Thanks for the info on oil change. I just might go to the dealer and have them change it since I have a hard time trying to find an oil filter at the stores.
I recently phone-ordered an Extang Black Max tonneau cover for my Access Cab Tundra and the guy said that the cover is the same for T100 access cab. Is this true?
Recently I drove through a road under construction just after it had rained. My Tundra got muddy, not real bad but bad enough that I went home and hosed off the wheelwells and running board. While hosing off the mud from inside the rear bumper I noticed a patch about 3 inches in diameter of chrome showing through. I got underneath the rear and took a look inside the rear bumper. It seems that the gray paint that was applied to the inside of this chrome bumper was starting to peel off. In fact there are patches that are bubbled out. This paint was painted directly on the chrome. I don't know how Toyota was going to think this would take. I am sure that the bumper gets pretty hot in the summer maybe causing the paint to peel and flake off. You really can't see the chrome show through unless the sun hits the rear corner of the truck. They probably should have left it alone. Have had my truck since early June so maybe age is starting to show.
My 97ford f-150 was not designed to take a plow either. If I want a truck to plow I would have purchased a f-250 super duty instead of a Tundra.Does anyone know if the oil filter that goes on the 98 Landcrusier will fit the Tundra?
I have seen lots of 1/2 ton trucks with snow plows. GM even has the snow plow prep package as an option on the 1/2 ton base/ls. If you have a very long driveway or own a business with a parking lot a 1/2 ton will work fine. If you are going to plow snow all day - all winter long then a 1/2 ton would not be a good choice. Then you need to buy a bobcat / tractor and use your 1/2 ton to pull the trailer.
Are you some kind of multiple personality psycho? Bob Jones, we all know your name, when you changed your screen name you forgot to change the other info. You've been busted! I hope merideth picks up on this and bans you from our topic for good. If not...I like the way "rublue" writes. So bang your head or something and bring his personality back.
Let me know about the Extang. I'm interested in one too.
#859 Peeling Paint: Gray paint on the inside of the chrome bumper? I could be the electro plating chemical residue from the chroming process. I haven't checked my truck yet.
#864: Bobby Joe! Well I'll be. How the heck are you??
Sorry but I couldn't help myself. I use synthetic oil in all my vehicles. While all the oils today are better than they were years ago, the cost of synthetic oil for even slightly longer engine and seal life seems inexpensive when compared to the cost of a new vehicle. I don't know if everyone remembers the Cadi (cast iron block and head) advertisement where you could drive 50 miles with no coolant. One of the conditions was that you had synthetic oil.
I keep my vehicles forever and for me I think it pays. If you are going to get a new one every three years, its just added expense.
Using the best oil I could buy seemed to work for me thirty years ago so its hard to change.
No my Tundra is not for sale. It was just a remark after I found out I could not put a plow on it. I will probably pick up a used 3/4 ton with a plow to take care of the business and use the Tundra for everyday driving. If I do decide to sell I'll post it here first.
Please don't get me wrong, I don't think purchasing synthetic oil is a bad idea, or a waste. It is like insurance. You can pay for base insurance that maybe all you ever need (if you don't get into an accident), or you can purchase a $3 million policy.
If you purchase the higher policy and don't get into an accident, were you wrong in buying it? No of course not, it is what you are personnally comfortable.
There may be a place for the $3 million policy for some people, just like there is a place for synthetic oil.
I take it from the Toyota website that there are three seatbelts in the back, and therefore hopefully enough room for my three little kids and their car seats. Are there also three seatbelts in the front bench? Would it be realistic to seat three adults in the front?
What are you driving now? I don't think any full-size extended cab is going to fit 3 car seats side by side.
I was a little disappointed by the back seat space in the Tundra when I looked at it a while back. You better try your child seats before you buy one. I'd be very surprised (and impressed) to hear if anyone has crammed 3 car seats in one of the Tundra's back seats.
By-the-way, my misgivings over the size of Tundra cab would be reduced if someone were to post positive comments after transporting 6 people at once.
If you keep your vehicles beyond 100,000 miles, or work your truck very hard, then synthetic oil may be a good idea.
If, however, you change your oil and filter regularly, and will likely sell before 100,000, the beneficiary of your diligent use of synthetic, will probably be the buyer of your used truck.
I have a LTD with leather captains chair. I have a booster seat (larger than a child seat) and a child seat in the back. I have put two child seats and the booster seat in the back without ANY problems. My wife drives a 98 Camry. I can say for a fact that my truck fits three wide easier than my Camry. Granted the Camry back seats are more comfortable to sit in, but the back of the Tundra is definitely wider and can easily fit 3 child seats across the back. I have problems trying to put three car seats in the back of the Camry.
I have a bench in my Tundra SR5. If you flip up the center armrest you do have room & a belt for a third person (or car seat). I wouldn't like to go on a trip across country with six people, but I can take six with me to lunch.
The only problem I have with synthetic blends is that none of them say what PERCENTAGE of the oil is synthetic and what percentage is regular oil. To solve that problem I've mixed 1 qt of synthetic with the remainder being regular oil (Castrol syn and regular). I feel better and cost is reasonable. Any thoughts on this? consumer Reports once recommended this if you were shy about swtiching to 100% synthetic. I think the cost of adding one quart of syn to remainder regular also minimizes overall cost. Benefit also is that you have full control over how much syn you're using, and you can use more than a quart if you're brave, or still having questions about going to using only 100% synthetic. I've used synthetic in a jet helicopter I fly for years. Parts of the engine turn at 82K rpm. Never had an oil related problem. Same oil used in engine and both transmissions. Great stuff. My .02, and thanks for the great posts.
Well said.I believe some people have had bad experience with used Toyota cars and trucks,they get one someone has used up.Most people keep them forever.Haven't heard many complaints where people get new or used if history is known.Have a good day.
Just had a major setback with my Tundra order. The dealer just informed me that my LTD 4X4 Access cab would take three and half months instead of 6 weeks to be delivered because I ordered a bench seat with TRD package. Says factory will not build them that way without a special order. I sticking to my guns and holding out for what I want.
My limited came in after a 6 week wait, but had TRD which I didn't order and do not want. I prefer the smoother ride of the non-TRD. Can anyone tell me if I have the dealer remove the bigger tires and bilstein shocks (and the stickers of course) will this take the truck back to the non-TRD equipment or are their other suspension changes in a TRD besides these? Thank you.
Much debate has gone on about what actually makes up the TRD package. Some say that the rear leaf springs are progressive instead of linear. I am of the opinion that for only $100ish dollars that the only thing you get is the sticker and shocks. I believe that the higher rear end heigth can be attributed to the presurized Bilsteins. I wish that someone would look under the truck and see what the leafspring part number is on both a TRD and nonTRD truck.
Synthetics have proven in many high performance magazine tests to increase horsepower, slightly lower operating temps and eliminate all traces of sludge. While I will agree if you change your oil religiously you probably wont have an oil related breakdown ie: spun bearings, seized piston etc. I think an engine run its life with synthetics will go many more miles. I guess it all depends how long you're going to keep your vehicles. One last point is while I think car enthusiasts change their oil much more frequent than recommended by the manufacturers with synthetics you can easily go the 7-8000 miles between changes almost negating the price concerns.
I may have an update to the infamous problem many of us Tundra owners appear to be having with tire balance, but I need those people with the same problem to help. I also have gone through numerous balances, and have removed the dunlop tires and upgraded to michelins, and still have the same problem.I have the 5 spoke aluminum wheels and P26570R16 tires.I have taken the tires that were shaking in the front and rotated them to the rear.I then put the rear up on jackstands and turned the truck on and put it in drive. As I watched the tires rotating, I noticed a wobble of the tire from side to side as viewed from the rear of the truck.This wobble happened with both the dunlop and michelin tires.I wonder if there may be some flaw with the wheels and not in TWO DIFFERENT sets of tires. Dunlop has an EXCELLENT web page that explains wheel balance/ rim runout issues. They are at www.dunloptire.com. The subject is listed under tire care and maintenance.What appears to make this vibration worse is that the tundra has rack and pinion steering, which is EXTREMLY sensitive to ANY imbalance or out of round condition.This system also has no steering stabilizer shock that is normally needed when using larger and stiffer truck tires.Another apparent contributing factor appears to be that the cab is mounted on rubber mounts that tend to oscillate the cab more once wheel vibration problems/bumps in the road occur. Try this one! Sit in the tundra without it running and slam the door shut. You should feel an unusual oscillation in the cab until it settles out. Toyota sales has told me that this is because of how the front and rear door meet. Maybe? Please let me know if anyone else experiences this same visual wobble with the tires/wheels!
I had heard (a long time ago, so I wouldn't put much weight to this) that synthetic and reg oil don't blend well. And that bottled blends have stablizers added to the oil to keep them blended. I'm not sure how true this is, BUT:
Before you blend the oils I would do two things: 1) Take some synthetic oil and mix it with regular oil in a glass jar. Let it sit for a day or two and see if it separates. Try to see if you can find two different color oils (I think Kendall High Performance is red). If it separates, this is bad.
2) Ask some at an oil company. If you use Mobil or Penzoil, go to their WEB site and try to either call someone or e-mail them. I have called engineers at tire companies and battery companies in the past, and they were very helpful and full of information.
Let us know how this turns out. I'd be interested in knowing if this works.
pcheng: Thanks for your input. Never thought about your test idea. I stick with same syn and regular oil brand to minimize problems. They all say that they are compatible with regular oils. I stick with same brand of each to minimize problems. Best way to go, I think. Thanks again.....
I was in one of these Tundra forums about a month ago. Some one posted a web site with TRD parts at a reduced cost of about 20%. It was not the TRDUSA site. Can any one point me to that site. I will be interested in products for the SR5 I have on order. I don't need a supercharger but it sure would be fun to play with. Please E Mail to Passport43@yahoo.com with any information o this. Thank you all.
Tire balance is very important. Where you have your tires balanced is also important. The dealer and the Goodyear store couldn't do it right. Find someone with a Hunter balancer that can apply a load to the tire. All the difference in the world.
I know all oil manufacturers say that their synth. are compatible with reg's but does that mean blending them or draining all the reg and putting all synth in?
I think you hit the nail on the head about rack and pinion, lack of a stabilizer etc., being extremely sensitive to any imbalance, or vibration elsewhere. The people reporting steering wheel vibration in Silverado/Sierra, just about all of them I believe, have 2wd trucks, which have the rack and pinion steering mechanism. For some reason, they don't put those on the 4x4 trucks, which don't have the shake.
As for putting your truck on stands and checking for lateral run-out, and finding some, well something is rotten in Denmark. Hard to believe that a fine tire like a Dunlop would do that on two sets, or that you would have a run-out problem on the rim either. A bent axle would make the whole wheel wobble, doubt it. But whatever it is, if you can see it, you or your tire shop needs to determine the cause I think we agree. As for the cab mount, rubber bushing isolators when you slam the door, well that's just the nature of body on frame construction. Whether they stimulate, or suppress oscillations depends on the condition of the road, your speed, and the natural resonant frequency, or frequencies of the cab/frame drive-line systems. But you are right in recognizing there are certain conditions that stimulate, or even amplify otherwise innocuous vibrations, into undesirable ones. Sounds like your truck might benefit from a balance/vibration analysis done on the Hunter GSP-9700 road force balancer.
Lovato, I read several of your posts. I found a website with a popup camper that folds out both sides, it does not go over the cab. The closed position makes it look like a shell, I e-mailed for further info, since this setup will allow me to pull into the garage. It also sounds like we live nearby, I'm near I-70 and Morrison Rd. I saw your post about getting owners together, possibly others in our Denver metro area will respond. If you are interested, let me know.
I drove a v-6 reg. cab last night at a local dealership. I liked the truck, but there was a noticeable vibration through the steering; seemed worst between 50 and 60 mph. The dealer had installed some after market rims and tires on the truck; steel wheels with Bridgestone tires. I don't know if the new wheels and tires were the problem or if the reg. cab base model has the same problems I have been hearing from v-8 extra-cab owners. Anybody heard anything? By the way, I live in Northern California and MSRP was the bottom line.
All trucks (Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runners, etc.) at my dealership are being delivered with Reese hitches. Is this the hitch you get when order a hitch from the factory? What gives? Any info?
Mad9: I have put a deposit down on an 4wd, v8 sr5/TRD with front 60/40 bench seat- whoever said no deal on that combination without special order was trying to make a sale... (my wait is 4 weeks, with two more weeks to go...) Raese: $750 below MSRP in So.Cal.... may be worth the road trip....
Baseball 3 ,all 3 have their pro's and con's I will probably buy a Tundra as soon as there are deals to be made ,one dealer here in Socal has already had loss-leaders on Sr5's for the last 2 weekends .That being said ,Here is my opinion of the trucks Chevy ,Comfortable ,Roomy ,Good gas mileage ,great options. F150 ,Great options ,Best price ,reliable,4 doors Tundra , Quiet ,handles great ,fits in my garage Reliable,4 doors This is my opinion ,and others may disagree .
IM not saying that I do not like the tundra but feel that there are many good choices. They say copying someones Idea is the best way to flatter someone. well Motor Trend said that the tundra in so many ways is a Ford f-150. and the tundra is not much bigger then the v8 dodge dakota. I might consider a tundra because its closer in size to that of a ranger, s-10, fronteer etc. But Go see the tundra and then go see the REAL FULL SIZE CHEVY TRUCK,ford f-150 much bigger and nicer. Toyota has made a good effort with the tundra but needs to go farther
side to side popup, see www.newcoenterprise.com/camper.htm and I have not received any info other than what the pictures show on the website, however I did send email to them that I am putting their site in this post. I also found www.hallmarkrv.com/toyota.htm with popups on Tundras.
I purchased my Tundra, ordered what I wanted, thru www.autoweb.com, had a choice of 2 dealers, there was a big $$ spread between both dealers. Do your homework. Mine=AccessCab, LTD,TRD,Allweather, gray cloth bench 40/60, ABS,6disc CD,hood protector. Toyota is "packaging" if you buy off dealer inventories, so I put in an order towards a future allotment and got what arrangement I wanted. I didn't want leather but I wanted the LTD.
"bigger and nicer"????? Bigger, yes!...Nicer, NO WAY!!! The Tundra is the smoothest truck on the market. It has the most quiet cabin(can you say Lexus?). It is exceptionally quick for a 4x4. It fits in my garage. It has Toyota's exceptional build quality and SHOULD have Toyota'a unequalled reliability, too. I like the Silverado but I don't like MY past experience with Chevrolet. In a word, it SUCKED!!! Just my thoughts. Enjoy whatever you buy.
In response to rubluetoo, the Tundra engine is built in Tahara, Japan. I know, I've been there. The assembly plant there is state of the art. The Lexus plant is really something to see. I build Tundras in Princeton Indiana. Therefore, I know of what I speak. I am a team leader on the Frame-1 line. We install the front and rear axles, leaf springs, drive shaft(we call it a prop shaft)and the towing hitch. I would be happy to correspond with intelligent people about the Tundra. In case you are wondering, I drive a Ford Ranger. I have had lots of problems with it and plan to replace it with a Tundra. After seeing the quality of the Tundra, I can assure you that it is the most reliable, well made truck you can own.
After plunking down 30k your words are very re-assuring! I would guess other Tundra owners are after the same thing that I am, Toyota reliabilty. It's ok to spend that kind of money, but it better last.
I have been dealing w/ some dealers here in Texas and Oklahoma of which both are part of the Gulf States Toyota Region, and have been able to get a commitment from Mike Calvert Toyota in Houston and Fowler Toyota in Norman, OK. (OKcity) to sell a 2000 Tundra LTD 4X4 w/ standard limited pkg., plus towing pkg, 60-40 bench front seat, all weather pkg., four whl disc brakes, premium 6 chngr CD player, whl locks and security sys for $1000.00 over dealer invoice in writing from soon to be delivered stock on Oct. 11th. Is this good?
Comments
I recently phone-ordered an Extang Black Max tonneau cover for my Access Cab Tundra and the guy said that the cover is the same for T100 access cab. Is this true?
VYU Snow Plow Prep Package (Base/LS)
I'm not suprized that the Tundra doesn't offer
a plow package, its a light duty truck.
He's back with a different username.
Rube - What's your attraction to the Tundra site?
#859 Peeling Paint: Gray paint on the inside of the chrome bumper? I could be the electro plating chemical residue from the chroming process. I haven't checked my truck yet.
#864: Bobby Joe! Well I'll be. How the heck are you??
I keep my vehicles forever and for me I think it pays. If you are going to get a new one every three years, its just added expense.
Using the best oil I could buy seemed to work for me thirty years ago so its hard to change.
I will probably pick up a used 3/4 ton with a plow to take care of the business and use the Tundra for everyday driving. If I do decide to sell I'll post it here first.
If you purchase the higher policy and don't get into an accident, were you wrong in buying it? No of course not, it is what you are personnally comfortable.
There may be a place for the $3 million policy for some people, just like there is a place for synthetic oil.
Thanks,
Kurt
I was a little disappointed by the back seat space in the Tundra when I looked at it a while back. You better try your child seats before you buy one. I'd be very surprised (and impressed) to hear if anyone has crammed 3 car seats in one of the Tundra's back seats.
By-the-way, my misgivings over the size of Tundra cab would be reduced if someone were to post positive comments after transporting 6 people at once.
If, however, you change your oil and filter regularly, and will likely sell before 100,000, the beneficiary of your diligent use of synthetic, will probably be the buyer of your used truck.
I have no experience with the bench seat.
MAD
The subject is listed under tire care and maintenance.What appears to make this vibration worse is that the tundra has rack and pinion steering, which is EXTREMLY sensitive to ANY imbalance or out of round condition.This system also has no steering stabilizer shock that is normally needed when using larger and stiffer truck tires.Another apparent contributing factor appears to be that the cab is mounted on rubber mounts that tend to oscillate the cab more once
wheel vibration problems/bumps in the road occur.
Try this one! Sit in the tundra without it running and slam the door shut. You should feel an unusual oscillation in the cab until it settles out. Toyota sales has told me that this is because of how the front and rear door meet. Maybe? Please let me know if anyone else experiences this same visual wobble with the tires/wheels!
Before you blend the oils I would do two things:
1) Take some synthetic oil and mix it with regular oil in a glass jar. Let it sit for a day or two and see if it separates. Try to see if you can find two different color oils (I think Kendall High Performance is red). If it separates, this is bad.
2) Ask some at an oil company. If you use Mobil or Penzoil, go to their WEB site and try to either call someone or e-mail them. I have called engineers at tire companies and battery companies in the past, and they were very helpful and full of information.
Let us know how this turns out. I'd be interested in knowing if this works.
Thanks for your input. Never thought about your test idea. I stick with same syn and regular oil brand to minimize problems. They all say that they are compatible with regular oils. I stick with same brand of each to minimize problems. Best way to go, I think. Thanks again.....
http://www.toyota-parts.com
As for putting your truck on stands and checking for lateral run-out, and finding some, well something is rotten in Denmark. Hard to believe that a fine tire like a Dunlop would do that on two sets, or that you would have a run-out problem on the rim either. A bent axle would make the whole wheel wobble, doubt it. But whatever it is, if you can see it, you or your tire shop needs to determine the cause I think we agree. As for the cab mount, rubber bushing isolators when you slam the door, well that's just the nature of body on frame construction. Whether they stimulate, or suppress oscillations depends on the condition of the road, your speed, and the natural resonant frequency, or frequencies of the cab/frame drive-line systems. But you are right in recognizing there are certain conditions that stimulate, or even amplify otherwise innocuous vibrations, into undesirable ones. Sounds like your truck might benefit from a balance/vibration analysis done on the Hunter GSP-9700 road force balancer.
Raese: $750 below MSRP in So.Cal.... may be worth the road trip....
I will probably buy a Tundra as soon as there are deals to be made ,one dealer here in Socal has already had loss-leaders on Sr5's for the last 2 weekends .That being said ,Here is my opinion of the trucks
Chevy ,Comfortable ,Roomy ,Good gas mileage ,great options.
F150 ,Great options ,Best price ,reliable,4 doors
Tundra , Quiet ,handles great ,fits in my garage
Reliable,4 doors
This is my opinion ,and others may disagree .
Toyota has made a good effort with the tundra but needs to go farther
I purchased my Tundra, ordered what I wanted, thru www.autoweb.com, had a choice of 2 dealers, there was a big $$ spread between both dealers. Do your homework. Mine=AccessCab, LTD,TRD,Allweather, gray cloth bench 40/60, ABS,6disc CD,hood protector. Toyota is "packaging" if you buy off dealer inventories, so I put in an order towards a future allotment and got what arrangement I wanted. I didn't want leather but I wanted the LTD.
For a great Tundra article, see www.truckworld.com/Truck-tests/Toyota-Tundra/tundra.html, in-depth article with pics.
Hope these sites help someone, happy surfing.