Noob Tries to be Mechanical - Maintenance Help and Updates

Was going to revive a thread a bit for my own devices... but decided it was best to start my own.

My plan here is to give updates on my truck and share with the people that are willing to help me, the work I'm getting done!

I've been an owner of a 2001 Toyota Tundra, RWD V8 since about 2013 (I bought it with cash Senior year). I've recently decided I want to learn all the mechanical skills I can and since I ride a motorcycle daily, my truck can stand to sit a bit while I work on things. I recently did brakes (front and rear) replacements for everything but the Calipers (trying to decide if I should replace those at some point).

When I bought it, it had 147k miles, today it only has 196k miles but I'm trying to give the vehicle basically everything new over the next year or two to try and get it into a place I can do regular maintenance on it and keep it running as long as possible. I don't have service records from before I purchased, and have done a terrible job of keeping my own. Other than changing my oil and filter on regular intervals, I haven't done much to it.

So far I have:
- Replaced the front brakes (except the Calipers)
- Replaced the suspension in the front with a quick strut replacement
- Replaced the rear drum, pad, and hardware
- Swapped the front headlight assembly (and switched to LED headlights and fogs)
- Replaced busted Mirrors
- Waiting to receive new turn signal bulbs as they lost their amber coating and need to install new ones

Things I want to do but not sure what should be done all together and what should be prioritized. Here is the order I think I ought to do them:
- Timing Belt. Last replaced at 86k if I'm reading things correctly, probably time to do it XD
- Serpentine Belt
- Tensioner
- Camshaft Seals
- Water Pump
- Rack and Pinion?
- All front end bushings should probably be replaced. I noticed my tie rod bushings are completely shot when doing my brakes.
- LBJs?
- Transmission Fluid?
- Radiator Fluid?

Want to Haves:
- Upgrade the suspension in front and back to get about 2-3 inches in the front and level the truck in the rear. I'm not sure if I ought to wait to do all front end stuff at once, or what things would need to be modified in order to avoid stress/geo problems with a minor lift.
- Replace Stereo - Used to use tape player with aux cable, but tape player no longer functions.
- Bumper with a wench
- Bigger A/T tires for year round
- Second set of rims/tires for snow
- Replace Bed with one that doesn't have so many dents
- Replace/fix Fender flares that have popped out due to body damage on the bed

I'm not sure where to begin and what other things I ought to add to the list to get done. Also items best done together to save time and work to make the process get done quicker would be lovely.

Any advice is appreciated. I've started a bit of a google doc and sheets spreadsheet in order to keep track of things and plan out what to work on when, where to best purchase parts etc.

 

You are actually past due on this one. I would make this your #1 priority. While you have it apart you should do the water pump at minimum. You asked about coolant, this is the perfect time to do that too.

Unless it's leaking, I would leave it alone. Focus on the other items first.

This would be my 2nd priority if you don't know if/when they have ever been replaced. OEM is recommended.

Yep. Drain and fills are super easy.
1) drain fluid and measure how many quarts you remove(should be around four). I do this when the fluid is cold.
2) refill that same amount through the dipstick.
3)bring the transmission up to operating temp. Shift through the gears. Leave it running and check the transmission dipstick. You should he at the H mark.

Honestly, I would change all your fluids so you have a baseline. Being 2WD you don't have to worry about the transfer case or front diff, but don't forget about the rear diff fluid.

Sounds like you already have a pretty good idea of what should be done. I've found the search function to be pretty useful. If you can't find what you are looking for then come back and ask.

 

timing belt needs attention with that age and miles since last change. Get that taken care of because if it goes it can ruin an engine. Ask me how I know

Spark plugs and all fluid change would be my next focus.

But if you are doing the timing belt, several of the items on your need to do list would be done at the same time- drive belt, waterpump, tensioner. Getting those items done would make me more comfortable if it was my truck, then I would tackle the rest as you can or make upgrades.

 

- Timing Belt. Last replaced at 86k if I'm reading things correctly, probably time to do it XD -- yes replace it is past due
- Serpentine Belt -- do as part of your timing belt
- Tensioner -- do as part of your timing belt ( there are two, one is tensioner, one is idler )
- Camshaft Seals -- do as part of your timing belt , do the crank seal also
- Water Pump -- do as part of your timing belt
- Rack and Pinion? -- flush with new ATF, unless it is leaking
- All front end bushings should probably be replaced. I noticed my tie rod bushings are completely shot when doing my brakes. -- this is a big job unless you buy new control arms. Even with new arms it is a big job-- might as well replace your rack and pinion bushings, inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, sway bar end links
- LBJs? -- do as part of your front end rebuild, do upper ball joints also ( you have gone this far..... might as well ) -- alot of people reccomend new bolts for the lower ball joints -- i reused mine
- Transmission Fluid? -- for your truck, this is a simple drain and fill .. yes do it ( multiple drain and fills only, do not flush )
- Radiator Fluid? -- do as part of your timing belt. replace upper and lower radiator hoses as well as the thermostat

if you have gone this far, might as well replace your spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid, and front and rear diff fluids as well as transfer case

 

Nicely Grasshopper. You are awarded as this weeks Feather Duster Extraordinaré for your A+ answers.

 

Yeah, the replacement of the timing belt concerns me a bit as I still don't have a garage to work on it in. Perhaps I can post on a local motorcycle group and see if anyone would be willing to let me go there. Was hoping to replace it in a few weeks at a friends once I move about 4 hours away, but it is concerning for me to wait that long, make the move etc...

 

She’ll be alright and so will you.

 

This should be the forum motto.

 

Can’t take credit for the first part as its an Aussie saying, ‘She’ll be alright’. Truck having problems?... she’ll be alright.

 

Do tell.

I'm always up for a good timing belt story.