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.
2007 and 2008 Tundra Owners – Heater Upgrade Available
Toyota recently sent dealers a TSB regarding “reduced cold start heater warm-up in cold conditions.” In English, that means “Tundras that don’t warm up quick enough.” The fix for this problem is really simple – it’s just a software upgrade.
Since the colder months are on their way, now would be a good time to talk to your local dealer if you have a 2007 or 2008 Tundra or a 2008 Sequoia. The TSB number is 0231-10 – here’s some more info on how your dealer will perform this software update:
Toyota FINALLY Addresses Bed Bounce Complaints With TSB
Official Toyota Tundra Bed Bounce Treatment Now Available
Here on TundraHeadquarters, we’ve been talking about “bed bounce” since early 2007. After receiving dozens of comments and complaints, we contacted Toyota requesting more info about the problem. The result? An oh-so-typical Toyota customer service email that said “Toyota had no information” regarding this issue.
Since that time, Toyota has steadfastly ignored and/or disavowed any and all bed-bounce complaints. A few Tundra owners complained enough to be referred to arbitration, and in these proceedings Tundra owners were told by Toyota representatives that the condition we describe as “bed bounce” was completely normal.
While it’s true that all pickups bounce a little bit – especially if they have stiffly tuned suspensions like the Tundra – it was clear from reports, videos, and testimonials that there was nothing normal about this problem to the people that suffered from it.
Last week, Toyota quietly issued a TSB offering a bed bounce treatment for 07+ Tundra DoubleCab owners that promises to reduce the severity of this issue. I have three thoughts:
Jeep Is Building A Pickup – Probable Specs
PickupTrucks.com, FourWheeler.com, and Automotive News (sub.) are all reporting that Jeep is going to begin selling a pickup-truck version of the Jeep Wrangler in the next two years.
This truck may be loosely based on the 2005 Jeep Gladiator concept shown below.
Jeep's 2005 Gladiator concept vehicle may be the blueprint for Jeep's new pickup
Based on a conversation with a Jeep dealer who attended Tuesday’s unveiling, here’s what we’re predicting the new Jeep’s specs will be:
How To Remove Your Tundra’s Transmission Valve Body
Following up on our two-part interview with John Lombardo of Import Performance Transmissions (IPT), some people may be interested in purchasing a modified valve body for their Tundra’s transmission.
Just to recap, IPT’s transmission modifications are designed to make your truck shift a little more crisply, reduce wear on internal transmission components, and enhance durability. One of the services IPT offers is to send you a new valve body that offers all of the above benefits.
Based on this video from IPT,swapping out the old valve body for the new one looks pretty manageable for someone with the tools and time – check it out:
Two Door Tundra SUV Concept
Last week, we asked a very talented artist to draw up a Toyota version of the old full-size Ford Bronco/Tahoe two door. The thinking is that, since Toyota may be dropping the FJ and/or killing the Sequoia, there might be a spot for a new 2 door Tundra.
What do you think of this Tundra SUV concept? Click for a high-res version.
What do you think? (survey below):
