Welcome, Toyota Tundra - II

Brad98 · October 1999

The manual suggest driving 55 or less for the first 1000 miles. It also says to keep the RPM's between 2000 and 4000. At 55, the RPM reading is around 1700.

Do any of you have any suggestions as to how to properly break-in the engine. I really love this truck.

samirpowar · October 1999

55 mph is a ridiculous speed to try and keep in this truck (hwy/fwy driving). The drive home from the dealer was the only time I maintained that speed. I've allowed myself upto 70 mph during the break in period. More than the speed, I keep an eye on engine rpm, as that is more of an indication of how hard the motor is working. I try and keep the rpms in the 2000-2200 range which allows for comfortable fwy driving without being passed by every granny on the road. All in all, I believe that as long as you don't rev the motor too hard during break in you really are doing no harm to it. Occasional 80 mph bursts wont hurt it either.

barlitz · October 1999

My comment wasn't meant for any individual at all.I've been reading Edmunds topics for months and there are some toyota owners who say there truck is the best not necessarily at this site, and knocking fords,chevys and dodges.When consumer repots said the ranger was #1 the tacoma owners bashed it but when the same magazine says the tundra is #1 its different that was my point.

I do agree a truck is just a truck and it will come and go just like a pepperoni pizza and its all just personal preference.The thing about the children is different I keep my kids chained to a pole in the basement and every once in awhile I'll throw them a chicken bone and give them some fresh water.(just kidding I have no kids just 2 little dogs).

Good Luck with your trucks.

artp · October 1999

I've heard that it's GOOD to "get on it" a few times during the break in. I've also heard you should drive like you plan to drive after the break in is finished.

Every new vehicle I've purchased has had 50 or so miles on it, sometimes 100. Those miles are from other people test driving and probably flooring it to see how it performs. I don't think I'm an isolated example. I would also imagine the first 100 miles are the most critical. After having the sh** kicked it out of it during the critical period, what's the point in a proper break in?

jyarnold · October 1999

I went with pchengs advice on break-in: nothing too hard for the first 200-400 miles as the tolerances of machining have vastly improved over the years. I did change my oil at 1200 miles cause of the hard uphill driving I do everyday. This may have been anal but with a truck like this can one be too anal?

Barlitz, The Tundra is nothing like a pepperoni pizza and personal preference has little to do with vast differences in build quality. Its apathetic thinking like this that got Americans into the spot were in now in terms of poor choices in American autos. I work too hard for my money to be patriotic or nostalgic buying cars anymore. Personal preference may have something to do with buying a t-shirt, with an investment like a $30,000 vehicle youd better have more to go on than a first glance. Test drive them all is the only method that works for me. Read everything, research everything and only then take an informed plunge otherwise be burned.

tp4unc · October 1999

I changed my oil at 862 miles. I would have done it sooner if I could have found the time. I did wait 3000 miles before the second change however. I don't think I can wait longer than that. No matter what the current recommendation is on oil changes.

Barlitz,
Back when CR recommended the Ranger over the Tacoma, they had temp workers doing the research. The regulars were back on the job for the full-size tests. I have a cousin who works there and he told me so. You know I wouldn't kid about something like this! How are you getting along without that Lightning? Do you miss it at all or are you getting used to that 4x4? It won't be long until all that snow starts falling.

powercat · October 1999

You didn't ask a question, you made a statement. Tundra owners don't have any interest in buying Ford F-150's, however, people at a Ford F-150 topic might be. As for the name calling, I'll leave that to you, I wouldn't want you telling your mommy on me.

powercat · October 1999

I had the same door rattle and have posted my remedy at several sites. I took it in to the dealer and it was a simple adjustment of the latch at the top where the two doors meet.

cyman · October 1999

The dealer I worked with mentioned that during the break-in period speed is less important than RPM, and that it is in the best interest to minimize driving at the same rpm for an extended period of time. Driving at the same speed could lead to a "soft spot" in the transmission. Im no mechanic, but this made sense. Im still working on my first 100.

barlitz · October 1999

How is everything going with your truck,everything has been fine with me except for an occasional burst of anger.The snow will be falling soon luckily I'll be working indoors this winter rather than outside on the Big Dig.

mikemiller · October 1999

Tp4unc, there are still a few leaves in the lowest valleys, but where I'm building my cabin they're all gone. Looks like winter. In fact, I saw flurries all day Saturday, the high got to 35! The leaves where spectacular about 2 weeks ago. They smell really great on the ground right now though. I love fall.
I've been hauling a lot of lumber, sheet rock, plywood, etc. with my Tundra lately. I got a bed extender called a "Hitch Hand" that goes into your hitch and extends your bed out another 5 feet. I've really been amazed at what the Tundra can haul and how it handles when loaded. I think the heaviest load I've carried so far, or may ever haul, was 25 sheets of 12 foot sheet rock. It handled great, even up the steep mountain roads I had to take it. I was more worried about the BFG tires than my truck. I've also hauled 100 1x10x16's, all the while listing to a Winter Solstice CD. Love this truck.
It will definitely take me a while to get tired of the Tundra's V8. It's way too fun. I especially like the way it kicks in at around 3000 RPM. Like I tell every one when I'm giving them the tour (I've got the speech down pat now), the engine is "the thing". The truck is just built around this awesome engine.

lgodfrey2 · October 1999

Got a new Tundra 2WD Limited Access coming in a couple of weeks. Have heard about some earlier problem with "vibrations" which might be attributable to wheels out of balance. Anybody had this experience and what was it??

tp4unc · October 1999

Barlitz,
Glad to hear all is well with your truck change. I imagine indoors is where one would want to work during the Boston winter. How did you swing the inside job? Regarding the "big Dig", I saw a TV show that was profiling it. That sucker is one heck of a project. I've never seen anything like it. I can't imagine trying to coordinate that much activity. When is the estimaed completion date? Is it on schedule?

artp · October 1999

Was that that big underground freeway system?

tp4unc · October 1999

I'm a home builder and I think I need to check into that bed extender. It sounds like a handy product. I don't usually do alot of hauling with my trucks but I do make the occasional trip to Lowe's or Home Depot for 12 ft. lumber and sheets of plywood(our regular supplier is famous for underestimating our actual needs). I've never hauled sheetrock but I know that stuff is quite heavy...especially 25 sheets. Good luck with the cabin. I hope it turns out exactly the way you want it. Post a picture(with the Tundra, too) if you get a chance.

tp4unc · October 1999

Yeah, that's it. It is an amazing project.

abiddle · October 1999

Can anyone tell me if an infant car seat fits in the backseat of the Tundra?

artp · October 1999

History Channel?

Back to the game. Can you belive they left Glavine in, in the eight?

rfalknor · October 1999

Regarding mmarcum post (#486) about a slight noise when shifting into drive;
I'm getting the same noise on my SR5 4x4 Access Cab. With about 2,800 miles and no real problems I was going to wait and ask the dealer about the noise when I took it in for the first oil change. Anyone have an explanation?
Only other minor problem has been an overly sensitive security system. Again not a big enough hassle to take it back before the first scheduled visit. So far a great truck.

rwellbaum2 · October 1999

We have a forward facing car seat in back. It's in the middle and my 20 month old son can swing his legs forward between the capt chairs. Its a big, bulky seat and I would think a smaller rear facing seat would fit fine.

jyarnold · October 1999

Rfalknor: I get a pop sound in the tranny occasionally but only when I shift into 4-wheel. It sounds like nothing to worry about, like its doing what its supposed to. Not sure if its the same noise you get. Also, my hard shifts seem to have disappeared at 1700 on the ODO.

Barlitz: The Tundra is assembled in America, mostly by robots, machined in Japan. Toyota has done a lot to help the economy here by sharing its wealth and providing a large base of jobs for free Americans. Are you implying that buying a Toyota is going to compromise our civil liberties? Comparing the F250 to a Tundra is simply apples to oranges. I would never consider a large, noisy beast with manual hubs and lousy MPG for the type of driving I do. Im glad it works for you. Why youre at a Tundra discussion board is a mystery. R U looking for Toyota with 10 cyl diesel engine? I still maintain that Ford, Dodge and Chevy have a long way to go to meet and beat the build quality of BMW, Toyota, Saab, Honda, Isuzu, Nissan, etc, but, yes, it's good to know that my tax money is securing our ability to blow `em all to smithereens.

pcheng · October 1999

Barlitz: Thanks for the child rearing advise. I think I'll give it a try: trust me I've often thought of doing just that.

Abiddle: When I first test drove a Tundra, my youngest was still in a rear facing seat, and my oldest was in a regular child seat. Both fit just fine; I put the rear facing in the middle. Now they are both in regular car seats in the back. I have had three car seats in the back at one time (not something I can do with my wife's Camry) and they fit just fine.

samirpowar · October 1999

redfox1,

Do you know if the lid will fit with the factory over-the-rail bedliner? Also, how much did it cost? Thanks

barlitz · October 1999

The big dig is one of the largest construction jobs ever,it is taking the expressway that goes right through Boston and putting it underground they actually have a website www.bigdig.com check it out sometime.There is also a huge building boom in Boston right now a lot of construction in buildings along the Big Dig along with a new convention center,lots of new hotels, new fenway park,its a good time for construction right now and at least the next 6 years in Boston.

jyarnold I have the electronic 4 wheel drive not manual mytruck is the light duty F250 not superduty and it is not a loud beast,the reason I am on this site is because I like trucks like most men do and I did post a ? on the tundra maybe a week ago on its size,because I saw my first one in Boston about that time it was a 4x4 sr5 v8 parked at a meter and my ? was,is it a fullsize or midsize like the Dakota it did not look that big to be considered a full size.

mmarcum · October 1999

I am taking my truck by in am to let service mgr hear it. I will post his comments if helpful.

redfox1 · October 1999

In response to message 554 dated 27 Oct '99, the Snug Top Lid will fit over either type of bed liner according to the man who installed the one on my Tundra. My Tundra had the under the rail liner. The lid cost me $797.00 incl tax. This also included a carpet liner on the bottom of the liner. If you E.Mail Snug Top in Long Beach, California, they will send you a $20.00 gift certificate for your Snug Top Lid purchase.

john217 · October 1999

Interested in an automatic V6 reg cab Tundra. Hearing alot about vibration problems; are there any V6 owners out there who have experienced these problems, or any other problems with the 3.4L engine? I don't wish to sound redundant, but could someone give me a definitive answer to the gasket problem with this engine, or is that no longer an issue. Any info would be great.
Thanks, John

gporter · October 1999

I'm trying to find a fiberglass tonneau cover that will give me 18+ inches in height. The bed depth is 16.7". Please measure yours when you get a chance. Anybody else have any other brands they could check. Dealers don't have many spec's on such a new truck. Thanx

rs_petty · October 1999

Just found this topic, so wanted to share. Had the truck for about 10 days. Was 3/4 thru the 1st tank of gas and the check engine light came on. Called the service manager, he said sometimes the computer is making an adjustment. If it is on when you start the truck after work we will need to look at it. Thought about it all day. Previous cars with check engine lights (Fords) usually indicated a fuel pressure or emissions problem. I was worried. Also had heard that sometimes the check engine light would come on if the fuel cap wasn't tight. Got to the commuter lot and on a whim, opened the fuel door. Guess what? The dealer had forgotten to put the cap on when they filled it up. How many guys check to see if a fuel cap is behind a locked door when you take delivery? Well, called the dealer and they said come by after work and they would give me a fuel cap. My presumption is that this will fix the check engine light. All else couldn't be better. I really like this truck.

jyarnold · October 1999

Barlitz;

Toyota calls the Tundra a 1/2 ton fullsize. If you want an 8' bed you'll have to give-up the access, (or extended) cab. Otherwise it's a 6' bed. Not really sure how it compares to the Dakota but, yes, it's not as wide, tall or long as the big 3 counterparts but it's got one hell of a ride. For fun go to a Toyota dealer and test drive one, what do you have to loose? Try to test drive a LTD with the TRD package as this is the flagship for the Tundra. Based on what you seem to use a truck for, actually working with it, the Tundra may not satisfy you as your F250 does but if you're looking for an off-roader with real comfortable on-road and enough power to haul and pull reasonable loads.

redfox1 · October 1999

The clearance between the bed liner and the Snug Top Lid is right at 16". The bed liner is approximately 1.0 to 1 1/4 inch thick so you'll not have 18+" of clearance. The Lid has carpeting on the inside but that carpeting can't be more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Let me know if I can be of further help.

gporter · October 1999

Thanks for the quick reply!

barlitz · October 1999

Jyarnold thanks for your response,I have driven fords most of my life but I do read a lot of good things about the toyota so I may take one out for a testdrive, Good Luck with your truck,

John

mmarcum · October 1999

I met with the service MGR today and he checked the sound. He beleives it is normal and is simply the ABS system "charging." Do you have ABS?

lchase1 · October 1999

I traded 97 Ford F150 for the Tundra ,lights seem dim. Leaving fog lights on help. Any comments appreciated.

lmeyer1 · October 1999

How are those of you with the extended cab finding the rear seat. My only reservation about the truck is that I need the space for my kids. It seemed to small to me even for them (4 and 7).

Thanks for any input.

z71bill · October 1999

My kids are 9 and 11. They came along with me to look at trucks and they thought the back seat was to small, and even my 9 year old son thought the seat back was uncomfortable because it was so straight (his words). But they are use to riding in a Tahoe which has lots of room. Although they did like the 4th door. The fight about who gets the door lasted about a week (I bought the chevy). The Tundra is a solid truck, but it is a little small for my needs. I would give up some of the bed to gain in cab. Buy what makes you happy, but how big will your kids be in 5 years when they are 9 and 12?

rwellbaum2 · October 1999

Sounds like you really want the Tundra but need some convincing on the rear seat. My daughter (10 years old) rides in the rear seat without complaint. I'm 5' 11" and ride in back sometimes to hang out with my 20 month old son and find it acceptable but not luxurious. I love the size of the truck and definitely would not want to increase the size to accommodate a plush rear seat. The superior engine, ride, finish and build quality made it easy to decide on the Tundra when I compared it to other trucks. I feel that by continuing to increase the back seating area, chevy has reinvented the suburban cab, except now it has a pickup bed.

lmeyer1 · October 1999

z71bill and rwellbaum2, thanks for the replies. I currently own a 9 year old Camry and have always liked Toyotas, so the truck immediately caught my attention when I decided we "needed" a pickup.

But, I, too, would give up some bed space for more room in the cab (although the Chevy is too big overall). I'm going to use the truck mostly to haul my pop-up and my family for camping trips, the occasional dump run and trip to home depot, and also to commute to work.

Looking simply at the design, I like the Dakota Quad Cab the best: relatively small overall, yet decent, if not spectacular, bed size, great engine in the 4.7 V-8, (at least according to Wards) and four doors. Obvious problem: questionable Dodge quality.

It's a dilemma. Might wait until Toyota does the 4-door Tacoma, although I'm pretty sure there won't be a V-8 in that.

Thanks again for the thoughts.

rfalknor · October 1999

Yes, I do have ABS. The service manager's explanation seems to make sense since I only hear the noise after the truck has been sitting for a considerable period of time(over night). Thanks for checking it out and sharing the info. Hope you're enjoying your Tundra as much as I am mine. BTW, I bought mine at Jim Barkley in Asheville. Highly recommend them to anyone in the market.

dcarpenter · October 1999

Has anyone heard that Toyota may ever mate a 5spd. with the V-8 engine in a 4X4 Tundra. I can't help it, I am a diehard 4X4 driver who much prefers a standard shift to an automatic transmission. I know all of the arguments pro and con for each transmission. My primary four-wheeling is in and over rocks and I like the stick.

I am disappointed that the V-8 comes only with automatic. Anybody know about next year's Tundra? Also, comments about the electronic 4X4 mechanism would be appreciated. I don't like that either. I like manual levers. I had a jeep cherokee once that had a push button 4whl. dr., and it got stuck in 4whl. dr. I had to drop the front drive shaft to get home from 150 miles away.

Thanks.

rs_petty · October 1999

I suspect that this combination won't be offered because it costs too much for the EPA certification without a large market share wanting the combination. I don't like the electronic stuff either. Bought my Tundra in 2WD. I'm on the lookout for an old Landcruiser to rebuild for 4wd off roading. I'll tow it to where I want to go. Anybody know if the bellhousing pattern on the V8 will accommodate a manual?

al2 · October 1999

Have just driven a Tundra Access cab and noticed that the pillar plus the seat belt hanging from the roof effectively block my usual over-the-left-shoulder glance to check the driver's side blind spot during lane changes. The side mirror was well-adjusted, but like all vehicles, other cars near my rear quarter panel were not visible--a dangerous problem. I spent quite a few minutes during the test drive to see if I could see an easy--and safe--solution but to no avail.
Has any Tundra owner found a method or mirror add-on that would alleviate this dangerous flaw?

jyarnold · October 1999

Al2, a small stick-on wide-angle mirror afixed to the driver-side mirror does the job for me. That left blind spot you're referring to has been there on all my cars, be it smoked rear glass, a stiff neck or an obstruction. I wouldnt expect to get any better visibility on any of the Tundras competition so if thats the only gripe you have - sounds like Toyota has another sale.

jyarnold · October 1999

dcarpenter, I do a lot of off-roading and thought I'd prefer a stick too but so far I'm enjoying the auto trans. It seems to do a real good job of shifting in the dirt. The push button switch is also new to me, used to levers, but this one I like cause it's fairly quick at engaging and easy to get at. If you accidentally hit the 4-wheel low at the wrong time, like doing 40 mph, it beeps indicating a pilot error. I wouldn't be too concerned about duplicating the problems you had with your Cherokee on the Tundra. I've yet to know a Cherokee owner who hasn't known where every shop in the hood is. Bad maintenance records on those Cherokees. I havent heard of anything about 5 spd  V8 Tundra but it will kill the resale a bit assuming you can get one next year.

rwellbaum2 · October 1999

I'm with you! I have never owned an automatic until now. I'm bored not having to shift and I like feeling an engine's power without it being filtered through a torque converter. generally I like manual 4x4 hubs. I wouldn't want it on the Tundra for fear of tracking mud in and out of the cab when I had to engage them

brucec35 · October 1999

criticisms: armrest on buckets too short. Legroom (surprisingly) could be better.

body lean in turns a little much(needs better shocks?)

Storage compartment behind rear seat should be hinged, not just a slip in panel. I have to spend a few seconds playing with it to get it back in every time.

It would be nice if rear doors opened independently of the front ones. Otherwise, why bother putting the door handles outside? A "b" pillar there would be nice in terms of the doors as well as adding strength.

Seat height is a little too low for my build ( 6'0"). Electric seats may adjust this. Still comfortable, though.

"Toyoguard" rustproofing/sound deadening stuff was oversprayed onto distributor installed alloy wheel.

Paint on inside of bed rail chipped shockingly easily when I lightly bumped it, and also in a couple of spots from road debris. My '91 Fourrunner had tougher paint. Hopefully I can avoid more damage.

Very Minor problems, overall.

Pros:

smooth, quiet ride. Good handling. Makes my Ford seem crude, which made my Ram seem crude. Great engine. Very quiet.

Looks are better than I expected. I think ommitting stock fender flares helps. They're too big for the size of the vehicle and make it look spindly. 265/70 tires on alloys also help in that area.

interior "feel" is high quality.

CD/cassette upgraded stereo is great for the price - $188. (dodge gets $600 plus for an inferior system)

Console storage and cupholders are excellent. Double console and four cupholders are a real plus.

Oak interior hides dirt/dust from work well.

Very good acceleration.

Slightly smaller size makes it easier to control on narrow roads, and shorter wheelbase makes it a LOT easier to park.

Braking is confidence inspiring.

Questions:

anyone know what the two small keys I got from my dealer are for? (not the wheel locks, those are different)

anyone know when they will crash test the tundra?

axrozme · October 1999

I want to buy a Tundra soon, but I have heard of problems with vibrations in the front end or drive train that have been difficult,if not impossible to remedy. I don't think that in this day age we should be expected to put up with design flaws(if that is what it is)as obvious as that. If you have had a problem how have you solved it? Does the factory have a fix for it yet? Are they working on it? Should I wait until the next model year?

mikemiller · October 1999

Axrozme, I test drove 4 Tundras (put a combined 100 miles between the 4 of them) before I bought my 4x4 Access Cab LTD TRD. I have never felt a vibration on any Tundra I have ever driven. I've got 3365 miles on mine and it's the best driving truck there is. Read the Nov 99 Consumer Reports if you don't believe me. You should go test drive one and see for yourself.
Sometimes I wonder where/if those vibrating truck are??. The Tundra is a well engineered work horse.

dogdad · October 1999

I do not have vibrations on my 2000 SR-5 ext.cab v-8 ,however , curiosity got the better of me and that is why I looked into the bulleton that the mechanic showed me. So far, I have been very happy with my Tundra.

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