Hey truck enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the world of the 2023 Toyota Tundra, specifically exploring the awesome combination of a leveling kit and some beefy 35-inch tires. If you're looking to elevate your Tundra's stance, enhance its off-road capabilities, and turn heads while you're at it, then you're in the right place. We'll cover everything from the benefits and considerations to the installation process and potential downsides. So, grab a seat, and let's get started!

Why Level and Run 35s on Your 2023 Toyota Tundra?

So, why would you want to level your brand-new 2023 Toyota Tundra and slap on some 35-inch tires? Well, the reasons are plenty! First off, it's all about the look. A leveled Tundra with 35s just screams capability and style. It transforms your truck from a practical workhorse into a head-turning machine. The leveled stance provides a more aggressive and balanced appearance, ditching that factory rake (where the front end sits lower than the rear).

Beyond aesthetics, leveling kits offer significant performance benefits. They increase ground clearance, allowing you to conquer tougher trails and obstacles. Those extra inches can make a massive difference when navigating rocky terrain, avoiding undercarriage damage, and tackling those tricky approach and departure angles. Secondly, running 35s drastically improves off-road prowess. The larger tires provide better traction, more grip, and improved flotation over sand, mud, and snow. This means more confidence when you’re out exploring off the beaten path. Also, if you do a lot of driving in areas with potholes or poorly maintained roads, the added sidewall height of 35-inch tires can help absorb impacts, leading to a smoother, more comfortable ride. They act as additional cushioning, which reduces stress on your truck's suspension system and your back. Finally, many folks find that upgrading to 35s opens up a whole world of possibilities for customization. You can choose from a wide variety of tread patterns, from all-terrain to mud-terrain, depending on your driving needs. Plus, the right set of wheels can really set off the look of your truck. Now, the cool part is you get a perfect balance of looks, capability, and performance. Who wouldn't want that?

However, it's not just sunshine and rainbows. There are some things you need to consider before making the jump to a leveled Tundra on 35s. We'll get into those considerations later, but first, let’s explore the components and the process.

Benefits of Leveling and 35-Inch Tires

• Enhanced Aesthetics: A more aggressive and balanced stance.
• Improved Ground Clearance: Better off-road capability.
• Increased Traction: Superior grip in various terrains.
• Enhanced Ride Comfort: Absorbs impacts more effectively.
• Greater Customization: Wider selection of tires and wheels.

Leveling Kit Options for Your 2023 Toyota Tundra

Alright, let's talk about the heart of the operation: the leveling kit. There are a few different types, and each has its own pros and cons. Understanding these options is key to making the right choice for your needs. The goal of a leveling kit is to raise the front of your Tundra to match the height of the rear. This typically results in about a 1 to 3-inch lift, creating that sought-after level appearance. Let's break down the most common types.

1. Spacer Leveling Kits

These are often the most budget-friendly and easiest to install. They typically consist of spacers that fit on top of your front struts. This effectively extends the strut and raises the front end. Installation is usually straightforward, often involving just a few bolts, making it a popular DIY project.

Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and provide a noticeable lift. Cons: Can sometimes reduce ride quality, may not allow for the full range of suspension travel, and can put added stress on the suspension components over time. Think about it: a spacer simply moves the shock's mounting point; it doesn't change the shock's damping characteristics. That can lead to a slightly harsher ride, especially on rough roads. Also, some spacer kits don't provide a ton of extra room for the tire, and you might need to trim a little bit to avoid rubbing with 35s.

2. Coilover Leveling Kits

Coilover leveling kits replace your factory front struts with new, adjustable coilovers. These coilovers are engineered to provide lift while also improving ride quality and performance. They often include adjustable features, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height and damping settings. This is a step up in terms of performance and ride quality, but it also comes with a higher price tag and a more involved installation process.

Pros: Improved ride quality, adjustable ride height, enhanced off-road performance, and increased suspension travel. Cons: More expensive, requires more complex installation (often best left to professionals), and may require additional components like new upper control arms to maintain proper alignment.

3. Strut Replacement Leveling Kits

This option involves replacing your factory struts with new ones that provide a lift. It's a bit more involved than a spacer kit but often less expensive than coilovers. These kits often include pre-assembled struts, making installation easier than a coilover kit. They often include new springs and shocks designed to work together to give you a lift while maintaining good ride quality.

Pros: Improved ride quality over spacers, provides a lift, and often offers better suspension performance than factory struts. Cons: More expensive than spacers, requires more installation effort, and may require new upper control arms.

Choosing the right leveling kit depends on your budget, your desired performance, and your willingness to tackle the installation yourself. If you're on a tight budget and want a simple lift, a spacer kit might be the way to go. If you prioritize ride quality and off-road performance and are willing to spend a bit more, coilovers or strut replacements are excellent choices. No matter which you choose, make sure to read reviews and select a reputable brand known for quality and durability.

Choosing the Right 35-Inch Tires for Your Tundra

Okay, so you've got your leveling kit, and it's time to choose the 35-inch tires! This is another important decision, as the right tires can drastically affect your Tundra's performance, ride quality, and overall experience. Here are a few things to consider.

1. Tire Types

• All-Terrain (AT) Tires: A great all-around choice. AT tires offer a good balance of on-road comfort, off-road capability, and wear resistance. They usually have a more aggressive tread pattern than standard highway tires, but they're still relatively quiet on the road. They're a solid choice for those who do a mix of on and off-road driving.
• Mud-Terrain (MT) Tires: If you're serious about off-roading, mud-terrain tires are the way to go. They feature aggressive tread patterns designed to provide maximum grip in mud, sand, and other challenging terrains. They'll give you fantastic off-road performance, but they can be noisier on the road and may wear faster than AT tires.
• Hybrid Terrain Tires: A compromise between AT and MT tires. These tires offer a good blend of on-road manners and off-road capability. They often have a more aggressive appearance than AT tires and can handle moderately challenging trails.

2. Tire Size and Fitment

While we're talking about 35-inch tires, it's essential to understand that not all 35s are created equal. The actual dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the specific tire model. Also, consider the width of the tire. Wider tires can offer more grip but might require more extensive modifications to fit, such as trimming or a wheel with a different offset. Wheel offset plays a big role in tire fitment. It determines how far the wheel sits in or out of the wheel well. An incorrect offset can cause rubbing issues, so it's essential to select wheels with the appropriate offset for your Tundra and the chosen tire size. Before buying tires, it's wise to research what other Tundra owners are running on their trucks. Online forums and communities are great resources for finding out what fits and what doesn't.

3. Load Rating and Speed Rating

Pay attention to the load rating of your tires. This indicates the maximum weight the tire can safely carry. Make sure the load rating is sufficient for your Tundra, especially if you carry heavy loads or often go off-roading. The speed rating tells you the tire's maximum speed. While it's probably not a huge deal for most truck owners, it's worth considering. You'll generally want a tire that is rated for the speeds you'll be driving.

4. Brand and Price

There are tons of tire brands out there, each with its own reputation. Some popular brands include BFGoodrich, Toyo, Nitto, and Falken. Researching reviews from other truck owners can help you find a good tire. Keep in mind that tire prices can vary greatly. Factor in the long-term cost, including tire life, fuel economy, and overall performance, when making your decision.

Installation: Leveling Kit and Tires

Alright, it's time to get down and dirty with the installation. While the specific steps will vary depending on the leveling kit you choose, the general process is similar. Let's break it down.

1. Leveling Kit Installation

• Safety First: Always start by disconnecting the negative terminal of your battery. Chock the rear wheels and make sure your Tundra is securely supported on jack stands. Safety should always be your top priority!
• Remove the Wheels: Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels before lifting the truck. Once the truck is off the ground, remove the wheels. This gives you access to the suspension components.
• Install the Leveling Kit: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific leveling kit. This usually involves removing the factory struts, installing the leveling kit components (spacers, coilovers, or replacement struts), and then reassembling everything.
• Reinstall the Wheels: Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the truck and double-check all your work.

2. Tire Installation

• Prepare the Wheels: If you're using new wheels, mount the tires on the wheels before installing them on the truck. If you are re-using your stock wheels, you can take your existing wheels and tires to a tire shop, where they will remove your old tires and mount the 35s.
• Mount the Wheels: Mount the wheels with the new tires onto the truck. Make sure to torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

3. Alignment

• Get an Alignment: After installing a leveling kit and new tires, a wheel alignment is crucial. This ensures that your truck's wheels are correctly aligned, which prevents uneven tire wear and ensures proper handling. It's a must-do step.

Important Considerations

• Professional Installation: If you're not comfortable working on your truck, or if the installation seems too complicated, consider having a professional shop do the work. This will ensure it's done correctly and safely.
• Tools: Make sure you have the right tools. You'll need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, and possibly other specialized tools depending on the leveling kit you choose.
• Factory Instructions: Refer to your Tundra's owner's manual and the leveling kit's instructions throughout the process.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While a leveled Tundra with 35-inch tires is an excellent upgrade, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let's look at the downsides.

1. Fuel Economy

Larger, heavier tires and a slightly raised ride height can affect fuel economy. Expect a decrease in miles per gallon, especially in city driving. The change will vary depending on the tire type, driving style, and other factors.

2. Ride Quality

Depending on the leveling kit and tire choice, the ride quality can be affected. Spacer kits, in particular, can sometimes result in a slightly harsher ride. Choosing high-quality coilovers or replacement struts can help maintain a comfortable ride, while aggressive mud-terrain tires can be noisy and potentially rough on the road.

3. Rubbing

With 35-inch tires, rubbing can be an issue, especially when turning or going over bumps. You might need to trim the plastic fender liners, and in some cases, you might need to make more extensive modifications, like hammering the pinch weld or trimming the metal fenders. Careful consideration of wheel offset is critical to minimizing rubbing.

4. Warranty Concerns

Modifying your truck can sometimes void portions of the factory warranty. Check with your Toyota dealer to understand how the modifications might affect your warranty coverage.

5. Additional Wear and Tear

Larger tires and a lifted suspension can put additional stress on your truck's suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections is essential to minimize wear and tear.

Conclusion: Is Leveling and 35s Right for You?

So, is leveling your 2023 Toyota Tundra and running 35-inch tires the right move for you? It's a fantastic upgrade that combines style, capability, and performance. If you are looking to take your Tundra to the next level, it's a great option. Make sure to consider the potential downsides, research your options carefully, and choose high-quality components for a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether it is for conquering off-road trails or for making a statement on the streets, this combination can transform your truck. Just remember to do your research, plan your build, and enjoy the ride! Happy trucking, everyone!