If you’re like me, someone who’s always looking to get the best bang for your buck, shopping for aftermarket Tundra accessories should be no different. The good news about owning a Tundra is that it’s popular enough to have a wide range of brands interested in manufacturing parts that can bolster its performance and off-road capabilities. If you’re looking to improve your Tundra’s performance, there are about a dozen ways to do so. However, some modifications are more affordable and simpler to implement than others. Depending on your budget, you can only do so much, after all. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your Tundra by spending the least amount of money possible, here’s what you should consider.

A Throttle Controller

A Tundra throttle response controller can go a long way in improving the capabilities of your vehicle. It does so by adjusting the throttle response of your Tundra based on the conditions you drive in. Sometimes, you absolutely need that extra acceleration speed to go over an obstacle or tow a heavier caravan. Other times, you want your throttle to be less responsive, especially when driving in extremely rough terrain. Most Tundra throttle response controllers come at a price of around $200, which isn’t a lot, especially considering what you get from them.

So what is it that you get from a throttle controller? Well, let’s take the EVC throttle controller, for example, one of the most popular modules available in Australia. The EVC Tundra throttle controller provides you with 4 driving modes and up to 20 adjustability settings. It comes with a plug-and-play installation that doesn’t take more than 10 minutes, plus most sellers offer a lifetime replacement warranty on it. The modes include factory mode, eco mode, automatic control and ultimate mode.

Aftermarket Exhaust System

You might be asking yourself: Why would I need an aftermarket exhaust system when the one I have works well enough? Sometimes, well enough isn’t enough. In off-road conditions, your engine will be met with several difficulties that will compromise its performance, such as hot air and dust. An aftermarket exhaust system is made to provide a faster way for exhaust fumes to leave your Tundra, and fresh, cool air to get to the engine. This is due to the increased pipe diameter, plus the way quality exhaust systems are made (using mandrel bending technique rather than crush bending).

On top of this, you run the risk of damaging the exhaust while transversing off-road terrain. A stock exhaust system will generally be made of mild steel, which is durable enough for travelling on paved roads. However, when you’re off the beaten trail, you’ll want an exhaust made of stainless or aluminised steel. Stainless steel is the more durable option out of the two, whereas aluminised steel is more lightweight.

Contrary to what many people think, a quality aftermarket exhaust system needn’t break your bank. Most systems are in the $1000 range, which isn’t affordable by any means, but you’ll get a lifetime performance part that also prolongs the span of your engine.

Suspension Kit

The suspension on most modern 4WDs sits lower in the front. While this slightly improves aerodynamics and improves fuel economy, it’s not the most appropriate stance for off-roading. This is because it decreases the approach angle and limits the size of the tyres you can fit on your Tundra. Luckily, there are suspension kits available that are affordable, yet will increase the height of your ride by up to 6-7cm. This is enough to allow you to fit larger off-road tyres and improve your clearance, as well as your approach and departure angles. Most kits will come with quality shocks that improve suspension, and some kits include compression adjustment knobs for added versatility.

Locking differentials are also nice to have, as they will improve the off-road of your Tundra considerably. They work by providing torque to your back wheels, no matter whether they’re in the air or not. This will help you go through bogs or further up trails. Vehicles with an ABS system and sensitive traction control system will especially benefit from locking differentials.

Off-Road Tyres

Unless you purchased your Tundra in a complete off-road package, it probably came with tyres meant for the paved roads that provide average at best off-road performance. That being said, switching to all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres will provide a huge boost in performance and durability. The tread patterns on off-road tyres are aggressive, providing better traction. Other useful features besides tread patterns include built-in rim protectors, three-ply sidewalls and a chunkier sidewall tread. Match the tyres with the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. All-terrain tyres are the ideal choice for most applications, unless you stick to muddy terrains for the most part. If that’s the case, you’ll be better off with mud-terrain tyres or tweeners. If you drive in icy and snowy conditions, however, you should get a tyre that’s rated as Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rather than the traditional mud and snow rating.