Tucsontundra1794 build thread

Hey guys,

I guess I should start a build thread on here so I can keep track of things and get some help when I run into issues.
I purchased a new to me 2017 Tundra 1794 edition with 85,000 miles on it, I know the miles are high but I expect to take care of it and get many more out of it. My previous daily driver was a 2000 4Runner limited that I've owned since 2009, it just rolled over 237,000 miles and runs perfectly. Since that was my only vehicle it really didn't have a theme for the build, I used it for fun, work, and traveling with the family. Has a 3 1/2" lift, 20,000 watt sound system, custom roof rack, lights everywhere and I'm proud to say I did almost all the work myself.

For the Tundra I'm looking for a more modest build, ill be using it for work and family vacations, and light off road use. I want to keep it looking good and hopefully not abuse it as much as the Runner.

Here's the Runner and here's my new Tundra.

 

First Mod: Light bar behind grille

I installed a Baja Designs S8 20" Combo light bar behind the grille, as you can tell from my other ride I like having extra light when I need it. I have no photos of the install but it was super simple, drilled holes In lower bumper brace and installed behind grille, cutting the grille wasn't necessary but i did it so there was no obstruction of light. Ran the switch into the cab and it's currently under the hood release until I find a more permanent solution.

 

Second Mod: Footwell lighting

I installed some light strips from xkglow that I had received for my 4runner but never got around to installing. The single tiny light by the parking brake wasn't cutting it and these are a huge upgrade. They are wired to a switch so will only be on when I need them but I figure they will come in handy when on trips and the kids have all their stuff all over the floor. They also have an app that changes color and intensity I'll probably keep them white or blue and about half brightness

 

Welcome from OV. Always good to see more Pima County Tundras on here!

Where are you local favorites for off-roading? I want to give Rice Peak another go now that I have proper skids...

 

Third Mod: Upgrade Fog Lights

I had some Baja Designs Squadron Sport Spot lights as ditch lights on the runner and I saw there was a bracket to use them as the fog lights so I figured might as well upgrade. In the future I plan to swap them to the SAE ones. Easy install Simply attach bracket to new lights and swap out old fog light with new.

 

Thanks! Glad to know I've got some members near by. I've been staring down tundras lately seeing if anyone waves, in the Runner it was easier, if you saw a modded runner they would almost always wave. I'm a fan of reddington but don't know if I'd take the Tundra through. Camp Kennedy is more my pace, wide open trails. I'm also a fan of charouleau gap, that's right in your neighborhood. Got a pic of your Tundra?

 

I need sliders before I’m brave enough to head to the Gap in my truck - but you’re right, that trail is about 20 minutes from my driveway.
Here is a recent pic - if you see a baby Yoda on the back window of an MGM Tundra it’s probably me!

 

Forth Mod: Rearview Mirror and Camera

I had these Rearview cameras in multiple vehicles including the Runner and I really like them, clear bright screen even at night and it also doubles as a dash cam because there is a camera on the back of the mirror. It has a tilt sensor and battery so even when the truck is off if it senses motion it will turn on and record both front and rear video to the SD card.

For the install I ran the power directly to the fuse box and tapped into the ignition fuse for the switch and power to the battery. I ran the GPS sensor over the passenger side, down the pillar and around the the bottom of the windshield. The rear view camera could have been spliced into the one in the tailgate but I wanted a higher vantage point and ill show you why when I get back and take more pictures. I ran the cable down the drivers side and up through the 3rd brake light.

 

That's a sweet looking tundra, if I catch you driving around I'll try and get your attention. Looks like you have some Baja fogs too. What pattern are you running?

 

Thanks. The BD fogs are the SAE version. Looking at maybe adding some S2 amber wide cornering ditch lights soon.

 

Mod Five: Upgraded Head and Tail lights.

This one wasn't necessary as the stock lights are adequate but was able to get these through a friend through trade so it all worked out. Miromoto LED headlights with DRL and sequential turn signals. Highrev tail lights with a sweet startup sequence and sequential turns as well. Both front and rear have smoked lenses so it gives the Tundra a darker look.

 

Yeah those are the ones I want. More evenly distributed lights, might get the amber covers when I order them.

 

Mod Six: Wireless Charging

Added the Wireless charging to the center console and works great and looks OEM. It was easy to do, took all of 10 minutes and my S21 ultra fits perfectly inside even with case.

 

please give feedback on how well it works on start and go when charging.

otherwise great truck 85K is nothing on these trucks, you'll have so much fun.

Best of luck on your build.

Best,
hefemi.

 

Mod Seven: Bed Rail System

When I purchased my tundra it didn't have the bed rail system and I feel like I'd get good use out of it so I got one from Toyota. Simple install but I did run into an issue. One screw on each rail didn't want to thread properly and go fully in. Another member said he is running without a couple screws and hasn't had any problems so that was good enough for me too. Next step will be, you guessed it, lights in the bed.

 

I'm going to stop numbering the mods now because the next few are going to happen quickly If i have time this week.

Next Mod: chrome delete

Purchased the black out kit from AJT and went to it. Everything was fairly simple. There was no video for the radio knobs so after spending 20 minutes tearing it apart I realized they just pop off...

 

Also added these bespoke door cubby liners. They are amazing and well worth the cost. Shoutout to @abomb60

 

Next Mod: Raised Tundra letters on tailgate.

I purchased the matte black letters from Amazon and I ordered the reflective decals from TVD Decals. Put the 2 together and I like how it turned out. Blacked out during the day and highly reflective at night.

 

Also as a follow up to my earlier mod, the rearview mirror and camera, I wanted to show how wide the lens is and that you can scroll the camera down to see the bed of the truck.

 

Next mod: bed and hood lights

I purchased the light kits from gecko leds, pretty simple install great product

 

Next mod: replace LED strip under tailgate

My truck came with a strip that worked as a brake and turn signal light but some of the leds didn't work and it only had red leds. Replaced with a strip that has red running and brake lights, yellow sequential turn signals, and white reverse leds. It came with a connector to plug into the 4 pin trailer plug but I didnt like that so I cut it off and ran the wires behind the trailer plug for a more cleaner look. Here's the turn signals.

 

Not a mod but I removed the running boards. It's part of my chrome delete, maybe in the future I'll put something else on.

 

Next mod: added USB ports to front and rear area

I wanted to have USB ports instead of the 12v socket, it looks cleaner and usually the only thing plugged into them is USB adapters anyways. I replaced the 1 in the back of the center console and one of the ones below the radio. I'll probably replace the one in the center console later and just keep one 12v socket under the radio just in case. Found these on Amazon, easy install just have to make the socket slightly larger to accommodate.

 

Next mod: replaced chrome exhaust tip with black chrome.

Part of my chrome delete, found this one on Amazon. I couldn't get the old one off the exhaust so I ended up cutting it with my angle grinder. Here's both of them.

 

Next mod: wheel spacers

Wanted a wider stance and the first step towards that is some wheel spacers. Thanks to @TundraHulk02 for selling me these. Bolted right up.

 

Finally had a chance to test this out on a longish ride. 1 hour and 4 min through stop and go traffic and my phone went up 28%. I'd say that's on par with a plug in charger.

 

Looks good!

 

Haven't been on here for awhile... let's see what else has happened. Installed some new bed tie downs from a member on here. Quality pieces that look and work much better then stock. Got all 4 in black to match the truck. Also got a gap guard to cover that space between the door and the bed of the truck. Was great at first but now a couple of months in its started to fold over itself so when I open the bed it's lying inside the bed and not covering the gap. Maybe I'll find something better in the future.

 

Got the truck detailed through a local company called RECON detailing. They did an amazing job and the owner of the company is actually the one who did my truck. Went with a single coat of ceramic and full paint correction. Looks great and I'm still learning what I need to do to maintain it. They come out once a month a do a full clean for me but I usually wash at least once a week if it stays clean that long. When we were discussing the truck he mentioned my paint protection film was really bad below the headlights and that he would do his best to clean it up. I told him that if he couldn't get it to look good to just peel it off and I'll get them redone in the future. We'll that came back to bite me because it ended up pulling off some paint when he removed it. Not a huge deal but something that needed to be fixed later. Also had him remove the bed decals to give it a cleaner look.

 

Tuned the truck with the bullydog gt. Was very simple and straightforward, had to purchase a battery charger to keep the voltage up during the process. I chose to run the performance tune and it made a huge difference in my shifting points. A lot smoother shifts and not as Jerky as "beast mode" didn't see a whole lot of performance boost but I do have a practically bone stock tundra. Was going to find a mount for it but I dont need the extra gauges yet so I just unplugged it and put in garage. It doesn't need to stay plugged in for the tune to work.