Looking at a 2005 Tundra, what do you think?

Looking at a 2005 Tundra, lots of recent upgrades.

What do you make of the frame? Here are a few shots. I've read the threads and looked at frames that look far worse and a few that look better. Looks like it spent its first 10 years just south of SLC in Utah, then moved to Nevada. To my eye it seems pretty clean but what do I know?

It's a sweet truck - the specs I want, lots of recent work. But I don't want to be sweating a rusty frame. My father in law lives in the northeast, had a Tundra of this vintage, it rusted clean out. He got the replacement and then sold it.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

 

We've seen worse roll through. Lots of new clean parts on this one. Get a flashlight and look INSIDE the frame towards the front

Whats up with that cam adjustment on the last photo?

 

Yeah, looks alright from here, could use a little attention to the rust that has started, and a good undercoat (wool wax, etc.), but looks pretty decent.

 

I would go for it if the price is right. That rust shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Looks great

 

From the pics you posted, looks like a good solid truck underneath. How's the rest of the truck? How many miles, how does it run?

 

Doable

 

That's not remotely rusty for a 16+ yo truck...buy it before someone else does....

 

Please, for the love of God, someone lube that slip yoke!! All the pics that come through here, the slip yoke is a barren, dry, scratchy, parched wasteland. Pump a little grease in there! Whew, now that my OCD has been satisfied, frame looks great! A little surface rust on the welds, could use a little wire wheel and frame greasing, but I would purchase that one in a heart beat. Would question the lower ball joints. Look old and possibly original. New steering rack? Need pics of the rest of the truck, for uh, scientific purposes. I'm guessing it's not a TuRD based on the spare tire. Magnaflow muffler is a sweet addition. Good luck, and hurry up and snatch that thing up.

 

It looks great in pictures but always be sure to check it thoroughly in person. There is a section of frame in front of the rear wheels that looks like it overlaps(it's a brace). That area can get really crusty. Make sure you check it thoroughly.

 

Still working on this. Thanks for the advice guys. Buying remote so trying to do it via video and photos. Getting there.

To the questions above:
- yes, new steering rack, in the last 3 months, same time as the coilovers up front and new shocks in the back.
- I don't know about the cam. Is it upside down? I don't know enough to know.
- I will get a better look at the potentially "crusty" section and the inside of the front.

A couple of other questions that have come up:
- Does not have an LSD - is this a big deal for dirt roads and snow in the mountains? Seems like it. Would you recommend installing aftermarket? And/or waiting for a truck that came with an LSD originally?
- It has lift blocks in the back - maybe 1.5" or 2"? Based on what I've read here, should I think about replacing with add a leaf or leaf packs? I'd like to be able to haul a half-ton load up a steep and slippery road.

Thanks again guys. Really grateful. I am pretty well locked in, but it's hard to do remotely.

 

The lack of LSD wouldn't stop me from buying a truck and I wouldn't bother adding one if you buy it. If anything, add a locker.

 

Or buy a 3rd member with LSD and the same gear ratio and swap it out later.


For icy conditions I'd probably stick with an LSD instead of a locker. Ymmv. 4wd will still help in either condition.

 

Man, where is this truck? I may just buy it lol

 

I think it would be hard to find one w less rust that’s not already been worked