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

When I eventually order new head and fog bulbs I'm going with the same ones you picked. The pictures you posted speak for themselves and are a huge improvement over the original. I appreciate the research you put into this as it saves me a lot of time.

 

I recently did the same check, and had a little play as well, but I replaced my inner and outer tie rod ends last fall. My steering rack bushings are bad. I ordered a new set off Amazon and they'll get here today.

 

You had play even after you replaced them? Maybe that's normal for our trucks. I keep going back and forth on what I want to replace now. I really don't think the LBJ's are bad but Hand Model has me nervous. Others have reported going 300K+ on the original suspension. My truck only has 160k.

Can you share this link for the bushings?

 

I bought very cheap parts, so no guarantees there, but I could see the play at the bushings on the steering rack. my tie rods seemed tight.

I bought the dorman kit. Energy suspension sells a similar poly kit for about $10 more.

$25 Dorman 905-400 Front Rack and Pinion Bushing Compatible with Select Toyota Models (OE FIX)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049DYA6E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Ya know... never noticed your wheels till now doh! Lol

 

I need to find a set of this flares. Looks so much better

 

The look OEM to me. Are you saying you like them better than painted ones?

 

Spend the extra money for poly bushings!

 

the doorman ones are poly.

 

These made a huge difference for my steering tightness. Put your phone under your truck and record a video while you turn the steering wheel left and right. Should be able to see what is moving around

 

Can you give some insight on in install. I'm reading the reviews on Amazon and people are saying you have to disconnect 1 of the inner tie rods. I'm trying to decide if I want to tackle this now or wait. I don't want to pay for an alignment twice and I'm doing a lot of other suspension work soon.

thanks

 

No disconnecting any tie rods. Pretty simple install. There is a video on YouTube that is decent
https://youtu.be/4lSj8WMKfEs

Removing the rod in this video is optional. I didn't have to remove mine

 

@empty_lord I commented on that same Instagram post about the wheels and fenders. He responding, look through the comments for my question and the answer. I am mattdodoubleb.

 

I did it the old fashioned way. turned the wheel while watching the bushings. that's how I saw the movement.

 

So once i popped the plastic cover pieces off, it is easy to adjust that gear on the headlights with my bare hands. However I can't tell if I'm rasing or lowering the headlights

 

Need to park the truck aimed at garage door at night. Use a pencil to Mark cutoff and then when you adjust you can tell your starting point and which way you are adjusting.

 

I don’t have Instagram so I have no clue how to use it lol

 

@empty_lord actually I am confusing him with a different guy. But I'll ask anyway.

 

I did this test tonight. My bushings looked like jumping beans. They are completely shot. I imagine it's going to feel a lot different once I replace them.

 

I put the TC poly bushings on a month ago. My alignment is not perfect (they couldn't get a good alignment because of worn OEM bushings) but after I put these on it was a night and day difference. My rack was moving a good 1/8” - 1/4" prior to the TC bushings. Now it moves in a manner that seems like the bushings were designed for and drives so much tighter. FYI, I removed my sway bar 2 months ago because of bad links and haven't thought about putting it back since. So much smoother all around. Link included for the TC bushings. Edit:
The entire job of replacing the bushings and a complete flush of the power steering took me 2 hours. I sprayed PB Blaster on all bolts a week prior every 2 days until the project (as I do with every project on this truck.) Also, I didn't remove the rack, jacked the front end off the ground and was able to finagle the old bushings out and the new ones in without much fuss.

 

Well, I was almost killed by a first gen tundra on the 134 in Pasadena, CA today. For no reason he decided to change into my lane while my front bumper was at his left rear wheel well. I was in my Mazda CX-7, he was in a champagne gen 1 with a dark green tailgate. Shortly after, he cut across 3 lanes of traffic to get the next exit. Took about 15 min for my heart to slow down.

 

In Salt Lake people drive like that all the time. I drive a lot for work and put down about 600 - 1000 miles a week on average and I use all the cuss words daily. Assholes.

 

On Monday I did adjust my BPV and after about 3 full turns the eye bolt snapped. Ran to Home Depot and bought a longer eye bolt with close to the same ID on the eyelet and it made a huge difference. Also bled the brakes at the same time. Next up is fully rebuild the rear brakes. Last week I did the Power Stop Z36 kit, world of difference. I went from "shit, can I stop in time" to almost locking them up for the first 10 - 20 miles until I got used to them.

 

I probably average 400 - 500 miles per week too. This one was blatant. No one in front of him. Someone in the lane next to me who I almost hit while swerving, braking & blowing my horn.

 

I'm interested in upgrading my brakes.

Glad you averted disaster!

 

I know other members have the Z36 kit and are happy with them. I think I paid $180 shipped on Amazon.

Power Stop K2324-36 Z36 Truck & Tow Front Brake Kit

$213 Power Stop K2324-36 Front Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors For 2001-2007 Sequoia | 2000-2003 2004 2005 2006 Toyota Tundra 6 Lug 13WL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UB5CIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zmy3CbJPZYEH2

 

Might be a good time to invest in a dash cam. I like having one in my truck. If I lived in CA it would be mandatory for both our vehicles.

 

Thanks for the link!

 

I had a bad vibration in my truck for the last few months.It got really bad the last few days so I thought it might be a universal joint.I got under my truck this morning and found the bolts that secure my rear drive shaft to the carrier bearring were loose! I could turn 3 bolts with my finger! I tightened up the bolts and the vibration is gone.I will keep an eye on this and if they work loose again I will be getting out the thread lock!

 

If upgrading your brakes, make sure to check it they are 13WL or not. Makes a big difference. I upgraded rebuilt 13wl calipers with the Z36 kit. Worked out great!