Driving characteristics

So, I have been looking at getting a gen 2 5.7, Double cab...

I have noticed (having driven 4 examples over the past month) that the steering is very light - almost feels like it is a bit "over boosted".

is that the characteristic of this vehicle?

 

Can only speak for my cm but it has a lot more road feel and weight than I expected.

 

A good friend is considering replacing her 2003 step-side with a new Tundra, so I let her drive my 2007. Her first comment was how huge the newer truck is in & out, and then how light & responsive the steering is.

 

Tell her that her stepside tundra looks like a PT cruiser.

 

No, I happen to like how the step-side looks... it's not for everyone, but I like it.

 

The 1st gen and 2nd gens are very different. I recently sold my 2000 Limited as I had no use for 2 trucks. The first gen felt a little more like a sports car compared to my '07. But I think it's more because it's smaller in pretty much every way. Everything is just bigger. Even the sides of the bed are taller. I would say the steering is a bit lighter in the 2nd gen but nothing that you wouldn't quickly get use to.

 

i know the throttle on the 2nd gen is much peppier then the 3rd, and to me the steering does seem a bit more touchy. brakes more squishy. but ive never driven a 1st gen

 

Drives like any other modern truck that isn't 25 years old? Of course the steering and throttle response is better. The older trucks to me is like driving a tug boat. Turn and wait until next week for it to start moving that direction.

The newer truck is safer, has three times the air bags, larger brakes, more towing capacity, larger bed. I don't think you can even put the first gen in that race. A more fair argument to me would be her truck vs a Tacoma since the new ones are so much larger than the older

 

I went from a 2001 Tundra 4.7 V8 SR5 2WD Accesscab to a 2007 Tundra 5.7 V8 SR5 4WD Doublecab Long Bed.

1) Obviously the size feeling is huge difference, like a corolla to a short bus.
2) The 2001 rode sooo much better, lexus-like compared to the 1-ton stiff feeling of the 2007. Steering didn't stand out for me, my current 2007 doesn't feel overly boosted (try a 2014 WRX STi, those are hella overboosted).
3) The 2007 throttle is kinda sticky and sensitive imo. I need to perform a transmission fluid change soon (111,000 miles), especially when before it warms up. I did the 2004 into the 2001 tranny swap and it made the throttle butterly smooth on the 2001.

I like my big truck, but I do miss the perfect size, lexus ride, and awesome visibility of the 1st gen trucks. If I could find a super clean 1st gen I may go back to it in the future.