What would you do? Need advice

So I will be purchasing a 3rd gen after the new year and looking to get an SR, SR5, or limited. My thought is to use the extra money (5-10k) not purchasing a higher end model and putting that money into the suspension and wheels. I do a lot of hunting where I’m on dirt roads and 2 tracks. I will be looking to put 35’s on. This will also be my daily driver.

So I’m asking all of you for advice based off of experience with knowledge of aftermarket products what would you do if you were in my shoes?

 

Buy the truck that will meet your needs for now, that way you aren’t in a rush to upgrade anything quickly and you can take your time figuring out what you like.

 

To me, there are two buckets for options/accessories/mods - those that are better from the factory and those that are better (or have more options) aftermarket.

A couple examples - in my opinion, heated seats fall in the first category with rims/tires in the second.

Similar to what @SoCal_Erik said, I'd suggest buying what checks the most boxes for you right now and modifying what isn't available from Toyota or has better options aftermarket.

Good luck!

 

All I can say is to make sure you get the trim level that has all of the features/comforts you want. Adding lift and tires to any truck is easy. Adding higher trim features to a lower trim model is often more difficult (depending what it is).

 

Thanks for replying fellas. I’m not into all the bells and whistles of the higher trim
models and don’t plan on upgrading interior trim features. Comfort is nice however I’m not concerned about heated interior components.

So I’ve seen Fox, Icon, Westcott and a few other kits and shocks. So that’s what I’m asking is pros and cons. The manufacturers all claim to have the best products. I want to hear from non affiliated folks who invested in these products and liked or disliked for whatever reason.

Thanks

 

Camburg is top tier, icon is next level as well. Fox is hype.

Just sayin.

 

in your case I would try to find one that has the TRD lift on it already, then you can just add tires if you want

 

Fox is top tier.
WD and icon are hype.
Subjectively speaking

 

Just about every after market suspension will be better. Even better than the TRD Pro suspension. My SR5 premium 4x4 didn’t come with skid plates. So I got a Victory 4x4 aluminum skid.

 

This is what I’m talking about. Keep it coming

 

Just putting it out there. But all the bells and whistles are VERY cool, when they break they are often VERY expensive to repair lol. Like that power up and down tailgate….probably not cheap to fix

 

Keep in mind that adding an aftermarket lift comes with a fairly hefty price and the ability for Toyota to deny warranty claims if something goes wrong down the line. They'd have to prove that the mod caused the damage but at this point I wouldn't trust that Toyota wouldn't say your engine blew because of larger tires.
I'd be looking at the cost that a lift, install, wheels and tires are going to add to the overall purchase price. Also that is funds that will come straight out of your pocket as apposed to buying a more capable trim level that you can finance over time. Not sure what the trim levels you're looking at come with but I'd at least consider something with the terrain control and a locker if you're doing any off roading. Mud and snow will slow any 4WD down, having the locker can make the difference in getting home or spending the night.

 

If you’re talking about mostly maintained dirt roads then TRD Off-Road suspension is more than enough. I have a Limited OR and love it. Originally did a 2” BDS level and had no issue fitting 35x12.5s. Since then I upgraded to TRD Pro takeoffs with Westport 3/1. Ride is better with the pro setup and a little more fun off road at higher speeds.

TRD OR with a level is going to be the most economical to fit 35s and have fun off-road getting where you need to go.

here is mine with the original TRD OR + Level

 

IDK, that heater steering wheel is kind of fire

 

I put Fox 2.0 level coil overs on my truck. 2” lift in the front and put 1” cornfed lift in the back. All I can say is Fox is the real deal and they suck up bumps like nothing I’ve ever had. Definitely not just hype!

 

Ever since I added 34s and 17” wheels to my limited the ride was drastically improved from the stock tires. But I will say it’s been cold lately and the heated steering wheel has been so nice. Also the limited has AC seats, which is nice in the summer. As others have said the factory 3” lift will allow for 35s and is warrantied which is nice. So if you wanted a truck ready to go off the lot that might be your best bet. I had a trd pro Tacoma before my tundra and the fox shocks were nice on any terrain.

 

Your tailgate goes power up?

 

New for 25

 

Time to upgrade…..

 

Add in some massaging seats while you’re at it.

 

If you do hunting. Maybe stay away from the nicer interior. You can always pay cash on upgraded leather seat skins.

 

Cat cover

 

I personally would not recommend the SR. That is a work level truck and de-tuned. Less HP doesn't mean better fuel economy either. You may not be into the bells and whistles as you say, but as mentioned before and maybe in some other words... Don't put yourself into a position saying 2-5 years into owning the truck, "I wish I would have got this or that option!"

Food for thought,
Mike

 

And a small gas tank.

 

Not sure what part of the country you are in but look at the price paid threads and compare regions when buying. Some regions like Gulf States(Tx, Ok, La, Ar, Ms) and Southeast Toyota(Fl, GA, AL, NC, SC) have a huge amount of junk add ons that inflate the MSRP. Its worth a plane ticket to get a better deal. I saved 10k flying to Kansas and had no add ons. I much prefer to pick what I put on my truck over what the dealership gets the best margin on.

 

I'd check out the bilstein 5100's if i were you. alot of guys had good luck with them on the previous gen.

 

As stated above, skip the SR. SR5 or Limited for increasing option levels.
Bells and whistles are nice, but I agree, not absolutely necessary.
As I've gotten older, comfort has become a bigger factor. In a cold climate, heated seats and steering wheel are really nice.

It sounds like you're honest with yourself about what you NEED for off-road capabilities. It doesn't take much to fit 35's on a gen3 Tundra.
The top-line aftermarket suspension gear (Camburg, Fox, etc.) while great, are pricey and overkill for most.

The TRD Offroad package is one of those, nice to have, but likely rarely needed or used things, unless you are off-road way more than on.
The suspension isn't all that different from the 4X4 without it. The biggest thing (IMO) is the locking diff, but Toyota has that only usable in 4-LO, which is dumb.

Bilstein 5100's or RC 2" lift struts and maybe a 1" spacer in the rear and you'd be set for 35's.

To go the factory route:
You can't go wrong with the 3" TRD lift. Factory installed and no warranty concerns.

 

I always buy the vehicle with the most options. Adding wheels, lift and such is easy, adding heated steering wheels, tires, better upholstery is not easy or cheap.

 

If you have the cash, better option for add ons than to finance those add ons .

 

This is a viable option. I went to KY to get mine without all the extra stuff I didn’t want.