2007 wasn't 17 years ago it was... it was... 17 years ago oh god. Love these technical videos, it goes a lot deeper than the surface "it's good off road" most reviewers say because it has big wheels and a badge
I feel that about it being 17 years ago. I keep forgetting I’m almost 40 and not in my early 20s anymore until the pain in my neck and the grays in my beard remind me how old I really am.
You coined a new phrase : de-bro a truck. That was hilarious. Great video and love your analytics of how you landed on this unicorn Tundra. I would love to get the GX550, but the engine worries me and now you showed another aspect that I did not even consider yet with the front overhang. I'll stick with my GX470 until the engine quits.
@@Persocondes That was the point, I love my GX and with just a few mods it can keep up styling wise not to look like a 20year old truck. Every major YT'er that was invited to the Toyota events has been promoting the new line up, but all you get is more worries that something could go wrong. Can you imagine how a turbo 4 or 6 could last anywhere close to even 1/4 million miles? I can't
💯. I landed on an 07 gx470 years ago for the 2UZ-FE and never looked back. The new GX550 looks great but I have the same concerns. I went back and forth about “bro-ing” my suspension until a video here put the decision to rest. She remains “unbro-ed”. 😆 Thanks for all the good content and community you’re developing.👍🏼
In a single 20 minute video, you have answered nearly all the questions that have been burning in my mind for several years over my next off-road vehicle.
@@CTR_Dan One of the most famous Tundras is a RCSB that a guy spent $$ custom making because it didnt exist in fhe exact configuration he wanted (specifically, the 2014+ style update). They are the style of Tundra that are required if you want to seriously race the trucks too.
I have a 5.7L Tundra and it’s easily the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. I am very excited to see what you do with your very unique 4.7. This is the kind of content that makes your channel one of my favorite.
as an owner of a 2016 Tundra SR5 DC I love the single cab (but the Tundy is my trailer tower and we usually have 4 adults). As a hobbyist wrencher I can't tell you how much I appreciate you going back to an older vehicle to mod it, for offroading, on RU-vid, in 2024. This will be the most unique build this decade.
yeah that was a good selling point when I bought mine couple years ago I have toyed with the idea of putting a side bench tacoma seat there as I have a console two seaters ,
From an old school Jeep wheeler/builder (TJ) that just discovered your channel, I appreciate your criteria, evaluation and clear presentation. I'll be keeping an eye on this build.
Your honesty, testing and explanation of things is so refreshing and mindful, it's perfect. Thank you for not being like every auto review critic on youtube just pushing new models and getting paid to do it. Awesome work as always!
First and foremost, congrats on the new build. Just bought a ‘new to me’ ‘08 sequoia for the same reason. 5.7 V8 though. 1 owner. Completely undercoated from the bottom. Lived its life in the Bronx it’s whole life. Only 67k miles on the clock. I’ve filmed a lot of content and wanna start a channel. But I’m super scared to start lol.
Dude FUCK YES. I am so excited to see you build your 2nd gen out and provide us with some real data/numbers. Trying to base my decisions off your prado platform info has been great but not always as easy.
In the world of automotive channels this one doesn’t have that many subs but in terms of production quality and the informative value this is one of the best videos out there.
Fantastic video it’s great that you showed that the second GEN tundra was better than all of the new vehicles. I love the way you showed thickness of all the brackets underneath the truck and really got into the details of everything you are a great RU-vidr
This guy just gets wheeling. Amazing content that is useful. He articulates all the nuances we obsess about, right down to axle shaft spline count and wheel well measurements etc…
I love my 2nd Gen Tundra 5.7l access cab. Definitely a longer wheel base than a jeep but such a wonderful vehicle. Can’t wait to see what you do to your new baby
Bro, what an amazing channel. I literally just found you. I am in the market for my first Toyota Truck or SUV. I am looking at an Fj Cruiser, most likely 2010, or a Tundra. Your channel is something I will deep dive into. Thanks, and wish you all the best with your gem Tundra.
I LOVE my RCSB. 2007 4x4 4.7L V8, 5 speed column shift. I will never get rid if it. It is so damn reliable. The bed was rotted in the corners when I bought but the frame was spotless. I recently changed the bed from a wrecked one and the truck juat does everything I ask of it. Could not find rock warrior wheels for it so I got some Icon that are pretty close and some 285/70-17 duratracs. I wish I had saved the rock warrior wheels from my 2015 I had found. Ohh well truck is awesome even though it is two colors right now 😅
Love this as a fanboy on Tacoma number 13 and can’t stomach the new gen (and yes to those I can afford one not financing it). Looking forward to this build.
Wow I’m happy for you and jealous, I wish Toyota still made the RCSB tundra. So then you basically have a Tacoma sized V8, thank you for you all your technical knowledge and sharing them.
You're reasoning also explains why the 2nd gen sequoia is gaining popularity offroad even with independent suspension. Bombproof and very capable platform. I'm looking forward to the build!
@@TinkerersAdventure There are some major advantages to your Tundra; V8, 6.5bed and most importantly the space behind the seats is likely 3x what I have in the Tacoma. Regardless, if you are traveling alone or with one person, it is really hard to beat the driveability!
This is amazing! Im a mechanical engineering student, and I want to go from a 2008 Tundra Crewmax to a 07-09 FJ. It's like we're doing it backward. I love your channel, watching your FJ series has been very informative
I wish I had thought of this when I bought my 2011 Gen2 Tacoma in 2022. I was using a lot of the same logic, and no regrets but this Gen2 Tundra has all the things I wanted and couldn't quite get. Super excited to follow this build!!
This Kai dilemma really hit home for me. I knew previously that he had been looking at new Tacomas hard. Last year, I modified a 3rd gen Tacoma from stock using Kai's best specs blueprint from all his videos. This year, I re-modified my wife's new 2014 FJ Cruiser to Kai's FJ specs minus front long travel. Now, I drive my Taco as a day driver and my wife's FJ to go offloading. I can only imagine the dilemma Kai faced to find a pickup that met his detailed manufacture requirements if he was indeed going to go with a pickup. I agree that there are few pickup options with the same approach, breakover, and departure angles and clearances as good as today's offroad suvs. I love my Taco, but the modded 2014 FJ is as close to a 2014 Wrangler as it gets.
Geez, I forgot how HUGE the single cabs on the second-gen Tundras were… you’re right, that is a VERY rare Tundra. I really like the profile of that truck, and the 4.7 is the most reliable of the Tundra engines by FAR.
Although this car is not exported to the Arabian Gulf, we have a lot of this car in the Emirates, and it is also similar to the one you have, because the Emiratis love it.
Purchased a 24 tundra crewmax 6.5 bed last month, this month going back to the 2nd GEN (21) crewmax. Loved my previous 2010 and I’m glad I corrected my pricy mistake! I want to build out the 21 a little different then what I did with the 2010..I’m hoping to find some info on your build that I could use on mine! Looking forward to it!
Your vids are a god send. You helped me decide what mods I actually need. My 07 fj is nearly perfect for my daily and off road needs. The previous owner was an aircraft mechanic and did a damn good job taking care of it. My only concern is the transmission services. He didn’t have them on record so I haven’t touched the trans. Bought it at 168k and now it’s just over 220k miles. Ive rebuilt the whole suspension (3” front & 1” rear) and some steering components. I do believe my steering rack is going out now but besides that it has been a dream. I plan on keeping her for as long as she’ll run.
wheelbase was one of the most significant factors i considered when buying an off-roader. 2007 seems to be the lucky year as its the same as my 4runner. cant wait to see what you throw down in the RCSB!
I have an 06 tacoma. It's been driving me mad deciding what to replace it with. I have long been considering they serving gen tundra for quite a while and trying to talk myself into something newer but looks like I was right all along cuz you made it all make sense. Great great great video!!
I am soooo beyond happy you picked a Gen 2 Tundy!!!! I have a 2010 Dbl Cab with Bilstein 6112s and 5160's on 295/70r 18's . She has 175K on her but has been maintained well. Does not burn a drop of oil. I am excited to see what you do with your truck so maybe i can get some more ideas for mine. Nice pick man!!!
It's refreshing to hear someone speak the truth (backed up by hard data) about the new Toyotas. It's shameful some of the garbage I hear from guys who are so transparently externally motivated to make people believe these vehicles are somehow better - most of which are owners of aftermarket parts manufacturers/resellers, Land Cruiser Museum employees and, of course, the media "SMEs" who only care about whether or not they're invited to the next Toyota media event.
I bought an ‘08 Tundra w/5.7, double cab, 6.5’ bed to build. First was a 2.5” diameter Icon suspension front and back (3” front, 2” back lift). 35” K02’s, +25 offset Icon wheels, sway-bar defeat, and SPC adjustable uca’s. Lastly, for now, a flowmaster dump before the rear axle and full skid plates (engine, trans, t-case, gas tank, and rear diff.). I’m going to do bumpers, winch, lights, bed topper built out as a single sleeper, Re-gear to 4.88’s and a rear locker, relocated breathers for the diff and others, and lastly bed line/PPF parts of the paint which I already pin striped. I’m really interested to see what you do with yours😁
coming from an 08 Taco DCSB .. decided i wanted something larger for full time truck camper... picked up a 2020 ram 2500 RCLB with a flatbed conversion ... its nice fitting in a standard length parking spot!
I would be extremely appreciative if you could tell us HOW you found this vehicle? Like, what web site? I'm searching for something similar and having a terrible time.
We see the general trend in the automotive industry: engines getting smaller with big turbos, thick metal getting replaced with thinner metals, all these for the sake of fuel economy while massively sacrificing reliability. Also everyone is putting in big screens and “sporty handling” to please the crowd of reviewers.
Great video, Great truck. It'll be fun to watch your project progress. I have a 2010 CM Rock Warrior. It does have the 5.7 though. Excited to see what you do with yours. Have fun!
Nice video and in-depth review of the components. You're one of the very few that can delve into the details like that and still keep it interesting. I like how you approach your builds with a clear purpose. Congratz on the new truck and looking forward to your new build as it progresses.
The cast iron UZ series V8s will always be the most reliable Toyota V8s ever but the successor UR series is the perfect balance of power and longevity, where 1 million mile examples also exist.
A brilliant break down of why you selected the vehicle you bought. Sometimes the older vehicles were designed better for your situation. I bought a Dual cab triton recently, in big part because it is one of the smallest dual cabs. I don't intend on loading it up too much. The short wheelbase, 118"; turning circle, 38.7'; and width of 71.5" made it perfect for me. yes the tray is shorter at about 5' (considered short here with most being 6'). But is means with minimal mods it is surprisingly capable. Newer models have all gone 2" wider, longer and heavier across all vehicles. I guess if and when I need to update next I am not sure where I will be looking.
I have the same 2 door Tundra, it's a 2013 with the 5.7 litre V8 3UR FE, 381hp & 401 lb-ft. I also have the 2UZ in the 2007 100 series Land Cruiser. Both engines are bulletproof if u maintain them timely.
At the beginning of the video I was 100% sure there was no way I was going to get excited about an old boring build. Finished the video and now I can't wait to see that tundra in action.
I had a V8 4-runner with that engine and it was sweeeet. The under-body rusted out at 200K due to salt on Wisconsin roads from Nov-March, but that engine was just barely getting broken in. Regardless of the official hp and torque, it felt like it had a lot more grunt than that, and an intoxicating baritone when you pushed it that you don't hear from other Toyota engines with 4-6 cylinders.
so sick, I love getting your thoughts on this stuff I already kept recommending an older Tundra to my friend who wanted to get into overlanding but you've really found a special one that I'm sure you're gonna love setting up!
Wheelbase is def a problem on full size trucks. I had a 157" wheelbase F150 and every dumb obstacle on the trail was just reaching up to try and take a piece of the rockers. The truck had something like 14" of clearance to the center of the frame between the tires, vs my GX460 with a lift that only had like 11-12", but my GX460 could do the same obstacles without even thinking about it. My F150 I had to pick perfect lines for everything. Never mind that it had the turning circle of something like 50'. There was a lot of trails where I simply couldn't get the truck down without damaging it. That said, putting 35's or 37's on a full size truck is a lot easier and so you can get the thing up in the air. This RCSB tundra with some big tires should have clearance and breakover for days.
I love this video, because it validates everything I've been thinking about older Toyota trucks vs newer ones. EVERYTHING that Kai talks about here is why I just bought my lightly used 2023 4Runner, and did not want the new 6th gen for 2025. I'll probably be able to keep this thing for ages.
Nice to see we’re not alone in using our brains. I needed a NEW vehicle and decided my best bet was getting the last manual 3rd gen Tacoma. I’m feeling happier every day about my decision!
Your the Truth bro Gen 1 motor and format is insanely slept on. The 4.7 2007 was a genius move but Gen 1 would of been sick to see as well ! Love the Video
I got a 200 series in February. An LX570 specifically. The more I read and see about the new TNGA trucks, the happier I am with my decision. While I would prefer the power and torque of the 3.4L TT because I tow at high elevations, the rest of the 200 series is just so stout. And if I really needed more power, there are bolt on blower kits. Also, AHC on the LX570 is phenominal.
That tundra configuration is impossible to find - congrats, man! There are people putting 40s on a 2nd gen tundra and doing really solid rock crawling here on the west coast. So you have a perfect build truck
Most professional delivery. Loved the explanations and science behind your logic. Even if my 2017 Taco Access cab is hardly ever modded, we can be friends! All the Best!! Peace Be The Journey!
As always great video. Now whats the end goal for this truck? Parts list? Are you going to swap the front facia with the better looking late 2nd gen trundra?
No one makes a video like you. So so good! My favorite part was when you overlayed the wheel bases 👌. Congratulations on the new truck and nice seeing @4wdislife on here too!
Sounds like my Tundra experience! I have the 2010 4x4 RCLB Tundra, even has hand powered windows its so basic. When I got it, it was on 37" wheels and a 6" spacer lift... Now its de-bro'd with a mild 1.5" suspension lift and 33.5" tires and my 4wheelcamper on the back.
2014 last of regular cab 4 by 4 MANUAL 2.7 2t FE. THE last iron block motor. Though I forgot about the 4.7 v-8 FE iron block THANK You TA. Also my little truck is a fighter pilot and dive in and out of all others particularly tesla, and other sports cars HILARIOUS. Yes they get me eventually (but anyone can push a pedal) BUT my little truck power to weight ration and motor make it quick. Also I LOVE pulling up in my little Taco which towers above all the little sports car, ev thingies and laughing at them. Your regular cab 4.7 has similar power to weight ratio advantages AND looks good. BE diligent with maintenance and laugh at ALL the moderns as they peter-out, Good Job TA.
Thank you for sharing, great video! Few producers put the effort in that you do. Many of the reasons you bought your pickup played into me buying my 2020 Tundra. I wasn't as concerned with offroad, but it does ride better on washboarded gravel than anything I've been in, and does really well in mud. It is a good chassis with reliable transmission and axles. Ultimately I wanted the most reliable half ton I could get. One suggestion: look into the Sequoia LED headlight conversion for your pickup. They are very nice (on-road, anyways).
Also, I have looked at putting the Toyota 17s on my Tundra, but I'm worried about caliper damage from gravelly mud in the wheels. Do you have any plans to install rally scrapers in the wheel to mitigate that? What I'd really like is the Land Cruiser forged bronze wheels, but they are $1000+ per.
Congrats on the RCSB! I looked for a specific RCSB Tundra for a little over a year before I gave up and ordered a 2022 Ford F-150 RCSB and built it to Tremor specs. It is 122" wb. It's nice to have the new offroad/onroad tech, and of course the reliable NA 5.0l V8. But I have been a fan of those tundra for a LONG time!
You my friend have out done yourself 👍👍 This is by far the TipTop of Mt Hood for content and build vision! Can't wait to see it grow, and I will be here for the low when you try to out Tinker this one😂
Great find! I had no idea the rcsb had that much room behind the seats. I've only seen a handful, I think they're the best looking of the Tundras. 4.7 instead of 5.7 is a little unfortunate, but at least it's reliable.
FANTASTIC, A 2ND Gen Tundra, this is going to be a very good series to follow. What am i saying, i would watch whatever he put out. Just happensthati own a 2018 1794, SSSSOOOO, im very interested in this series
Of the vehicles I see on trails around here, I don’t see that many 2ndGen+ Tundras on any more than FS Roads. I’ve always assumed they were just too big. But given your specs of the RCSB, could be an amazing rig. Looking forward to the build!
I can't wait to see what you do with it. This is the build I always wanted to do with the Tundra platform. I always needed room for a family so the CM was the only way to go for me. The 4.7 is an interesting choice but an understandable one. There are some mods for the engine but I would go with new gears before I would consider tampering with the 4.7.
Man, that frame is cleaner than my California 4runner. I've always loved those RCSB Tundras, even back in my rice rocket days. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
