I recently bought a 2014 Tundra, and I’m looking for some upgrade suggestions. I’m currently thinking about installing a cold air intake. Any thoughts or recommendations?
I would recommend the AFE Pro dry S filter and skip the CAI. I’ve got an '18 and have done quite a few mods. The Dirty Deeds exhaust is amazing and you can choose your preferred sound level. These two upgrades alone will give you a noticeable performance boost. Apart from a lift, wheels, and tires, I’d go this route first.
Trucks are made to solve problems and do specific jobs. You won’t know what upgrades you need until you know your goals. For example, I work in construction, so my truck has a Weather Guard toolbox, a LineX bed liner, a Rough Country rubber bed mat, and all-terrain tires (stock size). Most of my truck is stock because it works fine for my needs. But I also adapt it for fishing trips with a roof rack and custom PVC tube for fishing rods.
I just got a 2020, and the small upgrades I did were great. The EPS underseat storage took less than 45 minutes to install. I also added some RPT2 running boards, which took about 45 minutes. The best upgrade I did was the rear sway bar. It really changed how the truck handles, especially on roundabouts and ramps. I also got an OEM grab handle setup on the way. By the way, the cold air intake might not be worth the work or cost. I’ve seen a lot of feedback about it on the Tundra Facebook groups. Check them out for more ideas.
@Taj
The rear sway bar does improve comfort and performance, but it’s important to think about the trade-offs. Sway bars can make off-road driving feel stiffer because they prevent the suspension from rolling side to side. If you plan to off-road a lot, this could impact your experience. Just something to consider before making the upgrade.
@Ozzie
You’re absolutely right. I did a lot of research before adding the sway bar. I have a '98 4Runner for off-roading, and my Tundra is more of a street truck. I bought the wheels and tires because I had some extra cash, and I drive through windy Big Thompson Canyon to my plow shop in Estes Park. Without the sway bar, that drive wasn’t too fun. I’m excited to test it with the new sway bar. Thanks for the heads-up! Next up, I’m looking at a supercharger.
It really depends on what you’re going to do with the truck. Are you planning on off-roading? If so, maybe some all-terrain tires and a good ice chest. If you just want a street truck, keep it simple—gas up and enjoy the ride.
I had a problem with my oiled air filter causing a check engine light (CEL) with my cold air intake in my '15. I switched to a dry filter and it worked fine after that.
The aftermarket air intake isn’t really worth it unless you want a different sound. The stock intake on these trucks is already a cold air intake, so just upgrading the filter to something like AFE might be a better option. If you’re looking for more performance, you could go for a tuner or change the exhaust. Honestly, these trucks are great stock, and keeping it that way means fewer things that can go wrong. I am thinking about upgrading the radio in my '12 to a CarPlay unit though, because the stock one is a bit of a pain. The sway bar is a good call, I’ve got a TRD one stock and can definitely feel the difference compared to Tundras without it.
I’d recommend upgrading the grill and lights for a new look. If you want to take it further, upgrading the infotainment system could be a fun project.
I’ve got a '14, and the best upgrade I did was the rear sway bar. It’s super easy to install and makes a huge difference. Definitely recommend it as your first upgrade.
The first upgrade I would do is a new head unit with CarPlay or Android Auto. The stock radios in these trucks aren’t great.