New (to me) 05 Tundra 2wd DC

Hey everyone,

I’ve been reading through the forum for the past week and learning a lot (especially the “So you wanna buy/just bought…” thread in First Gen forum), so I figured it was time to introduce myself.

Back in the early/mid-2000s I had an ’89 4WD Toyota Van that I absolutely loved. Bought it used, high miles, but dependable as long as I replaced the alternator now and then thanks to that infamous power steering leak dripping on it (if you know those vans, you know). It was my first time wrenching on my own vehicles instead of just dropping them off at a shop, and it gave me a real appreciation for communities like this one.

Christmas 2008 was a turning point. My wife and I were driving from SoCal to British Columbia in her compact 2WD sedan when we got caught in that massive snowstorm that shut down Portland. The same day, I got the news that my father had tragically passed away. We were stranded with no idea how long we’d be stuck. My wife, being brilliant, started calling around to see if we could make a deal on a 4WD Toyota. She actually worked it out with a local dealer to deliver us a brand new 2008 FJ Cruiser, like ordering a pizza. Fell in love with it instantly, sold the van (ironically, to a guy from Portland who flew down to pick it up), and the FJ has been bulletproof ever since.

Even with the FJ, I’ve always wanted a pickup. For years I’ve made do with tarps in the SUV, renting trailers, or borrowing trucks. I’ve browsed Craigslist off and on, but never found “the one”… until recently. I spotted an ad for a 2005 Tundra Double Cab SR5, 2WD, low miles, priced right. Showed it to my wife right after waking up and decided to jump on it. We were the first to call, and it was only about an hour away.

Turns out it was a single-owner truck, driven by an elderly gentleman and maintained primarily at the dealership. The Carfax was full of service records, including not one but two timing belt replacements, the most recent just a few thousand miles ago. Frame looked great, and it checked every box for our needs. Just some dents and dings in body, cosmetic; a very annoyingly drivers side mirror vibration; bad stereo head unit; and a concerningly loud AC blower on high. Also, no record of LBJ replacement. We bought it on the spot.

Specs: 2005 Tundra DC SR5 2WD, 133,500 miles, sunroof, JBL sound, Toyota bed liner.

Now I’m here to learn, wrench a bit, and make smart upgrades. First on my radar (obviously):
OEM lower ball joints
Bilstein 4600 shocks
Possibly LCA bushings while I’m in there (Have a 10K Dake)
TRD brake pads and stainless steel brake lines, maybe (still researching…)
The one catch—I’ve had back surgery and need to be very careful with lifting and bending. If I have help with removing/replacing the wheels and take it slow, I wonder if I may be able to handle the LBJ/shock job… but I’m also realistic. If it’s too much physically, I will need to source a trusted SoCal shop, bring OEM parts, and pay for the labor.

So my intro doubles as a question: For those who’ve done LBJs and shocks on these trucks, is it a doable job for someone with a bad back (with help for the heavy lifting), or should I farm it out? Can anyone in SoCal recommend a good shop in the Santa Barbara area, or reasonable drive?

Glad to be here and looking forward to learning from all of you.

 

Welcome from Nevada

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! Nice truck! Post some pics of the FJ.

 

Here’s the FJ. I’ve kept it mostly stock, largely because it’s a daily driver and so capable as is.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome aboard! Sweet covey of Yota's pictured there. The LBJ job involves removing the tire (some heavy lifting), breaking the tie rod joint loose, Unbolting the LBJ, then reversing the process back to assembly. A puller for the tie rod end would take the struggle away there, leaving the tire lifting as the biggest strain in the procedure.

 

Welcome from NC