What to Look For

What should I look for buying a gen 1 Tundra?

 

Frame rot/bent.

 

Any cam tower issues like 2nd and 3rd gen?

 

Negative, maybe a valve cover leak but it's no where near as complicated to repair.

Ask when or if the timing belt has been replaced if not figure 1000-1200 for a dealer replacement.

 

Timing belt should done every 80 or 100k right? Motor V8 with 197k. I hear these motors will go 250K plus. With proper maintenance of course.

 

Yeah. These motors were made for third world conditions. Even with some abuse/neglect they still keep going. Depending on the prior keeper and age of the truck, most likely you will be coming up on a total front end rebuild (cams, shocks, LCA, bushings, axles, etc). Once those are done, then start working on the other little things (cab leaks, paint correction, etc.).

Sitting at 169k miles on the 2002 right now after 2 years of ticking the restoration boxes and the engine is purring like new. These engines will most likely go 500k plus no problems.

 

The front end has been re done, so good to go there. Back end has some rust in the frame. That the concern I will try and get a pic.

 

The first three things to look for are rust, rust, and rust. Beyond that, it's all good.

 

Get a pic from INSIDE the frame looking into the curve of the frame just in front of the rear wheels. Take the pic from under the truck center looking into the curve of the C of the frame.

Also, take some pics looking down the boxed part of the frame just under the front doors looking towards the front of truck.

 

Here you go.

last photo is behind passenger wheel well. Truck runs like a top. Needs an exhaust but that easy enough.

 

Unless the seller is ok with you taking a hammer to that frame I'd pass. Top right of your first pic looks especially crusty.

 

Thinking it will crumble once hit? Hears the deal my buddy wants to buy this tundra from a local seller. He wants it bad. Should talk him out of it? Seems to me it’s that frame not going to last another 5-10 years with out some good patch work.

 

The answer to that question is how long does your buddy plan to keep it, and how low is the price. For a few grand, I would buy it (actually, no I wouldn't, I hate rust). For "normal" first gen prices and if he plans to keep it a while, however, I would keep looking. Much better examples out there unless you get this one for a super rock bottom price.

 

Seller willing to let it go for 4K. I think it's worth $3500 with that much rust. Like I said my buddy is sold on it. Front end of the truck is sound. Rust is all in the rear end.

 

I was looking at a truck w/ frame in similar condition when shopping for my 1st gen. Drove great, interior in awesome shape, but the underside looked pretty similar to those pictures. I took it to a local shop I trust, he started tapping around the frame and 30 seconds later told me to walk away from the truck. Didn't charge me a dime, and didn't continue the buyer inspection.

Your buddy should be able to find a better one, and hopefully is willing/able to pay more for something that will last.

What part of the country?

 

I talked with my buddy tonight and told him I wouldn't buy it, but another buddy of his is telling him to buy it. He pretty much has a heart set on buying it. Told him if you can get it for a steal get it. He says he plans on driving it for two years, I don't believe that, he was good and tuned up when I was talking to him too.
We are in Jackson, WY. Well he is I am in Victor, ID now, SE Idaho over the pass from Jackson.

 

Ouch, that's a lot of rust, but then again, I'm used to seeing nearly rust free in CA. Is he just using it around town? It'll probably hold up just fine going around town. I'd definitely spend some time looking at the areas where there's more flaking/scaling to ensure it's not rusted through and compromising the structure. Good luck.

 

It's becoming the family vehicle, he has a baby about to arrive and needs bigger vehicle. Money is tight.

 

Tell him congratulations on being a new dad from me, or the forum. Your preference.

I agree with others sayings "if you can get it dirt cheap, go for it". I personally would pass especially with (God forbid) an impact from the front, or rear with baby on board.

If the structure is NG. I do NOT want to think about that. That might be something you can use to sway him away.

 

I will tell him congrats forsure. Good point on the collison, it would crumple and leave no protection. I will pass this info along.

 

Good to hear. I imagine an impact in a compromised frame vehicle would be similar to a unibody.

I have never been in a serious accident, but I have been in a few minor accidents. All were violent imo. All vehicles had good frames, or soft landings. (Embankments, water logged ditches)

Spinning 390° at 75 mph on a two lane highway in a 2006 pontiac G6 is not fun. Especially when you finally hit the ditch at 30 mph, and spin violenty along the ditch. N FUCKING G

 

Good point on collision. Any reason he needs a truck? AT $3500 budget, he may want to consider a car or minivan. Maybe more bang for the buck?

 

No way I’d buy that. It already has holes in the frame and that’s just what you can see.

Not trying to be an ass but I wouldn’t put my kids in that.

 

Stupid question...but is this double cab or access cab? Hard pass for family vehicle if access cab...

 

I think your buddy will regret the purchase.

The frame looks bad and I suspect with closer inspection, things are even worse than the few pictures you have shown.

It sounds like he has already made up his mind.

 

Someone else will buy that truck without inspecting the frame. Then a few months from now, once it's been on a lift, they will post on here asking if there is anything they can do about the frame...

Happens numerous times a year here.

 

Sadly, it does. Nothing can be done or said to help them.

Did you see that drive shaft rust? Whoa! That thing is waiting to twist under pressure like a pixie stick.

 

This photo shows a hole in the frame that would make this truck fail a safety inspection in the Northeast... and that's just the one we can see.
Out here, that truck would be sold as a parts vehicle. I would highly advise against your buddy purchasing this vehicle unless he's a really good welder, and plans to invest alot of time chasing rust. And since he has a new baby, he won't have the time -- trust me!

 

I wouldn't touch that, and I have 319k miles on mine.