Welcome, Toyota Tundra - II

ront2

I have had dropin liners and know the ups and downs of those type. Have not had a sprayin type.
What is so bad about the sprayin? Every one I have seen looked real nice. It seems to me that this is the way to go. Anybody out there tried one of these?

rwellbaum2

I noticed that the bed of my truck was mounted slightly off-center (approx 1/4 inch). Being the stark-raving perfectionist I am, I called the toy hotline. Got a call from the local service rep within hours. Took the truck in and the head mechanic told the service rep it had to be adjusted by a body shop. So, toyota was going to pay a body shop to move the bed. The body shop guy said there was no room for adjustment, and they'd have to machine out the bolt holes.
I said "no way", bought a torx 55 socket at home depot and took it home for a little DIY.
They lied, there is actually plenty of room for adjustment. my bed now sits perfectly straight. There's actually alignment marks for this (a small indentation right below the center of the sliding window and the center weld spot of the bed). Better yet just look down each side of your truck from the front and see how if the bed sticks out farther on one side. I don't know if the service dept was pulling a scam, in cahoots with the autobody place, or if they're just ignorant of the bed construction (either one is bad). BTW, I cased all the new domestic trucks and found the same problem with most of them. Only one out of the six new Tundra's at the dealer had a perfectly mounted bed. Again, I'm extra picky. I'm obviously having to look really hard to find any flaw with this awesome truck

berglund1

Actually there are some options but very limited. I just went through this excercise and with a lot of research came to close to the same conclusions, not much available, but...

To go any wider you pretty much need a wider than the 7 inch rim supplied anyway, so it costs a bit more. For offroad use (and a good albeit somewhat expensive option) I would suggest you look at the Dick Cepek fun Country tire. www.dickcepek.com. They have a 31.1 inch diameter tire for a 16 inch rim, it is a 305 65 R16 tire and would definetly require the proper offset on the rim to work out right but is not to far off the 30.6 inch diameter of the stock (at least limited version stock) 265 70 R16 tires. It is most certainly a wide tire at 12.1 inches and they are a good AT tire but will set you back 200-220 per tire and than you need the aftermarket rims, so plan on spending a few $$ on that solution. However it won't screw up too much your ABS or odometer and would give the Tundra ~12 clearance which would require 33's on most of the big three without going to a lift kit.

I ended up with a different solution going with 17 inch rims and 285 60 r17 Toyo Proxes s/t and my limited TRD handles great with this setup. Needed the width for going on the beach more than a true AT tire. It added a little road noise but not much and it also really smoothed out the ride. Other than that though you are correct, not too many options unless you go to 33's and than you are probably going to have clearance issues in the front wells.


Good luck

Carl

mikemiller

I hope this isn't too long a post, but I hope to help some folks out. I am looking to buy a Tundra in the next few months, so I've been thinking about this question too. I will start off by saying I now have a preference of liners so this may be a biased perspective.

I live in a Toyota family and have first hand experience with all three types of bedliners. I own a 92 Toyota 4x4 Pickup with 207,000 miles on it. I couldn't afford a bedliner when I bought the truck new, so I got a bed mat a few months later. It kept the bed relatively protected and stuff didn't slide around on it too much, but left the sides and rails open for some major abuse. After about a year of that my bed looked pretty bad. Some scraps on the side and rails where to the metal. Since I didn't want there to be any chance my scraped up bed would be rusting out from under a drop-in bedliner I got a spray-on RhinoGuard bedliner from Rhino Linings of Marietta (GA). The only tough part of the process was when they ground out the rusting spots and roughed up the rest of the bed so the spay would adhere to better to the bed. You are definitely committed with a spray on bedliner. I had it brought over the rails all around. They did a real good job and it looks REAL good to this day. It has faded ever so slightly from black to a slightly grayer black over the 6 six years it's been in the GA sun. I've roughed up the tailgate in a few places dragging heavy metal stuff (over 150lb bear cage (and don't ask)) off the back but it hasn't gone through to the bed, AND IT STILL LOOKS GREAT! With a spay on liner you also have no problem with camper tops, ("toppers","caps", or what ever you call them in your neck of the woods). There is nothing to get in the way of you clamping them down and if you get the liner over your rails it actually helps hold the top since it's very non-skid. The only negative of the spay-on is that is offers no protection from dents. If you throw 100lb rocks in the back of your truck it will dent it. I've done this too.
My brother and dad both have Tacoma's with the dealer installed over the rail bed-liner. I would not advise in getting this option unless you can ensure that the liner is installed with a mat, foam tape, or something else in critical places under neither it. Their bedliners have rubbed their beds and rails down to the metal in many, many places. Under the bedliner is the most insidious since you don't realize how worn it is and water can stand under it and rust away. Another negative is the near frictionless surface plastic bedliners have with most objects. Place a anything hard on it, go down the road, and it's like watching one of those old vibrating football games you used to be able to get. Everything goes everywhere unless it's wrapped up or tied down good. They've put a bed mat on the bed liner to fix this situation, but geez. Also we have to take out the bedliner if we want to put a camper top on the truck (always sickening since you get to see the extent of the abrasion damage). To me the drop-in liners are not doing what they are supposed to do, they actually do more damage than you would do uncovered in years of abuse. They just hide the damage so your bed can rust in piece.

To sum up

Bed Mat:
Pros:
Cheaper
Protects bed
Usually they have non-skid surfaces
Don't seem to wear the bed paint
Some dent protection
Can be removed.
Cons:
Leaves everything not covered wide open for abuse (which is a lot of surface)
No option for protecting rails.
Easy to steal

Drop-in Bedliner:
Pros:
Protects bed from dents.
Offers over the rail protection.
Can be removed
Usually $100 cheaper than spay on liners
Cons:
Unless lots of precautions are taken, will effectively sand your bed, and rails to the metal
Near frictionless surface
Have to be removed to place camper top on.
Can be stolen


Spray On Bedliner:
Pros:
Protects you bed from further wear and rust (water proof)
Non-skid, everything stay where you put it
Protects the sides and over the rail
Good if you want a camper top
Cons:
It is permanent, no changing your mind later. (RhinoGaurd said you can get another coat applied later if you want)
Allows heavy stuff to dent your bed.
A little more expensive.

eusasc

Oh comeon, you know someone was gonna ask. A bear cage????

ront2

Thanks for the info on the sprayins! I'm convinced. I will be taking delivery of a Tundra later sometime in Sept. I will get a sprayin.
Again....thanks.

mikemiller

I shouldn't have mentioned it, but it really shocked me when I roughed up the tailgate. It's a long story, but you asked.

Yes a bear cage. Actually a bear trap. I bought 12 acres of land that borders the Pisgah National Forest in NC ( the section I border is about 3 miles from the TN state line at 4000 ft elevation). The man who owned it before me was a game warden. Two years ago he got invaded by wild boar. Besides being very aggressive and dangerous to people, they do incredible damage to the land by digging up the forest floor. Basically it looks like a bulldozer has went though digging up all the undergrowth of the woods. So he brought a bear trap they use to trap bears that come into campgrounds to trap the wild boar. He never caught any though. Fortunately the boar left and haven't been back (so far). So after I bought the land I thought I would return the trap to him. I managed to get it loaded on the back of my truck with a lot of straining and grunting. But when I unloaded it, I dragged it off the end of my tailgate until it fell off. I had never found anything that had actually hurt my bedliner before, so I don't think about it, I was used to abusing it. All the damage was done right at the lip of the tailgate.

I just found some diamondplate and Wade ABS bed caps in my Winter 99 Performance Products catalog (page 99). These are metal or plastic(ABS) rail covers. The ABS covers attach with 3M foam adhesive so there's no drilling required. The "Performance Products for Your Toyota" catalogs are great. I've order quite a bit from them for my Pickup and 4Runner. For those who don't know about them you can order a free catalog from their website at www.performanceproducts.com. I was hoping they would have some Tundra stuff in the Winter catalog, but they don't have any yet. Maybe in the Spring 00 catalog.

mikemiller

I agree totally on your assessment of the fender flares (and the dodge rams with the little tires) In my opinion, no truck or car should have a major body part that hangs out further than it's tires. If they do it always make them look like grandma's dodge dart (the ultimate in inset tires car). Wide tires make the vehicle have a lower center of gravity (at least it will look like it does), better cornering ability, and give a much more aggressive look. I wish auto makers would learn this lesson. I can't think of a single car or truck model that has any kind of following that doesn't at least give the appearance of a wide stance. Hey check out the stance of the new VW bug! Like they say "Wider is better". Something Toyota pickup owners have none for a long time.

If you can't tell, I too want wider tires on my Tundra when I get it. As far as what is available now, my brother experienced the same thing when he got his 95 ½ Tacoma. It took about 9 months before the after market world started to offer anything for it. At least the early Tacoma's fender flares didn't stick out too far and the SR5 alloy rims are the best looking stock rims Toyota has ever made. I guess we'll just have to wait. I have even considered having the dealer put the cheapest tires and steel wheels on my Limited, so that I don't waste the money. But, I don't know if I could drive one around that looks like that for very long. I would hate to have to wait on getting a Tundra, just so the after market can catch up.

tp4unc

If the boar come back and you need to get rid of them please let me know. I can take care of two of them for you. I'm only about 3 hours away. Just let me know.

mikemiller

Thanks. Let's hope they don't show up though.

mikemiller

Thanks. Let's hope they don't show up though.

eusasc

Does anyone know of a website that carries a K&N filter kit for the Tundra? I tried Performance Products, but they don't have them.

eoster

No fix is currently available. The lack of lateral support for the seatback as well as the armrest are the problems. As you drive just push the passenger seatback to the right. The armrest settles down. Toyota is aware of the problem. New brackets will probably be the answer

tp4unc

I e-mailed K&N about a month ago about the filter. They did not have one at the time. Their response(if my memory is correct)was that it would be a few months before availablity. I'll keep my eyes open.

sandrews1

Hello fellow Fundra Buyers and potential owners! Yesterday I picked up my Thunder Grey SR5 4x4 Access V8 with several options, including Bench Seat, TRD Off-road, fog lights, 3in1 stereo (speakers and reception disappoint -- I'm an auditory guy), running boards. By the way, if you guys don't get the running boards your chicks will kill you. It's quite a hike for a woman in a dress. However, the running boards not only look good they also make the women happy. Do it if only to keep them happy - trust me. Second, the flares look good with running boards. Without the running boards the wheels look knobby and I would agree with that comment. I'm not one of those guys who believes in hiking my truck up to oblivion to feed my ego but if that's your thing more power to you. I simply enjoy the truck for what it is - a damn good truck!

Yes, I have the vibration concern with the bench seat too and probably would have bought CC if not for my preference for the arm position. As soon as someone finds a "real" fix, please post. I'll be checking weekly. Also, if anyone has found a solution to a feature I wanted badly (compass, temperature, trip, epa gage, etc.) Dodge has this in the RAM -- please let me know if you found a workable solution that looks classy.

Also, has anyone considered a wood interior upgrade? I saw one and thought I was looking at the dash of a BMW until I noticed it was "glued" over the plastic. Looked great but then felt cheap. The limited is very nice but I like my woman to sit next to me sometimes and also like the "aftermarket" BJ package that comes with that option. For those of you unfamiliar with that package, I'm sorry!

I, too, agree that the Fundra needs more space under the rear seat (to hold a notebook computer). Yes, I'm a businessman who will never haul hay with my Fundra. Yet, I do like driving a truck as I'm 6'3 and it is better to drive a full-size truck than a car or SUV if you have a history of back trouble, which I do (L5, etc.).

The only solution to keeping valuables out of sight I could think of is to buy a locking hard-top and use it as a trunk. Has anyone else looked into this? The vinyl or Tonneau cover Toyota sells looked cheap to me so I didn't order it. I want a hard top so I can increase gas mileage and have my notebook safe and sound.

Last, you might be wondering what I used to drive. Over the past 15 years I've owned the following: Toyota pickup, Camry, Toyota xcab 4x4, Ford Explorer Expedition (the tricked out sport model prior to the name change for the bigger SUV monster), Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. '96 which I just traded in. I had middle back trouble with both the Ford and the Jeep. This was partly due to the shape of the crappy Ford seats which in the Ford F150's are just as uncomfortable. The Jeep had a sunroof and I had to lean the seat too far back. I was on my way to buy the new Jeep (which, frankly, is a heck of a fine new release) when on a whim decided to "check out" whatever Toyota was selling just for kicks. I found the Fundra by chance, drove it that day, and salivated for 2 months while waiting for my Jeep lease to end. I test drove 8 Tundras and 5 RAMs 4 Gr Cherokee Ltd and 2 Ford F150s prior to making my deal. I didn't like the look of the GMC or Chevy and didn't bother with them. Yes, it was difficult finding the right truck, dealer, price and trade offer (I traded to avoid paying high lease-end mileage fee and saved $1,500 bucks). Overall, I'm ecstatic with my decision to buy the Toyota Fundra! I drove it last night to Half-Moon Bay and saw the sunset on my tailgate. Now, when I go to Raider Games, camping in Tahoe, skiing, 4-wheeling or just driving on the freeway I'll be much more happy again than I was driving the Ford or Jeep. Sorry, didn't like going back to foreign vehicles but I had to be happy. I did get it for under invoice but can't say where because I promised. My dad and brother-in-law both bought Dodge Rams and I have to say that I also was impressed with the Ram so I'm surprised not to see more positive mention of it at some point in the postings here.

Good luck to you and feel free to shoot me an email if you are interested in further updates or just mention my screen-name in your message and I'll get it.

Cheers! -SA

powercat

You mentioned that you have an SR5 with the TRD Off-Road package. Did you get the black fender flares with the TRD option and if so, are they plastic or metal or what?
Also did you get the BF Goodrich tires and 5 spoke Aluminum wheels and are you having the vibration problem? BTW, Congratulations!
Thanks, Tim

pomy

Just bought my 2wd, v8 Fundra yesterday, totally impressed with the 245 horspower. Excellent vehicle all around. Any idea on the cost of running borads have short wife, and I agree they do look great. Thanks

capt2

Glad to see we are now past the trash talk and now posting some good info for us owners. I never new there could be a 7-15% improvement in gas mileage by simply covering the bed of the truck!
These are the kinds of things that make this forum great. Keep it up. Has anyone thought of a way to improve the fold down arm rest on the captains chairs? Sure could stand to be longer and wider. At 1500 miles now and no problems whatsoever. Still 15-16.75 on the mileage.

gofish2

I waited almost 2 years for the V8 Tundra to show up and finally after waiting for the one I wanted to be built it showed up at my local dealership in SD. 4wd access cab, bench seat TRD package,white w/ Bf Goodrich 265/17 trail tires, CD, fog lights etc... so far its been everything I expected from a Toyota. They did it right the first time. Quiet,smooth ride and power transition, fit and finish is first rate. Listed for 29020 and I couldn't get the dealer to budge from this price although he did give me a fair price for my trade, 88 Ford full size Bronco and glad to see it go. Dealer did "throw in" a bed mat and a nice ball cap. I went ahead and had a Rhino liner sprayed in and would recomend this product. Just figured the mileage for my first tank and it came in at 14.85 mpg, city and highway with A/C on. Awesome truck and I'm glad I waited! Thank for all the info as I watched this site for 2 mo before I bought and seems like everyone hear is pleased with their Tundra. Check out the Chev, Ford, and Dodge Town Hall Site and this is definitely not so. Keep the info coming.

tp4unc

We need more details(exact options and final sales price) to find out if you're getting a good deal. Also, are you planning on buying at lease end? If so, this truck(2wd) will cost you over $28,200(assuming you pay cash for balance due). Which, on the surface at least, seems high to me. Are you opposed to buying(or the accompanying downpayment)? 48 months is a LONG time to lease. Can you live with 12,000 miles per year? Sorry for all the questions.

eoster

Leasing is for companies and individuals that receive tax benefits or have no regard for the value of money or the worth of money. If you are buying disposable products it might be the way to go, but for a vehicle that has a 15 year 200,000+ mile life expectancy it is a poor choice. Your first 48,000 miles cost you $.313 each plus gas, tires, oil changes, etc. If you exceed the 12,000 miles per year during your lease the dealer may collect mileage even if you buy the vehicle at the end of the lease. Unless you plan on getting rid of the truck BUY, don't lease. I have never seen a lease that is "A good deal".

You said that poor gas mileage was a reason to get rid of your Ford? Even if we assume 20% better gas mileage with the Tundra, we're only talking about $200 per year in fuel savings. I also still own my 1986 Toyota pickup. It still gets 25 MPG if it's empty. It probably has been the least expensive to operate of any vehicle I have ever owned, and still no truck is great on gas mileage.

I plan on having my Tundra for many years. I think that its a great truck. It won't get great mileage, but it is comfortable and its fun to drive. The fine quality should keep repairs to a minimum.

When the choice is lease or something else always take something else.

milagroman

Does anyone have any experience with overload springs (leaf or air) with the Tundra?
I have a camper I want to put on this truck and can find no air springs only leaf springs.

Any comments on loading a Tundra with a lot of weight would be appreciated.

sandrews1

To Powercat (TIM): Yes, BF Goodrich and it seems as if the ride is really smooth until I hit certain roads that have excessive bumpiness. Then I have a vibration problem. Suggestion?

2nd, the Flares are hard plastic and in my opinion look very good. Hard core guys who lift their trucks think they look lame but I like them. Overall, everywhere I go people are stopping me or asking me how I like it. I love it!

This truck is fun! I've driven 300 miles and planning on a road trip this weekend just to see how much fun I can really have.

Q: Has anyone purchased a locking hard-cap top for the bed? Also, what is the best liner to buy if you have a hard-top bed cover? I haven't seen this option from Toyota and wonder if after market has it figured out yet.

One last comment, for those who love their sound, don't bother with the Toyota stereo on this truck. Buy some 6.5" speakers in front/rear. I just bought Polks which offer 120 watts in front and 180 in rear. Compare this to the 20 watt factory speakers (for a deluxe stereo, I had to chuckle when I saw these) and you'll understand quickly why this is a must.

Since I listen to tapes and CD's I'm now on a search for a new 3 in 1 stereo because I think I can max my sound even better with something other than the Fundra's stock 3-in-1 "deluxe" stereo.

Any other suggestions are welcome and please, people, don't pay over list for this as it is not necessary. I bought mine for less than MSRP (I do negotiate for a living, however).

Cheers! - Scott

sandrews1

A side note: talked to my salesperson today about the Fundra and she knew I'd love it.

For those who think Jeep Grand Cherokees are where its at: my Jeep was traded Thursday, they knocked off $500 for a "noise" in the rear-end which I frankly didn't notice. Today, they tell me that two days after I traded it the rear-differential went out and would have cost me $2 large.

Thank you, Toyota! No thank you, Jeep...

tp4unc

With those new speakers, it would be a shame to not add an amplifier. The factory stereo(or the aftermarket stereo for that matter) will not have enough clean power to really get the most from your Polks. A QUALITY 50 watts X 4 (or MORE) by Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, or similar brand will do the trick. I'm just too cheap to fork over the money at this time. You could also just get a 2-channel amp to power the fronts and use the stereo's power for the rears for "fill" sound. Just my 2-cents.

eusasc

You might look at the Clarion. It's a double DIN 3 in 1 like the factory. Also, like tp4unc said, you really need an amp to push those speakers.

Albert

curleyhoward1

When trying on the Tundra for size I was shocked by how tight it is on the inside. I am 5'11" and 215 pounds (mostly shoulders and legs, thank god) and I max out the width in the seat. And, I couldn't fit another like me behind me if I was driving. However, I have had such bad experiences with Fords and Chevys that I am going to get one of the Toyotas anyway.

jcraychee

Anyone know if the running boards stick out making the car wider overall. I want the running boards but my driveway is real narrow. I know if they stick out all my wife will hit em for sure as she pulls into the garage.

powercat

Hey Curley,
I'm 6'4 and about 260 and have no trouble at all with the size of the cab. Granted, the back seat is cramped, but I have plenty of room in the front. Did you say you felt cramped in the front seat?

Nyuk, Nyuk,Nyuk
Tim

powercat

BTW, I wear a 56" jacket and 37" inseam and have plenty of leg and shoulder room, are you sharing the seat with Mo and Larry? hehe

Tim

dockinsm

I've been following this topic for quite awhile now, as I have been interested in purchasing a Tundra. I have been to the dealerships in Wichita Kansas, Kansas City Missouri, and Springfield Missouri. All are demanding sticker price. I talked with the internet sales manager at Jay Wolfe Toyota in Kansas City. He offers a no haggle price... what a joke. When I went to talk with him his no haggle price was sticker price. I've been told so many lies from these people and treated so poorly, that I never want to set foot in the showroom of another dealership. I just ordered a Tundra through Carorder.com. I will post results.

eusasc

I don't have a problem with them sticking to far out. Parking a Sentra next to it, it's a tight squeeze. It's a good thing that sucker isn't any longer. I couldn't get the door closed. I think I have about 6 inches to spare.

sandrews1

Albert and TP4, thanks for your comments on the stereo. I'm going shopping for an Amp and new head this afternoon. Appreciate your comments. I've suggested to Toyota they actually sell a Deluxe stereo instead of just calling the 3-in-1 deluxe.

I'm 6'3 and 200 and find the fit very comfortable. However, agree with the backseat comment. I've told Toyota to go study Dodge's interior and copy that. It rules. Especially the finger-radio controls and the trip/temperature/compass guide they offer. But, the Dodge is not a Toyota.

Anyone figure out the deal with the TRD Offroad package and why there is shaking on excessively bumpy roads beyond normal expectations? Is it because of the BF Goodrich tires, Bilstein shocks, tire pressure or something else?

sandrews1

The TRD came with Black (hard plastic) Fender Flares that mold into mud flaps as a rugged look that didn't look as "flimsy" in my opinion as regular mud flaps. These guards are also available on the AA version, I believe? A dealer should be able to clarify. Just talked to a friend whose son works at Toyota and he said the Bilstein shocks are hot and the vibration shouldn't be due to tires; however, the tire pressure is a likely culprit. Balancing is a 2nd option, tires a last resort.

Overall... love this truck! despite my friend already scratching the bed moving her couch.

tuck4

I have the LTD with the TRD package. I drive mine all the time on gravel and washed out roads and I have not noticed and excessive shaking, in fact I think it handles great on these types of roads, alot better than my Expedition did.

tuck4

Should be any excessive shaking.
Sorry.

sandrews1

Tuck, what kind of Tires on your limited? BF Goodrich? Have you checked the pressure and alignment? Sounds like you like your truck! I'm also very happy with this purchase.

You're correct about the Explorer/Expedition. How did you like Ford's seats? I had significant middle-back trouble with Ford seats.

Sounds

sandrews1

Steve, I don't think you made a bad deal but you couldn't have potentially done better. Big question is how many miles you put on and if you decide to trade out early you're locked in. !

tuck4

The TRD package comes with the BF Goodrich
rugged trail T/A's.
I kinda liked the high back buckets in the Expedition but that was about all I like about this SUV. I have driven Toyota's since 1998 and the Expedition was my first move away from Toyota.
As soon as I heard the Tundra was coming out I knew the Expedition was gone. I ordered my LTD in March and I am extremely happy with it.

powercat

I tried the dealers in Hutch and Wichita and had the same luck, but I was just looking. Finally went to Little Apple Toyota in Manhattan, Kansas. Talk to Joe Bowers and tell him that Tim sent you. He is honest, reasonable, and a good friend of mine. If your other order doesn't work out.

bob223

Hi all, just bought a tundra 4x4 access cab and love it. Paid 28,055. A little steep for me, but i've shopped around for a decent used truck and comparing prices decided on a new one. So far, this is the best vehicle i've ever owned.

dockinsm

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Just to let you guys know the lengths these salesmen will go to, check this out. Last Sunday I stopped by the Toyota dealership to check out their inventory. The dealership is closed on Sunday, which is why I chose that day to go. There happened to be a salesman there, and sure enough made a beeline for me. I told the salesman I was checking for a 2wd Tundra. The salesman told me they wouldn't be getting any 2wd Tundras as Toyota wasn't going make them, because of the retooling requirements at the factory! I've heard some whoppers before, but, I couldn't believe anyone would go to that extreme to sell a 4x4. Any way I got my package from carorder, with my T-shirt. Delivey should be from 4-6 weeks. If all works well, my first trip will be to the Toyota dealership wearing my carorder T-Shirt.

cwirth

Has anyone purchased the Toyota repair manual for the Tundra? If available, what is the cost and where can it be obtained?

knightlife

Has anyone purchase a Toyota tundra and how much did you pay for it? how do you compare to other trucks?

cwirth

No dealer incentives on the Tundra now. I doubt there will be for a while.

ckski1

By the price the truck sounds like a 4x2, whick I think is about at sticker. If you want to pay MSRP (sticker) you can get that from just about any dealer I've found.

dynomike3

Looking at the Tundra. I like much of what I see. However, I change my own oil; and it looks like the engineers placed the oil filter at an awkward angle that might cause a mess.

Has anyone encountered trouble or too much aggravation with this filter location?

fortwhitetom

Couldn't be simpler to change oil filters. Reach in over front grill. If you drop the hot filter by accident, the oil flows out through a hole in the skid plate. I have used both those plier-looking filter removers and the old metal strap type with equal success. First time was the hardest - the factory really snugs them up tight.

fortwhitetom

BTW- one quick-change place decided that they could not change filters without dropping the skid plate first (additional $10.00). Then they decided they couldn't find an equivalent filter - I had to cross reference it for them. Then they questioned the type of oil I wanted to use. Etc., etc. Left the place without making a sale and have been doing my own ever since. It's really very easy and only takes about 10 minutes max.

jyarnold

Jiffy Lube changed the oil on my 4runner one day. next day I blew a head gasket. 4runners are known for head gasket probs so toyota fixed free of charge and they noticed that Jiffy lube bent the crap out of my oil wand, way overfilled and left a few bolts dangling in the skid plate. Went back to Jiffy lube and tryed to get mula back, (they charged $180 for 15k service, ((ok I'm stupid and naive))), but they refused to refund so i waited 2 hours for manager to go home, intercepted and oiled him, face down in dirt. It was satisfying, oh yea... i took all the money out of his wallet and dared him to call cops. He never did. In Chicago sometimes you just had to speak up.