Gen 1 Tundra Info

[Red October]

So, I really really really hate my wife's cheby with the 4.8. So many things I dislike about it, and I tell her all the time. She has finally heard me or gotten tired enough of my hatin' :israel: that she is willing to let me upgrade to a proper vehicle, aka "Toyota.":banana:

So I have narrowed down what I want pretty far; Gen1, Ext Cab Tundra, must be V8 and 4x4.

So Im lookin for some pre-purchase info, things to look for, look out for, etc.

I figured this is a forum full of Toyota believers, so maybe you can point me toward the right info, or at least where I can find it.

 

[theking11863]

Well I don't know much about look fors and all that besides the usual no rust and decently well taken care of but I can say this:

My step-dad owns an 03 ext cab 4x4 v8 (so what you're looking for) and all I can say is that thing is amazing. He treats it so poorly and it just keeps going and going. It's almost indestructible. The only thing wrong with it is that it needs a new MAF but that is because he fried it trying to put a trailer brake controller on there. I used to drive it all the time and loved it. When I was getting my first car that was the one I wanted over the second gen 4runner I got. Compared to the 2nd gen it does have a few slight cons but it really is a great truck.

If you have any questions let me know and I'll see if I can answer

 

[Ed_C]

1st-gen Tundra owner (well my dad inherited it from me but I only live 5 minutes away) and former Tundrasolutions moderator here :wave: It's a 2000 extended cab 4WD V8

Things to look out for:

Frame
Dana Corp manufactured the frames for Toyota and screwed up royally. There was a recall for frame rust, so beware if the truck you're looking is from the Northeast and again check the history. My frame was replaced under recall early this year.

Brakes
Starting in '03 they went with larger front brake calipers/pads but same size rotors. There was a service bulletin regarding updating the calipers on 00-02 model years, check the history so see if it's been done.
Bellcranks for the parking brake are prone to rust/seizing like 4Runners. The dealer tried selling me the repair while it was in for frame replacement, I declined and was able to fix it with several applications of PB Blaster and a hammer to knock everything loose.

Exhaust
Exhaust manifolds crack,mine did. I replaced them with JBA shorty headers but people have had luck with the eBay specials. I also replaced the air/fuel and and oxygen sensors at the same time.

Several exterior and interior changes 2003. New bumper with round foglights and taller grill. New,more useful center console on models with bucket seats. Another couple of exterior changes in 2005 with different taillights, corner lights, and headlights. I forget what year they started using vvti-equipped engines.