I recently upgraded from an '02 Sport Edition to an '07 Limited v8, and wanted to start a new thread to document maintenance/mods. I loved my 3rd gen, but I was getting to the point where I wanted something nicer with more power. And I wanted to get it before the v8 became too scarce or hard to find with low(ish) miles. But I didn't want to replace such a great vehicle unless I found exactly what I wanted (white or silver, sport or limited, 2wd, v8, less than 80K miles).

I found this one in Austin about 2 months ago. One-owner, dealer maintained, 78K miles for $20K out the door. This is a couple of days after I bought it (and my 3rd gen in the front)



First thing I had to do was lift it. I couldn't stand the rake (close to 3" in stock form) and I hate having the same vehicle as everyone else. I want to make it mine. I chose a combo of the FJ 4x4 springs, the Daystar 1.25" topout spacer in the front, Daystar 1.5" spacer for the rear and Bilstein 5100 shocks. I set the front on the lowest clip thinking I could go up if needed. But I saw a few pictures with this set up and thought I'd like it. I also replaced the stock wheels/tires with some Tundra split-spokes powdercoated graphite and 265/70/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3s that I had on the 3rd gen. Measurements are below (from the ground to the wheel well)

Before / After:
front driver - 32.25" / 36.875"
front passenger - 32.25" / 36.875"
rear driver - 35.125" / 38"
rear passenger - 35.25" / 38.125"

I finished everything at night so this is a pic from the next morning. With 4.5" of lift in the front, I was afraid I would need new UCAs, but the alignment came back with all numbers within spec, and there's no pull that I can notice.


And the truck is pretty dirty in this pic, but I like how the light let's you see tires a little better.


Next, I found some lightly used Wet Okole seat covers from another T4R member - black with white piping and the 5th gen logo on the front seats. I'm not sure why it has a gap on the sides, but for half price, I couldn't complain much.



Plans for the future include...
- replace the 4th gen badges with 3rd gen (I like the font better) and plastidip them all black
- switch driver and passenger seat covers
- LED interior bulbs
- Bora .75" wheel spacers

The gap on the side of the Wet Okole seat covers is for the side airbags. You have the driver and passenger covers switched. The hole for the airbags goes on the outside of the seat.

Ah. Good to know. Edited plans for the future include switching the driver and passenger seat covers.

2wd? To each their own I guess...

I never take it offroad. I'd rather take it to the golf course. And if it snows in Houston, the whole city shuts down and I don't have to drive anywhere anyway. I have no need for 4wd. It's just one more thing that can go wrong.

looks good man. how do you like your okole's?

Makes sense then, lighter weight is always welcome in a vehicle too. Truck looks good though, most people would think it's a 4wd

Very nice!

I just picked up an '08 Limited V6 and will be making some changes soon. Did you do the lift or take it to a shop? I am in Houston as well. I have xreas and am financially limited to spacers to get it level for now.

The coated Tundra wheels look great too!

Truman, just saw your post. Thanks for the compliments. I installed the lift myself. I didn't have XREAS, which made it a little easier. There's still more involved on the front of the 4th gen than the 3rd because you have to remove the sway bar, and to get that off, you have to remove the skid plate. The rear was relatively simple, once I got the shocks off.

Did you already install your spacer lift? If not, I can lend a hand if you need help.