2003 Supercharged Tundra 4x4

Being as I have high hopes for this truck and it as a project, I figured I would go ahead and start a "build" thread to document. I do apologize, this first post will be SUPER long as a lot has happened over the past 4 months but wanted to go ahead and lay it out there as some may enjoy the read.

So, first up, the history behind getting this vehicle. During our past winter vacation in N. GA, it rained 6 out of 7 days. Since being stuck inside quite a bit, there was plenty of time for internet searching. I have a 04 LX470 (land cruiser) that I love but the wife drives it because she takes the kids around more than I and want them in something safe. I love everything about this vehicle except how slow the 4.7 is. So while searching for go-fast parts I found out about the TRD supercharger. I started looking and found a Sequoia in NY that was supercharged so I was looking to purchase, remove and sell. But the wife was like "hey, you've been wanting a 3rd vehicle why dont we just keep it". While I did want a 3rd vehicle, I didn't want another SUV. So the search began for a S/C and a Tundra.

After countless days searching everywhere I could think locally, I expanded to "searchcraiglist" and found a S/C Tundra in Idaho for $3k!!! It wasn't running but looked pretty clean. Sent an inquiry and immediately the guy was like no! Not selling a vehicle over the internet. Got him to take a call and realize I was serious and 2 days later, I owned a 03 Tundra!

Should have done some research prior to this for shipping but, $2k and 4 weeks later my truck arrived in Tampa, FL!

A quick rundown of how the truck was received:

• 2003 S/C 4x4 AC w/ 288k (trd piggyback)
• Revtek 2.5"/1.5" Lift
• Diff Drop
• Kyb front stocks (can't see rear clearly to read)
• Magnaflow muffler (that doesn't fit the stock piping very well)

The good news, the truck was in pretty good overall shape, just wouldn't stay running. I did all the things I knew to do but couldn't keep it running longer than a few seconds. This included cleaning the MAF & TB, ensuring fuel pressure to the rail and spark as well as compression and adding 5 gallons of 93.

I ended up sending it over to a shop I trust and this is where things get good.

Round 1:

• Added another 5 gallons of 93
• Cleaned and flow tested all injectors

Summary - Didn't run any better

Round 2:

• Disconnected Injector 9 & 10

Summary - Truck idled perfectly! Discovered TRD Ecu wasn't working properly and had injector 9 & 10 dumping fuel.

Round 3:

• Upgraded to Unichip
• Replaced (1) coil pack

Summary - This fixed the immediate issues with the truck. Next was preventative maintenance.

Round 4:

• Timing Belt
• Water Pump
• Drive Belt
• Colder NGK's
• Thermostat
• Radiator Flush / New Cap
• New Oil / Filter
• New Optima Redtop
• (2) Knock Sensors - Discovered these were bad during maintenance
• Starter - Didn't need it but the S/C was off so just did it
• OEM Air Filter (kept the K&N but don't plan to use it)
• A/C Refresher Kit

Summary - Truck was running great so I finally picked it up and got it legal! I did have a CEL come on during my drive home but it was P0420 and pending P0430. Replaced the downstream O2 which cleared the P0420 but P0430 was solidified. Replaced the other o2 and unfortunately, code came back. Will replace the entire exhaust system at a later date.

Since we were legal and running, had to do some things that made me like the look of the truck so ordered 17x9" Fuel D666, 285/75/17 KO2s, LED headlights and interior lights.

This is currently where I am at with the truck. My immediate next steps are addressing the pinch weld as the tires fit (without the front bumper, planning for a bruteforce) but BARELY.

On to the pictures! Starting with the picture I saw when I bought it, the truck when I received it and where it sits now. If you made it this far, appreciate you taking the time to stay engaged!

Dealer picture in Idaho.


In my yard



How she sits now with rims/tires and no front bumper!

 

Looks like a great deal even with the repairs and shipping. I'm waiting for the tire smoking picture!

 

Subbed. Awesome truck.

 

That’s badass

 

Appreciate the feedback!

My newest task came to all on its own. Driving home today a P0330 code appeared (knock sensor bank 2). I cleared it to travel the rest of my way home but a little concerned. Just replaced both sensors so I would imagine, since the code isn't always on, that the sensors are fine. The code appeared while cruising around 2000 rpm, foot barely on the throttle and not in boost.

I also just filled up on Monday with 93 and the UNICHIP is set to the "Regular" tune which only requires 87. (was playing safe until I felt comfortable to run the "Premium" tune.

The CEL didn't come back the rest of the way home and I tried to stretch it a few times but its pouring rain so I couldn't do a WOT run.

Any ideas are always appreciated

 

Insteresting. I didn't know they made a unichip for our trucks.

 

Small update!

I cut the front bumper last week just so I could get it back on while I figure out which bumper I plan to order. Haven't smoothed out the cut but that's on the agenda next weekend. For new bumpers, I am leaning more toward the Coastal Offroad over the Brute Force for (2) reasons.

1. Much faster lead times! (good friend will finish it up and has some amazing skills!)
2. Will remove the 2nd set of lights as I prefer just (1) set

Before all that, I am taking the truck back to my mechanic to look over. I got the code mentioned above (1) more time but and just want some opinions from him as well as a few sounds I am not familiar with and would like some feedback from someone a bit more knowledgable especially considering this is my first supercharged vehicle.

Also, working on replacing both cats and rebuilding the suspension.

So far I have ordered

• OEM LCA's R & L
• Energy steering rack bushings

Left to order:

• Camburg UCA's
• Icon extended Travel Coilovers (700lb springs)
• Icon rear shocks
• Possibly Icon Rear expansion pack - I already have a lift using the Revtek block but this may give a better ride so might upgrade this as well.
• Oem lower ball joints
• Magnaflow cats (both sides)

I'll leave the picture of the bumper for the time being and update once I get working on some of these items.

 

Bump

 

Looks like a great deal, kudos for saving a nice truck.

I had a 2000 V6 manual RCLB in 2000. Drove it from L.A. to 700 miles south of Laredo (1800 miles) towing a trailer with a black lab. Truck & dog were great. I miss that truck (miss the dog more) it hauled everything I asked it to while getting 27mpg average.

 

Damn. I never even got close to that in either of my tacos with the 3.4L

 

Unfortunately not much progress lately. It's with my mechanic trying to diagnose the knock sensor issue. I did get the magnaflow cats and oem lower ball joints but haven't addressed anything other than working on the knock sensor. The first two weeks he wasn't able to touch it and started on it last week so hoping for some progress. Ready to get it back and park my LS460 for a bit!

 

FINALLY!!!! An update!

So few things occurred but I won't have pics until the weekend, unfortunately.

Completed:

• Knock sensor issue - Fixed! "simple" wiring issue at the harness but had to remove the S/C to fix
• Installed OEM ball joints
• Installed OEM LCA's
• Installed OEM tie rods
• Installed Energy Suspension steering rack bushings
  
• Installed new Magnaflow cats - both sides
• Installed SuspensionMaxx end links

Because everyone needs pictures I attached a couple of the items prior to installing. Slight miscommunication with my mechanic as I wanted to get the Icon coilovers and Camburg UCA's prior to installing the suspension components but he knocked everything out so I will get those in the near future.

Next steps:

• Icon Coilovers upfront
• Icon Shocks in the rear
• Camburg UCA's
• Toytec's Roof rack
• Brute Force Bumper - after studying this, it has one more angle that the Coastal doesn't which fits our body line a bit better so changed my mind here
• Pinch weld mod
• Remove the crappy interior led lights I bought - swap back to warm lights or better LEDs - Recommendations appreciated!

I will get some updated pics once I pick the truck up!

 

Nice. Glad you got the knock sensor fixed.

Any reason for icon ? Me personally I don’t like their suspension stuff.

Not to many people notice that extra bend on the BFF bumper. Every other tundra bumper from anyone else is just two vs BFF three. The details !!

 

Yes, very happy it's finally fixed!

As for the Icon, I just read good reviews on these and the bilsteins and how both are digressive which offered a more comfortable ride (so they say). I prefer the coilover and the extended travel they state they offer. Definitely up for recommendations though. Nothing has been purchased just yet. I'm not a hardcore off-roader and while I plan to overland this rig it will be driven probably 80% on the road.

For the BFF, yea the details got me. Originally that's what I wanted but saw the coastal and lead time so thought it was so similar it would be faster to get but after looking more I noticed the details and if I'm going to spend the money it's going to be worth it!

Also, I will get with you very soon to get that roof rack and bumper ordered. Have to get some funds built back up after the last 7-8 days. $1000 on suits last Monday (went in for a sports coat ), new front tires on my car ($600) and my truck getting finished ($1150). The only part of that was partially planned was the truck but I wasn't expecting him to install the suspension parts yet because I hadn't purchased the coilovers/uca's so slightly premature but oh well, excited to get it back and will probably do the rack/bumper before the rest of the suspension since I'm still lifted and not going off-road tomorrow.

 

Why is that?

I know you have Fox, but another member has Fox and specifically told us he didn't recommend them because of the issue with the brake lines. Wasn't safe.

 

Only worth getting if you have a supercharger.

Icon are digressive valves aren't they?

 

You're right!!! Editing my info above.

 

A brake line issue? Any links? My curiosity is piqued.

 

Post #1224

https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...1st-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-41#post-801852

 

Yeah any of the 2.5 coilovers can interfere with the brake line. I had to swap the lines for banjo type lines. While still hit it won’t cut the lines.


The problem is with the bottom cup. I need to hit up fox and see if they will send me a different cup or different lower mount that is taller to fix it. I know someone was able to get fox to send 1” lower mount to bring it up. I think the shock travel has more than enough to give up an inch

 

You averaged 27 mpg in that truck? How did you do it?

 

Good luck. I sent them emails and pics and they didnt care. "Never heard of that". If you raise the lower cup you'll need shorter springs too.

 

https://www.polyperformance.com/fox-7-8-coilover-shock-shaft-eyelet

Any links to the banjo conversion? Mine doesn't hit but I wouldn't mind ditching the hard line at the caliper.

 

So you're saying just stick with 2.0 shocks and coilovers unless you wanna open a can of worms? Might explain why Bilstein doesn't recommend using the 6100s on AC for more than 1 inch of lift.

 

I have more than an inch of thread showing that I can back the preload an inch with no issue.

 

GOODRIDGE Bolt Banjo 10Mm X 1.00S/S SN992-03-31SBK

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AC6Z0YI/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I wouldn’t waste my money on 2.0. The 2.5 are worth it imo. The brake line issue isn’t how much lift as the lower cup doesn’t change with lift

 

Sorry Demented, we seriously ran over this thread. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

 

Ah, but the 6100s is the opposite design with the spring down low and the shock piston on top

 

Washed her up today and took some pics of the parts installed. The truck has been running MUCH better than last time.