Excessive BODY Roll - 2007 DC 4x2

[PlatoBlue]

Since his is my first post, I would like to start by saying that I really do love my truck. I've had Ford's and Chevy's, but the tundra truely is a joy to drive.

Yesterday, I had to make a quick correction while going 40 mph to avoid hitting a coyote on the road. The response was quick, but the result took everyting I had to control the truck from thrashing me and my two young boys.

Today, as I was going to work, I though I would do the quick steering wheel correction from a 3 & 9 position to a 1 & 7 and back again, and the results were the same.

I went to the dealer and took a test drive with the Service manager and the Shop forman and it seemed to me that they both thought I was crazy for even doing that kind of manuver.

I know we purchased a lite duty truck that's supposed to drive like a car, but under these conditions I'm not sure if the response from the Tundra should cause such an extreme body roll that makes you feel like your going to loose control. I hope for some comments.

[Burger Steak & Eggs]

It is a tall and heavy vehicle, with even the lightest variants sneaking over the 5000 lb mark. Simple physics dictates it will not handle with abandon. That being said, things can be done to give substantial improvements. A factory rear sway bar is available which should keep things a little tighter. Have a look at the associated threads and observe the comments of those who have purchased the bar. Also depending on your current tire/rim configuration, you may be able to substitute a lower profile sidewall arrangement which will reduce sidewall flex when cornering, again with positive handling benefits.

[remotemonkey]

Sparks Toyota

[winboys]

Get a sway bar. Either TRD or Helwig. I installed the TRD sway bar a few months ago. I dont really notice it at lower speeds (under 35mph or so) but I sure can tell the difference when going round on exit ramps, etc at greater speeds.

[PlatoBlue]

Will the sway bar work with a tow package. Is there a difference for a 4x2 vs 4x4

[Burger Steak & Eggs]

Be sure you have a good selection of tools before buying Hellwig bars. Torch, a selection of crow bars, grinders etc. They are not known for fit and finish.

[remotemonkey]

TRD works with everything except for what it says on the site as far as i know

**WILL NOT WORK WITH V6 MODELS WITH TOYOTA ACCESSORY TOW HITCH**

[300 ULTRA]

You can not go wrong with TRD bar. End of story.

[07DCwhiteSR5]

Originally Posted by PlatoBlue

Since his is my first post, I would like to start by saying that I really do love my truck. I've had Ford's and Chevy's, but the tundra truely is a joy to drive.

Yesterday, I had to make a quick correction while going 40 mph to avoid hitting a coyote on the road. The response was quick, but the result took everyting I had to control the truck from thrashing me and my two young boys.

Today, as I was going to work, I though I would do the quick steering wheel correction from a 3 & 9 position to a 1 & 7 and back again, and the results were the same.

I went to the dealer and took a test drive with the Service manager and the Shop forman and it seemed to me that they both thought I was crazy for even doing that kind of manuver.

I know we purchased a lite duty truck that's supposed to drive like a car, but under these conditions I'm not sure if the response from the Tundra should cause such an extreme body roll that makes you feel like your going to loose control. I hope for some comments.

uh...its big....who says it drives like a car? its a truck and if it looks like a truck, tows like a truck, feels like a truck....must be a truck.....not a car. maybe if "lite duty truck that's supposed to drive like a car" is what u wanted jump on that corssover SUV craze and get a FWD car based SUV...but not a truck that will tow 10000 lbs and expect it to drive like a car....

[Tunder19]

The TRD rear sway bar made a big difference on 07 DC 4x4.

[FIVEPOINTSEVEN]

I'd recommend the TRD swaybar and some stiffer shocks if its way too much sway for your taste...even coilovers would help.

[Targamond]

Originally Posted by Burger Steak & Eggs

Be sure you have a good selection of tools before buying Hellwig bars. Torch, a selection of crow bars, grinders etc. They are not known for fit and finish.

I am not sure where your information comes from, but I just purchased and installed the Hellwig swaybar. The quality, fit and finish are excellent. Note that I am an extremely picky customer. The grey powder coated, hammered finish appears much more durable than the glossy red coating of the TRD bar. All hardware is Grade 8.8. Installation requires removing the four hitch mount bolts to install mount brackets (new bolts supplied), assembling two adjustable end links, mounting the axle attach points, and securing the bar to everything.

The primary reasons I purchased the Hellwig over the TRD is adjustability. I intend on installing a 3" lift/leveling once the OE rubber has worn away, which means the TRD bar will not work long-term for me - it is for OE suspension only. Additionally, the bar has adjustable settings for how stiff you want the rear - 3 positions (normal, robust, ridiculous....my naming convention).

The only negative I can present toward the Hellwig bar is the instructions could be better written. Make sure you read everything twice before starting, especially if you have never installed a swaybar before. I recalled having to prelube the urethane bushings on my last car, so I went ahead and did it, even though the directions did not mention such. I later found a poorly placed statment that noted to lube the bushings before installation. There are several other steps that instruct to perform an operation and follow it with "do this before what I just told you to do". In short....read carefully before taking action. It took me about 2 hours to carefully install the bar, recheck all of the torques, go for a test drive and clean up.

In short - the bar makes an amazing difference, even in the "normal" setting, for transitional maneuvers and taking turns at speed. I have not noticed any negative impact to normal driving (straight-line), even when traversing over undulations (bumps). GET ONE, whatever variety you choose, and experience a major difference in the handling of your 5k LB beast. I can guarantee grins if you are even somewhat of a performance enthusiast.

[THUNDERA]

Originally Posted by 07DCwhiteSR5

uh...its big....who says it drives like a car? its a truck and if it looks like a truck, tows like a truck, feels like a truck....must be a truck.....not a car. maybe if "lite duty truck that's supposed to drive like a car" is what u wanted jump on that corssover SUV craze and get a FWD car based SUV...but not a truck that will tow 10000 lbs and expect it to drive like a car....

Or get a Honda Ridgeline....

[FIVEPOINTSEVEN]

Originally Posted by Targamond

I am not sure where your information comes from, but I just purchased and installed the Hellwig swaybar. The quality, fit and finish are excellent. Note that I am an extremely picky customer. The grey powder coated, hammered finish appears much more durable than the glossy red coating of the TRD bar. All hardware is Grade 8.8. Installation requires removing the four hitch mount bolts to install mount brackets (new bolts supplied), assembling two adjustable end links, mounting the axle attach points, and securing the bar to everything.

The primary reasons I purchased the Hellwig over the TRD is adjustability. I intend on installing a 3" lift/leveling once the OE rubber has worn away, which means the TRD bar will not work long-term for me - it is for OE suspension only. Additionally, the bar has adjustable settings for how stiff you want the rear - 3 positions (normal, robust, ridiculous....my naming convention).

The only negative I can present toward the Hellwig bar is the instructions could be better written. Make sure you read everything twice before starting, especially if you have never installed a swaybar before. I recalled having to prelube the urethane bushings on my last car, so I went ahead and did it, even though the directions did not mention such. I later found a poorly placed statment that noted to lube the bushings before installation. There are several other steps that instruct to perform an operation and follow it with "do this before what I just told you to do". In short....read carefully before taking action. It took me about 2 hours to carefully install the bar, recheck all of the torques, go for a test drive and clean up.

In short - the bar makes an amazing difference, even in the "normal" setting, for transitional maneuvers and taking turns at speed. I have not noticed any negative impact to normal driving (straight-line), even when traversing over undulations (bumps). GET ONE, whatever variety you choose, and experience a major difference in the handling of your 5k LB beast. I can guarantee grins if you are even somewhat of a performance enthusiast.

Interesting...Where and how much did you get the Hellwig for?? I'm going for a more stealthy look and don't really want a big red piece of metal under the back of my truck. Thanks for the report! I like the sound of adjustability!

[350z2tundra]

As you can see with my username, i drove a sports car until purchasing the tundra cm. Being sure footed, low to the ground and having a low center of gravity, that car handled like a dream.

Like you, I am concerned about "interstate speed" manuevers. With that being said the way you can improve the handling of the tundra is first look at your tires. Lower profile tires (high speed rated too) dramatically improve the handling and responsiveness of any vehicle. Installation of the TRD sway bar will add to the stiffness of the truck and keep the cabin more stable so you can focus on driving, not holding on. Next, you may want to look at adjustable shocks that allow you to adjust the stiffness of the suspension. A lower center of gravity will make your truck handle much better, so you may want to entertain lowering (even tho that's not my thing).

I also have the benefit of knowing a toyota mechanic that is not scared to push these trucks to their limits (with me in it), and I will say I am very impressed with the high speed handling capability when you have VSC and the other "nannys" enabled.