New Coil-Over Tundra Lift Kit From ToyTec

ToyTec lift kits recently announced a brand-new coil-over lift kit for the Tundra. Here are the highlights: Read more…

Low Range Off-Road Updates Tundra 3″ Lift Kit

A few months ago we reviewed a Tundra lift kit offered by Low Range Off-Road, and we gave it very high marks. The Low Range kit is made using rust-proof, light weight CNC machined aluminum (far superior to powder-coated steel kits offered by many others), the instructions are excellent (the best we’ve ever seen), and the design is well conceived. Unlike many kit manufacturers, Low Range took the extra steps (using metric bolts just like Toyota does, maching a very slight 3.5 degree taper on the rear blocks, etc.) to make this kit stand out.

In fact, we recommend the Low Range kit right alongside the Tundra lift kit from ToyTec. The only difference between the two kits is their basic design – ToyTec favors an in-coil spacer lift design, and Low Range favors an above-coil lift design.

Low Range recently made a couple of updates to their lift kit for the 2007-and-up Tundra, further demonstrating their commitment to providing a top-notch kit. Here’s what they’ve done: Read more…

Toyota Tundra Bed Bounce Data Indicates Shocks To Blame

Many 2007 and up Toyota Tundra owners have experienced something we like to call “bed bounce.” Our best post on the subject explains the Toyota Tundra bed bounce problem quite well, and you can read about a couple of suggested fixes for bed bounce – “possible bed bounce cure” and the “Willybar Bed Bounce treatment“.

Still, the fact is that neither of the above fixes is ideal or 100% effective. The truck shouldn’t have this issue in the first place. We’re disappointed that Toyota hasn’t fixed this issue to date, but perhaps the trouble is the fix isn’t that easy. In the interests of generating a bed bounce fix, and helping Tundra owners nationwide get Toyota’s attention on this issue, we’ve been talking about this problem for a while now.

One of our readers, Jeff, works for a company specializing in measuring and analyzing frequency data. In a previous career, Jeff worked as an engineer with a Nascar team. Between all of his knowledge and experience, Jeff (a Tundra owner who has experienced bed bounce first hand) decided to measure the difference in suspension response between his old 2003 Tundra and his new 2008. Here are some graphs of the results and some conclusions: Read more…

Pricing and Options for the 2009 Tundra

2009 Toyota Tundra Prices Announced

With 2009 at our doorstep it’s time to look at pricing for new Toyota Tundras. Just announced by the manufacturer, it looks as though prices will increase by an average of $104.

The suggested retail price for the 2009 full-size, regular cab, V6 Tundra will start at $22,490 while the Limited Grade, 4×4 CrewMax, V8 will begin at $41,605.

Tundra Racing Development Packages

We’ve already written about Toyota’s 2009 Racing Development packages for the Tundra, but now we have prices for you too.

The TRD Sport is designed for in-town drivers and will be available for the 4×2 regular and double cab, standard bed models. These models need to have the 5.7 liter V8. The going rate for the package will be either $2,408 or $3,814 depending on the cab size.

Similar to the 2008 package, expect body-colored bumpers, heated side mirrors, fog lamps, side graphics, 20 inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, black cloth interior, custom shift knob, and pedal covers.

More 2009 updates to come. Stay tuned.

Tundra Makes Safety List Again

Although not number one this year, the Toyota Tundra is listed as the number two safest full-bed pickup truck according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Last year, the Toyota Tundra was the Institute’s Top Safety Pick.

This year, Ford earned the Top Safety Pick designation with its F-150. Both the F-150 and the Tundra were the only two full-sized pickups to make the list.

This isn’t the first time Ford and Toyota have been neck and neck when it comes to safety issues. In fact, Tundra Headquarters did it’s own Ford F150 and Tundra comparison earlier this year. Our analysis rates the Tundra as a safer vehicle and if we were asked to do the comparison for the 2009 model, we’d still vote for the Tundra.

There are 72 cars and trucks on the safety list. Each car is tested using a crash test specific to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and completely independent of the crash testing done through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Safety is always critical in a truck ownership. I’d say the Tundra is still a great buy, even at number two.