This chronicles the transformation of my 2014 Toyota Tundra SR5 4×4 from a stock commuter truck to a capable off-roading and overlanding rig. This Toyota Tundra Build spans over two and a half years of ownership and showcases a comprehensive list of modifications.
Phase 1: Initial Assessment and Cosmetic Upgrades
I purchased my one-owner 2014 Tundra SR5 with 114,000 miles in 2019. While the truck was mechanically sound, its aesthetics screamed “senior citizen commuter,” complete with pinstriping and a pristine bed. My initial goal was to modernize the look and lay the foundation for future off-road adventures.
A clean 2014 Toyota Tundra in black parked in a driveway.
Close-up view of the rear of the black Toyota Tundra highlighting its chrome trim and badging.
The first wave of modifications focused on exterior enhancements. Leveraging the Tundra’s long-standing platform, I upgraded to 2018+ TRD Sport LED headlights, a TRD Pro grille, and a matching hood bulge. These simple changes, completed with my father, dramatically improved the truck’s appearance and significantly enhanced nighttime visibility.
A before-and-after comparison of the front grille of a Toyota Tundra, showing the original chrome grille alongside the new black TRD Pro grille.
The updated black TRD Pro grille on a Toyota Tundra, providing a more aggressive and modern look.
Phase 2: Building Out the Platform
The next stage of this Toyota Tundra build involved equipping it for off-roading and overlanding. This included modifications to the interior, exterior, wheels and tires, suspension, and bed.
Interior:
- Husky Weatherbeater Floor Liners
- Center Console Organizer
- AJT Designs Full Interior Blackout Kit
Exterior:
- American Flag Tailgate Lettering
- Curt Recovery Hitch
- Cali Raised Ditch Light Brackets
- Baja Designs XL Pro Lights
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Lights
- Coastal Offroad Front Bumper
The front of the black Toyota Tundra showcasing its new LED headlights, TRD Pro Grille, and aftermarket front bumper.
Wheels/Tires:
- Plastidipped TRD OR Wheels
- 295/70/18 Falken Wildpeak Tires
- Spidertrax 1.25″ Spacers
Suspension:
- OME Shocks Front and Rear with 612 Springs Up Front
- Toytec 1.5″ Block
- Toytec Extended U-Bolts
- OME Brake/ABS Extension Brackets
- Wheeler’s Offroad Bump Stops
The black Toyota Tundra from a side angle, highlighting its lifted suspension and larger off-road tires.
Bed:
- Victory 4×4 Mid Height Bed Rack
- Smittybilt Overlander XL Gen 2 Rooftop Tent
- ARB 2500 Awning
- XBull Traction Boards
- Rotopax 2G
The rear of the black Toyota Tundra showcasing the tailgate with American flag lettering.
Conclusion
This ongoing Toyota Tundra build reflects my journey in transforming a stock truck into a personalized adventure vehicle. From cosmetic enhancements to substantial performance upgrades, each modification has brought me closer to my goal of creating a versatile daily driver capable of tackling any terrain. This build is a testament to the adaptability of the Toyota Tundra platform and the endless possibilities for customization. The journey continues, and future updates will document the next phase of this evolving Toyota Tundra build.
