Buy? Question About Lift, Tires, Towing

Hello. I am seriously planning to make an offer on a 2004 Tundra Access Cab SR5 4WD, with the 4.7 liter engine/4 speed automatic transmission. It has the TO towing package (130 amp alternator/transmission cooler/tow receiver hitch, and trailer wiring connector/converter). It only has 54,600 miles and looks great. Clear title, clean Carfax report.

The reason for purchasing a pickup truck is to be able to tow a travel trailer. Our first trailer will conform to the towing restrictions of the vehicle. If later, we decide to buy a larger trailer, we'll sell the Tundra if we have to. And buy a Tundra with the larger engine.

The ad didn't mention the truck had been lifted; we found out after getting there. I think it's a 4", maybe 3" lift (not sure if leveling or not). The previous owner's brother-in-law (previous owner died and his widow is selling it) said his brother took it in somewhere and had it done "professionally." It also has aftermarket 20" rims (not sure of the tire size), but it comes with the original rims.

My questions for the forum:

1. Will a 3 or 4" lift be an issue with regards to towing? I should mention we'll probably be pulling a travel trailer weighing, loaded, about 4,500 - 5,000 lbs.

2. I read somewhere that larger wheels/tires (diameter-wise) reduces torque and fuel efficiency? Is this correct? What would you say the largest wheel and tire should be in my situation?

3. Can a lift be removed easily to return the truck to its stock height? Is this a major job? Can it even be done without buying lots of new parts?

4. When a truck is lifted, and it comes time to replace things like suspension parts, steering components, etc., do you have to purchase "special" parts because the truck has been lifted?

5. The truck doesn't come with a trailer brake controller. I'm guessing this is something you can buy and install yourself? Does anyone know how difficult of a job this is?

Thanks in advance for your help. I've been a member of various forums throughout the years -- a great source of information, help, and sense of community. If I buy the truck, I'll be back!

Jay

 

I can’t answer all your questions. But I will say that a “stock” 04 tundra would be “ok” towing 4500-5000 lbs. But with a 3-4 inch lift, 20” wheels and bigger tires that load is gonna feel awfully heavy.

 

Post your location, that always helps.

In regard to the truck, do you have your heart set on this one? Even though it has low miles, it has been "molested" and it doesn't appear from your description that anyone knows the modification, maintenance or service details. 4" is a lot of lift on these trucks, and done poorly, will cause other problems. I am not a fan of inheriting some yahoo's lifted project truck. Made that mistake once with a K1500, not again. Not saying that is the case with the truck you are considering, but without more info I would be wary. YMMV. For your intended use, finding a true "stock" one with maintenance records would be advisable.

Yes, you will have to add a brake controller yourself - that was not a factory option. Maybe someone here can chime in who has done it, but this is usually a fairly simple bolt on with the correct pigtail adapters that plugs into your harness under the dash by the pedals.

Welcome to the forum.

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I'm in eastern Oregon, near the OR/ID border.

Thanks for the replies so far. Dog, I get what you're saying about inheriting someone else's lift project. I do know that the previous owner, the original owner, bought it as a weekend "toy." His widow said he never took it off-roading. I'm going to see if she has paperwork from when the lift was put on. And other service records. Pride of ownership shows in the truck; I tend to believe he took really good care of it. But....buyer beware, I know.

 

Post some pictures for us to see what is going on under there and we can get you valid information instead of speculation.

Additionally, get rid of the 20 inch wheels as soon as possible (list them for sale here and locally) and get some 17’s or 18’s which are lighter, look better and ride better all around.

 

When I spoke with her she had 0 service records on it. I was going to buy it the day it came up, that was months ago. It has been sitting for sale for a long time.

 

I would pass on this truck. When you consider your towing weight with your payload weight (people & gear) I think you will find it struggling on inclines with the oversized tires. I would look for a stock truck.

Trailer brake controllers are an easy install on trucks with a tow package. There is a connector under the dash that you connect the brake controller wire harness to with an adapter harness supplied with the truck or you can purchase it from Toyota.

 

1. No
2. Yes
3. Yes, unless it has a bracket lift which will require rewelding the oem bracket.
4. Yes
5. Yes, easy

 

Is it a real lift with proper suspension

more just cheap blocks and spacers?