2000 AC SR5 4x4 build

So I figure I have done enough to my truck that I should post a build thread. I keep posting in the 'what have you done to your tundra' thread that I figured it was time to separate out my stuff. I'm really making this so if someone else is doing something similar they can ask questions or bounce ideas off of me!

So I have a 2000 access cab SR5 4x4. I got it in a trade. I traded a Buick Park Avenue that was supercharged. It was a special edition and I loved that thing, but I wanted a truck really bad. I had a thing for the 3.8l or 3800 GM engine. Had 3 of them. Went for 225,000 easy, then even more if you were willing to swap the intake gasket and such. So anyway, I traded my buick, a little S&W shield 9mm that I had a fair amount of custom work into, and $500. I would say my buick was worth 2700 or so. So in reality the value of my stuff was probably $3500 give or take.

The tundra had 214,xxx on it and already had the manifold tick that plagues these. The seller included new headers which I have yet to install. Included hardware, but I won't use the bolts he provided, I want the oem studs.

When I got it they recently had done the timing belt, water pump, radiator, and hoses. It already had the new frame and you can definitely tell.

Since getting the truck the things I have replaced/upgraded are:

-Higher amp alternator
-Coil pack
-8 spark plugs
-Power Stop Z36 13wl front brake kit/ Drilled & Slotted rotors (mine had the smaller brakes)
-LED light interior conversion
-KMC Enduro 17x9 wheels
-Mastercraft LTR 285/70/17 tires
-Sony headunit with external mic
-4 kicker 6 3/4" speakers (1 in each door)
-12" rockford fosgate punch sub
-Kenwood amp
-New solenoids in transmission
-Transmission flush and service
-Moog Tie Rod ends
-Detroit Axle Rack and Pinion
-New inner tie rod ends
-energy suspension rack and pinion poly bushings
-New Headlight housings
-All black grill (had chrome one before)

That's all I can think of right now. I'll be certain to add up more later.

-To be installed is the Eibach pro truck kit all around. Should be 2.5-3" lift.
-Wheeler's anti sway kit with poly bushings - DONE
-Moog sway bar end links - DONE
-PCV and grommet - DONE
-new air filter (Purolator) -DONE
-Diff drop kit
-Headers

I am also building a full custom bed for the truck from scratch. My father in law owns a fab shop so he and I are going to tackle it. Really excited for that

Also going to paint entire truck in bedliner. Body in white, new bed and such in black.

So anyway, I made this thread so I can show the progress of all of this and help anybody else out!

Cheers!

 

I been interested in finding a cheap Park Avenue or something with that SC 3.8 set up.

 

I loved it. For being a boat it really would get up. Nothing like a race car, but you could pass reallll easy on the interstate while riding on a cloud. The ultras are the super charged ones. Main thing on those are the engine mounts. Makes it shift hard or funny and people think it’s the tranny but it’s not, it’s the mounts.

I loved the seats and comfort of that thing. I also got 25-28 mpgs. Only annoyance was that it has to have premium fuel. Otherwise it retards the timing and pings. If I could do it over I’d get the regal gs in the early 2000’s. Had a regal of that style but it was n/a. Was great up to 235,xxx and decided to get rid of it.

Any questions let me know, I know those things pretty well!

 

H

How are your moog tie rods holding up? I am having some wandering issues and plan on just rebuilding the front end components. The oem ones are kinda pricey

 

I will say they are already rusty. I have only had them on for maybe 2000 miles. I have a clunk from my front now and I can't pinpoint it just yet. It looks like the finish on OEM are far superior. I haven't had them on long enough to give you a true run down, just my opinion on how they look honestly.

 

If I could redo it, I would go with the suspension maxx tie rod ends. My moogs were close to $70 for both, the suspension maxx's are $89 most places online.

Just my $.02!

 

Forgot to update.

Installed the wheeler's anti sway kit which is poly sway bar bushings, poly end link bushings, and poly bump stops. Pics included. Definitely feels planted in the corners.

Last pic shows comparison of factory bumpstop and the wheeler's poly bumpstops. Definitely use Pb blaster or something like that one the tops of the factory bumpstops. There are access holes that you can get your spray straw through. I did this probably 4-5 times over the course of 3 days so I wouldn't have an issue when the time came from removal. They came out easy!

 

Also, these came in. I know this is redundant to what I post in the 'what have you done to your tundra today' thread, but in case someone is searching the interwebs for info on any of this, hopefully this will help!

I will absolutely update once these get installed!

 

Put in a new driveshaft carrier bearing and greased up one of the u-joints. Have all supplies to change fluids in both diffs and tcase. Also have supplies to add rear diff breather extension. hopefully will get to that this weekend!

So I am 99% sure I am going to buy the Freedom Offroad UCA's for my tundra. They look like a good option for someone like me. Very rarely do I offroad, maybe twice a year. When I do I always take it pretty easy and don't go crazy (the Tundra is my daily). I think these will do what I need them to at half the cost of SPC's. I don't want camburg's or anything with a uniball because of where I live with road salt and such. I want lower maintenance from my UCA. I will likely buy 2 extra ball joints from them when I order the arms so I have them in case they pop and Freedom Offroad isn't around anymore.

I will report back on how I like them. Most guys on the Tacoma forums seem to like these UCA's, and Freedom even makes a full lift kit with springs and shocks for tacomas. Something to consider!

 

Zac, did you ever get these installed?

 

unfortunately no, I have been collecting parts. I have those eibachs, new OEM lower control arms with bushings, & new OEM lower ball joints. I'm just saving up now to afford upper control arms and deciding on what brand to go with. Once I get those I will tackle the install. I'll make certain to update this immediately when that is done! I apologize for the delay!

 

No need to apologize. I was just curious how you liked them. It definitely makes sense to wait and do it all at once so you don't pay for an alignment twice. It's going to feel like a new truck once you get it done.

 

that's the plan! I sure hope it works out. I plan to take time off work and put new headers on the same time and the front suspension. Just do it all at once and get it over with!

I will absolutely report back when I'm all done!