2001 - Questions

Hey All, I'm a new poster in here. I have used some of the threads for minor stuff in the past year since I bought my 2001, so thank in in advance for the help so far.

A little background: After a long search, I finally found an '01 tundra last fall with 165k, 4.7, TRD, topper, extra snow tires on rims, etc. Single owner, minimal frame rust. $9k. I'm a river guide and spend about 150 days /year based out of the truck. A year or so in and all in all, I'm very happy.

A little disclaimer here; I'm not super savvy, so excuse me if there has been threads on these questions and feel free to link me there or if these are basic questions. I just need somewhere to start, as I intend to learn and keep this truck for as long as possible.

1) The previous owner added an extra rear leaf spring a number of years ago. This is pretty sweet for the little bit of towing I do and when I am loaded down for traveling, but it also has risen the rear end of the truck about 2" (my estimate). I'd like to level the truck by bringing the front up 1-2" as well. I'd like to do the actual suspension, not just the body. I'm looking to add a brush guard which would add more wight to the front end, too. I've browsed around and there seems to be a few ways to do this, but I'm curious to see if y'all would recommend anything on how to level it out. See the photo below; it doesn't look too bad, but sometimes it really looks tilted forward.




2) I was recently fueling up and checking my oil and noticed what seems to me like an oil leak. It seems to be coming from one of 2 woven tubes clipped to the frame right near the dipstick. Before taking it to a mechanic, I thought I'd post here and see if this is something I could take care of myself. I'm pointing to it in the photo. Any ideas?





Any other issues I should be looking out for in an '01? I'm aware of the issues with brakes (wear out fast) and some folks have had transmission issues. Thanks in advance, looking forward to using this forum to keep this truck running smoothly for a long time.

 

Welcome! Nice job finding a one owner Tundra!

The easiest and best way to level out the front would be to just replace your front coilovers. If the ones on there are original you'll be glad you did anyways. One of the most popular options are Bilstein 5100's that you can purchase from a variety of sources. They have different notches you can pick from that will determine ride height but you should be able to match your rear, or get a lot closer. There are other options too if you wanted to spend more money.

Those are breathers. One is for the front diff and I can't remember what the other is for. If you gently pull on the ends the breather will pull out exposing the tube. You can then either replace them or just clean them up. It looks like they might be clogged which is why it's blowing that crap out. I think I cleaned mine up with brake cleaner. It's a 20 minute job. I would go ahead and get it done so they start venting properly again.

 

Welcome, jon! X2.

 

Thanks for the replies, fellas. So the Bilstein 5100s are just for the front end? Just cleaned out those breathers. What do you think they were spewing?

 

Front and rear. You can run something different in the rear if you choose. Depending on what shocks you currently have up front, you can reuse your old spring. Several people here have done that.

I would assume it's gear oil. I wouldn't worry too much about it so long as you got those vents working again.

 

Might need fresh fluid in that front diff, transfer case, and rear diff. There is a rear breather on the rear axle top. Looks like a silver mushroom cap similar to you engine bay front diff.

Have service guy look at fluids.

My front diff breather let out clear clean oil after I over filled filled it a bit. Never have seen that tar type stuff like you have even back when I never opened the hood for 2 years.

 

Welcome. I assume you're in Maine too?

In addition to the fluids @Professional Hand Model suggested, your transmission fluid probably could use a refresh. At least a drain and fill. Same with the power steering fluid.

 

We’ll have jon in a rebuilt truck before he knows it.

 

Shhh. We'll do it one post at a time. He won't even notice.

 

Since you're going off the beaten path, I would swap out front and rear shocks & struts. Tire rack has the Eibachs with new front springs for $500. They have the adjustable front perch also, grab new top hats for them also. Suspension maxx makes extended length sway bar links, your gonna need them if you raise the front.

Welcome, good luck with your truck

 

Welcome aboard Jonas. You’ll find a huge amount of help here. Lots of knowledgeable members and great advice.

I second (or 3rd) the choice of 5100s. I installed a leveling kit for the front on my TRD and honestly probably should have gone with 5100s and reused the TRD springs.

 

Welcome from Vegas Jonas.
2001 questions is quite a few, but im sure we can answer most of them.

 

Thanks again, all. Before I get known as 'Jon', Ill clear that up - full name is Jonas (pronounced Yo-nas) I'm based in central Idaho. Maybe down the road, I'll do a better run down of the truck. I've put some hard fought time into doing a really great drawer system in the bed. Great for sleeping on while maintaining some substantial storage. While you guys convince me to get involved in a full build, I can be the plug for any multiday whitewater rafting trips you might want to check out in Idaho.. one post at a time.

I got in there and cleaned up the breathers this afternoon. They were definitely pretty gunked up, but I have them turning freely again. The breather on the rear diff (as mentioned by the axle) was clear. I'm hoping I have not blown any seals or anything as a result of this, but will drive it for a bit and see what I see. It seems like its been going on for a while judging by the amount of muck built up around/under the breather tubes. When I bought it, the seller mentioned that he had noticed some wetness on the boot, which I now expect stemmed from this issue, as it was that same front left boot. I'll have a front/rear diff service and transfer case done soon, or at least have them checked.

In the spring, I had Les Schwab do the rear shocks, so I'm hoping not to mess with the rear. I believe the brand is currently "Gas-a-just" both on the fronts and rears. I suppose the real question (my third of the 2001 questions I'll probably ultimately have!) is: Can I add Bilsteins just to the front to raise it up a hair? Based on FirstGen's reply, yes? And It sounds like I'll need to get extended sway bar links if I want to raise the front, regardless of what brand I choose? This leveling project will be a spring thing, when I can find a garage or some nicer weather to work in. Idaho winter is setting in.

Again, thanks for the help. Clearly I'm pretty green at this, I've just never loved a truck like I love this one. Having been on multiple forums for other stuff, I have to say that you guys really make a fella feel welcome!

 

For about $48 bucks you can do the all 3 fluids service yourself. The transfer and rear diffs are easy plugs. The front diff requires a 10mm hex and that bolt/plug gives people fits sometimes.

 

copy that!

 

Welcome, Jonas. Great you have a decent plan! When I got mine, it was "fix-everything-now 'cuz Winter's comin'."

 

Here's something that may be of interest to you. This happened on my brother's rig some time ago ~ at well above 100K miles.

 

A brand new rad dropped my coolant temps 10-15°. The Densos are only $150 from Local Stealer Programme.

 

Yes. The main thing u want to do is clear out any gunk that made it's way into the head of the 10mm hex and clear it out with a wire brush before hand

 

Welcome Jonas. Where in Idaho are you? I'm in Ketchum. I have some experience with the shops around here (which is why I don't use them), and have most of the tools to work on the tundra, and have done most the items everyone is recommending, and you are needing. If you're in the area I'm happy to help out.

 

Sir Yo-nas
I wouldn't recommend replacing the front struts alone, Bilstein are digressive and the KYB gas adjust are progressive. Basically they are opposite.

https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/digressive-vs-linear-vs-progressive-pistons-shock-valving/

 

I’ve had both the KYB and now the Billys and they are both nice shocks. Billys are firm and nice for a sporty ride on street. Good for tow/haul. The KYB is cushy floaty. Opposites for sure.

 

I'm up in Salmon. That would be awesome. I'm thinking this is a spring project - I'll stay in touch, thanks!!

 

I figured you were close-ish (relative for Idaho) if you were a river guide. I was banking either Stanley or Salmon/Challis. But happy to help if needed. Also, I don't know how long you've been in Idaho, but I moved out here from Alabama and learned a few simple things for winter prep:
1) I would recommend changing oil and diff fluids before things get really snowy and you're in 4WD everyday.
2) Check the PS to make sure it's a good red/pink color and not low. Otherwise your power steering will sound like its crying when you start it up cold.
3) Check the transmission fluid; again looking for red/pink and not low. Make sure to get the truck to operating temp and leave it running when checking fluid level.
4) Check coolant for red/pink and full reservoir. Maybe even have a shop check the temp rating or get one of those fancy turkey basters with little balls in it that tell you the temp rating.
5) While not necessary, if you park outside and walk most places or go days without turning the truck on, a trickle charger will keep the battery in good shape. And make sure you check the battery terminals are clean.

Apologies if that's just stating the obvious; not trying to insult your intelligence, but those were all things I learned when I came here and experienced my first real winter.

 

Not insulting at all! I've spent most of my years in Colorado, but it's always good to check fluids before winter. Not to mentioned that it never occurred to me to double check coolant in winter. I'll keep an eye out for a trickle charger, too.

 

Yea honestly as long as you properly maintain your truck you shouldn't have to do anything different to it. This is coming from a guy from near the chicagoland area where I will see temps as low as -25 degrees actually tempature, wind chill like -40. Bad stuff. I of course just drive the camry when it's that cold. I'm gonna change my diff and t case fluids once again at the end of this winter when its warm, then I'll change it once every 5 years.