Getting a Tundra from my Pops

My dad is aging out of driving. He called me a few days ago to see if I still wanted his Tundra. I think I told him about 10 years ago that I'd buy it whenever he's done with it. Not sure what year it is, but it's a gen1 V6 access cab 4x4. A few years ago when he took it in to get the frame checked several machanics came out and tried to buy it off him so I think it's in pretty good shape. It has about 37,000 miles on it +/- a few thousand. Although it's low mileage is there anything that should be replaced due to age? The tires are new last year. I tend to keep vehicles a long time so I'd like to run this for another 20 years or so. Thanks, Fred

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from NY.

Timing belt if it has one.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Lucky you and welcome aboard

 

Welcome from CO!
Do you have some pics?

 

Welcome aboard!

You may want to start looking at some suspension options, specifically the lower ball joints. Those are one of the most important maintenance items because it's not pretty when they fail. Buy Toyota OEM for this part.

V6 should have a timing chain (if 05-06) so not as big of an issue like the timing belt on the V8. 00-04 V6 have a timing belt as stated below.

Check your coolant in the radiator. If it's a brownish color, replace the radiator, thermostat, then flush and replace the old coolant.

 

Agreed with all of what you said, except the 5VZ is a belt as well as the 2UZ.

 

This depends on what year the truck is. 3.4 liter or the 4.0. 3.4 is belt but I believe 4.0 is chain.

 

Welcome from New Hampshire

 

I don't think the 4.0 was ever offered with the 1st gen?

 

The 4.0 is in the 05-06 which is what I was thinking of.

 

I don't have any good pics, but here's one from a google maps drive by.

 

Thank you

 

That’s a good looking truck. Looks to be in great shape.

 

Welcome and greetings from Minnesota.

 

Welcome

 

Smart way to find a pic

Judging from the taillights it's an 00-04 which means 3.4 V6 which means timing belt. Almost certain that engine is non interference so if the belt breaks it will leave you stranded but not break anything. Would be best to knock it out if it's never been done before.

You can find out service history if you make an account on toyota.com/owners and input the vin. Will tell you anything and everything that has been done at a dealer.

The truck being that low of mileage probably doesn't have any rust and if he took it in and they said it was good it might have been undercoated. Which is probably fine if the truck wasn't rusty. If you plan to do any winter driving I'd definitely keep a close eye on the frame.