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Sunnier Finally Got 4x4!! Need Help Building It:

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Sunnier, Oct 30, 2018.

  1. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:02 AM
    #1
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    It's just a matter of time 'til The BFT, my beautiful 3rd gen inferno orange Tundra, figures out s/he's not a 4x4. ;) This last desert run that @Spvrtan led, I recognized it when we went up the Calcite Mine trail, so here's my solution:
    IMG_5399.jpg

    This one hasn't got a name yet. I figure it'll come to me at some point. Of course, y'all are welcome to weigh in with ideas.

    I've been looking for a low mileage 1st gen access cab because: Tundra reliability, V8, and size-for-purpose (balancing a bit of backseat space in the cab against a full bed so I can move my bed rack, RTT, and gear over for comfortable camping).

    I think I could've eventually found an '05 or '06 with mileage around 130k, but I might have lost a season doing it. I have a plan, dang it!, and I want to get started! :angrygirl:

    I found several 1st gens for sale with about 160k miles, ranging in price from $13k - $16k. Good values probably, but very likely due for timing belt and water pump... and that's a lot more $ than I had left in my personal savings fund I'd squirreled away over the years (yes, I spent a lot of that on a 4R last spring, thinking that would be my off-road play vehicle-- but I think this plan is gonna work better; and I've got support from the Fambly which always makes life easier!). :)

    Anyway. This one posted to CL late night on a Saturday (who does that?). A 2002 Limited with 209,388 miles for $6350. Oxidized green paint, worn leather on the door side of the driver's seat. Neither of those gave me pause. I like dark green and oxidized paint looks good with pinstripes! :cool: I texted the owner a bit, but I was going into my work week, so I couldn't really meet. He mentioned he was about to deploy and, if it didn't sell, he'd just wait til he got back. Not a lot of negotiations room there.

    Anyway, late night the following Tuesday, I found the truck still listed and now there was updated info that it passed smog, and the price dropped to $5500. Wut?!!

    I dunno why I didn't worry there was something wrong with it, but I felt a sense of optimism the truck would be great mechanically... and that others would ignore it because of the colour and condition of the paint.:fingerscrossed:

    I was still in the middle of my work week (work nights/ sleep days, move kid around in between). I emailed him but got no response by the time I got off work. I texted again, and offered him a bit more than the new, lowered price to hold it for me while I slept. He'd already told me no one smoked in it (a must), so I promised, essentially, that if there was no frame damage or rust, I'd buy it.

    I haven't been sleeping well in the daytime lately so I was up by noon and offered to drive to meet him outside the base at North Island, where he worked. Unfortuneatly, he said he couldn't get away to meet me. Foiled again and I had yet another night of OT scheduled. Anyway... all I could do was ask, so I did. I told him I'd give him $20 more for Lyft if he'd drive the truck to meet near where I work. And he went for it.

    So that's how it happened. It was kinda fun. We were done in 15 minutes, then had to wait 40 minutes for his wife to show up, but the whole transaction took an hour. Then he deployed at o'dark:30 the next morning.

    I've never bought a vehicle after dark before, but went over it with a flashlight. I felt reassured when I looked at the engine from the top and saw the skid plate below was suitably dirty from 209k miles of use, but no sign of leaks, or recent cleaning to hide leaks, etc. The frame and undercarriage look good, barely any surface rust, consistent with a full life in SoCal. The tires are "too big" cheap Chinese Wal-Mart specials mud tires (more below) and he told me it had a spacer lift (he sounded suitably embarrassed about the cheap tires but not the lift; I managed not to roll my eyes).

    I've since had my regular mechanic inspect it. The timing belt and water pump are in good shape. Replaced the serpentine belt which showed a little wear, and replaced a couple gaskets. He agreed with me that new suspension should be first on my To Do list. :yes:
    And while he let me know he hates Chinese tires and showed me these are wearing quickly (in part because of the shoddy suspension), he confirmed I can probably use them a while, hold off the expense of replacing them, while I get the suspension dialed in, and probably a while after. I also noticed yesterday (in the daylight), there are 2 dings in the windshield. But in the big scheme of things, I'm pretty happy with it.

    Now I want as much advice as I can get about best options and things to avoid. Please weigh in to help me get started right. Thanks, y'all!!
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
  2. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:03 AM
    #2
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Suspension:
    It came with 285 75 16R M/T's. I like the size for off-road clearance when aired down (and, since I've got to start from scratch with suspension, I want to know if I can go even bigger-???). I'm a little worried that no coil over suspension lift will accommodate them though-- I managed to put off learning about suspension because I had no plans to upgrade The BFT, but now it's a priority to get up to speed on best options for a 1st gen.

    I'd appreciate advice/ experience/ opinions on coil over lifts, UCA's, bump stops, leaf packs-- wherever I need to know that you know! Thanks, y'all!!
    IMG_5406.jpg IMG_5410.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
  3. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:07 AM
    #3
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Tires:
    The M/T's on it now are very loud. Based on all I've read on here, and the likelihood I'll drive through a lot more sand than mud, I'd probably go with A/T's as replacements. Please tell me your favourites. I've read that Nitto Ridge Grapplers and Toyo AT2's are "easiest" to balance, and that Copper Discoverer ST Maxx are quiet on the highway and have a 65k tread warrantee....:notsure: This won't be a DD but will travel miles on freeway to get to dirt. Please render an opinion if you've got one.IMG_5409.jpgIMG_5407.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
  4. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:07 AM
    #4
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Rock sliders:
    I can't imagine I'll be easier (or luckier) with this than my 3rd gen, The BFT, and I've ridden on my sliders several times already. So I'll "need" em for this truck. So far, I've learned from @BestGen that StubbsWelding makes sliders for a 1st gen access cab, and I think White Knuckle does too. I'd appreciate any additional leads on options, as well as any photos to show me what's what.
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
  5. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:09 AM
    #5
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Skid protection:
    I've heard from 1st gen guys including @BestGen, @Casper421, and @Darkness that Skid Row, Brute Force, and BudBuilt make protection skids for 1st gens. Any others? Anyone got photos or links to help me out?
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
    GiantsFanDan likes this.
  6. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:11 AM
    #6
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Other 1st gen builds:
    There's a few 1st gens on here, outfitted for overlanding. I've learned a ton reading about @01erionracing Jimmy's build and how he uses his truck, and excited to meet up with him for some in-person pointers to get me started in the right direction. But more is better! Please link me to any other 1st gen builds you know about that I can learn from.

    @eccracer104 have you got any 1st gen buddies you can point me to, so I can read builds and start right?
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
    eccracer104, GiantsFanDan and blue16 like this.
  7. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:16 AM
    #7
    Juanjoolio007

    Juanjoolio007 New Member

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    Bed Rug, Tonneau cover, Window visors, Console organizer, Weather Tech's

    Congrats on the new truck!!!

    Looks like I missed a bit of stuff over the last few months. I still haven’t made it down there . One day..... one day lol
     
  8. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:20 AM
    #8
    dcsleeper408

    dcsleeper408 BASTRDS

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  9. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:21 AM
    #9
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Wish list:
    If this goes well (and I don't go bankrupt before I move on to another hobby :help:), I have ideas about on-board air, a rear locker, dual batteries, solar panels, a 'fridge.... So please share any cool ideas or stuff you've seen. If it's out there, I'd love to know about it!
     
    4x4_Angel and Juanjoolio007 like this.
  10. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:24 AM
    #10
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

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    Pat
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    2016 Black CM Tundra TRD Off Road
    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    Congrats! Now go have fun with it.
     
    Sunnier[OP] and dcsleeper408 like this.
  11. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:25 AM
    #11
    Inquiringone

    Inquiringone -Blue N Blac- an a little chrome

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    Ter
    NorCal 408
    Vehicle:
    U can take the guy out of the garage, But U can’t take the garage out of the guy
    Not many yet, mostly stock.
    Another great start, @Sunnier.
     
  12. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:30 AM
    #12
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Thank you. :) You're our treasurer, @JuanHomie007; make it happen! :D
     
    Juanjoolio007[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:32 AM
    #13
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    As soon as I organize suspension. I actually need to figure out which part in that photo is the spacer. :anonymous:
     
    dcsleeper408 likes this.
  14. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:33 AM
    #14
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Thanks for the vote of confidence! :cheers:
     
    dcsleeper408 likes this.
  15. Oct 30, 2018 at 1:40 AM
    #15
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
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    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    @Marty McFly I'm missing you, Buddy! This is me hoping to keep up with you and your Pro.
     
  16. Oct 30, 2018 at 2:11 AM
    #16
    Juanjoolio007

    Juanjoolio007 New Member

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    Oregon
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    2019 Silver Sky Platinum Crew Max
    Bed Rug, Tonneau cover, Window visors, Console organizer, Weather Tech's
    Haha my home gym took priority 1. Now I have this charity event. My journey out date got pushed back from April to July. Lots going on. I’m hoping we no kidding make it down there in 2019.... good news looks like I’ll have plenty of vacation time.


    Unrelated somebody posted an inferno pro crew max the other day for sale in Portland... I was going to tag you.
     
    Sunnier[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  17. Oct 30, 2018 at 3:09 AM
    #17
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Aw, thanks for thinking of me!

    I went round and round in my head for months, about whether to trade The BFT in for another, everything the same + 4x4. It took months, but I finally found one (double cab infernos are hard to find) in Phoenix. And it sat on the lot a while so I thought I could maybe get a deal. But finally decided there's no deal that would make up for the depreciation I'd experience trading in a 1 year old truck. And I didn't want the TSS stuff that's on the 2018's. Probably a lot of people don't have problems, but I didn't want to risk trading in my perfect truck for an unknown. Also, it still tears my heart up when I get pinstripes on that beautiful inferno paint. All told, it's a better idea for me to buy one I can play in unreservedly.
     
  18. Oct 30, 2018 at 3:22 AM
    #18
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    Cambridge Springs, PA
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    04 Tundra DC
    On your coilover it's at the top sandwiched between the upper control arm.

    When I lifted mine I pieced everything together, if I did it again I'd do the Toytec Boss kit with SPC uppers and call it a day.
     
  19. Oct 30, 2018 at 3:48 AM
    #19
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
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    Hand Protectors
    Nice score! Keep her stock and wear her out.
     
    Sunnier[OP] likes this.
  20. Oct 30, 2018 at 4:17 AM
    #20
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Thank you!

    How do you mostly use your truck? Pavement, easy dirt, slow off-roading, fast dirt, (with unforeseen jumps and uh-oh moments), or something else-? It occurred to me it'll be easiest to mimic someone else who does what I want to do.
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
    blue16 likes this.
  21. Oct 30, 2018 at 4:54 AM
    #21
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    Awesome buy! I would love to have a nice 1st Gen Tundra, they are animals.

    Enjoy the build!
     
    Sunnier[OP] likes this.
  22. Oct 30, 2018 at 5:39 AM
    #22
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    Mostly a pavement pounder but I live on a dirt road and it handles 30mph over light washboarding and potholes well.
     
    Sunnier[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  23. Oct 30, 2018 at 5:53 AM
    #23
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Thanks. Will do. I'm very excited! :)
     
    MotoTundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Oct 30, 2018 at 6:01 AM
    #24
    MatthewPTguy

    MatthewPTguy Not a new member

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    Borla dual cat back exhaust system, K&N replacement air filter, Headlight Revolution 40" Stealth LED light bar, Headlight Revolution LED fog light replacement bulbs, Line X bed liner, de-badge
    CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a great project!!!
     
    Sunnier[OP] likes this.
  25. Oct 30, 2018 at 6:05 AM
    #25
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    Sweet! I’d love a dedicated off-road rig. Looking forward to see what you do with it. Congratulations!
     
    Sunnier[OP] likes this.
  26. Oct 30, 2018 at 6:15 AM
    #26
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Looking forward to see how this great project truck progresses!
     
    Sunnier[OP] likes this.
  27. Oct 30, 2018 at 6:56 AM
    #27
    Marty McFly

    Marty McFly Nobody calls me chicken!! Except when off roading

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    :pccoffee:
    Awesome find @Sunnier :thumbsup:
    I’ve been pretty busy this last week and I’ve missed a lot on good ol Tundras.com.
    My vote is to call her the Hulk. She’s a big green angry beast of a truck LOL
     
  28. Oct 30, 2018 at 7:02 AM
    #28
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
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    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    Hmmn, not sure I want an angry truck. Maybe somewhere on the continuum closer to Jolly Green Giant...? :broccoli:
     
    Marty McFly[QUOTED] likes this.
  29. Oct 30, 2018 at 7:03 AM
    #29
    Sunnier

    Sunnier [OP] Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
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    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    I'm still bummed that HLDMYBR isn't available as a CA personalized plate. :(
     
  30. Oct 30, 2018 at 7:10 AM
    #30
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Congrats!

    What's up with the broken back window; did you steal this truck? LOL
     
    smslavin and Marty McFly like this.

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