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Build: Takes a lot of money to look this cheap.

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by MSU Tundra, Jul 27, 2022.

  1. Jul 27, 2022 at 7:49 AM
    #1
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #26927
    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    After modding two Tundras, a 200 Land Cruiser, and Sequoia I compiled everything I’ve learned about what works and what I wanted for my needs into this new build. I love the interior capacity of a SUV but always miss the hauling capacity outside the cab of the truck. So this build is an attempt to get the best of both worlds with the camper shell. Now on to the details.

    Started with a clean 1-owner 2017 Platinum with 60k miles. The older I get the more I value things like ventilated seats, so the highest trim level was what I was after. However, I wanted an understated plain jane stealthy look which ironically takes lots of funds to achieve on these trucks! Fortunately the Platinum does come with body colored bumpers and hood bulge though. My first Tundra was an SR5 and second Limited so the trend continues.

    On previous builds I never went over 2” of suspension lift, but I always desired more so on this build I planned for all the additional components to get closer to 3" and maintain ride quality and the correct geometry.

    After tons of research I ultimately decided to go with a full Dobinsons twin tube suspension with C59-778 front coils and L59-121-R rear leaf springs to support the added weight of the Decked system and A.R.E. HD camper shell.

    Additional components include:
    SPC UCAs
    Coachbuilder Kits-
    -Diff Drop
    -Bump Stop Spacers
    -Carrier Bearing Drop
    -Rear Brake Line Extension
    RCI Steel Front Skid
    TRD Pro Grill
    OEM Pro LED Headlights w/@iHacker Harness
    Diode Dynamics Amber Sport Fogs
    Body Color Mirror Caps
    Black Door Handles
    Stubby Antenna (Advanced Auto)
    OG 4WD Rear Mud Flaps (Amazon)
    OEM Steel Wheels
    OEM Black Lug Nuts
    Bora 1.25” Wheel Spacers
    Cooper AT3 XLT 285/75R18 (Including Spare)

    I spent about 5 months planning the build, prepping, and collecting parts. After evaluating my task list, I estimated 26 hours of work ahead of me and got after it this past weekend.... It took me exactly 26 hours to do everything from start to finish by myself.

    Shout out to vendors...
    @memario1214
    @iHacker
    @DECKEDUSA
    @1stgenoffroad
    @diodedynamics
    @RCIoffroad
    @serratoyotaofdecatur

    9F9D4B1A-2DC2-4390-BB37-8743BA195249.jpg 0BECC1DD-A59C-4F83-8496-F93028BBF34B.jpg

    I always plan to take more photos during the install, but I get in the zone and forget about it. I'm half way through at this point.
    0002603F-3159-4283-B572-4361F89F697D.jpg

    What a difference between factory and real truck tires.
    1049EE22-1D84-4D93-9CFD-D0212370666B.jpg

    The Diff Drop was a bear because there is a nut on top of the long bolt going through the crossmember. The only way I found to do it was by unbolting the rack and pinion to get the clearance needed for the wrench to slide in on top.
    42C7BAFB-C618-41B5-AB62-89CB9919F0BB.jpg

    Bump Stop Extensions
    78B05F5C-68B3-4A07-8164-3CF98E5639EB.jpg

    Carrier Bearing Drop
    87C2FEE2-DB26-44D2-9548-4F353F8F7E0B.jpg

    Rear Brake Line Extensions
    0C825F9F-6734-4C92-8976-CDD39DEF591A.jpg

    9BF96FC8-BA1C-4D05-A07D-291684D2B492.jpg

    Chopped exhaust mod to prevent big factory pipe from getting hung up on obstacles.
    C21B8957-6ADB-49D6-B4E3-2658EBD75AA8.jpg E9601723-E047-42AF-8DE3-FAE10CB44241.jpg 7D94C016-3053-49E2-8363-717B4C50E915.jpg

    The perfect poke with the Bora spacers.
    A55C9614-8A77-48B4-8501-C4B6BC456A99.jpg

    I'm not exactly an advocate for wheel spacers, but I made an exception with this build. If you're going to add spacers, Bora has a great product. I feel very confident with these after Blue Loctite and properly torqueing.
    24A56619-2020-4B6E-846E-8718993BB7AD.jpg

    Had to add the free to me 1/2" bumper spacer mod with 5/8 washers I had already to obtain the front tire clearance needed.
    3CC316D9-7DA1-4D99-BFBD-B82F7C94813B.jpg

    Had to remove front mud flaps, but will search for some replacements like the rears except without the 4WD.
    753D04EF-8F9A-48A7-A7D7-6C0156783FC1.jpg

    The pile of carnage.
    A99B7CB0-F3B6-432A-8480-F1A79F959A7C.jpg 1C4F59FB-CA84-4D4F-BD49-988EC180F620.jpg A3382889-D643-446C-ABD7-C47047F9CB34.jpg

    Finally, a proper alignment. My guy got it dead on with the SPC UCA's. :thumbsup:
    927C3CD8-7003-4FD9-B9AB-B95A4B89A147.jpg


    Next Steps Include:
    Replacing Step Bars with Custom Sliders
    More Underbody Protection
    Aux Battery and Power Run to Shell for Lights/Accessories
    Custom Roof Rack for Shell
    Shower Kit for Shell
    Batwing Awning For Shell
    JBL Sound Upgrade from @james@tech12volts
    Steelcraft HD Front Bumper
    Method 705s
    5:29 Gears w/LSD
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2022
    sonofdad, Wideright, SAGE63 and 43 others like this.
  2. Jul 27, 2022 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Northern NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 CrewMax MGM Grocery Getter
    limited wannabe, suspension and tire improvements
    This is awesome. I appreciate all of the hard work you put into this as I could never do a ⅓ of it. I really like the blacked out steelies. Reminds me of the old land cruisers and Isuzu troopers that were our beach buggy chariots when I was growing up. Great rig. Now go enjoy it!
     
    Tundra'25, gosolo and coldcanuk like this.
  3. Jul 27, 2022 at 7:59 AM
    #3
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    Two Trucks
  4. Jul 27, 2022 at 8:22 AM
    #4
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #26927
    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    You get it. ;)
     
    Taco-Spike[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jul 27, 2022 at 8:24 AM
    #5
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #26927
    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Thanks! I'm sore in places I've never been before. Getting too old for this, lol, and plan to enjoy this build for many years to come!
     
  6. Jul 27, 2022 at 11:48 AM
    #6
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

    Joined:
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    NW Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2015 DC Super Fine Super White Pro
    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    Very nice looking rig! I am one that absolutely appreciates the low key, sleeper approach. My mods are similar.
    Very little that shows, but over $7,000 in mods.
     
  7. Jul 27, 2022 at 12:01 PM
    #7
    1UP

    1UP Truck Gang

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    2019 Red CM TRD sport 4x4
    Not expensive enough for that look. Put a supercharger in it.
     
    Tundra'25 likes this.
  8. Jul 27, 2022 at 1:02 PM
    #8
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Been there done that. Juice isn't worth the squeeze IMO unless towing often, and if I'm towing that often a deleted diesel would be better suited.

    With that said, the gears on my to-do list will be my alternative to the SC for more power applied.
     
    TOYOTARIG likes this.
  9. Jul 27, 2022 at 1:27 PM
    #9
    Jeffninjaslayer

    Jeffninjaslayer I37 butterfly murderer

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    2014 SR5 DC BAKFlip Revolver X4S 2019 TRD LED headlights Swing Case Interior LED upgrade Color match TRD grille and hood bulge Rigid fog lights 3 1/2" lift Toyota bed rail
    Do you have a part number for those wheels?
     
  10. Jul 27, 2022 at 1:50 PM
    #10
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Best thing to do is go to https://www.car-part.com/ and search your area for some. I cut a deal with my local salvage yard for all 4 of mine.
     
  11. Jul 27, 2022 at 3:29 PM
    #11
    SpyderRC

    SpyderRC New Member

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    Looks good! If you find a front mud flap that works, post it up. I have the same tire size as you and with your spacers, it probably puts your poke about the same as mine with my Fuels. I tried RokBlokz but it rubbed the front mud flap where the cab mount pushed on the flap. I suppose if you had a cmc, the rokblokz might work.
     
  12. Jul 27, 2022 at 3:34 PM
    #12
    CaptRussia253

    CaptRussia253 New Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Ruslan
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum CM 2016 4runner SR5P
    Very clean build :thumbsup:
     
    MSU Tundra[OP] likes this.
  13. Jul 27, 2022 at 5:49 PM
    #13
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Thanks man! I’m hoping the same style I have on the rear will work since they’re fairly low profile and can be trimmed to fit.
     
  14. Jul 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #14
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
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    Messages:
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    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    So I buttoned up the loose ends today. Wired in the camper shell brake light and interior led lights, mounted full size spare underneath, and installed front mud flaps.

    For the camper shell wiring I tapped into the driver’s side tail light. The lower light is the brake and running light so I used the running light to get my power for interior lights. Yes, the parking lights have to be on, but I didn’t feel like running dedicated power to the bed at this time. (I’ll achieve that with an aux battery setup at some point.)
    The red wire is the brake light.
    The green wire is the running light.
    White/Black wire is ground.
    I used a spare trailer wire harness I had laying around for a pigtail so I could unplug it if I ever remove the shell.
    I soldered everything, used heat shrink, and tied everything up nice and neat.
    B0388D84-B8BC-4CE2-AF79-A21FFE27CE93.jpg 10DAE642-1083-438E-BB08-C894F058DFB5.jpg 1A190C2D-DC9D-4DA6-B289-03B8CF4259ED.jpg BC68FB17-1C8A-4A41-93CE-C8C02B239D3B.jpg D20E89C2-E47C-413D-928B-50735BC3EEFB.jpg

    Also added a tailgate seal to keep dust out of the back as much as possible.
    79011FD5-EBCD-412D-AFFD-D2794C3DCA5C.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2022
  15. Jul 30, 2022 at 6:03 PM
    #15
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Bought same mud flaps as the rear off Amazon, but these have a low key mountain scene on them. Everything clears just enough.

    18238B4E-D596-47D8-BE4F-E9ED5625F381.jpg 90BB002A-1CBD-458D-92EC-A4D544C5222A.jpg 4B03A7E7-A423-4E2C-83B4-FCB6AF83504D.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2022
    COTundra23, mountaingroan and biebs96 like this.
  16. Jul 30, 2022 at 6:05 PM
    #16
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Full size, almost 35”, spare was too tight so I bent the tabs out a bit. Fits like a glove.
    14821EE3-1226-4739-BE26-126D5E6DA548.jpg 894E02B4-E691-414F-B7B1-46B2EB2305DA.jpg 93BF261B-DC84-4860-A846-B8174ACE68BA.jpg 3B64D166-A6DD-4978-AE62-4FA8D1BB4D79.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2022
    COTundra23 and Sumo91 like this.
  17. Jul 30, 2022 at 8:58 PM
    #17
    Unclebuck

    Unclebuck New Member

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    So you miss the hauling and then proceed to put a cap on the truck?
     
    RodneydUSMC likes this.
  18. Jul 30, 2022 at 9:06 PM
    #18
    SpyderRC

    SpyderRC New Member

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    Link to the front flaps?
     
  19. Jul 31, 2022 at 5:14 AM
    #19
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

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    Vehicle:
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    Not referring to the hauling of large items. I’m talking about being able to throw some gas cans, tools, various gear, etc. in the back, and not hearing it rattle and shift or smell up the interior like it does in a SUV.
     
    COTundra23, Terndrerrr and AggiePhil like this.
  20. Jul 31, 2022 at 5:16 AM
    #20
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
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    Messages:
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    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
  21. Aug 23, 2022 at 2:38 PM
    #21
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

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    Maybe I missed it. Which lift did you go with?
     
  22. Aug 24, 2022 at 7:42 AM
    #22
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
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    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
  23. Aug 24, 2022 at 8:36 AM
    #23
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

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  24. Aug 24, 2022 at 9:49 AM
    #24
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

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    That's correct.

    And the 120-R leaf pack, but he did send me the add-a-leaf to make it the 121-R. I just chose not to install the extra leaf, however I'm thinking about throwing it in there to get a little more rake and load capability.
     
    AggiePhil[QUOTED] likes this.
  25. Aug 24, 2022 at 11:46 AM
    #25
    RusPro21

    RusPro21 Pro is gone! But I’m still here.

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    Pa.
    2021 Pro!! Nitto’s Tyger blades, Arc audio!
    Awesome!! I see you plan on doing audio system. I got mine from James and whole system arc audio. Love it. Kicks ass. He will hook you up.
     
  26. Aug 24, 2022 at 1:33 PM
    #26
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
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    Messages:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Thanks @RusPro21

    I actually took my last Tundra to his shop and had JRT install a full system. For this one I will likely just being doing the JBL subwoofer/amp upgrade package he sells.
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2022
    RusPro21[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Aug 24, 2022 at 6:20 PM
    #27
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    2014 MGM Tundra Platinum 4x4
    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
    Man I keep coming back to this build. It's so awesome! How are you liking the Dobinsons suspension?

    Also, how about the leaf springs? I have them as well (installed Dec 2021) and they were extremely stiff at first. Took alot of heavy towing to break them in, and j have a hell of a rake even with my 8112s set to 3.25in of lift, but I have a bumper, winch, and skids too. Your camper shell must help with that somewhat. All I have in the rear is a roll-n-lock tonneau cover.

    My leaf springs also started creaking really bad after lots of offroading ( I have a thread I can link for you if you'd like) I ended up jacking up the truck and fully drooping the rear axle and pressure washing in between the leafs, then used an entire can of CRC dry moly lube. Not a peep or creak since. I have noticed some rust on them already though (truck has never seen salt) so you might wanna look into a preventive measure for that. If I were in your shoes with freshly installed leafs, I'd just coat them completely in fluid film.

    Another thing, the dobinsons greaseable shackles are awesome, I highly recommend them along with their poly bushings (I have a thread on the shackles as well) I have an extra set of greaseable pins for the fronts of the leaf springs if you want them and don't already have them, no charge.
     
  28. Aug 25, 2022 at 6:00 AM
    #28
    MSU Tundra

    MSU Tundra [OP] Numerous rodeos experienced

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    424
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra and 2013 LC200
    Thanks brother!
    Really liking the suspension more and more as it breaks in. Coming from the 6112s on two different builds and a Tough Dog (Australian Company) setup on the Land Cruiser, I would compare it more to the Tough Dog- Land Cruiser ride. The 6112s are great, but a little stiff imo. The Dobinsons are closer to a factory feel when on normal pavement, and then come alive on rough terrain as they really smooth out washboards and potholes.

    Have nothing but good things to say about the leaf pack and I'm really happy I went with them so far. The camper shell and Decked drawers add at least 500lbs to the rear so that definitely loads up the springs nicely and makes for a super smooth ride. I have exactly 1" of rake when measuring ground to wheel well, but when measuring the bedrail front to rear it sits exactly level. I haven't hooked up a trailer yet, but I am curious to see what kind of sag, if any, I get. If it does sag greater than 1", I will most likely add the extra leaf to it. Also no noise from the springs up to this point either...even after a bunch of off pavement exercise and flexing. I greased the poly bushings up really well when installing and I have the greaseable pins in the front mounting points. So fingers crossed that they stay quiet, but great suggestion on going ahead and coating them.
     
    Sumo91[QUOTED] and TOYOTARIG like this.
  29. Aug 25, 2022 at 7:30 AM
    #29
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    2014 MGM Tundra Platinum 4x4
    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside

    Glad to hear it! 500lbs is about right to smooth it out and get 1in of rake.

    I had the 6112s as well, before I upgraded to the 8112s. The difference is night and day. The 6112s were really stiff, but the 8112s ride like butter. I still have the 5160s in the back, but have the 8100s ordered to replace them. I'm hoping that alot of the rear stiffness is from the 5160s, and that the 8100s improves the ride quality even more. I'll be posting about it once they're installed.

    It took around 5 or 6 months before my leafs started creaking really bad. I believe the main culprit was a huge mud pit I hauled ass through.
     
  30. Sep 16, 2022 at 2:26 AM
    #30
    mav7021234

    mav7021234 New Member

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    how does it sound with a chopped exhaust?
     

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