Swede's Build thread...

So I'm going to start a build thread for my new to me 2018 Platinum Tundra. I don't plan on doing a ton of mods on this thing as it's mainly my boat towing rig but you know how that goes

I've been looking to change to a pickup for a while since I didn't build my 4Runner ( ) for towing and I found this 2nd hand Tundra from a Ford dealership in Edmonton AB... 2018 Platinum, Magnetic Grey, Low mileage and the hood scoop

 

Congrats on the new truck!! First mod, getting rid of that sticker on the windshield.

 

Congrats!

That scoop

 

I've actually had the truck for almost 2 years but held off on doing anything until I had it for a while.

So a few things I noticed after taking delivery was that the previous owner had an Icon Dynamics lift in it but removed it when he traded it in. There was also a remote start installed and removed as well as a bed cover by the looks of it. I'm assuming the PO would've got more money selling the used parts on the side than leaving them installed on the truck? I dunno. The PO also added LED rear tail lights, no idea what brand, and swapped out all the interior and most of the exterior lights to LED as well. Also the front windows were tinted.

The 1st thing I did was install the remote start. I bought the 12volt.Solutions Plug and Play Remote Starter kit and installed it. Very happy with it so far. But I had to correct this mess while I was under the dash. I'm assuming it's from the previous Remote Start system...


Anyway, the next issue was how bad the truck was leaning to the driver side. I knew about the "Tundra Lean" issue but this was extreme, like 1-1/2" extreme! After doing some research and conversing with the local Toyota dealership, we found out that the front coil packs were on the wrong side! Must have been swapped when the Icon lift was removed I guess. We also found out that the PO installed ad-a-leafs or helper springs to the rear but didn't remove them. I'm thankful for this as they're quite useful when I tow the boat, no sag at all

 

So a few weeks ago I decided, after a ton of research, to bring the front up a bit and go with a larger tire. I went with a set of Bilstein 5100's since I had them on my 4Runner and loved them. I also went to order a set of 285/65 R20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers (35's) but with Covid my tire shop wouldn't be able to get them until 2022 so I ordered a slightly smaller 285/60 R20 (34") instead.

The debate was what level to put the 5100' to. I was worried about the squat look but with the helper springs in already I decided to try the top setting on the shocks anyway. Glad I did as it's perfect IMO.

Before:

AFTER:


Truck is 1/2" lower at the front on both sides

I also picked up a set of 1.25" Wheel spacers and may add them if I need them for the new tires. I did a mock up with one when I put the lift in and noticed that the front lugs are too short so I'll order a set of longer ones and have them ready to go on.

 

With the wheel spacers it is more likely to cause the outside front edge of the tires to contact the front of the fender liner. It not a problem to adjust the front fender liner as needed. But mentioning so you know whatever tires you get might have less chance of rubbing without the spacers.

I didn't need longer lugs for Spidertrax 1.25 spacers. What brand did you get there?

 

Congrats and welcome from Gettysburg

 

Welcome from OKC! Lookin' decent!

 

Yeah the PO had trimmed some of the liner already and removed the front flaps as well so I should be good. Not sure what tire size he had on though. As for the wheel spacers, they're from KSP Performance.

 

Nice truck!

 

Welcome.

 

So pretty happy with the ride from the new Bilsteins. It may be slightly firmer but just barely noticeable. Love the new stance though. I have new longer studs coming for the front and I'll put the wheel spacers on then and snap some pics. The truck goes in for the new tires and an alignment at my kids shop in a few weeks and i'll post more pics then too.

 

Looks good! Love my 5100’s.

Welcome from Oregon!

 

So I did a bit of research and decided to order the Dorman 610-004 wheel studs. They are 15 mm longer than the OEM ones with the same metric thread count (M14 mm x 1.5).



The problem I now discovered is that the spline bore is too small, 16 mm as opposed to the OEM 16.5mm. I was hoping to keep everything metric but it looks like I'll have to order the standard Dorman 610-471 lug which is 19 mm longer than OEM with a 16.38 mm spline bore.

The video clip shows how much play is in the 610-004 lug...