2000 Tundra SR5 - Mechanic's Special to Daily Driver

Picked up this rig for $1000. Coming from a 1971 Ford Ranger and 2001 F250, I'm excited to have something a bit smaller, cheaper to update and mod until I pass it off to my oldest in a couple years.

This Tundra may not have been abused but it certainly wasn't cared for. Previous owner used it to haul lumber for his property business once a week but after bringing it home I noticed the radiator was only half full and the dipstick only had a bit of residue on the end. Not good.

Clattering valves, exhaust leak and obvious head gasket leaks tell me it would be smarter to start with a fresh engine so I'm going to source a used compatible 2UZFE and rebuild. I did the same on my 71 Ranger and was more than satisfied so applying the same logic here makes sense.

Windshield was split up the middle and replaced the first week. The bed has the most damage and will be replaced once the engine work is done, tailgate had to be removed as it would not close due to the deformation. From there I may install a lift as my son and I do a lot of mountain exploring and better clearance is always a big help. We go to the dunes a few times a year and getting enough performance out of her to be able to get out into the sand (not necessarily catching air, you prerunner guys ) would be awesome, too.