imagine this owner’s excitement when RAYS released the TE37X Progressive Model wheel.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9750

I’m not sure this vehicle’s ultimate purpose is, but the bumpers suggest it’s a daily. If it is a daily, it might not progress much past this point, but I see some real potential here. Perhaps with a bit more rubber, or a bit more low? The latter suggestion might be the mini trucker in me talking.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9770

The Lexus LX 570 is a vehicle that I’d assume is more commonly found at a child’s soccer pitch, or outside a mall, not at a car meet celebrating JDM wheels. But sitting on TE37 Large P.C.D. Progressive Model wheels finished in Matte Dark Green, this truck looked pretty damn rugged. Or as rugged as a luxury SUV can look.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9777

The owner must have been feeling the look of the car quite a bit because he even did a baby flex on the curb.

Rays x Trucks - Deliverables - November 2018 - Speedhunters - Keiron Berndt-9712

The only reason I call the LX 570s parking job a baby flex is because this Land Cruiser looks like it should have easily put it to shame if the owner felt it necessary.

The truck, a recent SEMA Show project, sits on OME BP-51 suspension, Toyo tires and of course RAYS wheels, this time Matte Blue Gunmetal TE37 ultra Large P.C.D.s in 20×9.5-inch fitment. 20-inch TE37s on an off-road vehicle – that’s a string of words that wouldn’t have been typed in succession as recently as five years ago.

Looking at these photos, I can’t help but think the SH Garage needs another off-road build. But what would you want to see the next SH off-road build be? Something old? New? American? Import? The sky’s the limit when it’s just an idea.

It’s safe to say the wheels are picked, though…

Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom

Photography by Keiron Berndt
Instagram: keiron_berndt

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37 comments

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1

Do a Suzuki Sidekick lol

Author2

Funny story I knew a guy with a tracker/sidekick/sunsomething recycling business.

He'd always invite me mudding.

3

A friend of mine ran a pick and pull and he had a few sidekicks that would do the part runs into the yard.

4

It's such a weird car. Goes by many names lol. I think there's a project there though. This or that strange Isuzu vehicross or whatever. If you're gonna use te's as a base, then get weird with the car lol.

5

"Now Biff, don't con me!"

Author6

I'm getting anxiety they will remake BTTF and destroy everything I hold dear

7

I feel like anything that isn't Japanese in terms of trucks or SUVs can't exactly pull off Rays wheels tbh. Like I can't ever picture an F150/Ram 1500/Silverado wearing those kinda wheels. I do think if there were another offroad project car on SH, it should be a Toyota/Lexus, maybe a Tundra or a new Land Cruiser. That would be sick.

8

Personally, I think TE37s work well on anything from late-60s-early 70s American muscle, same era cars from Japan or Europe, modern cars, 80s cars, performance oriented or even many that aren't. Versatile is the #1 term that comes to mind when someone mentions them.

Author9

Take a look at my friend Jeff's truck
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqETVhBltXe/

They look pretty good.

10

that actually does look fantastic

11

Absolutely look good!

12

Older gen toyota 4 runner would look good in te37's

13

Hell yeah, it would!

14

When "TE37 everything" goes too far...

15

I think that a Mk1 Pajero (or Montero in some countries) would be a nice candidate its rugged, good looking and the 4D56 is like a cockroach, even if nukes fell it would still be running strong (if properly maintained). Rust might be a slight problem but that is a problem on all japanese trucks of that age. On top of that the aftermarket support isnt that bad and the community in Australia or other countries is really large.

Author16

Those are cool trucks and not super common

17

mitsubishi? I've always been curious about that car.

18

Theyre pretty cool and have quite an interesting history in Rallye Dakar where it still has the most wins.

19
sdimes r the next classics

I find that hardbody more exciting than anything else on this post, it is rare to see them without massive body rust.

20

Agreed!

21

I am with you on this one:

'The ’80s nerd in me wonders if you could do a Marty McFly-style 2018 Toyota build, but use TE37 wheels on it? A black truck, KC roll bar lights, some aftermarket bumpers and a set of gloss black TEs?

I think it could work, especially after Biff puts on that second coat of wax." And too funny with the Biff line. LOL>

22

Oh man, I would love to see someone build it.

23

Toyota did in 2016

decom_4516aeb2ea7cf5cef956c1418ddbaeb0_5bfc1e0faabc4.jpgdecom_4516aeb2ea7cf5cef956c1418ddbaeb0_5bfc1e0faabc4.jpg
Author24

Yeah I did see that one. That plus TES and maybe a hair more aggressive rubber (still white letters) sign me up.

25

KO2's, KM3's, or nothing

26

VW Amarok would look awesome with a set of these.

27

If you can get them abroad, see if a VW Amarok sparks your interest.
They're decently popular (and capable) over here in Germany.

28

Living in Colorado, taking on a truck build is always sitting at the back of my mind. Personally, I love the look of the Hummer H3T, and in my mind's eye I'm really digging it on TEs.

29

Here's an odd recipe...

VW 1.9 TDI swapped Suzuki Samurai.

Author30

I like your imagination

31

2019 Ranger

Author32

I actually didn't know the Ranger came back!

33

Do a Jeep cherokee xj. I hace one and i really like to see how it looks

34

I'm glad they cater to the oddball sizes like the Nissan and LC/LX. My LX470 has the same pattern, 5x150, and finding aftermarket wheels is a nightmare. You can't just bolt on Tundra wheels as the LC/LX has giant front wheel bearings that foul on the Tundra's center bore.

37

current gen tacoma!
that's what people are spending money on and modifying

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