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2018 Tundra 1794 Edition Build Thread

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by Shadowfax1, Feb 18, 2022.

  1. Feb 18, 2022 at 11:14 AM
    #1
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    I have never done a build thread before, even on my old 4Runner that I did a good amount of ork on. Thought I'd start one up here. It will not be as impressive half the stuff y'all do -- I'm not mechanically or electrically inclined, so I do the easier stuff myself and farm out the more difficult ones. But I don't have the budget for a lot of professional labor. I'm also more about OEM look and improved functionality, so we'll see what the future holds for the Tundra. I've got a lot of plans, but most of the list will take a few years to get to.

    Most of this will be helpful for organizing my own thoughts and recording how I got things done. I hope it's useful to at least someone out else out there -- though probably the noobs and inexperienced like me. The rest of you geniuses...well...thank you for all you give to our community :) I wish I could do half the stuff you can!

    Without further ado...the truck!

    She still has no name. Yes, I name inanimate objects. ALL of my cars and trucks have been named after an explorer, scientist, or astronaut. Taking suggestions on this one; I have no shortlist yet.

    First truck I've ever owned after nearly 20 years of SUVs.

    Use cases: not sure it'll be a daily driver as long we get to continue working from home. But bought it for the spaciousness and comfort suitable for driving around town and on road trips with the wife and kids. And for towing medium to large travel trailers a few times a year, and our small 1500 lb. utility/dump trailer once a month or so. It will also see a lot of off-road use as my big hobby, other than exploration off the beaten path, is photography (astro and landscape in particular), which means long jaunts off the normal roads. But you won't find me scaling Hell's Revenge, risking this disastrous crash in the Moab hot tub, or blowing up my Tundra's engine because it was pushed too hard doing things its not built for in Sand Hollow. I'll go plenty of places off-road, but nothing crazy like rock climbing or anything like those. It'll be more oriented for overland exploration than extreme off-roading.


    503C917A-4424-493E-B4B0-FF958F7AFC72_1_100_o.jpg 92C121F3-B83D-4D33-A3CF-D143CADD7B99_1_100_o.jpg

    Day 1: New Year's Eve, 2021. 5 minutes after the dealer closed for the holiday night. It took 3 hours of negotiating and paperwork to get this done. It's a seller's market, so we had very little wiggle room. But I did knock them down $1K on the price, more than half the cost of the extended warranty, 1% lower on the interest rate, and a free Line-X liner. Before our down payment and financing, we settled with them at $52,995 for the truck + $1500 for the 7 year/100K extended warranty.

    Had a tad over 27,000 miles on it when we drove away. Interior was in immaculate condition. Light scratches on the bed that had obviously never been lined and probably had not been used as a heavy work truck.

    2018 Toyota Tundra, 1794 Edition, 4x4 CrewMax w/ 5.5 ft. bed
    Pure stock as far as I can tell.
    Magnetic Gray Metallic Exterior / 1794 Brown Interior
    5.7L i-FORCE V8 DOHC (not Flex)
    27,000 miles

    Packages/Options Included:
    Factory running boards (KG)
    1794 Standard Package (LW)
    TD Off-Road Package (OF): 18" split 5-spoke allow wheels (Michelin LTX A/T2 P275/65R18); Trail-Tuned Bilstein Shocks; Engine, Fuel Tank skid plates; Front Tow Hooks; LED head and fog lights; TRD off-road floor mats; TRD decals
    Power Moonroof (SR)


    Short Term Mods (Immediate - 6 months)

    Completed:
    Pending Install:
    Coming Soon:


    Medium Term (6-12 months)


    Long Term (12+ months)

    • Roof rack
    • Replace factory brake pads and rotors with better-performing ones
    • sPOD or other power management system
    • Winch
    • Add Valentine 1 radar detector
    • RCI skid plates
    • Front and rear bumper lighting
    • Rear seat heaters
    • Pedal Commander...maybe
    • Snorkel
    • Mountain Hatch tailgate insert
    • Search lighting and siren and/or puck lighting
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2022
    TheDanimal, Taco-Spike and Blang805 like this.
  2. Feb 18, 2022 at 11:32 AM
    #2
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    Dan
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    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    Adding to the immediate list:

    • Carista app + OBD2 reader (done)
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2022
  3. Feb 18, 2022 at 11:42 AM
    #3
    rt_tundra_co

    rt_tundra_co I'll get tired of tweaking this truck...never

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    Magnaflow cat-back exhaust Leer Topper, color matched to truck Thule Aeroblade roof rack on topper FABTECH 4” Suspension Lift Decked Storage, 2 drawer SPYDER LED headlights and taillights kits Hertz HDP5 5 Channel Class D Amplifier 2 x 10” subwoofer boxed behind rear seat Door speaker upgrades by Elite Auto Sound Colorado Springs Lock’er Down EXxtreme Console Safe LD2043EX Lock’er Down rear seat 3 x safes Lock’er Down gun magnet 80 LED in-grill light bar Baja Designs LED ditch lights TRD Pro grill Rotiform SIX-OR 20x9 wheels 35x12.5R20 Toyota Open Country R/T tires TheSource sPOD power control hub with in-cab installed accessory switches Firestone Ride Rite air suspension system with Air Command remote, on board compressor and rear bumper air port SDHQ rock sliders
    Great looking truck! I look forward to watching the build play out.
     
    Shadowfax1[OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 18, 2022 at 11:43 AM
    #4
    2017TundraNC

    2017TundraNC New Member

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    Sounds freakin awesome!!

    If I can impose, where are the following being ordered from?

    Add front camera (ordered)
    FRAC harness for anytime front and rear camera (ordering today)
    Convert all 3 (2 on dash, 1 for rear cabin) 12 volt sockets to 49.5W USB-C PD + USB-A dual chargers (ordered)
    LED lighting for bed (ordered)
     
    Taco-Spike likes this.
  5. Feb 18, 2022 at 12:11 PM
    #5
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    Two Trucks
    lol, I didn't bother with the center console either.

    Looks awesome OP
     
  6. Feb 18, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    #6
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    Not imposing at all. Here you go:

    FRAC harness —> ordering today from here, which includes a Vehicle-in-Motion disabler that will make me enormously happy :) Best mod I ever did on my 4Runner and was worried I wouldn’t be able to find one for the Tundra. @TundraTex created it and has been very helpful here in the forums answering questions and making suggestions. There are other vendors out there with somewhat similar products, but his was an easy sell for its VIM disabler, camera flexibility. and his support right here in the forums. And I know his adapters will also work with the new head unit I plan to get at some point soonish.

    Front Camera - I went with the Natika Backup/Front camera on Amazon. Honestly, I went with them because the FRAC harness guy recommends it on his site. I’ll trust his judgment as someone with far more experience than I on these things. And if it turns out to be a crap camera, it’s a pretty small financial loss - these are inexpensive cameras. I’ve done a little research and the reviews for the most part seem to think it’s a good camera. So we’ll see. I don’t have much time to research more right now.

    12 volt sockets —> So, at the 11th hour before ordering those earlier this morning, I decided to just go with an adapter rather than rewiring the cig sockets with a new USB socket. Just for simplicity since I’ve got enough on my plate, but I’m wondering if I should rewire it after all and return the adapters. This Anker adapter is the specific one I went with. I know, love, and trust Anker’s product lines. More expensive than most, but this is one of those areas where you get what you pay for with product quality and support, not to mention they have a lifetime warranty. Buy nice or pay twice…
     
    TundraTex likes this.
  7. Feb 18, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    #7
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    I have kids. They need better chargers back there.
     
    Taco-Spike[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Apr 18, 2022 at 11:49 PM
    #8
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    Lots of updates. I updated the entire list above, and also added links to all of my sources/vendors.

    Today, I installed the Toyota OEM power lock for the tailgate along with cheap but nice-looking 3rd party covers for the seat bolts (it's the little things...).

    I've also recently put in a lot of WeatherTech gear and finally ordered my special plates from the State of California (in the 1960s black/orange style) although it'll take most of a year for the supply chains and prison labor to get it to me. I've put in a ProClip custom phone mount, seat organizers, OBD2 readers, VLEDS lighting, center console organizers, and the big ones were a full Line-X sprayon liner from the dealer and BAKflip rugs and tonneau. I have a BAKflip bakbox 2 ordered and on its way; should arrive early this week. I also finally got around to ordering the FRAC harness and cameras, so those will be installed as soon as the amazing TundraTex can get them to me.

    Next project will be lighting- and power-related: install VLEDs in the bed, a roof and/or grill lightbar, and figure out how to add AC power in the bed (2 sockets) and the cabin.

    E5E61EBB-42DF-46D2-837B-417732E1F056.jpg
     
    TundraTex and Tundra2Yak like this.
  9. Apr 20, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #9
    TundraTex

    TundraTex FRAC On!

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    @Shadowfax1, according to the tracking information, your FRAC Harness should be delivered today!
     
  10. Apr 20, 2022 at 8:03 PM
    #10
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    I think I've found the clinometer I'll use in the truck. There's an instrument cluster with a compass, temperature controls, and
    just got it! hoping to figure out how to install this weekend.
     
  11. May 12, 2022 at 11:05 AM
    #11
    CapAmerica

    CapAmerica New Member

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    what are your impressions for the 3rd party covers for the seat bolts? i like the idea.
     
  12. May 13, 2022 at 12:16 PM
    #12
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    The quality of the covers is fine. Could be a little more scuff-proof, but doubtful at $20 for the set. The bigger problem is the pathetic excuse for fastening tape that they came with. Horrible. Wouldn't stay attached, so the covers came off the bolts all the time. Easily fixed with my own role of 3M automotive tape.
     
  13. Oct 10, 2022 at 8:41 PM
    #13
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    Just a sidebar to this previous update.

    The seat bolt covers are a super awesome and super cheap mod. But their reviews on Amazon are 100% accurate — the fastening tape they come with is a joke. It didn’t last more than a few days. I scrapped off their tape and replaced it with 3M automotive tape, and they have not budged ever since.

    Worth it if you’re always looking for a more finished look.
     
  14. Oct 10, 2022 at 8:59 PM
    #14
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    Some more recent updates.

    Some asked me why for the Carista OBD2 app/reader. I wanted to tweak a few settings, in particular the ones related to the passenger seat belt warning sound, automatic headlight sensitivities, and some other minor details. It was cheap enough and gave me a decent quality diagnostic scanner, too.


    Recently replaced all 5 tires with Cooper’s Discoverer Rugged Treks. I almost bought the AT3s that I used to use as shoes on my 4Runner. They were good tires, but I wanted something more aggressive for off-road use and didn’t want anything super noisy. I couldn’t be happier with these tires. They are performing incredibly well, and the 10-ply design has noticeably improved body roll coming around corners. I was mostly worried they would be noticeably noisier, too. But I’ve been surprised in that while I can tell the difference, my family can’t (and they’re much pickier), and the difference to me is not all that bad at all.

    C546D6A2-D273-4C9E-8F2C-327D26283304.jpg
    E4BE3745-883E-4617-9432-A32E9D7137AA.jpg
    ABD3CB26-A1E0-45A5-9849-52431E5F7A19.jpg


    Today, finally got the Matt Gecko truck bed LED strips and switch installed, as well as the hood light kit, and the reverse CREE 10W LED flood lights. They look fantastic! The LED strips light up everything. I’d prefer they come in 5500K over 6500K, but not a big deal at all. The reverse flood lights are a little lighter than I had hoped they’d be, but it’s still a vast improvement over just the truck’s own backup tail lights.

    3AD1F1F2-3608-48A0-BB9E-5358F89F8C75.jpg
    (not as blue as they look here but camera phones can’t pickup the color accurately)

    A4F16E5D-A11E-4DB6-A104-B5BB4624EE2A.jpg

    7FD3173B-A89F-412D-A3AA-608E8571D6AC.jpg


    Also added the OEM tailgate power lock. No photos, but it was a really straightforward install and is one of the few things that annoy me that Toyota didn’t include with the truck. That and truck bed lights.


    The K&N air cabin filter is great. Install through the glovebox is effortless. The one word of caution I’d note is that these things come smeeeeelllllllllling like plastic. Before you install, take it out of the wrapper and leave it outside for a solid week. No joke, the off-gassing really did take that long.

    4F13DBCE-A22F-4274-B213-CBC96FAC7CAF.jpg


    Lastly, I’ve ordered the Marathon seat covers for the rear only. Because, young kids ruin cars. It’ll protect the seats. I picked the Coffee color to match it up as closely as possible with the 1794’s unique saddle brown coloring. Not a perfect match at all; the Marathon is definitely darker. But it’s close enough that the contrast looks really good. I picked the covers that also include the headrests and the rear center armrest. It’s about a 4-5 week production window and they haven’t arrived yet. I’ll update here with some photos once I get them and install them.
     
    TK1979 likes this.
  15. Oct 10, 2022 at 9:04 PM
    #15
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    Coming up next…

    Started the install of the FRAC harness today. I had to get a different camera to be able to work with the 1794 grill. I’m mid-way through the install and hope to finish it tomorrow. Will update shortly.

    Shopping LED light bars and A-pillar floods this week.

    Have opened a warranty claim with VLEDS for my cargo lights that are out. The right LED has lasted only a few months. Will replace that as soon as they send out the new one.

    Also, wiring an Iridium satellite phone antenna through the driver’s A-pillar to the roof and installing a custom mount for the phone to tuck into that corner.

    Oh, and I need to go order the driver’s grab handle.
     
  16. Nov 7, 2022 at 4:24 PM
    #16
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package
    Finally acquired Marathon seat covers for the rear seats. Because, young kids. Because, young kids ruin cars. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of the Marathon covers. Each piece fits like a glove and the material quality is top notch. And honestly it damn well better be for their price tag…

    I skipped doing the front seats because I don’t want to lose the efficacy of the heated and ventilated seats.

    Before buying, I asked Marathon to send me photos of a 1794 with the coffee color, which is the closest I could get to approximating the saddle brown color of the 1794. I’m disappointed the color I got is quite a bit darker than the photos they sent me. I know variances in the coloring and production process means you cannot replicate the colors exactly every time. But this is more variance than I expected. Don’t get me wrong. The color isn’t bad. And it presents a nice contrast. But it’s not quite as good a color match as I had wanted. But that’s okay.

    B1B60135-E2A0-4C2F-9B8B-AF6A62B2F182.jpg
    8B6016FB-5418-4053-9AB9-12DF4532E8C1.jpg
    565490E5-BE8F-475E-82C6-5E1966A2A083.jpg
     
  17. Nov 7, 2022 at 4:25 PM
    #17
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition w/ TRD Off-Road Package

    FYI — these are the photos Marathon sent me. This is the color I expected.

    408FB1FD-B2C9-4C78-B03C-33F1208ED734.jpg
    79F98C4E-E8DE-41BF-A33A-732A9B3F1ABD.jpg
    2A2F3314-4C2B-460F-B950-8838DFBE4590.jpg
     
  18. Nov 7, 2022 at 5:00 PM
    #18
    Ginsterkev

    Ginsterkev Lessons not learned in blood are soon forgotten

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    Tvs1900 magnuson blower Team rxp catch can Wescott designs collar lift on fox factory suspension Front and rear TRD sway bars
    Looking good man I also have the bak box 2 and love that thing it's very useful and holds a lot
     
  19. Dec 22, 2022 at 10:31 PM
    #19
    dandrilla

    dandrilla New Member

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    Do you have a picture of how you mounted the camera in the 1794 grill?
     
  20. Dec 23, 2022 at 4:27 AM
    #20
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto SciTech Nerd

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    Question, will you be relocating the rear differential breather if you're also putting on the snorkel? Seems like if you're worried about water that's something worth doing for $30ish.
     
  21. Jan 1, 2023 at 10:11 PM
    #21
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    I’d be happy to get one for you in the next day or so.
     
    dandrilla[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Jan 1, 2023 at 10:11 PM
    #22
    Shadowfax1

    Shadowfax1 [OP] New Member

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    That was my plan, but I honestly haven’t really thought everything through. Neither are on my near-term list of mods.
     

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