Common High Mileage issues

I’m going to be handed down an 04 Double Cab 4x4 with 275,000 miles. Is there any common issues that I should be expecting to run into at that high of mileage? Besides the small stuff like old rubbers and plastics. The Starter was recently replaced.
Looking forward to y’all’s replies
Thanks

 

I have 304k miles on my '05 and I'm the original owner. If I were getting the rig, I would want to know whether all the standard maintenance has been completed, particularly the timing belt (and when it was last done). Common issues can be dependent on where the 275k miles were logged. I believe regions that use salt on roads for de-icing often lead to frame rust issues for Gen 1's. I replaced my alternator at 280k. It was working fine but it was old and I figured it was a matter of time before it was going and I didn't want to get stranded again in a place like Pinehurst, ID. I do recommend sticking with OEM parts for pretty much anything you do. I learned the hard way with some front end components (control arms, ball joints). OEM, which includes Denso and Aisin brand names, are worth the premium. Other than that, if the standard stuff is done, these things just don't die. Shifty and others will chime in with more comprehensive info but that's my 2 cents.

 

Read this thread if you haven't: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/ It's a hefty read but has all of the info you need.

There aren't a ton of issues that are specifically common with high mileage trucks, it's not uncommon for these to go 3-400k+ miles. The three things you absolutely NEED to look into are:

Timing belt
Frame Rust
Lower Ball Joints

I wont elaborate too much since everything is mentioned in the thread above. Read it first and feel free to ask us any other questions you might have.

 

Shifty will chime in with a very helpful welcome post. The link posted above is a must read.

But biggest things on these IMO is:

• Frame, if it's ever spent time in the rust belt inspect with a hammer and screwdriver to find potential soft spots. Get the frame protected if you want to keep this vehicle long term.
• Timing belt/water pump, if no maintenance history of this just replace it. If near the 7 year 90k mile interval from the last one, replace it. Aisin kit or OEM only. A shop may charge $1500-$2500 to do, most of it is labor cost. You can DIY if you're handy, it's not difficult, but it is tedious. Lots of good videos and walkthroughs out there.
• Ball joints, the lowers if left to get worn out (or if replaced with aftermarket ones) can and will fail on you. Replace with OEM if any doubt.
• 4WD/transfer case actuators can get stuck/sticky if not used often. Go through all the modes and make sure it can get into and out of them. Do this about once a month to "exercise" them and help prevent issues going forward.

 

I would also check the radiator or see if the owner knows whether the truck has the original radiator. My original radiator went out somewhere around 275k miles. If your truck still has the original, I recommend replacing the radiator sooner rather than later.

 

Looks like y’all got it. Such a proud shifty

 

Oh and this is a good one. That plastic tends to marble and turn tannish when it gets old and if it gets to that point, you know you’re overdue.

 

Same thing with the heater T's and heater valve.