Inherited a 1st gen, hoping it will last

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum. My father-in-law just signed over a 2000 Tundra to me, it belonged first to his late father who bought it new in 2000 in Utah. I live in the Southern US.

I really like the truck and plan to leave most of it stock. I'm open to hearing your favorite quality of life mods you have done to your 1st gens.

I've been reviewing some of the posts here about rust and common issues. I would love some feedback on what I can do to extend the lifespan of this vehicle. The truck only has about 82k miles on it, about 12k of those are in the last two years. Sounds like the low mileage may not be as great as I first thought, after reading around here a little. Almost nothing is broken on the truck, it seems to run well. The 4 wheel drive works. I replaced the original timing belt and water pump as a favor to my FiL earlier this year. Replacing those was the largest mechanical project I have taken on to date, but I enjoy working on projects and fixing things so hopefully I can do more to care for the truck.

I am trying to determine how concerned I should be about the rust on this truck though. The muffler is rusted out. Besides the one photo I will add here, I made a google photos album to try and share multiple pictures for reference: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UM3PFznz8t8NKDWs8
(Let me know if there is a better way to share more than one photo at a time in a post.)

I'm excited to join the community here!

 

Welcome.

 

WELCOME TO THE CLUB! Where we have plenty fun, laughs and shenanigans! We also help when possible....even getting you to spend your money on mods!

Let's see the whole truck!


Someone who knows more about the rust stuff should be able to assist you with guidance for that.

 

Here is a better picture of the outside of the truck

 

It's a good looking truck!

 

Welcome from NC

 

Welcome.
Nice truck

 

Welcome! Nice truck.

First, read this thread if you haven't already. Make sure you read about the places to inspect on the frame for rust.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

The biggest issues for first gens is rust, lower ball joints, and the timing belt. Sounds like you already did the timing belt which is great.

Once you have more questions, post them in the first gen section or say hello in the lunch table thread.

https://www.tundras.com/forums/1st-gen-tundras-2000-2006.2/

 

WELCOME,nice truck ,keep her stock!!

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! Nice looking classic! I hope you get the info you need to keep it running a long time.

 

Welcome aboard and nice truck! If you were able to do your timing belt yourself with few problems and enjoyed it, you shouldn't have an issue accomplishing most maintenance this platform needs. Hopefully others will come chime in on where/ how to start tackling that rust.

 

Welcome, from Texas!

 

Welcome from NY.