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Desert Tundra build

Discussion in '1st Gen Builds (2000-2006)' started by az chip, Apr 26, 2018.

  1. Apr 26, 2018 at 1:38 PM
    #1
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Not sure how much build it will be as for now it is my DD. But I might as well start a thread for maintenance and mods. Installing a amateur radio and other mods as time allows. First up it does not need much maintenance yet as the previous owner did quite a bit. It is a one owner truck and hopefully will be ok for a couple of years.

    So the list is this so far:

    Kendwood Stereo
    Yaesu FT-857D HF/2m/440 Comm
    Wheels
    Headlights/bulbs
    General engine upkeep
    Paint and appearance

    I have owned a few Toyota's in the past and I am fond of what they are capable of.
     
    Black Wolf, Jsena and zcarpenter92 like this.
  2. Apr 26, 2018 at 1:40 PM
    #2
    Skippy

    Skippy Standing for the Flag

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    San Antonio US of A
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    :worthless:

    You know the rules :D
     
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  3. Apr 26, 2018 at 2:32 PM
    #3
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    I will post up some pics when I actually do something...lol:thumbsup:
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  4. Apr 26, 2018 at 2:35 PM
    #4
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Aurora CO
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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Welcome from CO!
     
    az chip[OP] likes this.
  5. Apr 27, 2018 at 9:45 PM
    #5
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    First project up and finished. Kenwood Stereo from Crutchfield. Ok instructions. The one they sent did not apply to the 2003 Tundra. The stereo DIN is different. Start to finish about 2.5 hours. I ran the USB and aux cables below the lid in the console. Still need to make a small hole and fish them out.





    stereohole.jpg stereoinstall.jpg stereofinish.jpg stereocables.jpg carplay.jpg
     
  6. Apr 29, 2018 at 3:41 AM
    #6
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    And to finish out the projects today...

    Installed headlights and a Yaesu 857D Amateur radio. More pics on the radio install later.

    rtheadlight.jpg LTheadlight.jpg
     
  7. May 6, 2018 at 12:09 AM
    #7
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Finishing up the HF/2m/440 radio install. Some challenges and some small victories. Coming together. For now it is sitting in a LIDO mount between the seat and middle console. I am looking at putting in a Panavise adapter instead. Will see how it goes.

    FT857.jpg mainradio.jpg console.jpg speaker.jpg headunit.jpg
     
  8. May 27, 2018 at 12:51 AM
    #8
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Installed new NGK plugs today. I don't think I am imagining the better running engine afterwards. She seems to like her new plugs.
    sparkplug2.jpg Sparkplug1.jpg
     
  9. May 27, 2018 at 12:53 AM
    #9
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    Looking good!
     
  10. May 27, 2018 at 12:55 AM
    #10
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Why do all my pics go sideways?
     
  11. May 27, 2018 at 12:56 AM
    #11
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    None yet
    Are you taking sideways? Camera settings???
     
  12. May 27, 2018 at 12:58 AM
    #12
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    No. iphone straight on pic.
     
  13. May 27, 2018 at 12:59 AM
    #13
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    None yet
    IDK :notsure:
     
  14. Jun 12, 2018 at 10:08 PM
    #14
    18robinson.jacob

    18robinson.jacob New Member

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    Its a good start! I plan on using mine as a DD also, but I am thinking of getting some subtle offroad features like some rock sliders!
    What are you thinking of doing?
     
    Matty4wd likes this.
  15. Jun 16, 2018 at 3:14 PM
    #15
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Thinking of just driving it. Possibly new brakes and new drivers seat cushions.
     
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  16. Jun 17, 2018 at 1:52 PM
    #16
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    I have more to do. Just took it on a 2500 mile round trip on vacation. The roof clear coat was starting to peal. Now it is pealing everywhere. I guess the 80 mph in the rain did not help. The seats are not comfortable on long all day drives. I am now searching for better seats.
     
    18robinson.jacob likes this.
  17. Jul 1, 2018 at 1:12 AM
    #17
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    In the last two weeks have taken the Tundra on about 4200 miles of road trips. Love the truck even more. The new Kenwood stereo with carplay was a great mod. Updated exactly what I needed for safety. The simple update to the spark plugs really helped on the highway mileage. Wife even enjoyed driving and did not complain like she did in my other truck. The truck is stable at high cruise speeds helping with the workload.

    Question, for those that have done both with and without a shell, does the shell help or hinder in higher wind conditions? fieldday.jpg
     
  18. Jul 1, 2018 at 7:00 AM
    #18
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    Hand Protectors
    Had an 87’ toy p/u with a shell and the wind effect was negligable (cross wind). The shell did not stick above the top of roof of truck so aerodynamics were decent too. Current Tundra never had a cap, but probably same as the 87’.
     
  19. Jul 19, 2018 at 10:10 PM
    #19
    NWTundra06

    NWTundra06 New Member

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    Oem replacement headlights? And are you happy with them?
     
  20. Jul 20, 2018 at 5:24 AM
    #20
    Professional Hand Model

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

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    I have been with mine. Replaced them about 4 years ago after tiring of doing the restorations to the original existing. There comes a point of diminishing returns doing the restore method. Bought new ones off Amazon (forgot the supplier name). They look real nice.

    Be sure to remove your side blinker housing also when installing the new headlights. Its too easy to crack the side blinkers housing when working the new headlight in place. Trust me on this.
     
    az chip[OP] likes this.
  21. Jul 21, 2018 at 1:28 AM
    #21
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Not OEM, Bought off Rockauto. They are fine. Some adjustment needed.
     
  22. Sep 28, 2020 at 1:13 PM
    #22
    Silver03

    Silver03 New Member

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    Did you run into any hiccups with the stereo install? I just bought an 03 and basically want to do the same thing plus a backup camera.
     
  23. Apr 4, 2021 at 3:38 PM
    #23
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    D0448025-525D-4CDE-83C2-FF091912F60C.jpg New Taco wheels and tires from a 2021. My wheels were so beat could not keep them on.
     
    KarmaKannon likes this.
  24. Apr 9, 2021 at 8:29 AM
    #24
    KarmaKannon

    KarmaKannon Master of None

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    Great truck. This is exactly what my mind jumps go when "useful first gen tundra" pops into my head. I need to get my kenwood vhf into my truck one of these days. Not that I'd use it, but I do have some buddies getting into radio stuff and it could be useful.
     
    az chip[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  25. Apr 9, 2021 at 5:02 PM
    #25
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Thanks Karma,

    I have had many Toyotas. This one was a quick purchase when my Suburban rear diff locked up. But I really like it and sold the Suburban. Get that VHF in. If you need advice let me know. Installed three radios in this truck so far. That mount on the bed is a SO-239 CB mount off ebay that is 1/3 the price of a so-called VHF SO-239 mount. Same thing, same seller, 1/3 the price. I am thinking of 1.25" hub centric spacers for these wheels. Thoughts?
     
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    #25
  26. Apr 9, 2021 at 5:05 PM
    #26
    az chip

    az chip [OP] New Member

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    Sorry I did not see this post. No, just a couple of gotchas. Not knowing stereo install did not know the useful tricks. Went in pretty smoothly. About 3 hours.
     
  27. Apr 9, 2021 at 8:31 PM
    #27
    KarmaKannon

    KarmaKannon Master of None

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    I'll keep that in mind thanks! Some people might say spacers are bad, but as long as you check to make sure they haven't loosened, they are really no different than having 1.25" less backspacing on the wheels. There is an argument to be had about lug strength, but that's another debate.

    I torqued my wheel spacers and then marked them with viz torque. I think I also used blue loctite. I had no issues. When I cut my rear fenders and/or lift the rear I'll throw my spacers on there to help even the width. Not worried a bit about it.
     
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    az chip[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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