I’ve been following you for 6 months now. Found my 05 DC 4x4 Tundra using you as a resource, built up my suspension using you as a resource and bought 255/85 skinny 33 while using you as a resource. I have zero regrets from all the money I’ve put into this truck because you put the time into educating your viewers from making the wrong decisions for our trucks. Thanks Tyler!
Hey, have you done any lift to fit those skinny 33’s? I’m looking into doing a 2-3 inch lift with skinny 33’s and I want to make sure they won’t rub when off roading
@@skyleroffenbacher9796 Yes, I went with a 2 inch lift with the Bilstein 6112/5160 kit, Freedom offroad UPC, OEM LBJ and a 1 inch lift full deaver spring pack for the rear. I do need to take my truck to an offroad/lifted truck specific alignment shop to get the caster dialed in, but it's all working out well enough.
I am not involved with overlanding (yet) but now I wish every topic would have a person who can explain *actual* experience like this. Imagine learning about coffee culture, cooking or what-have-you clearly and concisely explained by a cool trustable dude. No upselling, no silly music or effects. Gotta go see your next video now, bye.
Great video, agree with you final thoughts. If I was to do my 4Runner again I would do several things differently. Stay in 32” tires 2.5 lift. Gearing only 4.56 instead of 4:88. Lighter rear bumper using factory spare tire space. Portals would change my setup if I could afford them. I enjoy the size, mpg and weight of a more stock vehicle.
Very informative and well presented video. Currently in the position of changing/ upgrading my worn-out suspension. You gave me a lot of food for thought. Cheers.
I was a mechanic for 25 plus years and learned the same thing that your talking about. I got the data sheet to repin the drakes for the speedo in Chevy and had a little hustle on Ebay
What an excellent video! I am in the process of swapping out my cheap for a forerunner, and trying to decide what to do with the suspension and other mods that I used to having on a jeep. You’ve helped me make this decision, common sense thought process! Thank you! You have a new subscriber!
Great video! First time I've seen your channel, I just stumbled across your video. I can't emphasize how valuable your video is. I've gone through the same things you are talking about. It's amazing because every time you said something I'm like yes he gets it. I don't have a tundra but I've gone down the same journey as you and I've learned a lot along the way. Although I didn't go crazy with the tires, I did go bigger. I think it's a good compromise. I did re-gear diffs, suspension and locker while I was at it. You have to look at your vehicle systems as a whole, you can't just upgrade one component without affecting other things. And I didn't really go extreme I only have 33s on my truck right now and that's plenty for me for now. I do you have another set of tires that I swap in and they re a bit over 34'", but not extremely wide either. All the things you said are are on point. One more thing that everyone needs to realize is, when you change the diameter of your tires you also change the reading on your speedometer. You have to make sure to recalibrate that if you want to have accurate speed readings. I already had a tuner for my truck and that was one of the functions so I didn't have to go out and buy anything just to recalibrate. I think everyone should have a tune or anyway karma comes in handy for a lot of things - engine tunes for performance, economy, shifting etc and also reads diagnostic codes and clears them. And if you change your tire size or go back and forth like me you can recalibrate just as easily. Ok back to my original statement, thank you for the video. One thing that I really like s regular guy and you come across as very genuine. You're not in a shop coming off as an expert karma are trying to sell things - you are telling us about your experience and it's real. Your experience is valuable because you're one of us and it does come across as genuine. Of course everyone has their own experiences and their own preferences. But listening to what you have gone through, and your advice is definitely valuable and everyone should think about these things before doing any mods
This is a very relevant video. I did all 3 mistakes and I'm in the same state of mind haha... All the "right" options are very costly and for newbies that aren't sure if they like it then is okay to start somewhere. But yeah, youll end up spending more later... Nice first gen BTW! I Rock a 06 as a company truck and overlander vehicle!
Archive MD, one of the best mods I’ve ever done brother. Retrofits are a major update as well. I don’t have a ton of regrets. I just wish I had more money to knock out my entire front end at once with suspension upgrades. I am having to go back and do CV’s and likely LCA’s here soon. Money doesn’t grow on trees and sometimes you just have to do them as time/money allows.
Followed you since your R50 days...I still have my old Manual Transmission VG33 SE. It is absolutely true about too big tires...I only went to 31s with mine and have been very happy with as I have yet have clearance/traction/gas mileage issues with my style of driving. Just did an OHV trail in NV couple of weeks ago and did fine (on stock refreshed suspension f/r). I ended up doing over 1000 miles of mix driving in less than 4 day. I did put two spare tires (under body/tire carrier) but now thinking maybe a wench if I get more extreme. Great Content!
Love the vid! I would say types of tires affect the daily drivability more so than tire size. Most people do not need to run MT where they are going, in fact there are so many cons that come with it. I’ve gone crazy places in my Crown Victoria with all-season tires, I’m still amazed how I even got there. On road all-terrain tires are probably what most people need.
I agree make it simple with my 2021 4Runner TRD off road premium I went with the bilstein 6112 in the front with the wescott design pre collar kit works great gives me a full 3 “ the rear I went with the Old Man Emu medium rear springs perfect over land built cry once like you said don’t go cheap Method 305s with ko2s 285/75/17 please don’t go any bigger it will mess with the geometry of your suspension and off course westcott design rock sliders and ladder prinsu roof rack with a ikamper mini which only weighs 125 pounds it rides smoother than it did from factory MPGs suck but it is what it is 🤙🏾perfect Overland vehicle ever built in the world it’s not a rock crawler but I’ve done plenty of nice trails in Colorado, New Mexico 🤙🏾
I have an 01 tundra on 255/80r17s and I love the tire setup but I made the same mistake with the aaa and I fully plan to get an alcan leafpack and eventually airbags for a full camper setup
My truck is 90/10 daily vs off-road. So, although I regeared for 33" MTs, I only use them for off-road trips. I have set of 31" ATs for daily driving. This helps extend the life of the more wear prone (and more expensive) MTs, and reduces the drivetrain wear/stress daily driving the higher rolling resistance, heavier and taller 33s would cause.
On my Frontier I installed a Hefty Fab aluminum front bumper and a winch. Weighing all the factory steel take off parts, it was nearly the same. Winch made it slightly heavier. Bilstein 5100s leveled the front and airbags on the rear adjust for an empty bed or with camper shell, gear and my DR650 or KTM on a hitch rack. Air down stock size KO2's get me anywhere I want to drive. Bike the rest. Budget friendly and maybe 1 mpg hit due to heavier tires.
Winter tire chains, are not just for ice and snow. Slick, steep and wet clay road require chains, even two wheel drive vehicles can greatly benefit from having tire chains on board during other than winter driving conditions.
I went with a torch add a leaf, 3 inches of lift with that if you keep the factory overload for towing. Great deal even compared to the icon one. Even has a angled baseplate for your pinion angle.
Owned and really used 5 4x4 in the last 35 years - on the 2nd I fitted a CT winch and used it once in 1993 in the mountains of Romania to pull myself and an other Landrover up on a steep stretch. In 1996 I took it off sold the LR Discovery and bought the 2nd LR Discovery never even installed it. 2000 I got my 3rd LR Discovery, again didn't install the Superwinch. 2023 I gave it to a friend for woodwork in a forest! A winch is like an insurance, you hope never to use it and normally you will not use it - at least not for yourself! It's most likely use is to pull out others!
I should have payed closer attention to the overall weight. Like u I have gone through a couple iterations of my rear leaf springs. Finally settled on an Archive Garage pack.
On both my 2020 Tacoma and my 2004 4Runner, I upgraded the suspension and got decent All Terrain tires in the stock size. They look slightly odd with the smaller tires and stock wheels but I don't care, since my gas mileage hasn't changed much and they still goes everywhere I wanna go 🤷🏾♂️
I have an 04 Tundra Extra cab. Bought it brand new off the showroom floor almost 20 years ago, March 04. I have retired and have been building/upgrading the truck. Still a daily driver but not a commuter. I had previously done Bilstein 5100's front and rear with the 2" front leveling several years ago. Then, like you, I have added custom front/rear bumpers and a 10K lb Smittybuilt winch. The added front weight has been too much for the 5100's. The old adage, adding new on old. Not really the 5100 shock, but the stock front springs. I just finished up a complete front suspension build. New Bilstein 6112's with stiffer springs, Camburg upper control arms, All new upper/lower control arm bushings/ball joints. I did an air bag helper kit in the back rather than add a leafs. 3" of lift, now on 33"s - also narrow. The truck rides stiffer, but with the heavier bumpers, it feels so much more stable. The hardest thing for this build was actually getting delivery of the parts. It took a couple of months just to assemble them before I could even start.
@@208Tyler My 5100's were pretty much blown out with the factory springs. I see you upgraded your springs. I had to replace anyways, so I went with the 6112's. Just a point of building like you have mentioned.
@@208Tyler Building things out, planning. Everything is good until it is not. 3 years ago when I bought my 5100's, I didn't think I would have custom bumpers.
I did my custom bumpers after hitting a huge deer. The 04 bumper is just plastic. My vacation over. Sh!t happens. I could have gone to a body shop and had it put back to stock.
I just got an 02 tundra like this. Mint old man truck. That's actually what made me click on this and another of your videos about over landing. I don't plan on doing any real wheeling with it or over landing. Its possible I could sleep in the back someday. Mostly I got it to pull my 4 Wheeler and camper around. It's the worlds smallest toy hauler. The only real mod I was considering was a tough front bumper like you have for animals and just to prevent damage. I did replace the factory trd shocks with the same kind of 4600 yellow bilstiens already. Did the front bumper make the front squat much? I didn't want to lift the front since towing would make the rear squat.
Yes, the front bumper is heavy enough that I you would need lift shocks/coils on the front to compensate. I chose a setup that added 1-1.5” of lift to the front to level out.
I just have two wheel/tire sets. One set is Baja Boss AT LT255/85R17LT (basically 35x10.2") for actual moderate+ trails and one set that's Geolander AT 255/70R17 that are daily and anything less than moderate. This setup works great for me, but the expensive Baja bosses will age out waaaaaay before they wear out. Both of those tire setups are pizza cutters which helps with fitting. The Baja Bosses are power robbers because they are still pretty heavy, in addition to the larger radius. For that reason I am re-gearing someday soon.
I would agree with all your points. My 2002 toyota sequoia still is stock suspension. Saving up to do it right! It's very tempting to get a lift on it though. It already sagging 2 inches in the back. 6000 pounds . With the interior build! 5200 to 5300 is stock weight! Trying to find suspension set up to support the weight. 5100 bilstein are'nt going to cut it. IM LOOKING AT THE BILSTEIN 6112 WITH 700 POUND SPRINGS. AND SOME TYPE OF REAR 3 WAY ADJUSTABLE SCHOCKS ...👌 NOT CHEAP. It was painful buying stock Size tires again At least they're wild peak AT3W tires 265 70 16. Knowing I plan to run 31 or 32 inch eventually. Probably a regear also with a locker at the same time. I did build out my interior first plaform bed slide out fridge and table.. Along with a extra 100 watt lithium Iron phosphate battery, and a 100 watt solar panel.😅
Oh man. I have 35x12s and it’s such a burden on the powertrain and payload. Thankfully I have a v8 with reserve of power but when I see a Tacoma with the same set up I’m just thinking that they have literally overblown their payload with the tires and suspension alone. I wouldn’t do it again but the truck does perform and look pretty dang good.
Si es times you can get a “fuller” look by adding slightly taller tires on a wider rim (for a Tacoma, going 33” x 11” on a 17x9” rim will look very good and you will avoid trying to fit 35” if only for looks)
I bought them from Mcgeorge Toyota Online. I think they got rebranded, but any online Toyota parts website (like toyotapartsdeal) should be able to get you LBJ bolts by VIN number
I just bought a 2023 Tacoma Access Cab TRD OR (27Jan2024) and I’m saving up for Volk wheels in the stock 16” size and keeping everything stock so that I will not stress the drivetrain. Cali Raised sliders are going to be first though. I have no experience in off roading and so I want to learn how to drive with my stock truck.
Hey man I've got a question, so I've got an '05 double cab v8 4x4 and I was originally looking at bumpers like this one and the brute force fab one but then I realized other 1st gen tundra have done either a stock bumper chop or even just deleted the front bumper all together (with or without the front crash bar) and I was thinking of removing mine but keeping the crash bar and painting all the metal a dark black to help "pretty" it up and installing either a light bar or round lights mounted to the crash bar to help give it a more finished appearance (and to also cover up the radiator) what do you think? Tbh I know the look isn't for everyone but I really like the look, I like that I get just as good if not better approach angle and clearance than most aftermarket steel bumpers, while also saving the money AND the added weight. But my main concern would be safety, do you think it would be very impractical and/or reducing safety in any way if I just removed the front plastic bumper and ran it like that?
@@208Tyler I'm just going off what was listed on discount or tire rack website that's what I was saying 🤷 it's because it's going from the standard load to the E-load range I guess & it's the KO2'S, KO3's weigh 50lbs so that's 🆒... BETTER lighter than heavier so they went the right direction with the updated tires. 💪👍🛻💨 I'm adding 60lbs of rotating mass with the new tires. I haven't put them on yet I just ordered them my original one's still have some tread life
My problem with the winch is similar to changing tire size. Adding a winch is adding a lot more weight further out. More than likely need to upgrade bumper. Adding upgrade bumper adds more weight and more weight further out. My F150 Ecoboost has a compatiblity problem with a winch or most all bumpers and the intercooler location. I really need to relocate the intercooler. There are some mods that may enable me to add just winch but then I feel like well I've gone that far might as well get a bumper purpose built!
My favorite tire so far for the R50 is 31" Patagonia MT from Milestar. I have a quick walk around vid on my channel if you wanna see the build... I Couldn't agree more on the utility of a winch. Carrying a snatch block 'pulley' multiplies the effectiveness of that winch by an order of magnitude because it allows double line (2x the pulling power) or redirected winch pulls for uniquely difficult situations. Great tool for pulling a whole tree onto the trail for firewood too... a lot easier than huffin' it out piece by piece!
Do not lift your vehicle or add bigger tires unless you are very specifically having ground clearance issues. As a whole, lifted vehicles don't get through trails as well plus they are much worse on the road getting to the trail. I've been off roading for 30yrs in the PNW... 9-11in with skid plates and good suspension are more than enough for most sticky situations. Too often I see dudes get excited about this lifted in the air truck and it's tippy, awkward, hard to turn, difficult to see, and otherwise not great when you're just trying to have some fun on a forest road
Google it, but basically the top gear in most automotive transmissions, geared to help you cruise at high speeds and lower RPMS. A lot of people turn it off when towing
I love watching videos from 3rd World Haji countries, the ones where the comments section is in Arabic. Those guys overland old Toyota Hilux pickups loaded with logs, etc on some of the worst roads I have ever seen. They usually invest in good tires, never larger than 33's, often less, but they can wheel using a good base vehicle with good tires.
The first two should be common sense if you know cars The last I definitely need to get So far, I'm lucky I haven't got stuck real bad that I need a winch
I've been driving trucks and offroading for over 30 years. You don't need a whole lot of mods to get out and hit the trails. Dont fall for that "Overlanding" marketing hype! I've had winches on my last four trucks and only them seriously mybe three times. My last truck had a winch but I never hooked it up to the batteryin four years. Never needed it! Same goes for Matt Tracks!
Every vehicle is different, every driver is different, so FIRST take your stock vehicle out and actually figure out what you need/want. In addition to that, study off road driving. Understand angles of approach/departure, break over angle, off camber situations, and vehicle components (including how they are incorporated). I think that a winch is honestly the best first upgrade. KNOW HOW TO USE IT SAFELY THOUGH. Secondly, I would say a rear locker, IF your vehicle doesn't already have one. This allows you better traction, which means you can drive more controlled. This alone can help you avoid serious mistakes. Third..... Seriously try to find someone to go with. Often times serious problems can happen quickly. Additionally, it only take a minor issue to keep you stranded. Maybe you did something as simple as run out of gas.
Realistically no one is using lockers. 4WD still doubles the number of tires receiving power…. Even if they’re open diffs, it’s a distinct advantage to step up from RWD to 4WD, especially on a pickup
@@208Tyler With very little struggle I was easily able to find and watch that video because Im really good at the internet. Please ask no further questions about my previous claim regarding how easily I found and watched your last video. . .
For me personally it's mostly for economic reasons. -High gas expense due to bad MPG (heavy rig) -Minimize wear & tear, especially on tires -Less chance of break-ins. Built rigs are targeted a lot, at least where I live
For me, I would lose money unless I got an almost impossibly cheap and reliable beater. I fill up my truck about once or twice a month, so even paying cash for an old civic would take a while to break even. Extra insurance + maintenance for another vehicle…. I’d love to do it for convenience sake, but I don’t think it would be a big money saver. I’m fortunate to not have break-in concerns.
I think both of y'all are right. The Tundra looks like a daily on the outside, which I think is key to decreased attraction from thieves. If you're daily is fully loaded externally with recovery gear and looks like it's on a supply stop before it heads back to the trails, that might be a strong target. I'm working on my 03 Pathfinder to be an incognito overlander. OME suspension and springs, method wheels and good hybrid tires on the outside with heavy skid plates. Performs great for weekend warrior stuff on Forest service roads and some slightly tougher terrains. Can still drive it to work everyday. I'm eventually gonna get a bumper when I find one I'm happy with. When I'm out on trails, I strap stuff to the roof, but it looks stock when I'm driving to work.
Good video. But before your next trip, PLEASE paint your unfinished garage. Don't take it personally but i have never understood why people dont just finish the job. As men, we like garages for many reasons.
Get yourself a 2nd vehicle 🚗. Sorry to tell ya, but if you’re pounding even a high quality vehicle, for everything you’re going to pay dearly! Get yourself a relief 2ndary car or little pickup. Been building my 02’ tundra with lots of updates & maintenance for the last 6-yrs ! But I don’t drive it everyday! Also, most people think a farm jack or hi-lift jack is used for only changing tires or lifting a vehicle out a jam ! Farm jacks can get ranch gates open that are stuck etc, etc , etc! Cool vid, I understand your gripes , but understand that you too must grow and not lean on one vehicle as that is bad planning too. My truck is light daily because over the yrs I have purchased older vehicles that no one wanted and also built them up for backups!🫡
I actually don’t pay dearly for daily driving this though. With a short commute to work, a second car could never financially make sense. I think this video is useful for other people who are in similar scenarios or who want to daily drive a weekend-warrior type vehicle
@@208Tyler I get it bro. Short commute and all! But never rely on Just one means of transportation. Things still happen… Hell, it’s 2024, at least grab a Electric Dirtbike, even a Electric bike 😃 I say what I say in appreciation for you and your content. I’m 50yrs old and learned this over time..
I’ve been following you for 6 months now. Found my 05 DC 4x4 Tundra using you as a resource, built up my suspension using you as a resource and bought 255/85 skinny 33 while using you as a resource.
I have zero regrets from all the money I’ve put into this truck because you put the time into educating your viewers from making the wrong decisions for our trucks.
Thanks Tyler!
Thank you! That means a lot. I’m glad to hear you’ve made so much progress on your truck, it sounds like it’s turned out great.
Hey, have you done any lift to fit those skinny 33’s? I’m looking into doing a 2-3 inch lift with skinny 33’s and I want to make sure they won’t rub when off roading
@@skyleroffenbacher9796 Yes, I went with a 2 inch lift with the Bilstein 6112/5160 kit, Freedom offroad UPC, OEM LBJ and a 1 inch lift full deaver spring pack for the rear. I do need to take my truck to an offroad/lifted truck specific alignment shop to get the caster dialed in, but it's all working out well enough.
I am not involved with overlanding (yet) but now I wish every topic would have a person who can explain *actual* experience like this. Imagine learning about coffee culture, cooking or what-have-you clearly and concisely explained by a cool trustable dude. No upselling, no silly music or effects. Gotta go see your next video now, bye.
Thanks! Glad you got something out of the video
For most people, just using the same sized tire, but bumping it to All Terrain is enough.
You are quite right actually.
When I bought my gen1 Taco it came with MT's, then bought Mt's again, and learned the lesson and went At's.
That's what I did
Skinny larger tires can help a lot with maintaining power, economy, and reduced parts wear
They also make better traction in most scenarios.
Great video, agree with you final thoughts. If I was to do my 4Runner again I would do several things differently. Stay in 32” tires 2.5 lift. Gearing only 4.56 instead of 4:88. Lighter rear bumper using factory spare tire space. Portals would change my setup if I could afford them. I enjoy the size, mpg and weight of a more stock vehicle.
Very informative and well presented video. Currently in the position of changing/ upgrading my worn-out suspension. You gave me a lot of food for thought. Cheers.
Thank you! I’m glad you got a lot out of the video.
I was a mechanic for 25 plus years and learned the same thing that your talking about. I got the data sheet to repin the drakes for the speedo in Chevy and had a little hustle on Ebay
What an excellent video! I am in the process of swapping out my cheap for a forerunner, and trying to decide what to do with the suspension and other mods that I used to having on a jeep. You’ve helped me make this decision, common sense thought process! Thank you! You have a new subscriber!
Thanks! Glad you got so much out of this video
Great video! First time I've seen your channel, I just stumbled across your video. I can't emphasize how valuable your video is. I've gone through the same things you are talking about. It's amazing because every time you said something I'm like yes he gets it. I don't have a tundra but I've gone down the same journey as you and I've learned a lot along the way. Although I didn't go crazy with the tires, I did go bigger. I think it's a good compromise. I did re-gear diffs, suspension and locker while I was at it. You have to look at your vehicle systems as a whole, you can't just upgrade one component without affecting other things. And I didn't really go extreme I only have 33s on my truck right now and that's plenty for me for now. I do you have another set of tires that I swap in and they re a bit over 34'", but not extremely wide either. All the things you said are are on point. One more thing that everyone needs to realize is, when you change the diameter of your tires you also change the reading on your speedometer. You have to make sure to recalibrate that if you want to have accurate speed readings. I already had a tuner for my truck and that was one of the functions so I didn't have to go out and buy anything just to recalibrate. I think everyone should have a tune or anyway karma comes in handy for a lot of things - engine tunes for performance, economy, shifting etc and also reads diagnostic codes and clears them. And if you change your tire size or go back and forth like me you can recalibrate just as easily. Ok back to my original statement, thank you for the video. One thing that I really like s regular guy and you come across as very genuine. You're not in a shop coming off as an expert karma are trying to sell things - you are telling us about your experience and it's real. Your experience is valuable because you're one of us and it does come across as genuine. Of course everyone has their own experiences and their own preferences. But listening to what you have gone through, and your advice is definitely valuable and everyone should think about these things before doing any mods
Thanks man! Appreciate you commenting
This is a very relevant video. I did all 3 mistakes and I'm in the same state of mind haha... All the "right" options are very costly and for newbies that aren't sure if they like it then is okay to start somewhere. But yeah, youll end up spending more later... Nice first gen BTW! I Rock a 06 as a company truck and overlander vehicle!
Haha, that’s the best way to learn.
Thank you! The first gens are a pretty great pickup
Archive MD, one of the best mods I’ve ever done brother. Retrofits are a major update as well. I don’t have a ton of regrets. I just wish I had more money to knock out my entire front end at once with suspension upgrades. I am having to go back and do CV’s and likely LCA’s here soon. Money doesn’t grow on trees and sometimes you just have to do them as time/money allows.
I hear great things about the archive leafs!
No, it doesn’t grow on trees, and that’s ok. There’s more to life than trucks!
Followed you since your R50 days...I still have my old Manual Transmission VG33 SE. It is absolutely true about too big tires...I only went to 31s with mine and have been very happy with as I have yet have clearance/traction/gas mileage issues with my style of driving. Just did an OHV trail in NV couple of weeks ago and did fine (on stock refreshed suspension f/r). I ended up doing over 1000 miles of mix driving in less than 4 day. I did put two spare tires (under body/tire carrier) but now thinking maybe a wench if I get more extreme. Great Content!
Thanks for commenting! Glad your R50 is still treating you well
A wench is a young girl
A winch is what you mean.
I’ve been arriving to some of these same conclusions with my Bronco. Great video!
Thank you!
Love the vid! I would say types of tires affect the daily drivability more so than tire size. Most people do not need to run MT where they are going, in fact there are so many cons that come with it. I’ve gone crazy places in my Crown Victoria with all-season tires, I’m still amazed how I even got there. On road all-terrain tires are probably what most people need.
Ya, I’ve heard that as well, but haven’t ever run MT’s on any of my vehicles.
@@208Tyler My brother ran MTs on his 2018 F150 with the baby diesel. It’s fun out in the country, but not so mich everywhere else haha
I agree make it simple with my 2021 4Runner TRD off road premium I went with the bilstein 6112 in the front with the wescott design pre collar kit works great gives me a full 3 “ the rear I went with the Old Man Emu medium rear springs perfect over land built cry once like you said don’t go cheap Method 305s with ko2s 285/75/17 please don’t go any bigger it will mess with the geometry of your suspension and off course westcott design rock sliders and ladder prinsu roof rack with a ikamper mini which only weighs 125 pounds it rides smoother than it did from factory MPGs suck but it is what it is 🤙🏾perfect Overland vehicle ever built in the world it’s not a rock crawler but I’ve done plenty of nice trails in Colorado, New Mexico 🤙🏾
Well said! I like your taste in mods!
@@208Tyler thanks 🤙🏾
I have an 01 tundra on 255/80r17s and I love the tire setup but I made the same mistake with the aaa and I fully plan to get an alcan leafpack and eventually airbags for a full camper setup
Awesome. Ya the add a leaf is just so mediocre haha
My truck is 90/10 daily vs off-road. So, although I regeared for 33" MTs, I only use them for off-road trips. I have set of 31" ATs for daily driving. This helps extend the life of the more wear prone (and more expensive) MTs, and reduces the drivetrain wear/stress daily driving the higher rolling resistance, heavier and taller 33s would cause.
That’s a great way to go!
@@208Tyler Thanks!
Tyler call Lew at Alcan Spring he will get you taken care of. Custom build you whatever you want for whatever you plan to do with the rear 👍🏼
It’s gotta happen at some point. Especially if I get a rear bumper, that AAL won’t just cut it. Thanks for the recommendation!
@@208TylerI second Alcan. Just put a set on my double cab and they’re perfect.
On my Frontier I installed a Hefty Fab aluminum front bumper and a winch. Weighing all the factory steel take off parts, it was nearly the same. Winch made it slightly heavier. Bilstein 5100s leveled the front and airbags on the rear adjust for an empty bed or with camper shell, gear and my DR650 or KTM on a hitch rack. Air down stock size KO2's get me anywhere I want to drive. Bike the rest.
Budget friendly and maybe 1 mpg hit due to heavier tires.
All aluminum! impressive. I like your setup, it sounds great
Winter tire chains, are not just for ice and snow.
Slick, steep and wet clay road require chains, even two wheel drive vehicles can greatly benefit from having tire chains on board during other than winter driving conditions.
I went with a torch add a leaf, 3 inches of lift with that if you keep the factory overload for towing. Great deal even compared to the icon one. Even has a angled baseplate for your pinion angle.
Owned and really used 5 4x4 in the last 35 years - on the 2nd I fitted a CT winch and used it once in 1993 in the mountains of Romania to pull myself and an other Landrover up on a steep stretch. In 1996 I took it off sold the LR Discovery and bought the 2nd LR Discovery never even installed it. 2000 I got my 3rd LR Discovery, again didn't install the Superwinch. 2023 I gave it to a friend for woodwork in a forest!
A winch is like an insurance, you hope never to use it and normally you will not use it - at least not for yourself! It's most likely use is to pull out others!
Icon AAL for Tacoma sucks as well. Ended up on a used RTX leaf pack.
The farther you go from stock the more issues you’ll be dealing with. Stay as close as you can to factory if you are easily frustrated.
I should have payed closer attention to the overall weight. Like u I have gone through a couple iterations of my rear leaf springs. Finally settled on an Archive Garage pack.
Glad you got it figured out!
On both my 2020 Tacoma and my 2004 4Runner, I upgraded the suspension and got decent All Terrain tires in the stock size. They look slightly odd with the smaller tires and stock wheels but I don't care, since my gas mileage hasn't changed much and they still goes everywhere I wanna go 🤷🏾♂️
Most anywhere you are going, people first got there in CJ’s (or a comparable vehicle) with open diffs and tiny tires.
I have an 04 Tundra Extra cab. Bought it brand new off the showroom floor almost 20 years ago, March 04. I have retired and have been building/upgrading the truck. Still a daily driver but not a commuter. I had previously done Bilstein 5100's front and rear with the 2" front leveling several years ago. Then, like you, I have added custom front/rear bumpers and a 10K lb Smittybuilt winch. The added front weight has been too much for the 5100's. The old adage, adding new on old. Not really the 5100 shock, but the stock front springs. I just finished up a complete front suspension build. New Bilstein 6112's with stiffer springs, Camburg upper control arms, All new upper/lower control arm bushings/ball joints. I did an air bag helper kit in the back rather than add a leafs. 3" of lift, now on 33"s - also narrow. The truck rides stiffer, but with the heavier bumpers, it feels so much more stable. The hardest thing for this build was actually getting delivery of the parts. It took a couple of months just to assemble them before I could even start.
Nice build! Thanks for watching and commenting. I bet the 6112’s were a huge upgrade for you!
@@208Tyler My 5100's were pretty much blown out with the factory springs. I see you upgraded your springs. I had to replace anyways, so I went with the 6112's. Just a point of building like you have mentioned.
@@208Tyler Building things out, planning. Everything is good until it is not. 3 years ago when I bought my 5100's, I didn't think
I would have custom bumpers.
I did my custom bumpers after hitting a huge deer. The 04 bumper is just plastic. My vacation over. Sh!t happens. I could have gone to a body shop and had it put back to stock.
Great video! I have people tell me they're thinkin about getting a Jeep, so I say ARE U SURE ABOUT THAT?? LOL
Thanks! Haha
I just got an 02 tundra like this. Mint old man truck. That's actually what made me click on this and another of your videos about over landing. I don't plan on doing any real wheeling with it or over landing. Its possible I could sleep in the back someday. Mostly I got it to pull my 4 Wheeler and camper around. It's the worlds smallest toy hauler. The only real mod I was considering was a tough front bumper like you have for animals and just to prevent damage. I did replace the factory trd shocks with the same kind of 4600 yellow bilstiens already. Did the front bumper make the front squat much? I didn't want to lift the front since towing would make the rear squat.
Yes, the front bumper is heavy enough that I you would need lift shocks/coils on the front to compensate. I chose a setup that added 1-1.5” of lift to the front to level out.
I just have two wheel/tire sets. One set is Baja Boss AT LT255/85R17LT (basically 35x10.2") for actual moderate+ trails and one set that's Geolander AT 255/70R17 that are daily and anything less than moderate. This setup works great for me, but the expensive Baja bosses will age out waaaaaay before they wear out.
Both of those tire setups are pizza cutters which helps with fitting. The Baja Bosses are power robbers because they are still pretty heavy, in addition to the larger radius. For that reason I am re-gearing someday soon.
That’s a good way to go!
Archive garage rear leaf springs are a great upgrade, best money spent
I hear that a lot! They seem to have a great reputation
I would agree with all your points. My 2002 toyota sequoia still is stock suspension. Saving up to do it right! It's very tempting to get a lift on it though. It already sagging 2 inches in the back. 6000 pounds . With the interior build! 5200 to 5300 is stock weight! Trying to find suspension set up to support the weight. 5100 bilstein are'nt going to cut it. IM LOOKING AT THE BILSTEIN 6112 WITH 700 POUND SPRINGS. AND SOME TYPE OF REAR 3 WAY ADJUSTABLE SCHOCKS ...👌 NOT CHEAP. It was painful buying stock Size tires again At least they're wild peak AT3W tires 265 70 16. Knowing I plan to run 31 or 32 inch eventually. Probably a regear also with a locker at the same time.
I did build out my interior first plaform bed slide out fridge and table..
Along with a extra 100 watt lithium Iron phosphate battery, and a 100 watt solar panel.😅
Best of luck figuring out the suspension! I’m sure you’ll find something you like
Oh man. I have 35x12s and it’s such a burden on the powertrain and payload. Thankfully I have a v8 with reserve of power but when I see a Tacoma with the same set up I’m just thinking that they have literally overblown their payload with the tires and suspension alone. I wouldn’t do it again but the truck does perform and look pretty dang good.
Si es times you can get a “fuller” look by adding slightly taller tires on a wider rim (for a Tacoma, going 33” x 11” on a 17x9” rim will look very good and you will avoid trying to fit 35” if only for looks)
Great video as usual! Useful info as always!
Thank you! Thanks for watching
Where did you get your warm winch with the rebate?
Northridge 4x4!
Hey Tyler! I know it’s not on topic of this video but could you link where you got the bolts for your Lower Ball Joints? Thanks!
I bought them from Mcgeorge Toyota Online. I think they got rebranded, but any online Toyota parts website (like toyotapartsdeal) should be able to get you LBJ bolts by VIN number
Great video! I think this all good learning.
Thank you! I appreciate it
where is that sweater from? want!
I make sell them here: tr.ee/-2PcskX7qT
I just bought a 2023 Tacoma Access Cab TRD OR (27Jan2024) and I’m saving up for Volk wheels in the stock 16” size and keeping everything stock so that I will not stress the drivetrain. Cali Raised sliders are going to be first though. I have no experience in off roading and so I want to learn how to drive with my stock truck.
Yup, I would start stock and see what you like, then improve from there!
I don't think going up to 17 would kill it
Hey man I've got a question, so I've got an '05 double cab v8 4x4 and I was originally looking at bumpers like this one and the brute force fab one but then I realized other 1st gen tundra have done either a stock bumper chop or even just deleted the front bumper all together (with or without the front crash bar) and I was thinking of removing mine but keeping the crash bar and painting all the metal a dark black to help "pretty" it up and installing either a light bar or round lights mounted to the crash bar to help give it a more finished appearance (and to also cover up the radiator) what do you think? Tbh I know the look isn't for everyone but I really like the look, I like that I get just as good if not better approach angle and clearance than most aftermarket steel bumpers, while also saving the money AND the added weight. But my main concern would be safety, do you think it would be very impractical and/or reducing safety in any way if I just removed the front plastic bumper and ran it like that?
On my 3rd gen Tacoma I put 265/75/16 E-rated 53lbs 31.7"... Stock 265/70/16 37lbs 30.5" hope that's good. 🤔 Valid points thanks for the info
53 lbs is a heavy tire. Dang
@@208Tyler I'm just going off what was listed on discount or tire rack website that's what I was saying 🤷 it's because it's going from the standard load to the E-load range I guess & it's the KO2'S, KO3's weigh 50lbs so that's 🆒... BETTER lighter than heavier so they went the right direction with the updated tires. 💪👍🛻💨 I'm adding 60lbs of rotating mass with the new tires. I haven't put them on yet I just ordered them my original one's still have some tread life
My problem with the winch is similar to changing tire size. Adding a winch is adding a lot more weight further out. More than likely need to upgrade bumper. Adding upgrade bumper adds more weight and more weight further out. My F150 Ecoboost has a compatiblity problem with a winch or most all bumpers and the intercooler location. I really need to relocate the intercooler. There are some mods that may enable me to add just winch but then I feel like well I've gone that far might as well get a bumper purpose built!
is there a shock/strut recommendation for the nrc9449 and ome r50 lift? i’m looking for the best ride if possible.
I used KYB up front and Bilstein rear
Great Info here brother
Thanks!
Nice video. Very helpful.
Glad you found it helpful!
What if you were to put more horsepower in your truck, then put bigger tires on?
Sure. May have to upgrade other components as well, depending on how much power you’re adding
My favorite tire so far for the R50 is 31" Patagonia MT from Milestar. I have a quick walk around vid on my channel if you wanna see the build...
I Couldn't agree more on the utility of a winch. Carrying a snatch block 'pulley' multiplies the effectiveness of that winch by an order of magnitude because it allows double line (2x the pulling power) or redirected winch pulls for uniquely difficult situations. Great tool for pulling a whole tree onto the trail for firewood too... a lot easier than huffin' it out piece by piece!
I’ve heard good things about those tires!
Ya man. So many ways to use and to beef it up or adapt it to different situations!
I'm staying stock height with 265s on my Tacoma.
super informative videos my man. got a sub from me
Thank you!
Do not lift your vehicle or add bigger tires unless you are very specifically having ground clearance issues. As a whole, lifted vehicles don't get through trails as well plus they are much worse on the road getting to the trail. I've been off roading for 30yrs in the PNW... 9-11in with skid plates and good suspension are more than enough for most sticky situations. Too often I see dudes get excited about this lifted in the air truck and it's tippy, awkward, hard to turn, difficult to see, and otherwise not great when you're just trying to have some fun on a forest road
😂 yup. That sums it up.
What is overdrive?
Google it, but basically the top gear in most automotive transmissions, geared to help you cruise at high speeds and lower RPMS. A lot of people turn it off when towing
Great points. This speaks directly to the guys who have 35s and an extra 1000lbs in gear/racks etc, and just do it for looks. Moronical lol
Yes, "Do it right, and do it once." Three compromises and you've spent the same as the good component.
Yup, exactly!
I love watching videos from 3rd World Haji countries, the ones where the comments section is in Arabic. Those guys overland old Toyota Hilux pickups loaded with logs, etc on some of the worst roads I have ever seen. They usually invest in good tires, never larger than 33's, often less, but they can wheel using a good base vehicle with good tires.
See what they can do with a 1k $ Chinese 125 cc motorbike . You don’t need a BMW GS
This amount of common sense has no place on the internet.
I will delete the video immediately, thanks
Ty
The first two should be common sense if you know cars
The last I definitely need to get
So far, I'm lucky I haven't got stuck real bad that I need a winch
I've been driving trucks and offroading for over 30 years. You don't need a whole lot of mods to get out and hit the trails. Dont fall for that "Overlanding" marketing hype! I've had winches on my last four trucks and only them seriously mybe three times. My last truck had a winch but I never hooked it up to the batteryin four years. Never needed it! Same goes for Matt Tracks!
Every vehicle is different, every driver is different, so FIRST take your stock vehicle out and actually figure out what you need/want. In addition to that, study off road driving. Understand angles of approach/departure, break over angle, off camber situations, and vehicle components (including how they are incorporated).
I think that a winch is honestly the best first upgrade. KNOW HOW TO USE IT SAFELY THOUGH.
Secondly, I would say a rear locker, IF your vehicle doesn't already have one. This allows you better traction, which means you can drive more controlled. This alone can help you avoid serious mistakes.
Third..... Seriously try to find someone to go with. Often times serious problems can happen quickly. Additionally, it only take a minor issue to keep you stranded. Maybe you did something as simple as run out of gas.
Imagine doing all that sh*t to your only vehicle😂
Most people do way more
Winches don't have a 10k pulling strength... That's a 10k hold strength
I’ve seen people vastly overestimate what their winch can do many times.
Lockers should be standard equipment on 4WD vehicles. 4WD is useless without lockers.
Realistically no one is using lockers. 4WD still doubles the number of tires receiving power…. Even if they’re open diffs, it’s a distinct advantage to step up from RWD to 4WD, especially on a pickup
@@208Tyler As someone who has gotten stuck with 4WD and retrieved by a truck with lockers, I'm getting lockers.
Mistake #1 - Overlanding isnt real
See my most recent video sir
@@208Tyler With very little struggle I was easily able to find and watch that video because Im really good at the internet. Please ask no further questions about my previous claim regarding how easily I found and watched your last video. . .
*Promosm* 🙃
Save your money and don't ruin your rig. No lift, no oversized tires, possibly a winch. Sorry, that makes too much sense.
None of those mods ruin vehicles when done with a little common sense and forethought
Typically a small lift and slightly bigger than stock tires with quality parts causes no real problems.
Step 1: Don't use your Overland vehicle as a daily 😂
Why not?
For me personally it's mostly for economic reasons.
-High gas expense due to bad MPG (heavy rig)
-Minimize wear & tear, especially on tires
-Less chance of break-ins. Built rigs are targeted a lot, at least where I live
For me, I would lose money unless I got an almost impossibly cheap and reliable beater. I fill up my truck about once or twice a month, so even paying cash for an old civic would take a while to break even. Extra insurance + maintenance for another vehicle…. I’d love to do it for convenience sake, but I don’t think it would be a big money saver.
I’m fortunate to not have break-in concerns.
I think both of y'all are right. The Tundra looks like a daily on the outside, which I think is key to decreased attraction from thieves. If you're daily is fully loaded externally with recovery gear and looks like it's on a supply stop before it heads back to the trails, that might be a strong target. I'm working on my 03 Pathfinder to be an incognito overlander.
OME suspension and springs, method wheels and good hybrid tires on the outside with heavy skid plates. Performs great for weekend warrior stuff on Forest service roads and some slightly tougher terrains. Can still drive it to work everyday. I'm eventually gonna get a bumper when I find one I'm happy with. When I'm out on trails, I strap stuff to the roof, but it looks stock when I'm driving to work.
If you're not using it daily as an overland vehicle maybe you're not overlanding, lol.
The solution in very simple: drive daily in your brand new shiny daily driver, overland in your heavy modded dedicated overlander.
Good video. But before your next trip, PLEASE paint your unfinished garage. Don't take it personally but i have never understood why people dont just finish the job. As men, we like garages for many reasons.
Dude I rent where I live. Cheapest 2 car garage in town haha
@@208Tyler OK, I understand
Dislike.
You’ve ruined my day
Get yourself a 2nd vehicle 🚗.
Sorry to tell ya, but if you’re pounding even a high quality vehicle, for everything you’re going to pay dearly! Get yourself a relief 2ndary car or little pickup.
Been building my 02’ tundra with lots of updates & maintenance for the last 6-yrs !
But I don’t drive it everyday! Also, most people think a farm jack or hi-lift jack is used for only changing tires or lifting a vehicle out a jam ! Farm jacks can get ranch gates open that are stuck etc, etc , etc! Cool vid, I understand your gripes , but understand that you too must grow and not lean on one vehicle as that is bad planning too. My truck is light daily because over the yrs I have purchased older vehicles that no one wanted and also built them up for backups!🫡
I actually don’t pay dearly for daily driving this though. With a short commute to work, a second car could never financially make sense. I think this video is useful for other people who are in similar scenarios or who want to daily drive a weekend-warrior type vehicle
@@208Tyler I get it bro. Short commute and all! But never rely on Just one means of transportation. Things still happen…
Hell, it’s 2024, at least grab a Electric Dirtbike, even a Electric bike 😃
I say what I say in appreciation for you and your content. I’m 50yrs old and learned this over time..