New 2017 Tundra Owner - Questions

Finally got my Tundra! Always wanted one and so happy to finally get it.
Questions for the group.

1. There is a random shake at high speeds. Feels like tires out of balance but it comes and goes. Set the cruise at 115 Km/h and drove for 30 minutes...sometimes nice and smooth, sometimes a little vibration, sometimes the steering wheel is shaking...nothing super bad. Going to get the tires balanced just in case but anything else I should check out?

2. Stereo upgrade. Whats the best bang for the buck unit everyone is putting in? I see some units for $1000 + and really don't want to spend that kind of money.

3. Transmission. I have no records showing if a drain/fill has been done. I am not afraid to do the work but I have heard that if the plugs have not come out, it could be a nightmare. Let a garage handle it or just pull out the 1/2 breaker with a cheater bar and giver her hell??

4. Running boards. Previous owner did not put in sill protectors so I am down to bare metal on the drivers side. Going to get that painted and protected, but what about running boards. Again, best bang for the buck.

5. Soften the ride? The truck is the TRD SR5 and the ride is a little bouncy. Anything I can do to make it softer. I am a big boy...and things are bouncing that I would rather not if you know what i mean LOL!!!!

Anything else I should check out? It runs perfect...but want to keep it for a long long time so would love some feedback.

thanks so much!

 

1. I'd assume its tire balance. I've had the same problem with my truck too, and I notice certain stretches of road seemed to amplify it, while others mask it. Seems even more tricky if larger AT/MT tires and/or aftermarket wheels (like I do).

I had actually given up on solving it, then after about 15k miles (and 3 rotation/balances) it went away (right after the 3rd wheel balance), so I chalked it up to wheel balance being the root cause and figured the first 2 wheel balances weren't done quite well enough to solve it.

2. Not sure, I've kept my sound system stock but will eventually upgrade it because the stock JBL system is pathetic.

3. Do a drain and fill. The drain, check and fill plugs will not be seized, the pan bolts very well could be. So don't bother touching the pan. You'll have no issues getting the drain plug, check plug, and fill plug out with a standard 3/8" ratchet and the appropriate sized socket.

4. I've got some predator steps (fixed running boards) that are decent, but I'd prefer power retractable steps over them.

Other stuff to check would include fluids (coolant, diffs, tcase, brake fluid, power steering), spark plugs, serpentine belt, cabin air filter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

 

1. Engine oil and filter: 5k miles
2. Spark plugs: 30k to 60k, use only OEM or Denso equivalent.
3. AFR/o2 sensors(Upstream Sensors): 60k, use only OEM or Denso equivalent.
4. Engine Air Filter Clean/Replace: 15k
5. Clean MAF and TB: 15k
6. Coolant flush: First 100k, then every 50k there after. Replace Thermostat and radiator cap along with flushing, and only use Toyota pink.
7. Belts and hoses: 50k or at least with every coolant exchange.
8. Power Steering flush: 15k to 30k
9. Brake fluid flush: DOT 3/4 at least every 30k and DOT 5+ at least every 15k.
10. Transmission drain n fill: 30k
11. Differential and Transfer case drain n fill: 30k
12. Fuel injector service and/or fuel filter replacement: 15k, note that many vehicles have in tank filter and is not serviceable.
13. PCV valve clean/replace: 15k

 

Pretty good list. I think you could double the life on your spark plug interval. And I try to just use quality gasoline - I'm at 116k miles and haven't done anything to the fuel system but insert fuel.

Once the diffs are broke in - I think you could stretch that interval as well. I've only don't my t-case one time so far - diffs twice. The second drain came out much cleaner than the first.

I wouldn't do o2 sensors as preventative maintenance - all mine are still good at 9 years and 116k miles.

 

Your o2 sensors (downstream)you can keep in for life, but your AFR’s (upstream o2’s) control your fueling and 60k is a good number for them. I side with better performance, and all of those things listed are cheap to keep the vehicle running in top shape