Author Archive for Jason Lancaster
Jason Lancaster is the editor and founder of TundraHeadquarters.com. He has nearly a decade of experience on the retail side of the auto industry, and another decade of experience of the part and accessory side of the industry.
AMP Research Power Step Running Boards Review
When someone with AMP Research contacted us a few months ago and offered up a free set of their power step running boards, we passed. We didn’t have a donor vehicle lined up, and we felt like this particular part might be a little extravagant for the average Tundra owner. Unfortunately, we missed out on a good opportunity. When we realized that these power step bars have a very utilitarian purpose – helping passengers step-in to a lifted truck while also maintaining ground clearance – we had to pay AMP for a set of their power step boards for review. We didn’t pay full price – AMP helped us out – but next time we get offered a free part for review, we’ll say “yes” without hesitation.
AMP Research has an interesting story. The company was founded by Horst Leitner, an accomplished motorcycle racer and the inventor of the Horst link suspension. The Horst link suspension revolutionized mountain biking, and gave Leitner the funds and credibility to start AMP Research. Today, AMP Research provides a variety of components to many auto manufacturers.
On the left, the kit in the box. On the right, all the major pieces laid out.
Ford Delays New F150 Launch
Ford leadership has decided to delay the launch of the 2009 F150 by a couple of months. Originally scheduled to begin shipment in July, this latest announcement from Ford says they won’t begin shipping the new truck until September.
The 2009 F150 FX4.
Quick Analysis: This move makes a lot of sense. Launching a new model in the summertime is tough – customers aren’t expecting new models until later in the year, and dealers are usually selling old models right alongside the new ones. Make the incentives too generous on the old model, and the new models will sit. Or vice-versa.
The big question – How will consumers perceive this delay? While it’s likely that most customers will accept the announcement at face value, some customers will undoubtedly believe this is a further sign of weakness at Ford. We look forward to testing the new F150, and we’re happy to wait a couple more months.
Putco Side Bed Rails
The Toyota Tundra is an extremely practical vehicle, especially when it comes to hauling cargo. However, some people often carry bulky gear that doesn
The 4.5L Diesel Tundra – Does It Make Sense?
Update: Read the complete story of the diesel Tundra
For the 2010 model year, the rumor is that Toyota has decided to take the 4.5 liter diesel engine that currently resides in the Australian LandCruiser 200 and shoehorn it into the Tundra. Given that each of the
Another Way To Mount Your Spare Tire – The TireGate
One of the primary differences between modern pickup trucks and true off-road rigs is the location of the spare tire. Most pickups, the Tundra included, stow the spare underneath the cargo bed at the back, tucked up to the bottom of the truck box. While this might seem to be a logical location to keep the tire, as it maximizes the amount of cargo space available, there are some situations where it is far from practical.
Here’s a new Tundra with the Tiregate installed.
