What have you done to your 1st gen Tundra today?

Operation clean camper started today. It was NASTY. I'm not sure how I feel about this thing. It was around 80% less than the cost of a new one but it needs a lot of work. The biggest problem is that it was made for a double cab so I'm not sure if I'll ever get it to stay dry.There is a gap at the front that's only visible from the inside. Since we want to use it for camping that may be a problem. I called the locale ARE dealer and they want way to much money to fix the window, locks and brake light. My wife says the chain aluminum window looks badass. What do you guys think? Biggest problem is that I can't see out of it so I think I'm going to order a back up camera.

Aside from that I replaced my battery today. After a lot of research I went with Interstate. I got a slightly bigger size 27. They seem to make one of the better non AGM batteries. I don't have a need for a top end battery right now. I had to clean out a bunch of old acid and gunk under it and ended up painting the bracket as it was rusting. I also threw some LED's in the dash.

 

Leave like it is. Throw a tarp over the cap when camping to stop any water if thats a worry. Maybe mimic the other side glass with the diamond plate to finish the look? Should be more secure too.

Not sure if you thought about this, but consider some convex side mirrors that stick to your existing mirror as an aid to changing lanes. I had an old 87’ Toy with a solid cap and those little stick on mirrors are very helpful. Even have some on the 02’ due to their success. Very rarely do I ever need to twist my head to change lanes or reverse with these things.

Look at few types in person before buying. Some are better designed than others. They don’t need to be that big to work either. Cheap safety.

 

How many cc are the stock ones?

 

That came out great

 

Not sure. Shoulda asked, but Keith (Dirty Deeds) said that one should do the 250cc unless using e85 (which requires 330cc).

 

Good to know. I'd like to do this mod some day. How many miles on your truck?

 

161k

 

Looks really good to me. Nice job.

 

I replaced my Leer Sheel 3rd Brake Light with this one off eBay. Very easy replacement and just tapped it into my driver side tail light. Bright LEDs

 

I’m going to use a similar light for my 3rd brake light for when I’ve got the tent on the back.

 

Not sure, but a Fresnel Lens in the back window of the shell might help. Used them in RV's, never thought about with the cap.

$9 Blind Spot Mirror Sunsbell Car Rear View Mirror Wide Angle Lens Backup Reverse Parking Fresnel Lens (Fresnel Lens-Rectangle)

https://www.amazon.com/Sunsbell-Rev...YZR?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q

they allow you to see down & wider, so mebbe.

 

Went out in the rain again and removed the driver side reservoir mount to replace it with a new painted one. The driver's side was very fiddly, a 2 beer job that lasted a few blues songs. Got it done though and hopefully I can trade my battery in tomorrow. I planned to trade the battery today but Sears auto has become so rebellious about their impending doom that they closed an hour early for fun today. Can't say I blame the bastards.

I'll mount the battery tomorrow and see if I can install the Foxes again. From there it's only a few minor details and I may have a drivable truck again by the weekend.

 

Can someone school me on UCA's? What are the advantages/reason for people buying aftermarket ones? I see Total Chaos is offering a group buy right now.

 

They allow you to maintain proper camber and caster, as well as repositioning the ball joint angle to allow for the wheel to travel without binding. They are usually recommended when you start approaching the 3"+ lift range.

 

What he said.

I used SPC arms since I couldn't get a decent alignment done. Got a smoking deal on them for black friday 2 years ago. Install was super easy and only took about an hour for both sides.

$725 SPC Performance 25485 Control Arm, Upper

https://www.amazon.com/SPC-Performance-25485-Control-Upper/dp/B00DJBPRFA

 

Leaning towards replacing these god awful Monroe's with these unless someone has a better suggestion in this price range. I'm hoping that by throwing these on I can fit some 285's. I just want to level it out and get something that rides better.

 

I'm due for an oil change so I'm going to do "the purge". Pro tip, I hate Amazon for personal/work related reasons so I usually check eBay. I'd say 7/10 times I save money buying the same item on eBay and get free shipping.

I was able to find this deal which includes the gaskets and free shipping. Unfortunately, despite my quest to not give Amazon money, the item I buy off eBay sometimes ships from Amazon.

Anyways, I haven't decided yet if I'm going to do the double purge or just do it once.

 

Amazon rules the world. They basically could squash all competition, but let them remain in business to avoid monopoly laws and ‘own’ them anyway. Nice guys eh? Bezos is a smart guy, but I could care less about his views on many things.

Your call on the sacrificial purge. I’m glad I did mine as it really cleared the residuals. 25 miles looked like a 3k oil change.

 

Fueled up 20 gallons today for $20.

$1.90 a gallon with .90c rewards. Yewwww!!!

 

Got my battery swapped. Sears Auto is closing at 5 again today

There was a lot of confusion when I showed up seeking the apparantly rare G34R battery but after 20 minutes I walked out happy with a new one.

Old one was warping all over the place, not sure if it will show in these pictures but it was scary, imploding. Sides were sucked in and the top had more waves than a waterbed.

 

How are die hards? I've heard good things but never owned one. Are their batteries on sale right now?

 

No sale. I wouldnt buy another, mostly because the future of Sears is uncertain and I don't know how warranty would hold.

The last one I got was a Diehard Platinum AGM and it never failed me for 8 years. When I went from daily driving my truck to only driving it once a week was when it started to fail, but it still worked okay for a few months. I only replaced it for peace of mind.

The current one, G34R Gold AGM doesn't seem as bulletproof. Time will tell, maybe the one I just warranteed was defective.

 

My CVJ remanned OEM axles showed up today. They’re beautiful!

-High Angle Inner Boot
-OEM Outer Boot
-Inner Joint Machining

Hopefully they last like they should!!

 

Those look kickass!

 

New wheels, sliders and foglights within the last two weeks.

Untitled by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

Untitled by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

 

Almost bought a double cab 1st gen Tacoma today, but I honestly couldn’t get over the fact that I would have to sell the Tundra. Couldn’t pull the a trigger thankfully!

 

Wow - lot of glass on that cap. Like it.

 

I like Interstate. As long as your not adding a 'fridge and a bunch of auxiliary stuff, I still trust Interstate for my DD.

 

I'm installing the same High Angle Inner Boots onto my Axles today and too am hoping these will last as advertised ...

 

Blasphemy!!!