The TMBRR Build- Tribute to the Treefall

2020 Tundra 1794 Crewmax 4WD

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Feb 12th, 2025 clocks 10 days since I picked up my new Tundra (90k on the clock) and I'm excited to document my build not only for my personal reasons, but in the hope it sparks some ideas for other Tundra owners down the road.

I flew down to Texas as some Midwesterners do for our vehicles - to find a clean vehicle that our lovely salt brine hasn't touched yet. After a couple months, I found the one.

From a mile away, it looks clean, stock, like any 2020 1794 would...

But when you factor in this is what the truck looked like a year ago... You can see where this thread is going to get interesting.

 

Before anyone comments, let's just say, it's pretty nice knowing that the vehicle you drive isn't perfect.

But there's a threshold.

 

The previous owner had the truck repaired "enough". He drove it for 60k miles in it's current configuration with a couple current issues:

1. 4wd not operational
2. Little bit of roof leakage
3. Rear power window broken
4. No FM antenna

 

Let's just say, 3 of those 4 things were on the chopping block for me to sort out ASAP. Here in WI, we have wintery slop dang near a third of the year. So, getting 4wd up and running and the cab sealed up were high priority.

 

Was the truck a copart auction find?

 

I have some pretty grand visions for the rig. I own a small overland business here in WI and I plan on showcasing this build as a bit of what our shop capabilities are, as well as showing off some of the awesome products our key vendors carry.

 

Nope! Private party. It was "fixed" before I bought it from the previous owner. I'll get into that more soon

 

First fix: rear window motor.

Step 1. Buy OE part 69850-0C050 for $290.


Step 2. Pull rear seats, insulation, sheet metal...



Step 3. Remove the window motor and regulator.


Step 4. Reinstall and enjoy the lovely fresh air. And ability to remove headliner out the rear window down the road...

 

Mod# 2. The rig was missing a radio knob. So why not prototype and 3d print one? Epoxied a 6.5 creedmoor shell casing into each of them for style points. After all, this will be a hunting and fishing rig!

 

Obligatory Pure Flow PC5667x cabin air filter install pic - air flow down, not up...

 

92859mi

- Flushed Rear Diff with 3.8qts of Amsoil Severe Gear

$39 75W-90 GL-5 Limited Slip, Ultra Long Drain 500k Miles, Manual Transmission, Gear/Differential Lubricant (1 Gallon)

75W-90


-flushed Transfer case oil with 1.8qts of Redline MT-LV 70/75W

 

Today also marks the day of installing my SDHQ sliders. Picked them up on the way back from Texas (marketplace find - thanks Chris)
1. The bed liner (figured I'd change it up from standard powder coat, and see those this stuff holds up)




2. The hardware and bracketry... Required a bit of modification but well made.


3. The paint match 1794 badge, for fun...


4. Now the install... (Note the little galvanized Z bracket for the brake line on the passenger side)






So far I'm happy with the design. The slight angle and slight kickout is nice, and from my last ones (full plate) I think they will hold up better and be better for touch up purposes.

 

Tossed in a new AFE ProDry S and some rear Husky X-Act liners today... Small steps for mankind!

I've run these air filters on my last couple 4runners with great success.

 

Installed the Falcon Tow/Haul Suspension setup in the Tundra at 93,000mi. Three compression setting on the rear shocks is nice for hauling and towing.

Re-used the OEM coils to assemble the front struts. Set them to the "Leveled" spring perch and gained me 2" lift in the front after a couple days to settle... Loving the much improved ride.

Kit came with brackets to extend brake line mounts, as well as new bump stops over the leaf brackets.

They should hopefully hold up well in our lovely -10 degree weather and salt everywhere.

 

Also did a full oil change with 8.5 qts of Amsoil Signature 0W-20 and an EA15K04 filter. Purring like a kitten now.

 

Threw a new front diff in the rig. Off a Sequoia with 65k miles. Before the install, I put an ECGS bushing in on the drive side. Might as well!

Pulled the bearing with a universal bearing puller and it worked great.

 

Installed the Morimoto 3rd Brake Light with rapid flasher module. Fantastic upgrade over OEM.

 

Also installed Morimoto Puddle Lights. Wayyyyyy brighter than stock! Great cheap upgrade.

 

Fixed the busted Sharkfin antenna up on the roof.
OEM PN: 86760-04010.

Great to have my FM tuner back up and running!

 

Front husky X-Act...super impressed.

 

Tailgate rattled a bit - took a plastic trim plug, cut the tip off so the plastic acted like hooks, and stuck it in the rubber bumper hole the tailgate should register against, on both sides. Rattle fixed!

 

Found a used TRD Pro grille on marketplace that was the wrong color. Removed the valence, gave it a nice new black paint job...


Painted the Toyota lettering Bronze to match my 1794 badge and sliders...


And voila:

 

Installed the coachbuilder +2 shackles and carrier bearing drop today. 93500mi on the clock. Wow, what a difference in small bump compliance and "bed bounce". Floats over cracks and bumps in the road and gravel significantly, and gained almost exactly 1.25" rake in the rear.

I'll do a write-up on this, but some quick action shots of pressing out the leaf bushings was easy with a rental BJ press.

 

Installed Morimoto 2 Bangers as ditch lights. 94200mi.

Ran the Morimoto switched relay harness and used their Stainless steel brackets.





Ran working through firewall and installed the push button switch under the overhang of the armrest for easy on-off switching. These lights are fantastic for deer illumination with the combo beam. Super easy install!

 

Took the rig out for a little flyfishing today. Really stoked to be where I'm at with the build in such a short time.

 

Upgraded my blower motor today with the LC OEM from Fred Anderson. Made a significant difference and I like never have to think about brushes failing down the road. Would highly recommend.

 

Also, de-chromed the mirrors with OEM caps. Super happy with this.

 

Did a drain and fill of the transmission today at 95.5k mi. OEM ATF WS fluid. Drained 4qts, put in 4.5, did the D-N shift procedure until the D light came on, and drained the .5 qts back out. Super smooth. And definitely made a difference in shift quality from the quick test drive I took.

 

Installed the RCI front engine skid on the tundra. Super impressed. Have fun CBI, LFD, and Victory in the past and RCI is up there in design and build quality!

 

Also tossed on the RCI Steel 38gal fuel tank skid. Bought the TRD fuel straps and after the replacement of those three, it was about the easiest install a man could ask for. Six nuts and washers. Very happy to have some protection on the tank.