NB Shopping for Gen2 Tundra

Greetings,

I'm a soon-to-be former Jeep Wrangler owner and am shopping for a midsized PU for a 4 wheel camper. I can speak relatively intelligently about Jeeps, but Toyota is new to me.

1) Is there any trim in years 2007-2013 with either a mechanical LSD or eLocker (i'm getting so much contradicting info on the web).

2) I've read tremendously good things about both the 4.7L and 5.7L V8s. 4.7Ls seem to have a slightly better rep than then 5.7L, but from what I've read I'm leaning to the 5.7L, any feedback/advice is welcome.

3) Is TRD Pro the only TRD variant available from 2007-2013? In other words, was there a TRD Offroad or similar?

4) I intend to lift the vehicle modestly and beef up the rear suspension because of the heavy camper. What systems should I consider first? I can spend to $5K in suspension upgrades (Saving a bunch of money by buying used).

 

Welcome.
The LSD question may be answered here.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/your-2nd-gen-controls-and-how-they-work.627/

I would say its a horse a piece, I think there are less 2nd gen 4.7s so you hear less bad.

TRD PRO starts in 2015 (2.5 gen Tundras 2014-2021).
We get the TRD Offroad Package and TRD Rock Warrior.

Some people use airbags, a lot seem to be trending towards Hellwig helper springs or Road Active.

 

I have a 2.5 gen, but Ill promote sumo springs and RAS to anyone that will listen. It handles my ridiculously overweight camper very well.

 

Gen 2 and up Tundras are not midsized trucks. They are LARGE. No locker or limited slip available in this gen, only a simulation of one in the traction control system which uses electronically controlled brake inputs to achieve the effect. It does work rather well, but is not what a locker is or does. The 4.7 (UZ engine family) is a solid engine. That's an understatement. But if you're gonna be loaded down with a 4WC or similar, the 5.7 offers more power and scoot and has a pretty stellar reputation as well. Two different engine families. The later Gen 2s (2010 and up I believe) also offered the 4.6 instead of the 4.7 (same engine family as the 5.7, the URs). TRD Offroard version available for all years, but was generally just shocks, skid plates and stickers. Trucks of this age will need full suspension replacement regardless, so choose whichever truck fits your needs otherwise and build you new suspension out.

 

Four Wheel Camper thread...
https://www.tundras.com/threads/four-wheel-camper-fwc-thread.94294/

 

To be specific, I'm looking for a Regular cab with a short bed (RCSB). These have a shorter wheelbase than the 2024 4 Door Tacomas. The RCSB is also shorter overall than the 2024 Taco 4dr versions. The RCSB Tundra is narrower than The Bronco and The Ranger Raptor. So this particular configuration is actually a mid sized by todays standards (IMO).

 

That is gonna be like finding Bigfoot riding a unicorn. Best of luck.

 

Ha, finding one in good condition sure will be. Rough ones are definitely out there, there's half a dozen on Autotrader right now.

 

Check this thread, people are always posting ones for sale.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/official-rcsb-thread.4401/

 

The Tundra is NOT narrower bodied than any of those vehicles you mentioned. Some of those may come in “wide track” versions that have wheel track that’s wider. It’s 100% a full-size truck.

 

IDK what $29k gets you in a Jeep but you can get a way nicer/newer Tundra with less owners for that kind of money.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/8d621d96-ece1-4aca-b41a-b091ef3b6b97/

 

I realize this. I'm just saying while it's a full sized truck, it's shorter than a lot of "Mid sized" trucks these days. It also has a smaller wheelbase. When on trails this is important.

Maybe the info is wrong here, but per edmunds the 2024 Tacoma TRD pro is 80.1" without mirrors whereas the 2008 Tundra RCSB is 79.9"

2024 Tacoma TRD Pro: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma/2024/st-402019142/features-specs/
2013 Tundra: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/2013/features-specs/

But if it's that important then I think we can agree that a Gen 2 Tundra RCSB is a full sized truck that is smaller in length and wheelbase than a 2024 4 door Tacoma ( all trims) and also has about the same size wheel track as upper trims of some mid sized trucks and a has wider body by about 3". Both the Tacoma TRD Pro (which is generally considered a mid-sized truck) and the Gen 2 Tundra also have just about the same curb weight of 5100 lbs. I think it's worth mentioning that the Tundra's curb weight of 5100 lbs is about the same as a well equipped Bronco and Wrangler, which are mid sized SUVs.

Irrespective the RCSB, is a good size for what I want to do (washboard roads, steep ascents, moderately technical trails, highway driving) with a decent sized camper. Do you agree?

 

https://youtu.be/5VDIEP0pydE?si=0vw5TW8ioiAVEII5

 

Came from a 2013 Tacoma to a 2018 tundra. The tundra feels bigger than it really is when your driving it between trees and rocks, that's for sure. You look at the trail like "that'll never fit"
Usually it does
Sometimes it doesn't

 

This is where I got the idea! I stole it from Tinkerer!

 

He hasn’t even started his build. Reading between the lines from your past, you definitely need a 5.7. Extra gear. You’ll want to replace the Toyota nanny stuff and put in an Auburn LSD or even an Eaton Elocker. The latter being the preference. @rcsbguy has a very informative video of personally boxing in the frame out back to avoid movement. Another thing I think sort of aims in your direction. As far as suspension. Total Chaos uppers and lowers C arms. Coastal OffRoad has an article of how to fit 37’s and is pretty much required reading and get his parts to make them fit. Nothing required out back to get to 37’s. Anything larger gets really complicated and 37’s seem to be sweet spot for the truck max size.
@STravis runs SOB fabrication. His high clearance bumpers are an amazing standard. I’m saving my future holiday money for his rear bumper for my 2010 RCSB.
Go through the forums. Read the RCSB forum and it should provide enough info.
Welcome to the forum. I’m a hardcore LandCruiser guy but don’t disrespect anything else. Jeeps or Raptors all have their following.

 

@Cruiserpilot - thanks for the info. I'm set on doing a camper, but if I wasn't I'd be looking really hard at 80 or 100 series LCs.

I'm running 35s on my Jeep JLU, but am selling it. I paid $72K for a 2024 Jeep Rubicon X that's been in the shop 4 times since I bought it last year, most recently for a cracked engine. Yeah, I'm done.

I'm trying to simplify my next build. Based on my research (Including the Tinkerer's Adventure vid), seems like it's hard to go wrong with the 4.7 or 5.7 V8. FWIW I can afford a brand new Taco TRD Pro, I just don't want that level of technology. I'm want a vehicle that can be wrenched on the trail in a pickle, that is reliable, with decent payload and is capable (not Rubicon trail capable, but capable nonetheless). Seems like Gen2 Tundra RCSB fits the bill as Tinkerer's video says.

If I can find a RCSB Gen 2 I'll plan on dropping $20K in upgrades (with the money i save from not buying a new car), so I'm not dissuaded by this. I plan on running 35's in this vehcle too. As a matter of fact I'd be super happy with this guy's build:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmkHSBnvles

Looks like he's done a perfect build for what I want.

 

I’d sell it but it won’t be cheap. It’d be a crazy amount. Absolutely the most perfect 2nd gen Tundra to me.

 

Then you'd get to start all over again! J

 

Ouch!

 

Didn't fit that time

 

Haha maybe, I have a crazy amount of hours into this one already.

 

Stunning

 

I have a 2024 Jeep Rubicon X 4xe I'll trade

Seriously though, I've watched your YT videos and you've done an amazing job! Honestly I'd almost feel guilty buying it, but if you're serious I'll make an offer.

 

I'm not sure I've seen pics of the inside of that camper. There are so many metal pop-tops coming along now. It's quite interesting.

 

I’ll always entertain offers! Feel free to PM me if you’d like

 

Just to make you feel bad, a 2009 RCSB 4WD sold here in Duncan for $5500 CAN! on Sunday
It was on FB for 9 hrs. I saw it after 6-7 hrs and flat out said I'd buy it. But someone got there first.

 

FB Marketplace makes you work for the reward. OMG. I just spent over an hour looking for RCSB. FB limits to 500 mile search UGH. To make matters worse, there's no filters for 4x4 and many sellers don't know what the heck a "Regular cab" is. I hope FB marketplace improves soon.

 

The best you can do is 'Tundra Trucks 2007-2013' I'd put my target circle in non rust belt cities