What would you do with $4k to upgrade an 06 Tundra?

2006, V8, 4WD, Club Cab, 85,000 miles and no service history. Already has decent interior, great repaint, decent rubber on rusty old original rims. Bed liner, running boards and window covers already there. Battery box looks pretty rusted, but new battery. I don't do my own work anymore...too old.
I had $4k left over from my "truck money" when I bought it.

What would you recommend to get started on what will probably be my last pickup?
1. Timing belt and water pump replacement?
2. disc brake replacement on rear drums?
3. Upgrade disc brakes?
4. Swap out for new headlights?

 

You should be able to do all 4 items you listed for less than $4k.

If brakes still work good currently, then do the timing belt and wp first.

 

Definitely start with these, in the order you listed:

Assuming you checked the underside and frame for rust(?), maybe sand and paint it with chassis paint, to keep it good forever. And I'd replace everything with rust, especially the wheels if you think it's not just surface.

Cool you found a low mileage 1st gen!

 

Congrats on finding a nice 06. They got a nice style to them that works just as good now as they did when brand new.

 

I'd upgrade the wheels tire and suspension. If any money left over maybe a tool box and a winch bumper

 

shop around for a decent mechanic, or DIY. Toyota are easy to work on. for the work you want saves you about 1200-1500 dollars

 

Thanks for the advice, as requested. Timing belt and water pump will be first. Have to drive it awhile to see how the tires ride, my old bones don't
want to get shaken to bad. Had Michelins on my previous first gens. These are not brand I know. Rims look a bit nasty, might do new rims and tires..
Still conflicted about the disc brake mod to the rear...never had it but was not completely satisfied with my other Tundra's braking with the UTV and trailer. Maybe just
upgrade the existing brakes.
My son works on his but I am getting too old to do it anymore and I can spring for the bucks. I have a good wrench just five miles away.

 

Depending on where you live a Torsen type limited slip differential would be cool. Then you definitely wouldn’t be getting stuck!

 

When I buy a used car or truck, I take it to a Toyota mechanic friend who moonlights- the dealer actually lets him work on cars in their shop after hours.
I have him drain and replace every fluid, new brakes, new shocks, all filters, tune up (normally including a timing belt but this work was documented), belts- basically any part subject to wear. Even with the cost of the new Bilsteins the service was less than $2k.
Then I put on new Michelins, a stereo with a back up camera, new Bak F1 tonneau, and a front hitch mount for backing a boat and as a receiver for a winch. I have a lot of confidence in the truck with that level of examination and maintenance.

 

Well, I guess I got a bit carried away but I trust my mechanic, had the money, can't do it myself and wanted the truck reliable. Sooo, timing belt and water pump, all fluids changed, all filters changed, new brake lines, new front calipers and rotors/pad. New factory wheels and tires, new exhaust, new front suspension, new shocks. Still have not synched the remote door fob successfully. The lock in the tailgate is not working, but that is a project for this Spring. The wiring for the trailer works and I will hook up the trailer this weekend for a shake down.
Runs very smooth, a/c and heat good. Only 85k so it might just outlast the current owner....

 

I’ve discovered a problem with the electronic trailer connection on the truck side, all ready spent $275 at a shop and still doesn’t work....
A bit irritated and don’t know where to turn.

 

And why would he do that?

 

I now have a very unusual machine. A 2006 Tundra with 85k on the clock and it has only cost me $24,000. So far. Still got to get a new radio with Sirius and back up camera but that can wait until deer season is over. She pulled the Polaris UTV and trailer with only a few groans. I don't know how long it will last but it has already made me happy.
Lucky that I had the money and this is the size I need on the rare occasions that I use a truck. And I don't like new shit. My Porsche is 16 years old. My Acura is 15 years old.

 

You spent 24k on a 2006 Tundra with 85k miles? Did I read this right?

 

Peace. D

 

@MIkeatthelake
I'm with you.. I Love the sleek look of the 1st gen truck.
at 85,000 miles you have an awesome truck that will last for years

fix what it needs then ... if it ain't broke don't fix it.

don't know why some think a newer truck would be better.

drive & love it