White Warrior Build Thread

After learning so much from both the 4Runner and the Tundra forums over the years, it's time to start giving back and sharing with ya'll.

Coming from a 4th Gen 4Runner, properly built, with OME lift, ARB bumper, winch, sliders, racks, interior build, and other goodies, I wanted to start from scratch with an untouched Tundra.

I chose the Tundra for many reasons, some of which are as follows...
-Reliability
-Full Size Platform and Payload
-V8
-Ability to haul 4 people and all the stuff everywhere
-Comfort putting down big highway miles
-Proper tow vehicle
-Ability to sleep in the back with my significant other

Things I learned from the 4Runner
-Weight is my enemy
-Start simple and go with what you need next, not what you want or see others with
-One can sleep in a modified 4Runner, two in a survival situation, but not comfortably (sure some will disagree, but these are my learnings)
-I can do some mods myself, and others are better left to professionals
-Living in a hot place for much of the year now (North Carolina summer and Florida this past winter) A white vehicle makes more sense for me than black, as the Black 4Runner was a hot ride!

 

This is how she started.

2013 Rock Warrior Model.

94,000 on the odometer and had spent its entire life in Texas.

Not a spot of rust on it!

 

Next came the Leer Topper which I had come by used for a steal and it even matched! I wasn't stoked on the high rise for a while, but over time it has really grown on me, especially when sleeping in the back and putting in multiple bikes.

 

Other additions since have included a Decked System (which i absolutely love!) rear Kuat Bike Rack with Swingout, Thule Roof Rack.

 

Very nice! Welcome.

 

After addition of topper, decked system, bike rack, and other gear, it seemed like I was starting to get the wretched "Carolina Squat."

We also just purchased a 20 foot Camper that we will towing places and I wanted to beef up the rear end for such trips.

I debated long and hard on what to go with, debating between airbags, add a leafs, and going new leaf packs and shocks. My budget was around $1200.

I only wanted to address the rear suspension at this point because the front end seems to be doing well and came stock with Bilsteins in the Rock Warrior Edition so its sitting taller than other Tundras as it is.

Ultimately I went with OME Leaf Pack, Bilstein 5160s, and Timbren Active Bump-stops.

OME Leaf Pack as I figured I wanted to do it once and do it right and didn't want to trust my already saggy rear end to an add a leaf option.

I went with the Bilsteins as even though I had great experience with my previous OME suspension on the 4Runner I wanted a slightly more plush ride on long stretches of washboard, and I hope the extra oil in the 5160s will help with heat dissipation and promote a more plush ride over time.

The Timbrens came as a recommenced solid alternative to Firestone airbags. I liked the idea of the adjustability, but I didn't want to take the chances with the reliability issues I have heard from a few folks. Again, I wanted to do it once, do it right, and forget about it.

 

The new OME leaf pack, Bilstein 5160s, and Timbrens all went on in the last few days and I am very happy with the results thus far. Added around 3+ inches of lift to rear end and it absorbs and smooths out bumps better than before. (expecting it to settle in a little, but hopefully not too much, as I like the rake it has right now)

 

Hi, when it squats again look up papa smurf and osidepunker. They came out with a 3" wide spring pack. It is 3' inch wide compared to 2.25' stock packs. The extra width doesn't flatten out as fast.










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Right on! Do you know who makes that pack and if any other mods have to be done?

 

Either Atlas or Deaver, yes, you need a wider spring mount welded on.

 

As I have always been curious what others are packing in their decked systems, I figured I would share what I have in mine.

Tools, recovery gear, full backcountry kitchen setup, repair kit, solar lighting and charging kit, air compressor, box of food for a couple days, chairs, shade setups, and a few other random items. All fits great and I love the organization that the decked system has allowed.

And yes, those yellow lid boxes are the cheap ones you can find at Lowes or Walmart. The big one is the kitchen kit and the small is for food. They fit in the drawers perfectly!

I keep the full first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the cab.

 

Wasn't sure how the surfboards would go on top with the high rise leer, but thankfully they stack perfectly and there is no hard contact with camper shell despite how this picture makes it look.

 

Getting ready to take off on a month long road trip with 2 kids and the partner in crime, and wanted to add a little more storage for items we may not need everyday when we are traveling. Kinda dig the color match. I don't think it will be on their permanently as I can't put surfboards or anything else on the yakima rack when it is mounted.

 

The high rise is the best part of your truck imo

 

Beautiful truck!