Looking for Tundra advice

Hi all - first time poster. I currently own a 4dr Jeep Wrangler, which I’ve modded quite a bit. That said, I’m considering a vehicle that is a little more favorable for hauling around my most precious cargo - 3 kids.

I love the Tundras but am looking for some input on how easy or cost effective they are to mod. I’m talking things like a lift, bigger tires. I know how all this works on the Jeeps, but don’t know what I don’t know when it comes to Tundras. So specifically:
- I’d really like a TRD Pro, but like Jeeps, I’m wondering if its cheaper to build it up without going to that model off the lot?
- Is there a particular trim to look for when knowing I’ll want to lift and the added weight of bigger tires?
- do Tundra axles need regearing like Jeeps?
- whats the largest size tire a Tundra can run stock?
- does a Toyota dealership install aftermarket mods like lifts?
- what are some sites I can look at to see what these aftermarket mods cost?
- not a fan of the chrome look, can matte black grilles/trim be ordered?

Sorry for all the questions, but appreciate the input you can provide!

 

My experience is that it's ALWAYS cheaper to do on your own than through a dealership. I've had Jeeps in the past too and as with any vehicle re-gear is going to depend on the size of your tires. You want to run 40's on a Tundra, you'll need a re-gear. 37's probably too. 35's you can get away with IMO. The dealership wanted to charge me 9K for a lift, wheels, tires and I ended up having it done for less than 6K. That's a pretty significant cost savings that I've put toward other stuff.

 

WELCOME

 

a lot of good questions... i don't have the answer to many if any, haha

However i can tell you that i went TRD Pro and i absolutely love it! Love the looks of it as well as the suspension. i know you can get better suspension but the fact it came from the factory like that and is rolled into my payment makes me happy.

You have many options for blacking out chrome or going with non chrome parts so thats not a huge issue.

 

Welcome!

Depending on your budget, I’d get the TRD Pro as you mentioned with leather/sunroof and all the included extras. They come leveled 2” higher in the front. Then continue to upgrade with whatever else you might want as you go. The one with “TRD Pro” stamped into the bedside, not stickers.

If you want bigger tires, and even higher front/rear lift later, definitely NOT the dealer$hip, but a place that does and has experience with Tundra suspensions and alignment. And if it’s not the same shop, perhaps a custom rim/tire place that cuts and trims professionally to fix tire rubbing issues.

For reference, a 2018 grill and 2018 headlights (with aftermarket harness) will work as far back as on a 2014 Tundra. Collectively the year span is called “Tundra 3rd gen parts”. Check out Roman’s “Ultimate Parts” thread.

Some people like to mod luxury and start with a Platinum. Others a base SR5 which can Katskin leather but you wouldn’t want to add an aftermarket sunroof, almost everything else you could switch up.

Cosmetically you might notice the Platinum and TRD Pro have color matched bumper ends and grill surrounds, with different grill insets. SR5 has all chrome grill and chrome bumper ends.

There’s no TRD Pro in 2018, it’s called TRD Sport, and it has a hood scoop not in other models along with all the other TRD extras.

 

- I’d reallylike a TRD Pro, but like Jeeps, I’m wondering if its cheaper to build it up without going to that model off the lot?
Cheaper to buy base SR or SR5 and build, you are throwing away the Pro Suspension and skidplate when you build, although you can recover some of the costs selling those parts
- Is there a particular trim to look for when knowing I’ll want to lift and the added weight of bigger tires?
TRIM no... get a 5.7 4X4, higher trims have more toys, although getting parking sensors and leather is a waste if you plan to switch bumpers and go mudding since you would need seat covers
- do Tundra axles need regearing like Jeeps?
Depends on tire size you run, some are fine with 35s, others say regear for 35+, Personal preference although to keep the engine in the rpm range 4.88 on 35s is better
- whats the largest size tire a Tundra can run stock?
Define stock? No massaging of fender liners skid plates at all or some massaging is ok... lots of threads on here regarding tires. If you buy a PRO, 305 65r18 fit stock, no massaging at all
- does a Toyotadealership install aftermarket mods like lifts?
Depends on the dealer and service director regarding install and warranty.
- what are some sites I can look at to see what theseaftermarketmods cost?
Can't help, mine is 'stockish'
- not a fan of the chrome look, can matte black grilles/trim be ordered?
Anything can be ordered, just know tundra parts are not like jeep parts. Wrangler parts are much more affordable thrn tundra, do some research before you pull the trigger else you might get sticker shock

 

Thank you, this was very helpful! I will have to walk the dealerships and see the differences in trim in person.

Just curious, what’s a “reasonable” price to expect on a TRD Pro or TRD Sport?

 

There is no 2018 PRO, Wait for 2019 PRO with Fox shocks or find a 2017 with Bilsteins. Trd sport is not comparable to a pro, sport is street oriented, get a trd off road instead, but again if you plan to mod the suspension you are just paying more for parts you will be replacing. Start with a non Trd, .. SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, doesn't matter, just dont waste money on trd off road if you are going to replace the shocks anyways

 

Budget is a consideration as the upfront cost from a used SR5 to SR5 Plus, SR5 with TRD package, Platinum, 1794, TRD Pro etc vary. And 2018’s have inherent new vehicle costs.

If this is going to be a mudding off road truck and you don’t care for leather and a sunroof, you could start with an SR5 and do it up. You’re right about ditching the TRD/Pro suspension, sway bar, tires/rims etc if you plan to change all that anyway.

Or as Nick said, find one with some of it already upgraded.

 

Not sure if there are many (or any) new 2017 TRD Pros left, 2019 Pros are expected at dealers around September or October.

 

I love my Tundra, but hate off roading with it. I off roaded exactly once.

It's just too wide.

My 2004 Tacoma is so much more fun!

 

Thank you!

 

Hey man, welcome aboard (I literally just joined today lol). I’m in almost the exact same boat as you. I will be following your thread for advice from others as well and will likely create a new one of my own with a few similarities. I just hate to hi-jack someone else’s thread. I have a 2014 M5, 2016 Jeep GC (will be selling/trading). I’m kind of spoiled by luxury, but want something aggressive. I’m open to hearing how well the Platinum does off-road compared to the sr5 and if the interior niceties are worth the upgrades in price. I’m in North Carolina and sweat like a pig, so ventilated seats always sound appealing to me lol!

Best,

Zack

 

To clarify.
Shocks are the same SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 factory black
TRD off road shocks are the same SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 bilstein yellow
TRD PRO bilstein silver, these are 2.5 inch with reservoir
Most of the ride difference will be due to tire size and brand.
Any perceived ride difference between non trd trim levels is due to sound deadening and weight of the vehicle, same with TRD off road between trim levels

 

Welcome Nick. How serious do you get with mods? A lot of people buy the Pro, then end up replacing the suspension.

 

831tun,
I don't have a pro, my mods are mostly OEM or dealer available stuff (TRD)
Wife drives a 2007 rcsb 4x4 'stockish'... trd supercharger, trd rear sway, trd Pro suspension

 

How do aftermarket suspensions effect the Tundra’s towing capacity?

I might be slightly disappointed that you can’t get a Platinum in cement or QS, lol

 

Hauling a vehicle is not an easy task, this was the reason my brother opted for professional services for hauling his jeep from this useful site. If you are not sure about your vehicle will be helpful to haul or not, you can take professional advice and get a solution to your problem.

 

I always go work truck 4WD with no carpet then add my own goodies!

 

I think haulers are raked, have front/rear sway bars, SuperSprings or some type of air bag/leaf support, have to consider max TW, factored into max payload, and max tow capacity of course. Some suspensions really sag and a WDH helps too.

Those things off-roaders don’t need to consider. The rear sway bar should be removed, they can be lifted higher, use less fuel efficient big mudders, have cool robust bumpers and recovery winches/tools etc.

They’re kind of different animals in terms of modding directions.

 

Thx Colorado!

I figured it would a little at least. The higher the lift, the bigger drop in the hitch will be required which in turn I’d guess would negatively effect the towing and stability of the truck. I think for me, I’d never come close to maxing out the 10,500lbs the tundra can tow, but I’d want to trailer anything from a 4-wheeler in the bed, to an enclosed 6x12 or even a smaller 5th wheel. I also plan on doing a some “minor” off-roading. Initially I was leaning the all so common 3/1 or 4/2 leveling route, but also considering an air suspension. Any insight from anybody with air suspensions? Worth it? On and off-road capability? Any take on best all around lift set up for what I’m looking for? PM’s welcome so we don’t blow up OP’s thread

 

Thx Josh!

Yea I’m kinda looking for the best of both worlds, if there is such. In all honestly I’ll prob off road more often than I’ll pull a giant ass trailer/camper. I do have a ‘97 TJ that I may pull to and from off roading sites as well here and there. I’m just not big into the huge 6”+ lifts. They look cool, but a 2-4” lift with good on/off-roading capability would suit me. And I would most definitely have a separate on/off-road wheel and tire setup, as I know that will greatly affect performance on both ends.



Edit: apparently I’m being raped by auto-correct this morning

 

Lol. Both worlds would be nice and it can be done to some extent. I use to have a wheelin Jeep YJ but have gravitated to hauling a family travel trailer. I was always fixing that thing or breakin something on it lol. Are you crawling/flexing? I think taking the rear sway bar off and changing tires every time you hit the rough is a bit of an expense/time not too many members do here, but if you have the funds and passion, do it! (or you could get a hybrid tire).

You're going to want that bar for street handling, it's a huge difference, should be stock. Hellwig makes one for lifted Tundras, I've got the TRD red one.

 

Spoiler alert, I don’t YET have a tundra, haha. But I like to plan ahead. I doubt I’ll do big time flexing or crawling in the tundra. I’m currently torn between a Platinum and TRD Pro (platinum because color match everything and nicer leather seats and ventilation; TRD also because color match, and if I decide to get cement or QS that’ll be my choice. Kinda wish the platinum came in those colors. So currently looking at MGM for plat). I know a lot of guys wind up changing the whole suspension on the Pro anyway.

But yea I get what you’re saying, I can see how constantly swapping tires would be a pain in the ass. I’ve done that in my M5 during season changes. Maybe I’m just lazy too lol.

 

If you’re planning on heavily modifying it (suspension, bumpers, tires, etc.) it would make most sense to go with a lower trim level. That way you’d avoid replacing more expensive parts. Of course if you want leather seats and more technology you kind of have to get a limited or above

 

I think, if you are moding, the SR5 gives you the best bang for your buck. I went with an SR5 TRD Off Road because I like the badging and the basic setup. Yes, I will replace the suspension, but it will probably wait til I need new shocks anyway. I plan on adding a bunch of other mods, so a higher trip level just didn't make sense, like the other guys have said.