Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives My New Rig - 2018 Tundra

Congrats on the Tundra.

My white hippo is a 2017, and I love it. Factory Michelins sucked though. Lots of sidewall flex while cornering on pavement, and they are about as tough as a bicycle tire. Been using Toyo M-55 and R/T in the past for gravel and stone drilling protection, but went Nitto EXO for the Tundra. Supposedly the same carcass as the Toyo (sister company), snowflake rating (traction device, not the liberal type), and less money. They definitely have less vibration than the M-55, and are actually heavier than the M-55, KO2, and other similar tires with like tread depth. No proof, but redneck logic tells me that they have more something. I drive fast on gravel and the suspension and tires are doing well. Minimal cuts in the tread.

My only wish right now is the cone clutch for the rearend. That and a bigger tank... I got the small one since I wanted the bench seat and not the buckets with bigger tank.

Are those 275/70/18's which are 33.2"? Any rubbing at all over the stock 32" tires?

Are those 275/70/18's which are 33.2"? Any rubbing at all over the stock 32" tires?

I don't know about the Tundra, but some new pickups don't have enough clearance under the front fenders to use tire chains. If you drive where they're needed, you'd better check it out.

...not to burst your bubble but the axle ratio is only one factor in the equation, literally. You have to consider the transmission and transfer case ratios. For example, the Tundra has a low ratio for the axle, but taller ratios for the tranny compared to other trucks. And crawl ratios between the different makes are similar, even with different axle ratios.

Good point RC.

The fender wells have plenty of clearance. On this generation of Tundra, the clearance issue seems to be the upper A-arm and sidewall. The owner's manual says to use chains only on the rear. However, I use chains on all four tires.

With 275/65-18 tires I have just enough room for SCC cables. I've had awesome luck with their cable chains on multiple vehicles, but admit that there are times when I'd prefer to use V-bar chains. No problem on the rear, but the front would be an issue.

If I went 275/70-18, I think the sidewall bulge would be closer to the upper A-arm which would decrease clearance further. I could be wrong though. Maybe they'd fit better.

Can't you guys get aftermarket lockers like a Detroit Locker or an air/electric locker for your Tundra's?

NYH1.

Absolutely true. A lot of folks get hung up on the 4.30 rear end but it doesn't mean a thing until you know what the transmission gears are you're pairing it with.

The Tundra's also not a 3/4 ton no matter what anyone wants to make it out to be. I've got a 16 tundra and a real 3/4 ton, a 99 dodge 2500 diesel, and as much as I love the tundra it doesn't compare to the dodge when you're looking to haul something or tow something. It's a half ton grocery getter like all the rest, it just doesn't break down like the others do.

1000 miles in on my new truck and overall fuel average is 15.8 mpg.....for an overbuilt half ton with a 5.7l 381 hp engine with 4.30 gears (AWESOME) I am not complaining one bit. A lot of people are drawn to the higher MPG in some of these new half ton trucks that run 3.21, 3.43, 3.55 gears - that's great if you don't tow, but when you hook up 7-8k of trailer - those 4.30's flat rock. The 38 gallon tank is sure nice as well. To my mind, the tundra is a 3/4 ton gas truck in every category except payload.

Absolutely true. A lot of folks get hung up on the 4.30 rear end but it doesn't mean a thing until you know what the transmission gears are you're pairing it with.

The Tundra's also not a 3/4 ton no matter what anyone wants to make it out to be. I've got a 16 tundra and a real 3/4 ton, a 99 dodge 2500 diesel, and as much as I love the tundra it doesn't compare to the dodge when you're looking to haul something or tow something. It's a half ton grocery getter like all the rest, it just doesn't break down like the others do.

I know you are liking your new truck and don’t mean to be the negative nelly here but just to put your beast mode assessment of the overbuilt Tundra into perspective you might want to watch some of the Ike Gauntlet tests done on all the half tons towing 9000 lbs. The Tundra came in last! Even the Nissan Titan beat it in time and fuel mileage. The guys even commented how much more the ass end of the Tundra sagged when hooking the trailer up to it. Better fuel mileage can be had with most newer half tons made today as well as significantly better performance both towing and empty. The Tundra was a beast in 2007 but not so much today. FWIW........

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AFg6eDuZ85E. Tundra

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_z4isefQedA F150

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SsujrWpqngw Titan

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0f674yOdPcg Ram 1500

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dq8S83AYKsU Chevy 1500

The Tundra could use a taller rear end ratio but it’s still not revving very high while cruising at 70 because of the tall 6th gear. I think most of the reason for the bad fuel economy is the engine’s just inefficient. The 5.7 still uses single point throttle body style fuel injection instead of multipoint like most vehicles today. The Camry for 2018 had an EPA mileage jump from 32 hwy to 39 by incorporating direct injection, hopefully something like that is in the works for the Tundra. I think there’s some kind of new fuel economy requirements coming up so maybe that’ll kick them in the ass to fix it.

Only Fullsize truck recommended by Consumer Reports. Good Luck with your F150 you will need it, Negative Nelly LMFAO you are all of that and more.

Jeez a little sensitive are we?

Trying to understand why someone would throw in some negative posts after a Guy just purchased a new Tundra.

Great trucks with the worst fuel mileage. At least they finally put a bigger fuel tank in em a few years ago.