Is This The Best Toyota Tundra Overlander You Can Build? This One Has Lockers, 37s, and TWO Winches!

[@johnnytorres277]

This dudes one of the nicest people you will ever meet. What they didn't get into detail about is that he uses his truck to recover for free countless people. He's the kind of guy that will wake up in the middle of the night to to help other offroaders when they're stuck in a bad situation facing thousands of dollars in tow recovery bills, or when nobody else including tow drivers will come.

[@mikeypotts4732]

That's incredible. Absolute respect to that man.

[@balakays550]

snorr?

[@g2theb584]

​@@balakays550 SOUTHERN NEVADA OFF-ROAD RECOVERY

[@bigslacker666]

That is an amazing rig and you can tell he's an experienced wheeler. Going from Jeeps and Toyota SUVs to a fullsize truck myself all of his considerations are spot on. It's a damn shame Toyota doesn't have at least a rear locker factory option even on the TRD pro, it can't be that big an engineering deal given that they're on the Taco and 4runner.

[@johnnytorres277]

It's easy to install an air locker. What they should first put their efforts into is an easy disconnecting sway bar like the Wrangler and future Bronco will have.

[@dalephillips8250]

@@johnnytorres277 How easy is an air locker on a Tundra? Never tried it but do you have to somehow get inside the rear diff?

[@troylunn496]

The rear tire “self clearances” 🤣 love it how Tundras “fix” themselves like that. Awesome build 🤙🏼

[@lawrencek9748]

Holy crap I used to wheel with Michael when I lived in Vegas. Super great guy, really uses the hell out of that truck. 👋 Michael, it's Lawrence with the ZR2!

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Love your truck! Hope all is well my friend!

[@redman2751]

Does this guy have a KZbin or build sheet somewhere?

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@redman2751 I prolly have a build sheet laying around somewhere

[@redman2751]

@@michaelbalasko9420 that’s be much appreciated bud. Shoot me an email jared.braun@ Gmail. I bought my crewmax a few months ago and am wanting to run a setup very very similar to yours.

[@danatkinson6698]

This was impressive to see in person. Very nice truck!

[@Ant_carr]

I’m late to the party but that is a badass tundra. Nicely done dude…I love that he actually uses his truck

[@Kayode1]

I love Toyota, and thanks TFL Crew am watching from NIGERIA.

[@dennissmith7214]

👋🏽🤙🏽

[@mikefoehr235]

So do I

[@dennissmith7214]

Just watched that cid on your channel the helicopter vs the box truck was that in Nigeria🤔and why was a helicopter in a vehicle parking space? 😳🤣🤣🤦🏽‍♂️

[@jmflyer55]

What an awesome Tundra he’s built. And he’s done it very well, not going overboard with useless items primarily just for looks! Everything he’s added has a useable function. WELL DONE !!! (Now to get on the job of building mine!!)

[@alvarokarmy71]

Great truck with pretty useful accessories and a nice stance

[@Bt26x]

I love this rig! KM3’s make anything vehicle look badass!

[@502flexlex6]

That’s a sweet truck, reminds me I need to go get a lottery ticket RN😂

[@bobvincent4841]

As a Power Wagon owner, i have to admit, that is one COOL Tundra!

[@chas4life]

Cool truck. I always wondered why more people don't do Tundra Off Road builds because its such a good truck to begin with. Now I want one!

[@mengtastic8337]

That’s a great set up on the Tundra. Gives me some good ideas for my truck. Nice job!

[@peiguy1982]

Well I was going to make fun. But then seen the beat up mirror and decided this person is actually using all these off road mods. Quite an impressive machine and well done actually.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Thanks! The undercarriage armor tells the real story. I think it’s around the 5:30 mark

[@Wynorrific]

This Tundra really reminds me of my FJ. Exp One front bumper, KM3's, Warn winch, RCI skidplates, body mount chop, and more. I have King Shocks but I love ICON and have a mix of their suspension in with the Kings

[@quintili1]

That is a very nice rig.

[@LukeEdward]

Nice interview Andre. I was looking at things from years ago - like your 2002 Duramax “years ago” - and you have come a long way!

[@supersymun]

You know he’s not a chump when he starts talking APRS and Yaesu. This guy is smart! I’d bet he’s got some awesome stories. Any chance he has a channel?

[@michaelbalasko9420]

No channel but lots of good stories:)

[@supersymun]

@@michaelbalasko9420 Hah! There it is! CyberSec engineering! Cut from the same cloth.

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

@@michaelbalasko9420 go on vinwiki to give your stories.....

[@michaelroback5883]

Nice truck. Love your videos. Keep up the good work guys!

[@paxrom1]

That guy has literally everything on my to do list for my tundra. The only other thing I'd be interested in is a longntravel tundra.

[@egolli2158]

Im pretty sure there is only one “to do list” for Toyotas. Everyone does the same exact thing.

[@stevog44]

Installing my long travel as I write this. It’s a project for sure

[@heycooley]

​@@stevog44 please post about it 👍🏻

[@stevog44]

@@heycooley I did the total chaos + 2.5” kit in the front w king 2.5 coil overs and 700 lb springs. In the rear I did icon rxt leafs and king 3.0 bypasses. I then added an expedition one dual swing out bumper that Carries my 37” spare, a fuel and a water jug. After adding all the weight of bumper and spare I could use a little more leaf spring. But all in all after doing 488 gears, the truck handles and drives almost like stock,except way better. Not running a sway bar up front at the moment and the body roll is minimal. It’s now a pleasure to drive.

[@ford4602]

Great Vid!! Awesome truck!! Its funny I have Jeep badges on my TRD 4Runner, i put mine on the skid underneath lol

[@jonmccauley6490]

I was just about to pull the trigger on that fancy $200 Factor 55 hook when I thought, "Doesn't a $30 soft shackle do the same job and safer?" Same theory goes for that little $600 switch panel.😆 Everything else looks nice and functional though.👍

[@indyhco]

This guys seems like a lot of fun to be on the trail with! He had me at tacos!!! Haha.

[@j_motto]

THATS MY NEIGHBOR. LOL. WAY TO GO MIKE

[@TdrSld]

Gearing man, Gearing! My 2010 has the 4.30's in it on 34's, I would say 4.88's or 5.38's will feel like a different truck.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

I have 4.88’s annoyingly the 5.29’s weren’t available when I did my truck:(

[@elic.2443]

I was thinking the same thing. About to get gears for my Tundra

[@Rhouzv]

They don’t make 5.38s but my 5.29s are absolutely my fav upgrade

[@ryaniam22]

​@@RhouzvAre you running 37 inch tires?

[@Politiwatch2024]

@@ryaniam22yup. 37’s and 5.29s with dual arb lockers and a jf3a transfer case swap out of a 2008 sequoia to make it triple locked full time awd

[@thechugdude]

Damnit... I was set on getting 35s... After this video I kinda want 37s

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Dooooo it!!!!

[@thechugdude]

@@michaelbalasko9420 I'm looking for a awesome Bronze wheel too. I like the fat tire look and functionality. I just can't find a wheel I quite like yet. I like the Black Rhino wheels but they don't make a 17 inch bronze wheel for the Tundra.

[@yzrippin]

@@thechugdude look at scs and enkie. But if you really off-road youll need volk rays. Ive seen to many red dirt roads and method wheels crack and shatter

[@cjxplusone]

@@thechugdude do what everyone else gets. Methods.

[@abdulrahmanalnaser9465]

@@thechugdude Love my 17 inch Raceline wheels

[@vegastoyotaoffroad9690]

Look at you killing it in Colorado already!! Great video, maybe we need to get them out here!

[@michaelbalasko9420]

For sure!!!! Take’em wheeling during SEMA

[@truthseeker8123]

You a local? I just did Moapa north to Carp and Caliente on Thursday. Trying to find a Toyota wheeling group in Vegas. I was first one through, tons washed out from all the rain last couple weeks. Just awesome. Little crazy digging descent walls by myself with no way to back track though

[@Som3thingClever]

This is one of the best Tundras i've seen.

[@kbng02]

0:24 right off the bat this dude made dollars, sense and logics... way too many TRD, Rubicon dudes out there have peeps scratching their heads "Why??"

[@KurNorock]

There is a guy here in AZ that fit 37s on his Tundra with only an ICON stage 1 lift of 2.5in in the front, and 1in in the back. Stock upper control arms, body mount chop, stock bumpers, no fender trimming, and he claims no rubbing, even when stuffed. According to him, the trick is to get wheels with the right offset. +25. Meaning he pulls the tires in, rather than poking them out. Poking the tires out means a larger scrub radius which puts the tire in contact with fenders and parts when turning. He also removed his front sway bar, which is pretty limiting off-road anyway. So no, you don't need to spend $10k to fit 37s on a Tundra. You just need to be smart about it.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

That PHEV joke caught me off-guard... Well, I wouldn't wonder with all that mods! 😁 37-s look pretty damn organic on Tundra, overall a great build! In our country they'd put the natural gas injection system with respective additional tank. And the gas (not gasoline!) price (approx. $0.2/liter) is twice lower than the petrol, so the mileage wouldn't be an issue at all.

[@rook13pdx]

who is this guy? holy cow he knows what he's talking about! lol, kinda crazy

[@casarezamy]

GP Audio is where I got my group 27 Northstar battery!!

[@stevog44]

Try finding one right now. I recently went with an odyssey simply bcuz it was avail

[@KhmerMikeTheTiger]

What's his page. Is like to see this truck in action

[@troy510]

Very nice tundra. Wish more people customized them. I thought it was funny though that he added all this weight to the vehicle and uses it mostly off road but still has the stock baby differentials. Those axles must be dying in there lol. I'm surprised he doesn't carry spares of those.

[@fredwilliams7893]

Tundras use 10.5 inch diffs those arnt small!

[@elrenegadowranglerx9193]

Minute 6:08 when shown the after market gas tank . . . Is there any modifications needed to be done maybe with the computer or anywhere else on the vehicle. . . ? Another question . . . Is the short bed/frame and obstacle when trying to put a bigger tank . . . ?

[@davidnguyen1216]

I know its old video but helps me with my build. I traded my trdpro taco in for trd pro tundra with higher mileage so gives me excuse to upgrade suspension & uca

[@djpak1]

Great set up

[@dreadlocks.the.destroyer]

Truck is BADASS

[@bennettsmith7740]

Great looking truck. Would love to see where and how the second battery is mounted.

[@mountaintopper]

I don't recall hearing whether he went to 5.29 gears to match up with the 37s.

[@bah5310]

Nice rig. Any idea if anyone is putting a solid axle on a Tundra?

[@michaelbalasko9420]

It’s been done, figure about 10-12k

[@terryivanov9009]

Great Truck, love the 37's !!!

[@juancho7236]

Anyone have any idea the approximate cost breakdown?

[@martyray518]

What about the diff drop?? What did u use ? Plz

[@MisterQ007]

Good to see a modern Toyota triple locked and big tires look natural on it

[@johndoyle3232]

This thing is amazing

[@PunisherDMT]

So did he regear the truck? Seems like that would have been a logical thing to do when swapping in the lockers. My 2015 Platinum is supercharged, on 35's w/17" wheels, with an Auburn Pro in the rear and 4.88's. I really want to step up to 37's and a front locker.

[@Rhouzv]

5.29s and dual ARBs were the best thing I ever did to my crewmax

[@PunisherDMT]

@@Rhouzv 4.88 is plenty of gear for me, combined with the SC. I want a selectable locker up front, but gotta have a posi out back at all times. the traction control would be kicking in way too often otherwise...😁

[@Rhouzv]

@@PunisherDMT sadly I am not SC yet 😂. It’s on my list though

[@jonmccauley6490]

Where are the antennas for the Yaesu and the GMRS radios? Removeable?

[@KraziAzn2]

Are those tie rods reinforced too?

[@Legendairy2]

Would love to know which gear ratio he runs

[@oneslackr]

His answer was in the comments. Maybe you saw his answer already 2+years ago but if not. @michaelbalasko9420 3 years ago - "I have 4.88’s annoyingly the 5.29’s weren’t available when I did my truck:( "

[@boarder989]

So nice!

[@BrandonAgpaoa]

Question. Can a 2020 Tundra Limited, with an offroad package, be built for an offroad/ overlanding rig? How well can it do? Or would the extra money be better off spent on the TRD Pro?

[@ajr281]

Do trucks like this last in places like Alaska? I own a Tundra and live in Texas and I’d like to fix my truck like this before going back.

[@Gokywildcats11]

What lights are being used in the grill

[@albertatundra]

Great setup!

[@stevog44]

Do you Cary a complete cv? Jst curious. In process of installing my long travel extended shafts and the outer cv is a beast to get apart. Wouldn’t happen to have any tips on that would ya? Sweet rig!

[@michaelbalasko9420]

I do, I made a crappy bracket in the bed for it, just bolts to the bed rail and sits on the decked system.

[@stevog44]

@@michaelbalasko9420 gotch 👍🏻 Thnks. Got my long travel completed and aligned. Drives like a dream

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@stevog44 I’m jealous, there is a group of LT Tundras in AZ that are part of the SDHQ crew that are RTT equipped and apparently haul the mail like it’s no ones business! Enjoy the LT Life!

[@stevog44]

@@michaelbalasko9420 thnx brotha much appreciated! I will chek them out👊🏻🇺🇸

[@johnjobber2219]

Very nice

[@peteniemela9900]

I like the dual voltage display. Tried looking on eBay. Does anybody know any where else to purchase one?

[@dalephillips8250]

I noticed that the front anti-sway bar is not on this Tundra. How does this affect the handling of the Truck? Asking because I have 285/75R18 Duratracs on mine and I have no rubbing except just a little on that front sway bar at full Lock. Its not a big problem because I hardly ever have to turn full lock but would like to know what would happen if I remove it.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

It’s fine for me, you get used to the floaty feel. But I’ll tell you, I’m not swerving around anything at 70mph.

[@dalephillips8250]

@@michaelbalasko9420 thanks for the reply as I never noticed that before...someone said it also gives more flex off-road

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@dalephillips8250 it does give more flex for sure but realize there isn’t a ton of travel in a mid travel setup so every little bit helps

[@derrickschultz6871]

Awesome truck, perfect... Well almost. The snorkel is an eye sore. you're close

[@michaelbalasko9420]

💯 agree. But if you notice there is no inner fender liner and the tundra gets air from right above the passenger tire so i had to do something. I wish there was a low profile version:(

[@502flexlex6]

Obviously you’ve never done deep water crossings Derrick, completely necessary

[@ToyotaNutjob]

@@502flexlex6 doesnt make sense why he has a snorkel for water crossings but he doesnt have an aftermarket differential breather mod which is almost just as important

[@502flexlex6]

@@ToyotaNutjob did he say that? And yes it’s also important

[@christopherk1436]

Hey what size rims are those? 17 inch

[@foellerd]

Are boost gauges only accurate at a certain altitude? Seems like a turbo at high altitude should build less boost with less air density. Why doesn't that hold true? Based on the physics I know I think it would be a wash having a turbo or not.

[@jhonnygarcia7396]

Amazing build kind if regret not getting the 14and a crew cab went 13 double cab instead

[@jdenha7078]

You will get a bigger camper shell with the double cab.

[@yzrippin]

5.29s and a magnuson super charger.

[@deejayimm]

I'm sure the people at Line-X are real happy to hear him say his truck is Rhino lined. Lol

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Lol, if either of them sponsored me, I’d probably worry about it🤣🤣🤣

[@dangerousfandango5943]

@@michaelbalasko9420 linex

[@dominica2765]

Nice truck what’s the company that made the springs 700 pounds for the icon shocks

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Viper Spring Technologies out of Vegas had them.

[@dominica2765]

Thank you appreciate that

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@dominica2765 I found a thread on tundras.com about a 700lb 3.0 thread and it listed the spring length. I think it’s a 3.5 inch by 14inch coil but it’s been 2 years so please don’t quote me.

[@dominica2765]

Thank you very much

[@mikefoehr235]

I want a rear locker for my Tundra. Soon

[@J26-e6g]

I think he is maxed out on payload. Did he say how much he has in with all that$$$

[@fouUili684]

Great point, the moment he thinks about towing he’s done like he can’t tow anything because of no more payload. No one thinks of that nowadays besides people that tow, most overlanders are over payload capacity in the US heck maybe all of them.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

I’d rather not say, but I’ll say this, all in with the truck used, I’m less than a brand new TRD pro. As far as payload goes, the springs are upgraded all around, the rears are built for 1500lb over stock. Brakes are modified too, dimpled and slotted with super aggressive yellow stuff pads. So I’m close to the line for sure, but she drives great, minus the #noswaybarlife issues.

[@J26-e6g]

@@fouUili684 Most overlanders are probably maxed out and used as daily drivers. There is a guy in my neighborhood that drives to work every day with a tent pack on top of his truck. And why do you need two wenches. Just get a wench in a a bag. www.walmart.com/ip/Superwinch-Winch-In-A-Bag-12V-DC-Portable-Off-Road-Winch/26765739

[@GrandmasFolly]

Cool truck for sure.

[@juanjsolis9284]

🤔hmm, is it safe to assume that this 2014 Tundra makes to new 2022 Tundra look bad. I'm just saying, because this is awesome. 😁👍

[@Nigel__]

I agree with you. This is why I’m looking for a 2021 instead of buying a 2022.

[@truthseeker8123]

That 2014 has a timing chain and a 5.7. I would take that any day over new one.

[@loneapple440]

Awesome Tundra

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

All those mods and no after market cold air intake ? I am surprised!

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Well the snorkel is cooler than under hood🤣🤣🤣 but I had to do the snorkel because I ripped the front inner fender liners out when I was mobbin one day.

[@TristanTris321GoT]

I want to see this truck in action. Channel?

[@shanerogers787]

Is it a daily driver

[@RobustArid379]

46 expensoline gallon tanker put in there! wow

[@11garval]

The only thing it needs is a magnuson supercharger, especially with all that weight added

[@jakemaddox76]

Are snorkels in modern trucks practical? I was thinking of getting one for my Tundra, but if water is as high as the stock air box, wouldn't that inundate the fuse box, ecu and other electrical components sensitive to water? Thanks.

[@Alpinestarr426]

I’ve had the same thoughts, not to mention that also means your truck in half under water… driving through 3’ of water is not on my to-do list, and I would say not on most guys to-do list. That being said personally I think it comes down to the look. Bringing in colder air might be a factor too? Not sure myself on the specs on that idea though

[@jakemaddox76]

@@Alpinestarr426 yeah I think it’s mostly bringing in cleaner air if you’re on dusty roads

[@SAPPER510]

I wonder if he can fit 39 inch tires on that rig?

[@erikgonzalez2278]

nice rig but I think Andre was very quiet in this one because the guy knew everything what to say!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

x2 vote for power wagon! haha! love mine!

[@snowserfireansmoke]

KICK ASS TRUCK 🔪🇺🇸🔥💨

[@yaboykris2118]

Awesome truck man. But I feel bad for the guy who’s gotta do the steering rack with that lift kit on it lmao. Also feel bad for the guy who has to replace the secondary air injection pumps with that air ride pump in the way. 🤣

[@JoeReese-kh1jc]

Nice...

[@StgVirus1]

The only thing this truck needs is a supercharged V8

[@timber543]

Nah, the twin turbo 4.5 liter diesel v8 out of the landcruiser 200 is exactly what this truck should have under the hood.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@timber543 that would be sooooo bad ass!

[@assaultlick2169]

What happened to the Canadian guy ?

[@canalesivany]

5.29 gears will give him the power he need!

[@michaelbalasko9420]

When i bought my 4.88’s, 5.29’s we’re not available and I’m bummed about it. STILL!

[@canalesivany]

@@michaelbalasko9420 I’m want 5.29 for my Tacoma

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@canalesivany if your on 35’s or run reallly heavy, do it!

[@canalesivany]

@@michaelbalasko9420 I’m on 33, 4.88 es better I guess?

[@michaelbalasko9420]

@@canalesivany yeah on 33’s you’ll be really high up in the RPM range if you do 5.29’s

[@BrentRivers]

"universal gate key". I'm surprised people aren't lighting you up about that.

[@cowboy3490]

It’s bad enough that people put these off road lights on vehicles and run them all of the time, but now that manufactures are putting them on, I really hope they start enforcing laws with these off-road lights and the a holes that use them all of the time.

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Agreed! I only run mine Offroad with the exception of the strobe functions for the folks that run Offroad only lights on the highway.

[@truthseeker8123]

Some are certified for road use, especially the fog lights. The SAE by Baja designs are like this. Have to careful though, people can blind other drivers based on lift of the trucks alone, even if the lights are street legal

[@perkmaster979]

Lets get this comment a bunch of likes and make tfl take this off road!

[@Durahan82]

I wanted to buy a Tundra , 1 year wait time ....

[@mikefoehr235]

Got mine last year...2 to 3 month wait

[@davidbarfield3489]

5 mpg’s?

[@ahmadalozn7561]

Cant get it.. all those mods and no regearing for such 37s!!!!

[@JoshJorg44]

And the 38 gallon tank is not a 38 gallon tank I've never put 38 in my 38 gallon tank

[@charliet5990]

Yep. 32 gallons is the most I’ve been able to squeeze into my tank when my ‘range’ is in negative numbers.

[@djw5415]

Too bad this is the last gen of a solid tundra

[@DeadOnTrail]

Lol should have went with kings you can see those icons are already leaking

[@michaelbalasko9420]

Yeah, they need a rebuild after 20k miles, just like the rest of the fancy ones. I just didn’t want to get into the valving mess of the Kings tbh.

[@steveg1854]

8mpg

[@JZ-ge3je]

what are these peoples jobs who can afford all this stuff...

[@Ducs4life]

This truck had to be close to 1000lbs over payload before he even gets the camper on the back. This thing has to be pushing 8000 lbs? loaded with that camper he is talking about. Doesn't seem safe.