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Reliability and Miles

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by OBXTundra, Aug 10, 2020.

  1. Aug 10, 2020 at 5:09 AM
    #1
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra [OP] Member

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    I am shopping 1st gen Tundras.
    2wd, 4.7.

    Most that I'm finding are north of 150k miles, some closer to 250k.
    Are there any high mileage maintenance issues I should worry about?
     
    YardBird likes this.
  2. Aug 10, 2020 at 5:21 AM
    #2
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Frame rust is your primary concern, followed my scheduled maintenance including oil & filter changes, ATF service and the timing belt. The 4.7L goes hundreds of thousands of miles if it's taken care of, finding one that spent most of it's life on the highway not towing or hauling a heavy load is a plus.
     
    OBXTundra[OP] likes this.
  3. Aug 10, 2020 at 5:22 AM
    #3
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    As everyone here will say, check the frame thoroughly for rust. Any, and all rust. Especially around the crossmember at the end of the transmission. Beginning around the transmission, and moving forward to rest of the truck towards the front is the "box" section of frame. The inside can be really eaten up, but outside look "decent"

    Regarding everything I typed above someone who can explain better than I can will be along shortly. Hope all that wasn't too confusing.

    When you find a candidate, ask the seller when the timing belt, water pump, were changed last. Toyota reccomends doing this at 90k mile intervals.

    If it hasn't been done recently, and you want to buy the truck anyway plan on spending at least another grand on having that service done. Unless you're handy, and can do it yourself. Saving precious dollas.

    Regarding high mileage items? ​
    The suspension is probably the only thing that comes to mind. The suspension stuff is mainly due to age rather than mileage in my opinion.

    Other than that I'm hopeful for you to find what you're looking for.

    I'm sure someone else who knows more than I will be along shortly.

    Hoping that this message helped you.
     
  4. Aug 10, 2020 at 5:30 AM
    #4
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra [OP] Member

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    10-4 on the rust, I'm a stickler for that, but especially on Toyotas.

    Is 90k the interval for the timing belt on the 4.7?
    Any other big ticket service intervals? Tranny flush/fill?

    Any known issues with electronics, power steering, AC, etc...?
     
  5. Aug 10, 2020 at 5:36 AM
    #5
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    Not sure about other Big ticket items. Someone else will have to chime in on this one.

    I think the 2000-2003(4?) has the transmission dipstick. Makes changing transmission fluid easy! I did mine myself.

    Transmission drain/fill costed me $16?

    I did not do a "flush." Most here will recommend a drain/fill.

    No "major" issues that I'm aware of regarding the other stuff.
     
    OBXTundra[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Aug 10, 2020 at 6:17 AM
    #6
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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  7. Aug 10, 2020 at 8:12 AM
    #7
    Pucks18

    Pucks18 Fleabit peanut monkey

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    Make sure the oil and atf fluid doesnt smell or look burnt, make sure powersteering rack isnt leaking. Thats all i can add other then the normal rust/timing belt stuff.. also, just take it to a mechanic for a pre purchase inspection, check the compression on cylinders
     
  8. Aug 10, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #8
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    They are pretty simple trucks honestly that don't require too much work outside of normal maintenance. They are million mile trucks (literally) even when they aren't taken care of all that well. I was in the market for a spare 4x4 and an old Toyota was top of the list. Originally was looking for a Tacoma but this Tundra popped and was well within my budget (or below it) so I jumped on it. I didn't know a lot about them and I am so glad I bought it. After learning about them, miles wouldn't scare me at all as long as it shows to be in good shape. Some weak points that might need attention
    • Regular maintenance (synthetic oil changes every 5K, trans drain/fill at the same time, all fluids)
    • Timing belt/water pump replacement (cam/crank seals if they need it)
    • Lower ball joints is a weak point
    • Frame rust
    • Rear axle seals leak from time to time
    That's really it.
     
  9. Aug 10, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #9
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

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    This happened to my brother's rig (2002 Tundra V8, 2WD) right after an ATF service at a local dealership. He's not sure if it was caused by the service or if this happened on its own.
    This issue was found right away ~ he installed a new radiator, coolant and ATF ~ then took it back to the dealership for another transmission service to remove all the contaminated fluid.
    Either way, take a look at the thread above and make the call for yourself.
     
    OBXTundra[OP] likes this.
  10. Aug 12, 2020 at 6:32 AM
    #10
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra [OP] Member

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    Average price for Timing belt and Water Pump replacement?
     
  11. Aug 12, 2020 at 6:37 AM
    #11
    Tundra2

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    Before I started wrenching on mine... it was right around 1,000 for parts, and labor.

    I've found that each locale is different. You may find one thats better, and cheaper than the local shop I used.

    We have different engines though.
     
  12. Aug 12, 2020 at 8:50 AM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    At our age on 1st Gens 4.7L Engine, we will want to go ahead and do the Cams and Drive Shaft Seals on the second or third TB replacement. Radiators and Hoses are starting to need replacing with certain pulleys/etc.

    Basic job in High Dolla Area is $1200-1500 labor/parts. Add in the other schtuff and woooweee!!!

    Best to DIY, or thoughtfully do strategic replacement thinking in advance, to prevent duplicity of labor.
     
    OBXTundra[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  13. Aug 13, 2020 at 6:10 PM
    #13
    Beatrice6028

    Beatrice6028 New Member

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    High miles did not scare me away. I look at it as it ran fine thru its life and didn't sit in shop or broke down, plus they are waay cheaper. I just bought my first truck ever about a month ago, it was an old work truck and I love it. Of course it needed some immediate attention. I had the whole steering rack replaced with new (busted boots, loose steering), replace power steering hose clamps with screw on ones and cleaned with pressure wash.. been holding up since..new valve cover gaskets (leaking oil), new rotors and pad brakes, new rear wheel cylinders and spark plugs. Suspension was fine all around. Old owner said AC doesn't work. It blew, just not cold. First thing I did on truck was recharge ac and its been cold since. Replaced rear window pivots (access cab). I'm in Cali and no worry about rust much.

    High mileage on another brand, I wouldn't be so confident about.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2020
  14. Aug 13, 2020 at 7:19 PM
    #14
    Jimbobber10

    Jimbobber10 New Member

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    I bought a 2000 4.7 4wd with 145,000 miles.
    Had the frame replacement done and it opened pandoras box.

    Planned...
    Frame
    Shocks/struts
    Lower ball joints
    Lower Control Arm
    Fuel filter
    Tires
    Transmission service
    Transfer cases flush
    Total $5000

    Unplanned
    Fuel tank -$1000
    Front Brakes and Calipers sticking- $800
    Rear axle housing due to Rear cover welds seeping $250 and a huge pain in the ass (had to torch out bearings- don't be fooled by the easy YouTube videos)
    Rear wheel seals, Brakes, backing plates while I was 'in there ($500)
    Front wheel bearings ($1000) went out on way home from doing rear axle job and fried the front brakes and rotors (another $800)
    Starter ($1000) thanks for putting it on top of the bock under the intake Toyota
    All 8 Coil packs ($800)

    Now on to the Timing Belt and like Upper ball joints and its due for tires before winter
    So..
    $6000 purchase
    $5000 during frame replacement + tires
    put another $5000 in it
    Plan on probably another $5000 over the next 5 years
    so... a $22,000+ truck that should last a total of 15-20 years.

    I love the truck, but......
    THIS TRUCK BETTER GET 500K!!!!!!
     
  15. Aug 14, 2020 at 6:26 AM
    #15
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    Your numbers don’t lie. These trucks need that $ boost at this age of 15-20 years old. Obviously, your frame replacement added some costs that others may not incur. The other numbers are pretty realistic. If you DIY, then you save $ but you still have your time wrapped up in it.

    Based on this, we should be charging way more for our trucks (if selling) if a considerable reinvestment has taken place. Nothings cheap anymore!
     

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