Is It Too Big? See How a Tundra on 40s Takes on the Rubicon Trail!

The Toyota Tundra has never been the first truck that comes to mind when someone says “serious off-roading,” but the crew at Wheeling Full Size has been proving that wrong for years. Their full-size Tundra builds have been tackling some of the most challenging trails in the country, from Moab’s technical rock crawling to the legendary Rubicon Trail. These aren’t just weekend warrior adventures either - we’re talking about a truck that’s been built to handle whatever the rocks can dish out.

When you watch this Tundra navigate Steel Bender during the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari, you start to understand what makes this platform so capable. Steel Bender isn’t exactly a beginner trail - it’s the kind of obstacle that separates the mall crawlers from the real deal. The Tundra in this video is running alongside Jeeps, FJ Cruisers, 4Runners, and Tacomas, holding its own on terrain that would make most full-size truck owners think twice.

What’s really impressive is how the Tundra’s independent front suspension handles the articulation demands of technical rock crawling. Most people assume you need a solid front axle to be serious about off-roading, but this truck proves that IFS can work when it’s properly built. The key is understanding the platform’s strengths and weaknesses, then building accordingly.

The Rubicon Trail represents the ultimate test for any off-road vehicle. When you see this same Tundra dropping into Big Sluice and making its way to Rubicon Springs, you’re watching something special. Big Sluice has claimed plenty of vehicles over the years, and watching a full-size truck navigate those granite ledges and tight squeezes shows just how capable this build really is.

The Rubicon isn’t just about having enough clearance or the right tires - though those certainly help. It’s about having a truck that’s been thoughtfully built for the specific challenges you’ll face. The driver’s line choice, the way the suspension articulates over the rocks, and the truck’s ability to maintain traction on steep granite - all of these elements come together to create something that’s genuinely impressive.

The detailed walkaround of this 2016 Tundra CrewMax reveals the thought process behind building a serious off-road truck. Running 40-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS tires on 17-inch Method wheels, this isn’t just about going big for the sake of going big. Every modification serves a purpose, from the Demello front bumper with its impressive approach angle to the Trail Toys rear bumper that’s been chopped four inches to clear those massive tires.

The suspension setup tells the story of a truck that’s been refined through actual use. The BDS seven-inch lift with Fox 2.5-inch coilovers and 750-pound springs provides the clearance needed for 40s while maintaining control on technical terrain. The Total Chaos lower control arms with their stiffer bushings address the alignment issues that plague lifted trucks, while the RCV axles handle the torque loads that would snap stock components.

What really sets this build apart is the attention to detail in areas most people overlook. The stub shaft delete using a Land Cruiser 200 series intermediate shaft eliminates a common failure point. The custom camera system with multiple angles gives the driver visibility that’s crucial when you’re placing 40-inch tires on precise lines. Even the ARB compressor has been modified with a CPU fan to manage heat buildup during extended airing sessions.

The diff setup deserves special mention - ARB lockers front and rear with 5.29 Nitro gears provide the traction and gear reduction needed to make those big tires work. The gear ratio is critical when you’re running 40s, as the increased rolling diameter effectively makes your truck taller geared. Without the right diff gears, you’d lose the low-end torque that makes technical crawling possible.

This isn’t a show truck that gets trailered to events. The battle scars are obvious - bent sliders, dented skid plates, and a license plate that’s seen better days. These are the marks of a truck that’s been used for its intended purpose. The Demello Rock Crusher sliders show the characteristic bend that comes from supporting a heavy truck on unforgiving rocks, while the various skid plates have clearly done their job protecting vital components.

The Alcan Springs rear setup with five inches of lift and the orbital eyes for improved articulation shows that even the rear suspension has been carefully considered. The addition of roof flashing between the leaf springs to eliminate popping is the kind of detail that comes from actually living with a built truck rather than just building one for photos.

What makes this Tundra special isn’t just the parts list - it’s the fact that it represents years of real-world testing and refinement. This truck has proven itself on trails that would challenge any vehicle, regardless of brand or platform. The Wheeling Full Size crew has shown that with the right approach, a Tundra can be every bit as capable as the more traditional choices.

The platform’s strengths become clear when you see it in action. The long wheelbase provides stability on off-camber sections, while the IFS allows for surprisingly good articulation when properly set up. The V8 power plant provides the torque needed to turn big tires at low RPM, and the overall package delivers capability that would surprise most people.

This build represents what’s possible when you approach off-road vehicle construction with a clear understanding of your goals and the willingness to do the work properly. It’s not about following a recipe or copying someone else’s build - it’s about understanding how each component contributes to the overall capability of the vehicle.

For anyone considering a serious Tundra build, this truck provides a roadmap of what works and what doesn’t. The lessons learned through years of trail time are evident in every modification, from the major suspension components down to the smallest details like the grip tape on the sliders.

The fact that this particular truck is being retired to make way for a new project shows the continuous evolution that defines serious off-road builds. The knowledge gained from this build will inform the next one, creating an even more capable platform for future adventures.