Looking at Upgrading

Hi guys!

So here's what's going on: I have a 2006 Tundra SR5 V8 4WD that I use as a work truck/everyday driver and while I really like the truck I have been wanting something a little more "offroad". I have been throwing around the idea of getting a Tacoma or 4Runner (I had a 03 and 06 4Runner and loved both of them) and modding it but it would be awhile as that is a little more than I can afford right now. So the other day I was talking with my brother and we got to throwing around the idea of modding my Tundra instead to make it a little more capable off road. We do a lot of mountain trails but I would also like to have semi-prerunner type ability. Sorry if that's vague, I'm new to this but am willing to learn.

So the first things we were looking at are a new suspension system and tires. I found a set of Nitto Trail Grappler 285/70/R17s for a really good price that I might grab as well as getting some new wheels. However, I'm curious what you guys think about suspension. He mentioned that Icon makes good systems, and I've heard good about Bilstein. I was looking at something like this: http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/430-complete-suspension-systems but am not even sure what stage I would get.

I'm guessing you guys get threads like this a lot, so I appreciate any advice you have. I'll attach a couple of photos of the truck as well, these are at the top of Black Bear pass and on Ophir with my 06 4Runner behind it.

Thanks,
FSG

 

Welcome!

Icon is the best setup imo. Fox or Kings after that. Toytec makes a great product as well with their BOSS systems. OME is another option. All depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

If you want more speed and “prerunner” type suspension, Fox or king. Trails/rocks, Icon. I had icon on my 07 t4r v8 and absolutely loved them so I will go with them when I lift the tundra. I personally would stay away from Bilstein if you want to wheel your tundra. Had 5100’s/OME on the t4r before the icons and it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

You should invest in new upper control arms for alignment and added travel. SPC, Camburg and total chaos are good options.

285/70r17’s will fit with a 2.5” lift which you will get from the coilovers I mentioned above.

 

Out of that page, Icon stage 2 because no blocks involved. Get that with the extended travel coilovers (should be a free option) and a set of Camburg upper arms and you're set.

Nice truck.

 

I'm thinking if I can keep it under $3000 for suspension, tires, and wheels I would be happy and if I could find a balance between trail and "prerunner" that would be great. I know I will be using it a lot in the mountains on passes and those types of trails, but if I find a nice sandy wash or winding dirt road I would like to be able to open it up. I guess another question is will I be able to throw chains on it if I do this? I can barely fit them now as they are tight against the upper arm and it's nice to have them in the snow sometimes.

Ok, thanks for the tips. Are you talking about item #191003 on this http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...-toyota-tundra-suspension-system-stage-2.html page?

Thanks, I like it. The red kiss on the side is from the wife pulling into the gas bay. It came off though. I'm also working on a way to remove the rack easily so I can take it off when off-roading.

 

$3k for wheels tires and suspension won’t leave you with a ton of lift options. 285’s: $800 minimum, wheels: $600-$1000 leaves not a lot for suspension. I would research what you want/need and then save for at least that. If you cheap out, you will always want better down the road. Do it right the first time. $3k won’t even cover the suspension set up in saving for.

 

I've got a burr under my saddle concerning Icon and their UCAs. They're just wrong! You might give MCM fab a call. He's got a second gen Tundra like yours and knows our trucks very well.

 

I don’t believe 1st gens have the same issue as the 07+.

 

Thanks, and I mistaken called OP's a second gen. I do think Matt has a first gen.

 

He does and they make uca’s for their LT kit so I’m sure they could sell them but I haven’t seen them as an individual component option.

 

I agree on cheaping out, I like to do it right the first time. That being said, I'm not in a hurry, so on the wheels and tires I'm willing to leave the stock ones on and wait to find deals or good used ones. Like those Nittos are $360 with 40% tread left. So if I did go with the Icon Stage 2 set that is $1800 then the Camberg UCAs are $700, and I'm guessing I could add those later although it would be better to do it all at once. And if it goes over $3000 down the road (I'm sure it will ) that's fine, I just don't want to drop that much on it now.

 

Buy parts one at a time so it’s not a huge hit to the bank account. Collect them till you can install all the suspension components at one time. You can run 285’s on your stock wheels until you want to drop money on new ones. The Camburgs will provide more clearance from the tires and will help with alignment.

 

Sounds like a good plan. So it's looking like this: http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...-toyota-tundra-suspension-system-stage-2.html and this: https://camburg.com/shop/suspension...wd-00-06-performance-1-00-uniball-upper-arms/ and keeping the stock tires and wheels although I think I'm going to get those Nittos so I can throw them on. Then add wheels later.

 

Buy from toytec, they’re a site vendor and offer a member discount:

 

Oh, nice. Thanks, man!

 

Happy to help. Plus they’re local to you, out of Denver. You can save on shipping.

 

Great! I'm sure I'll have more questions, so I'll keep you guys updated. Probably be a month or two before I get around to it.

 

You can save a bit by going through Wheelers. Reach out and see if they have a discount for tundras.com members. I don't think Icon makes upper arms for these trucks.

 

I was thinking of buying an 06 tundra as an off-road toy when my 2014 is paid off. I personally love king shocks and it sucks they only have a 2.0 I believe front shocks for the 1st gens no rear shocks, but they also do anything custom so they can make whatever specs shocks you want but it’ll probably be expensive. I wanted a 4th gen 4Runner too, I prefer some power and the V8 fits my liking. I hate stepping on the skinny and it hesitates, enter tacoma, great size but lacks power imo.

 

Here's everything you need to do to your Tundra to make it just how you want it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/seanpistols-first-gen-tundra.467483/

 

Hey guys, I'm back. So I'm waiting for the check from the last job I finished before I upgrade the suspension, but in the meantime I'm looking at doing some brake work. Right now the braking on this truck is very meh, and I'm wondering what I should do to improve it. My mechanic says everything seems fine so I'm thinking I should upgrade the discs and possibly the calipers. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Edit: Just looking on eBay and found these: https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/401106522161

 

https://www.autoanything.com/brakes/power-stop-z36-truck-and-tow-brake-kits

 

Thanks, I'll check those out.

 

Does the 06’ have a load proportioning valve?

 

Those are stock calipers, just painted red. The low price is alarming. Unless you want to drop big money on a big brake upgrade you should stay with what you have. I've tried a few different brake pads and I think Toyota ones were best.

For rotors I think Brembo blank rotors are as good as it gets. Holes and slots look cool but decrease surface area the pads bite on, less friction.

 

Not sure, that's above my expertise level.

I have Duralast Gold pads right now.

 

Yes

 

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/251436477928

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/362425730802

I notice that most of these are only for the front. Do I need to do anything to the rear brakes or just the front to begin with?

 

Adjust your proportioning valve nut up and it shifts some braking power towards your back brakes. I did mine last month and am amazed at the better braking abilities. Here is a thread I started. Read more to understand.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/better-braking-brakes-easy.33217/

 

Yeah its good to have someone like you thats experimented and can honestly say whats best from trying. I’ve read too many threads/posts (some 14 years old!) about these brakes sucking and all the expense and work to make them better to little avail.

These new rotors (off brand basics) that were just put on to replace my warped originals helped with the new no name pads. The key to brakes is find the proper bite match with the metal and pads (not size so much).

Adjusting that proportioning valve has made the biggest difference IMO. My back brakes never got used for 15 years!

 

Thanks! I'll check on that. I may still replace the front rotors in case they are warped. Is there a way I can check that?