Just bought a gen one!

Hello all. First post
I just picked up a 2002 Tundra 4.7 4x4 165K
I can't imagine finding another 19 year old pickup in better shape. It is literally rust free with perfect interior. Everything works as it should.

The frame was replaced by Toyota and it drives and sounds perfect

After reading all the great things about the Gen one I think I stole it.
I'm sure I'll have questions as I've never owned one.....but for now she's in the driveway and all mine!!

 

Looks great! Congrats. What are your plans?

 

I'm using it to tow my boat and estimate truck. Will use it plenty of times around town. It seems like it will fit the bill perfectly.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from NC!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Good find.welcome

 

Don't hold out, how much did you pay for this thing?

 

If I told ya under 7 did I steal it?

 

You definitely stole it, good luck with it.

 

Looks cherry! Sounds like you got good deal.

 

Welcome from SoCal, gratz on the truck!

 

Welcome! Great looking truck. Like the first gen Tundra has done to us, it's going to grow on you. Enjoy the ride!

 

For $7k you did very very well. Congrats! Right now vehicles, trucks in particular, are in very high demand and any reasonably priced Tundras are often sold same-day.

Last year I went hunting for vehicles during the start of Covid when everyone was afraid to leave their houses. Sellers were desperate to get rid of their inventory. I got some incredible deals, including my lifted 4x4 in impeccable condition, no rust, I'd say interior, exterior, and mechanical each 8 or 9 out of 10, with only 155k miles, also for $7k. The main issue is the clear coating. I'd venture I could sell it for twice that, maybe 2.5x that, today. Mine is a 4x4. It came from California with a baja package and king lift kit. I picked up a 2wd in similarly good condition, minus the usual clear coat issues, with 245k miles, for only $3k. Both trucks run strong, shift perfectly, handle excellent. These trucks are simply fantastic. They are powerful enough for any reasonable job, extremely rugged and reliable, and nimble enough for practical use, on or off road.

One thing I do, and you should to, is to make a spreadsheet with the service records and figure out what has been done. These do require a timing belt service every 90k miles. Neglecting that is one thing that can destroy the engine. And once you're doing that, there's about 5-10 other things to do at that time (water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, etc.). That service is generally about $1000. There are reports these can go longer than 90k miles but I wouldn't push it. With a used truck and if there are unknowns or holes in service records, I'd simply bite the bullet and do the service.

Another tip - preserve the starter as much as possible. Don't pointlessly use the starter (e.g. it's smarter to let it idle for short periods, than to over-use the starter). The starter is located in the valley at the back of the engine and when it goes, it's quite expensive to fix. So, "short trips" of turning it off and on is not smart. If you can let it idle instead, do so.

 

Congratulations on a nice find! I loved my 2002 Tundra. I would second getting the timing belt done soon. Also do the water pump and front end seals at the same, its basically the same area and work involved. This part always made me a little nervous about the 4.7, although I have an LX470 with 260k miles on it that still runs great and handles whatever I throw at it. Enjoy your new truck.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to the forum. Nice looking truck. Cruise a few threads and you'll realize how many thing you need to immediately pour money all over. Not really, but most of us can't stop modding or restoring every nut and bolt. I feel more and more self conscious about my truck the more time I spend here and see all the fun things people are doing to theirs.

 

The judges have determined your new truck is above average to well-above average. Well done and enjoy.

 

Thanks. The bed liner doesn't have a single scuff on it. Never seen a hard day in it's life. Definitely a commuter truck since day one

 

I'd have to see the underside and engine bay to determine how good a deal you got...it sounds like you got a great deal...but a replaced frame means it was in bad shape rust wise....and it's never just the frame that is the issue with rust on these...anyway, if you are happy, that's all that matters. Welcome!

 

Seems mighty clean to me...let me know what you think. Give me sec for engine bay pic

 

Frame looks good...which is to be expected....but those leaf springs and rear diff seem like there is potential for other issues. These Trucks have a history of rusting through the rear diff. If I was you I'd make it my mission to de-rust it as much as possible and then start preventative measures going forward. Check out @Professional Hand Model's page....he has a good rust preventative process...again, welcome!

 

Oh, and that is Sunfire Pearl Red...the same as on my old 1998 Tacoma. That's my favorite red on Toyota trucks by far...

 

Leaf springs are just brown surface rust. I'd be comfortable with them forever. Will look into rear diff cleaning up.

 

I would begin the frame treatment now. Start oiling that bad boy down to prevent another rust through.

 

That's a lot of corrosion of the intake, valve covers, and xfer case for such a lack of rust.