At the end of my rope.

Hello all,
I have made the decision to join this forum after reading BMF’s IM and VC gasket replacement because I am looking at replacing my knock sensors after getting the PO333 check engine light. Wanted to know what I was getting myself into. I’ve really been struggling with this truck. I’ve had it for two years and it’s just been one thing after another. I received it as a gift from my father before he killed himself so I’m really not in the mood to get rid of it but I’ve had more issues with this thing than I had with my 2010 Ducati 1098 street fighter, and that’s saying something. I’ve put 60k on it in two years and he wasn’t putting more than 5-10k a year and I’m assuming that’s the main issue. Things are just all wearing out at the same time. I’ve recently done the brakes, coils, plugs, sway bar tie rods, tires, battery, suspension, catalytic converters (thanks to the neighborhood theives). I’m just getting tired of all the surprises. Hoping to glean some insights on what might wear out next before it happens. I’ve also got a weird noise from the front left side above 65… which could probably be attributed to a rubber/plastic cover that is flopping about around some shaft going to my driver’s side wheel hub. It currently sits at 260,000.

 

5.7 v8?

 

Jesus. I'm sorry to hear about your father.

 

It’s a 4.7

 

Appreciate it.

 

Knock out one thing at a time. This truck is cheaper than any different option.

Anything bad that will happen with this truck has already happened to someone else and there are so many good people here ready to help.

Get out for a mountain bike ride. That helps me think thru things anyway…

 

Thanks for the encouragement! I definitely enjoy a good hike or gym session for a distraction.

 

What are the symptoms of having that specific code? Is your truck running rough, or hard starting?

 

Neither of those symptoms. I’m assuming the knock sensor is going bad. I will also be replacing the associated sensor harness.

 

Damn, sorry about your dad.
If the truck is relatively rust free, it has a lot of life left in it. You'll get a lot of answers and encouragement here.
Fyi, you can tag someone by putting an @ in front their name. @bmf4069
Good luck!

 

Thank you, NWPirate.

It is basically rust free.. and was babied its entire life.. meticulously maintained. It’s just that time for many of the parts. I assumed as much with the tagging- just didn’t make time to look up his screen name.

 

I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. I believe it will be worth it to get the truck fixed up. It should last for many more miles and years once all the maintenance is caught up. Welcome to the site.

 

Hi Bakershack, I plan to get it dialed! Thank you for the condolences.

 

Welcome from NY.
Sorry to hear about your dad.

 

Thanks, Jim!

 

Sorry to hear about such a significant and difficult loss to deal with.

As frustrating as it can be to work through the nuances of acquiring and maintaining a high mileage vehicle, I believe the end result and positive aspects of retaining that specific vehicle will probably offset the frustrations.

There are some really good folks on the Gen 1 side of the forum, and they have a ton of experience and knowledge keeping high mileage Tundras in service.

When you find yourself needing help or advice in dealing w/a Gen 1 specific issue, if you post in this area 1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)

...and then tittle your thread w/something that specifically gives an indication of the area of help you're seeking, you'll find you receive better information and a quicker more thorough response.

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you find some comfort in spending time working on something that your father felt import to pass on to you!

 

Thank you very much for the tips on where to post! I’m sure that will come in handy!

..also thank you for your kind and understanding words.

 

With the age and mileage our 1st gens are getting up to, they're gonna start needing some maintenance here and there. I just dropped $6-7k on mine April before last just replacing/upgrading the entire front and rear suspension and a few other things. These trucks are worth the maintenance.

I've been exactly where you're at my friend. I was in a real shitty place in life back in 2018-19. Some shit was going on in life and I was in the middle of changing my VCs and everything was going wrong. Everytime I turned around the truck needed something. My tube of RTV popped so I chucked it at the truck and wound up with RTV on my windshield. I just kinda sat there like the ass I was and gave up. I put everything away and took a step back for a minute.

I finished the next day and did an assessment. I wrote down everything that I knew needed to be done. What I wanted done. What I could do. I fixed a little here and there over the years and finally had some fund to start on the "what I want" list. Even now, I have some fix it stuff to do. I looked under the rear last month and saw diff juice on my backing plates. Again. This will be the 4th time I do those damn seals. But you know what? It's worth it. I love this truck and will never part with it. 327k miles and I know I'll get many more.

Sorry I'm kinda rambling but I think if you just take a step back and make you a list of what needs to be done you can kinda get a sense that it's really not that bad compared to a truck payment and higher insurance premiums. We've all been there friend. And we'll help you get through it to. If you want. 1st gen people are kinda weird....

 

I know, it’s just been a lot lately. It’s been really reliable, just many things needing to be replaced. Not things that would indicate unreliability.. just a lot of worn out items that are known to wear out.

I also forgot to add that all but a couple things were replaced at a shop.. so I’m used to spending over a thousand per visit each time- which is probably the main reason it’s wearing on me. Not to mention the $4300 I was charged for the cats. I know I know.. I got taken for a huge ride.

I'm just gonna keep chugging along over here! Will ask if I have any questions! Thanks again!

 

The knock sensor x2 replacement
was a success. No more P0333 CEL. I also purchased BlueDrive which was very helpful in recording and clearing codes. I am very pleased with myself- that was the most invasive maintenance I’ve ever tackled.

 

Well done sir. Feels good to tackle just a big job, doesn't it?

 

Absolutely! I ended up with two extra screws so I must’ve done something right!