Long Travel Suspension Upgrades for the 2022 Toyota Tundra | Off-Road Performance

Introduction to 2022 Tundra Long Travel Suspension Upgrades

Off-road enthusiasts have long praised the Toyota Tundra pickup truck for its rugged dependability and ample size, making it an ideal platform for upgrades. With the release of the redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra, many owners are eager to customize their trucks to handle more challenging terrain. One popular modification is installing a long travel suspension kit for increased wheel travel and better performance over rough conditions. Let's take a closer look at long travel suspension for the 2022 Tundra and the key benefits this upgrade provides.

What is Long Travel Suspension?

Long travel suspension refers to suspension systems that allow for more wheel travel, which is the distance wheels can move up and down. Stock suspension on most pickup trucks limits wheel travel to 6-8 inches. Long travel kits can increase wheel travel to 10 inches or more. This greater range of motion allows wheels to better articulate over uneven surfaces, ruts, rocks and other obstacles. The extended suspension absorbs impacts for a smoother ride quality.

Key Components of Long Travel Kits

Typical long travel suspension kits for the 2022 Tundra include:

• Longer shock absorbers capable of extending further without binding up
• Suspension lift blocks that raise the truck's ride height
• Extended brake lines and steering stabilizers
• Front and rear control arms redesigned for more droop and compression
• Coilover shocks tuned for long travel movement

Quality components from reputable brands ensure proper geometry, travel and performance. The suspension must be carefully calibrated to avoid bottoming out or topping out prematurely.

Benefits of Long Travel Suspension

Installing a long travel kit offers Tundra owners several advantages:

• Increased articulation - More wheel travel lets one wheel drop lower while the others remain planted for traction over uneven terrain. This reduces the chances of getting hung up.
• Better ride comfort - The extended shock absorbers absorb big hits and chatter for a smoother ride over harsh surfaces.
• Higher ground clearance - A modest suspension lift increases clearance for clearing rocks, ruts and other obstacles underneath.
• Superior handling - Longer control arms provide more consistent camber and caster angles for better grip and steering feel in off-road driving.
• Higher speed off-road - The added wheel travel and shock damping give greater high speed control over whoops, g-outs and other rough conditions.

Popular Long Travel Kits for 2022 Tundra

Several companies offer bolt-on long travel suspension kits specially designed for the new 2022 Tundra:

• LSK Long Travel Kit - This race-inspired kit boosts the front and rear wheel travel to 16" and 18" respectively. It includes extended length King shocks, tubular bypass units and tailored high angle control arms.
• Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage X Long Travel - Icon's kit uses proprietary Delta Joint upper control arms to increase the droop and inter-axle travel to 13" front and 15" rear. It retains the factory shock mounts.
• Total Chaos Fabrication Long Travel System - TC outfits the Tundra with its signature Uniball upper control arms, custom coilovers, bump stops and extended length links for 14" of front travel and 16" rear.

Each manufacturer strives to strike an ideal balance of increased articulation, sufficient lift height, optimized geometry and tunable performance.

Ideal Uses for Long Travel Tundra

The benefits of greater wheel travel are best realized in certain off-road pursuits:

• Desert running - The fast whoops and harsh landings of open desert driving require long travel and shock damping.
• Rock crawling - Increased articulation helps pick through boulders and uneven obstacles at low speeds.
• Pretunning - Preparing prerunner race trucks demands maximum suspension travel and high speed control.
• Overlanding - Long travel soaks up rugged backcountry terrain during extended overlanding trips.

For mostly street use or mild trails, the stock Tundra suspension should suffice. But hardcore off-roaders will appreciate the expanded capability from a long travel kit.

Installing Long Travel Suspension

While advanced do-it-yourselfers may attempt installation in their home garage, most owners will choose professional installation at a trusted 4x4 shop. The process involves:

• Lifting the truck and removing stock control arms, shocks and sway bars
• Fitting new extended travel control arms, coilovers and links
• Reattaching hubs, brakes and modified steering
• Checking fitment and geometry measurements
• Performing alignment and suspension tuning

The right tools and experience are needed to properly install long travel kits. An alignment afterwards is critical to avoid abnormal tire wear.

Downsides of Long Travel Suspension

Potential drawbacks to running long travel include:

• Increased cost over stock components
• Reduced on-road handling at high speeds
• More prone to bottoming out if not tuned properly
• Lower fuel economy due to greater rolling resistance

Proper kit selection, installation and setup helps minimize these disadvantages for most drivers' needs.

Transforming the 2022 Tundra with Long Travel

Equipping the latest Toyota Tundra with a long travel suspension kit unleashes the truck's potential for extreme off-road use. The extended wheel travel and adjustable performance let owners tackle desert terrain, mountain trails and backcountry tracks far beyond the stock truck's capabilities. While requiring a professional installation and setup investment, the benefits of greater articulation and cushioning make long travel upgrades worthwhile for hardcore off-road enthusiasts.

FAQs

How much lift does a long travel kit provide?

Most Tundra long travel kits provide 2-3 inches of lift from the stock height. This helps provide extra ground clearance but still allows for an accessible truck cab.

What maintenance is required for long travel suspension?

Expect to replace balljoints, tie rod ends and bushings more often than stock. Shock rebuilds and coilover spring replacement may be needed after hard off-road use. Proper alignment is critical.

Will a long travel kit affect my warranty?

Yes, any suspension lift or modification can potentially void your factory warranty coverage. Check with your dealer first before installing.

Can I install a long travel kit myself?

Complete kits can be tricky for DIY installation. You'll need an alignment afterwards. Most owners opt to have a professional shop install long travel suspension.

How much does it cost to install long travel on a Tundra?

Expect to pay $5000-$8000 in parts and labor for a long travel kit install. Premium components and extensive tuning can run even higher.