In order to clear the 35-inch tires, the front Dana 44 was mounted under 6-inch BDS leaf springs intended for a Chevy Suburban. Custom mounts were fabricated to hang the springs and Rancho RS9000 front shocks. In the rear, the stock leaf springs were replaced with a custom three-link suspension that uses Skyjacker 6-inch TJ coils, Rubicon Express Super-Flex joints, and Fox Racing 12-inch-travel shocks. The three-link required that the stock gas tank be removed, so a custom 35-gallon fuel cell now resides in the Line-Xed bed. The front leaf springs and rear coils result in suspension that is quite balanced with the Tundra's nose-heavy weight distribution.
With such a potent drivetrain, it would be easy to pilot this truck into situations that would destroy the abundant stock sheetmetal. An ARB Sahara Bar replaced the stock front bumper and is fitted with a Warn M10000 winch wrapped in 125 feet of Master-Pull synthetic cable. 4x4 Trucksmith fabricated the rear bumper from 3/16-inch-thick tubing and plate with a design that bolts to the frame in the stock locations. Two-inch, 0.188-wall DOM rock sliders protect the long rocker panels and are welded to a 1/4-inch plate, which in turn is welded the length of the frame to provide ample frame reinforcement. A custom transmission and transfer-case skidplate from Skid Row Automotive round out the armor.
So how does it work? The truck now has over 114,000 miles on it, many of which Jovonovich accumulated traveling from his home in North Dakota to various trails around the country. As the dents and scratches can attest, this Tundra has run trails in Florence Junction, Johnson Valley, and Moab. The truck stills drives like stock on the road though and was driven, not trailered, to the above locations. If that isn't a testament to Toyota's durability and Jovonovich's building acumen, we don't know what is.
 Sticky 35-inch BFGoodrich...  Sticky 35-inch BFGoodrich Krawlers are the tires of choice on this Tundra. The TrailReady beadlock rims allow the Krawlers to be aired down to single-digit pressures on the trail, which is where they work best. |  The front axle is a high-pinion...  The front axle is a high-pinion Dana 44 with just about every aftermarket upgrade available. These include Warn chrome-moly axleshafts, CTM U-joints, 4.56 Yukon gears, and an ARB Air Locker. |  Steering is handled by a steering...  Steering is handled by a steering box and pitman arm from an '87 Toyota pickup. The pitman arm is connected to a custom drag link and tie rod. The steering links are mounted above the leaf springs to the top of the knuckles with 4x4 Trucksmith steering arms. The box was tapped and fitted with a Redneck Ram from West Texas Off Road. |
 The rear bumper is a custom...  The rear bumper is a custom design from 4x4 Trucksmith. It uses both box tubing and round tube for a unique look and rockproof protection. The mudflaps keep Jovonovich from donating to the police department's Christmas party and are easily removable on the trail. |  The rear suspension uses Skyjacker...  The rear suspension uses Skyjacker TJ coils on custom mounts and a three-link suspension for excellent articulation and stability. The Fox Racing Shox are mounted upright instead of angled inward for improved damping characteristics. |  |
 Tubular sliders run the length...  Tubular sliders run the length of the Tundra and fend off rocks to ensure that all four doors of the Access Cab remain operational at the end of trails like the Rubicon or Pritchett Canyon. |  Although he can often be found...  Although he can often be found wheeling throughout the Southwest, we met up with Jovonovich in his home state of North Dakota to join him for some frigid Northern wheeling. With locking differentials, gobs of articulation, and deep gearing, this pickup works just about everywhere. | |