1st gen Tundra lift recomendations

[upcruiser]

Just throwing around an idea right now. My wife and I have been discussing vehicles a bunch this week. I had listed my '00 Tundra for sale but now we are having second thoughts and thinking we should hold onto it. I love the truck honestly and it does everything a daily driver should do and more.

Instead of selling it though we are thinking about getting rid of the Discovery. If we do this, I'd like to upgrad the Tundra a bit to make it more capable for light duty overland type activity. I'd like to get it up on 33's, with the right amount of lift to provide a comfortable rid still and not sacrifice the truck's great on pavement abilities. Do you guys have some good recomendations along these lines? I'd like the suspension to have the same load carrying capacity as the current add-a-leaf setup. Also, I'd like to come up with a good rear bumper/tire carrier setup.

The long term plan would be to eventually throw a fwc on it (I am becoming more and more smitten bythem) use it for longer trips. The truck does trips well now however I'd like it to have a bit more reserve in offroad ability as to not stress it in tougher environments.

Lastly, I need to deal with the leaky manifolds. Are Doug Thorley headers the way to go still? I see prices seem to have dropped a bit on them.

 

[jsnow]

Seeing you're on the Front Range, I would suggest giving Ben at Slee Off Road a call. They have a good set up using OME coils and struts in the fron with an add a leaf in the rear. I'm running the OME coils and struts and think the ride is great. Just my .02

 

[Haggis]

I was surprised when I saw your Tundra for sale, though my step brother was eyeballing it until we realized it was sitting in CO not MI.

As far as fitting 33s under your truck there's a couple ways to go and it depends on which 33" tall tire your shooting for. If your planning on 255/85/16s you can get away with as little as 1.5" of lift and some inner fender pinchweld massaging. Check out jim65wagon's Tundra thread for details on this. For 285/75/16s your gonna need 2.5" inches of lift and the pinchweld mod since you have an Access Cab. For the front lift I'd think you'd be happiest with either the Bilstien 5100s or the Donahue coil overs. Both are adjustable to height, the Donahoes even more so as they can be adjusted on the vehcile to any height where the Bilstiens are at set predetermined levels and need to be removed, compressed and reinstalled if you change your mind on ride height. Jim recently switched from a spacer kit to the Donahues and loves them, even more so since he bought a set barely used at a great price. I'm running the Bilstiens set at the 2.5" and am very happy with both the ride level and the comfort. 285s reside under my truck, but be aware that to run them you need aftermarket rims with at the maximum of 4.5" backspacing. Anything deeper, like the stock rims, and the tires will hit the upper control arms. You can get away with using the stock rims if your going to mount up the 255s. The Bilstiens will be easier on your wallet and they are easy to install. Jim, after testing my truck and his truck with the Donahues, perfers the Donahues but says the Bilstiens are pretty close to ride quality. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.

For the rear you can go a couple of ways. A single AAl, a 3 leaf progressive AAL, or custom springs. I went with the single AALs to keep the orginial costs down but as I use my truck harder than most people as far as work goes (it hauls and trailers alot) they're just not up to task. I have a custom set of Deaver springs coming to solve that problem. A 1.5" lift will level your rear with your front with a 2.5" front lift and give you a slight rake with the 1.5" front lift.

Look for Roundout's Tundra build thread as it has alot of good info contained within or if your intereseted check out my Tundra build thread in my signature for details on my truck. Not as good as Roundouts but there's some good sci-fi book recommendations in it...:elkgrin:

 

[SunMan]

I was surprised when I saw your Tundra for sale, though my step brother was eyeballing it until we realized it was sitting in CO not MI.

As far as fitting 33s under your truck there's a couple ways to go and it depends on which 33" tall tire your shooting for. If your planning on 255/85/16s you can get away with as little as 1.5" of lift and some inner fender pinchweld massaging. Check out jim65wagon's Tundra thread for details on this. For 285/75/16s your gonna need 2.5" inches of lift and the pinchweld mod since you have an Access Cab. For the front lift I'd think you'd be happiest with either the Bilstien 5100s or the Donahue coil overs. Both are adjustable to height, the Donahoes even more so as they can be adjusted on the vehcile to any height where the Bilstiens are at set predetermined levels and need to be removed, compressed and reinstalled if you change your mind on ride height. Jim recently switched from a spacer kit to the Donahues and loves them, even more so since he bought a set barely used at a great price. I'm running the Bilstiens set at the 2.5" and am very happy with both the ride level and the comfort. 285s reside under my truck, but be aware that to run them you need aftermarket rims with at the maximum of 4.5" backspacing. Anything deeper, like the stock rims, and the tires will hit the upper control arms. You can get away with using the stock rims if your going to mount up the 255s. The Bilstiens will be easier on your wallet and they are easy to install. Jim, after testing my truck and his truck with the Donahues, perfers the Donahues but says the Bilstiens are pretty close to ride quality. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.

For the rear you can go a couple of ways. A single AAl, a 3 leaf progressive AAL, or custom springs. I went with the single AALs to keep the orginial costs down but as I use my truck harder than most people as far as work goes (it hauls and trailers alot) they're just not up to task. I have a custom set of Deaver springs coming to solve that problem. A 1.5" lift will level your rear with your front with a 2.5" front lift and give you a slight rake with the 1.5" front lift.

Look for Roundout's Tundra build thread as it has alot of good info contained within or if your intereseted check out my Tundra build thread in my signature for details on my truck. Not as good as Roundouts but there's some good sci-fi book recommendations in it...:elkgrin:

Sorry for the hi jack but do these procedures apply to a 1st gen double cab too? I am facing the same problem and was hoping I could get by with a leveling kit to pull off 285/75/16s. Running airbags in the rear. Input appreciated.

 

[upcruiser]

Seeing you're on the Front Range, I would suggest giving Ben at Slee Off Road a call. They have a good set up using OME coils and struts in the fron with an add a leaf in the rear. I'm running the OME coils and struts and think the ride is great. Just my .02

You know what, I didn't even think of Slee for Tundra gear.... hmmm I was just there a couple of weeks ago too. When I built my 80 I sourced all my gear from those guys and Christo is a good dude.

 

[upcruiser]

I was surprised when I saw your Tundra for sale, though my step brother was eyeballing it until we realized it was sitting in CO not MI.

As far as fitting 33s under your truck there's a couple ways to go and it depends on which 33" tall tire your shooting for. If your planning on 255/85/16s you can get away with as little as 1.5" of lift and some inner fender pinchweld massaging. Check out jim65wagon's Tundra thread for details on this. For 285/75/16s your gonna need 2.5" inches of lift and the pinchweld mod since you have an Access Cab. For the front lift I'd think you'd be happiest with either the Bilstien 5100s or the Donahue coil overs. Both are adjustable to height, the Donahoes even more so as they can be adjusted on the vehcile to any height where the Bilstiens are at set predetermined levels and need to be removed, compressed and reinstalled if you change your mind on ride height. Jim recently switched from a spacer kit to the Donahues and loves them, even more so since he bought a set barely used at a great price. I'm running the Bilstiens set at the 2.5" and am very happy with both the ride level and the comfort. 285s reside under my truck, but be aware that to run them you need aftermarket rims with at the maximum of 4.5" backspacing. Anything deeper, like the stock rims, and the tires will hit the upper control arms. You can get away with using the stock rims if your going to mount up the 255s. The Bilstiens will be easier on your wallet and they are easy to install. Jim, after testing my truck and his truck with the Donahues, perfers the Donahues but says the Bilstiens are pretty close to ride quality. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.

For the rear you can go a couple of ways. A single AAl, a 3 leaf progressive AAL, or custom springs. I went with the single AALs to keep the orginial costs down but as I use my truck harder than most people as far as work goes (it hauls and trailers alot) they're just not up to task. I have a custom set of Deaver springs coming to solve that problem. A 1.5" lift will level your rear with your front with a 2.5" front lift and give you a slight rake with the 1.5" front lift.

Look for Roundout's Tundra build thread as it has alot of good info contained within or if your intereseted check out my Tundra build thread in my signature for details on my truck. Not as good as Roundouts but there's some good sci-fi book recommendations in it...:elkgrin:

LOL at the sci-fi book recommendations. ha ha

Yeah I just brought the truck out to CO, it had been sitting in Michigan unused since October. The only reason I was going to sell it was just because my wife and I have too many cars. I LOVE the Land Rover but realistically the cost of upkeep on my Tundra versus the Rover won't even be comparable and I can do more things with the Tundra (like keep waiting for KC to sell me his FWC when he upgrades).

I had completely forgotten about Gary's build, I will got back through that. I remember following it but it has been awhile. Yours and Jim's builds have been inspiration for me too. Before I committ to anything I wanted to solicit the latest advice as to what people are experiencing.

I am considering a 255/85 for tire size and running the stock sized tires for winter.

Do you have any oppinions on Toytech lifts? http://www.toyteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58845&category_id=66&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

That is another setup I am considering. They adjust up to 3.5" of lift. I seem to be hovering between these and the Donahues.

I currently have an add-a-leaf from the previous owner and it makes for a definate rake as it sits but great towing and load carrying abilities. I'd like to maintain that as I go up in lift. One more question, what is your impressions of your tire size with regards to stock gearing? I believe you are still running stock gears no?

 

[Haggis]

Sorry for the hi jack but do these procedures apply to a 1st gen double cab too? I am facing the same problem and was hoping I could get by with a leveling kit to pull off 285/75/16s. Running airbags in the rear. Input appreciated.

Yep. Mine is a DC and except that the DC's fenderwells are longer than the ACs and you don't need to use the BFH on the pinchwelds. You do have to remove the factory front mudflaps to keep the 285s from rubbing. of course this is with using the proper backspacing on your rims.

LOL at the sci-fi book recommendations. ha ha

Yeah I just brought the truck out to CO, it had been sitting in Michigan unused since October. The only reason I was going to sell it was just because my wife and I have too many cars. I LOVE the Land Rover but realistically the cost of upkeep on my Tundra versus the Rover won't even be comparable and I can do more things with the Tundra (like keep waiting for KC to sell me his FWC when he upgrades).

I had completely forgotten about Gary's build, I will got back through that. I remember following it but it has been awhile. Yours and Jim's builds have been inspiration for me too. Before I committ to anything I wanted to solicit the latest advice as to what people are experiencing.

I am considering a 255/85 for tire size and running the stock sized tires for winter.

Do you have any oppinions on Toytech lifts? http://www.toyteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58845&category_id=66&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

That is another setup I am considering. They adjust up to 3.5" of lift. I seem to be hovering between these and the Donahues.

I currently have an add-a-leaf from the previous owner and it makes for a definate rake as it sits but great towing and load carrying abilities. I'd like to maintain that as I go up in lift. One more question, what is your impressions of your tire size with regards to stock gearing? I believe you are still running stock gears no?

I don't know anyone who is running the Toytec stuff. It looks like a good set up. You'd probably get some good feedback on these from the Tundrasolutions site. If you go a full 3.5" you'll need to do a 1" front diff drop to keep your CVs from imploding or go with a custom CV set-up.

Yeah my truck still has the stock gearing in it but its a 4:10 set up from the factory. I noticed no change in driveability going with the Bilstiens and the 285s and no drop in gas mileage. It still acts like a rocket ship at the red light races. If anything the truck handles better than before. The speedo is off a couple of mph at 70 mph but that doesn't bother me. Jim's truck is also running the stock gears and he's real happy with his truck's preformance. And he's real particular about stuff. I am not satisfied with the stock Tundra springs and the AAL as it is not beefy enough for my needs. As I haul and tow heavy gear and trailers the springs continue to settle and just aren't up to snuff. I have a set of Deaver springs coming (should be here next week) to address the problem and I'm going to install a set of Timbrens to help take the jounce out of the heavier springs.

 

[SunMan]

Yep. Mine is a DC and except that the DC's fenderwells are longer than the ACs and you don't need to use the BFH on the pinchwelds. You do have to remove the factory front mudflaps to keep the 285s from rubbing. of course this is with using the proper backspacing on your rims.
.

Thanks compadre, very much appreciate the info!

 

[upcruiser]

I don't know anyone who is running the Toytec stuff. It looks like a good set up. You'd probably get some good feedback on these from the Tundrasolutions site. If you go a full 3.5" you'll need to do a 1" front diff drop to keep your CVs from imploding or go with a custom CV set-up.

Yeah my truck still has the stock gearing in it but its a 4:10 set up from the factory. I noticed no change in driveability going with the Bilstiens and the 285s and no drop in gas mileage. It still acts like a rocket ship at the red light races. If anything the truck handles better than before. The speedo is off a couple of mph at 70 mph but that doesn't bother me. Jim's truck is also running the stock gears and he's real happy with his truck's preformance. And he's real particular about stuff. I am not satisfied with the stock Tundra springs and the AAL as it is not beefy enough for my needs. As I haul and tow heavy gear and trailers the springs continue to settle and just aren't up to snuff. I have a set of Deaver springs coming (should be here next week) to address the problem and I'm going to install a set of Timbrens to help take the jounce out of the heavier springs.

That Toytech kit includes a diff drop kit with it. Still reading up though, I have some time. Thinking of doing this in June sometime when I get back to Michigan.