2002 Tundra new to me: Questions

Hi. Just picked up a 2002 Tundra TRD 4x4 Limited. The timing belt was done at 67K. Interval is every 90k. Im at 152k right now. I pulled the cover to check out the condition and hope you guys can give me the green light to wait another 10k as I "need" a suspension overhaul (no lift: coilovers, leaf stack likely as well) , stereo, sound damping, etc!

BTW: I have learned a lot lurking on this forum already. Thank you all for the great knowledge.

last: I am thinking of new tires at some point. My use case is mostly pavement but I am an avid backpacker that drives down long miles of dirt, nothing crazy, no rockcrawling, no towing. Advice here and also any reason for me to consider new wheels?

 

Hey, where did my pic go?
Ah there it is.

 

9 years or 90k miles is the Toy Recco.

I waited until 110k miles when first having mine done.

Looks like yours is the OEM Belt by Mitsuboshi. Haven’t seen or heard of anyone having problems around here by going over the recco miles, but that is your call. Someone posted up a pic of a belt a few weeks ago with 350k miles and it looked like strings barely holding on.

You might want to do extra work while doing the belt like the tensioner, pulleys, waterpump, cam seals, radiator, alternator, etc. while in there based on your miles. My truck is at 170k and will be doing all these things next year or two.

Tires: Michelin Defenders are very nice for the road driving. Good on sand and snow, as well. They last a long time but co$t.

 

Thank you Hand Model. I do plan to have all the other parts and pieces done while replacing the belt. Getting that work done is near the top of my list but after looking at the belt, I think I can go a few more k miles. My mechanic told me to expect about $1500 for all the things you mentioned with the belt work too.

I'll take a look at the Defenders. Edit: might need something with slightly more dirt capability than what these look like??

Cheers.

 

My 06 Tundra 4.7 belt was changed for the second time at 161 k. The first belt was put on at 60 k still looked like new. I also have Michelins i am happy with.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Did mine at 95k, old one still looked fine. That was also time for wheel bearings.
Changing front rear shocks at 120K, they were shot, hardly any damping left in the old Bilsteins. Can't complain, they've been working on hard terrain for 20 years. Had my 2000 since new, it's demanded very little care other than good, regular maintenance.

 

Thanks all.

 

For your specific use bolded above, follow the advice of these fine gents and go with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. They are awesome tires for exactly the kind of use you describe. They are pricey but last a loooooooong time. And are quiet on pavement. Buy once, cry once. Unless you are routinely going through 4+ inches of snow on the highway before the plows are out, then these will work. Dirt roads = no problem.

Welcome!

 

Edit: lots of reviews confirm what you all are telling me on these tires. Sold!

And thank you!

Edit: as well any reason for me to go with anything other than stock for wheels?

 

If you really want to freshen up the look of your wheels for not much money, then check craigslist and FB marketplace. Barely used, like new sets of Tacoma and 4runner wheels (takeoffs) are always coming up for sale for very reasonable prices. Direct bolt-on for your Tundra.

 

Sorry, I guess I was not clear! My stock wheels are fine and I don't see any reason to replace them. I was wondering if I am missing something though with performance for my needs. Great if there is no need to replace other than ascetics.

Thanks

 

Also, what size tire should I go with? Stock replacement size?

Right now I have OHSTU st5000 on the vehicle, btw

 

The Michelin Defender LTX are indeed excellent tires. Very tough and unlikely to fail. We ran them on the two Mercedes GLK's that my wife had for 10 years, without a spare, and they never let us down. Great choice if you are running pavement and graded dirt and perhaps a bit of grass etc.

 

Since you guys are so much help...

For the suspension I am thinking either 6112s up front or ICONs. I am not sure what to do out back. New leaf pack? (Deaver?) and what strut?

 

Welcome aboard from SoCal.

I'll bet it's warming up nicely in the Arizona desert right about now.
My neighbor just returned from Tucson ~ it's a bit more comfortable here at the beach.

 

Thanks mang...AZ desert rat here

 

Why stiffen your rear springs? Are they sagging or is it a load issue? My 2000 can still haul almost what it could new. We just replaced tho original shocks with 5100’s, and it’s better than ever was. 6112s or Icons up front, sure if you’ve got the green. 5100’s would do fine if you’re budgeting, and will improve over stock. You’d need someone to switch the old coils over safely for you.

 

Last week, I was in the CO backcountry to escape the heat when I finally got fed up with driving sedans on backroads. I drove 10 hours back to the Ol Pueblo, looked on Cl for a truck and had a Tundra sitting in my driveway later that day. Next day made an appt to get the interior dyna-matted and new stereo. Now I am looking at Bilstein 6112 up front, 5160 out read and a deaver leaf pack. Once this is all dojne, back out into the woods, now in my "new ride."

!

 

The leaf pack, from what I read, will greatly improve ride quality. No hauling, hence the deaver choice. I want a plush ride as this truck is going to get to 500k miles! Looks like I need to spend about $2k for parts and I have a buddy that runs a good shop in town to install.

 

I LOVE IT when a plan comes together ! I hope you enjoy your Tundra as much as my brother and I.

 

Welcome from Gilbert.

I went with 5100's all around on the stock springs. When I get a few more bucks saved I'm going for HD 4/1 leaf springs from ATS to give me a bit more capacity.

 

Yeah, I had budgeted $15k for a truck. Since I got the Tundra for under $9k, I figure why not pimp it out a bit. IAnd since it will spend a lot of time on the highway to get to the backcountry of Utah, CA, OR, etc. I think that a full suspension makeover will make me, the wife, and the dog happy along the way.

 

Well, a bunch more reading and looks like I will start with 6112 up front and 5160 out back, wait on the leaf pack to see how this rides first. Wonder if there are other little mods for the suspension like bushings etc.?

 

That sounds like the best strategy. Incremental will allow you to see how each piece adds to the picture. Enjoy!

 

Take a look at the rack movement when checking the front end. I had moderate play and just replaced the rack bushings. My sway bar link bushings need replacement too. Here's a thread on the topic.

 

Your shocks installers may end up with seized cams bolts on the lower control arms. This ended up being the case for me and lead me to an entire front end rebuild. I’d focus on the shocks and front end before diving into the other stuff. Sounds like you have the budget and a business owner friend to help out so thats good.

 

Not sure if it matters but this truck was CA garaged for the first 110K and then S. AZ, hence it has zero rust underneath.

 

I have a 2001 RCLB and have had 2 sets of Bridgestone Revos on mine and would not make a change at this point unless I could not find another set.
I also put a set on a 2007 Tundra that I had for only a short time that were load range E and liked them just as much.

Always good to have choices.

I also have about 150K on mine and at 90K when I asked a Toyota Master Mechanic about the Timing Belt he said not to worry about it that they are a lot tougher than that?

So I have not.......too much.

So are you going to show us the truck?????

 

Haha, will do as soon as the sun is up here.