The new fullsize Toyota Tundra with its 5.7L V-8 serves as a solid platform for whatever a pickup truck owner's needs may be. Sporting plenty of oomph to smoke almost any four-wheel-drive pickup off the line, the Tundra simply gets with the program. As such, the rig begs for larger tires. That's why Pro Comp Suspension jumped right on the development of a 6-inch lift kit for the new platform. In the end, Pro Comp would be first to market with two well-thought-out kits-one featuring a simple coilover spacer and the other basically the same kit except with a smooth-riding set of adjustable Pro Comp coilover shocks. We happened to be present the day Dustin Chernoh of DC Customs in Ukiah, California, had his crew begin installing said kit(s) on a local Toyota dealer's truck to see how they compared.
Never one to miss a good opportunity to get the scoop on a new product, we stuck around and watched as the additional 6 inches of clearance took form. Once completed, we took the truck out for a testdrive and even kept in touch with the truck's owner to see how it worked out for him. The results were right in line with what we expected-everything met our expectations, and the truck's owner absolutely loves the new ride. Check out the highlights from the install.
Here is the Stage 2 Tundra...
Here is the Stage 2 Tundra kit from Pro Comp. It differs from the Stage 1 kit because it includes a pair of M-X 2.75 coilover shocks as well as two of Pro Comp's signature MX-6 adjustable rear shocks. We like the fact that the coilovers are valved specifically for the Tundra chassis. The kit also includes high-strength extended steering knuckles.
1. This photo illustrates...
1. This photo illustrates the gain in beef between the factory steering knuckle and the Pro Comp extended units. Notice the added thickness in key areas where added stress from larger tires would likely cause failure in the stock part.
2. Each Pro Comp kit requires...
2. Each Pro Comp kit requires specialized tools such as the spring compressor shown here to complete the installation process. For this reason, we recommend having the work performed by a competent shop with prior lift-kit installation experience rather than attempting the job on your own at home. The factory coil spring must be removed from the factory struts on the Stage 1 kit. This allows installation of the coil-strut spacers.
3. Here you can see the coilover...
3. Here you can see the coilover spacer being bolted to the factory coil strut on the budget Stage 1 kit. While this arrangement does allow fitment of larger tires, we really recommend stepping up to the Stage 2 kit for anyone who actually plans to use their Tundra in the dirt. On the Stage 2 kit, wheel travel is increased thanks to a longer front coilover shock.
4. This is the front IFS differential...
4. This is the front IFS differential assembly found under the new Tundra. While not exactly what we would call "stout," it does seem to have some extra webbing in key areas. The whole unit must be removed from the truck prior to installation of either version of the kit. Once on the floor, the guys from DC Customs mounted the bracketry from Pro Comp.
5. The differential drop brackets...
5. The differential drop brackets include polyurethane bushings and are powdercoated like the rest of the kit to prevent corrosion.
6. Here you can see the beginning of the cutting portion of the installation. The Toyota Tundra has a steel crossmember that ties each framerail into one another under the engine. This member must be removed precisely as instructed by Pro Comp. Removing this section allows the front driveshaft to work with the new location of the front differential assembly. This is arguably the hardest part of the installation process. The instructions show very clearly where to cut the member on each side. However, watching the process made us nervous thinking about cutting up a brand-new truck. No pain, no gain, as they say.