1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

BlueRanger’s 04 Tundra 4x4 AC Do Everything Build

Discussion in '1st Gen Builds (2000-2006)' started by Blueranger501, May 21, 2020.

  1. May 21, 2020 at 12:16 PM
    #1
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    Hey all,

    Long, long time coming, will do my best to document everything up to this point (and keep you updated on the current and future progress). I bought this truck brand new in 2004 with 11 miles on the ODO so we have a lot of history together (16 years!). This happened after a deal to buy a similar 2002 supercharged, coilovers, sweet stereo etc fell though so its been a long 16 years getting back to (and even better than) the truck I originally wanted and dreamed of.

    Why BlueRanger? My first truck was a 98 Ford Ranger, 2wd, stock years, 2.5L 4 banger for a whopping 119 hp. Freeway trips and 3rd gear pinned hills were the norm. Loved the truck but wanted 4x4 and more power. Sold it to a friend who sold it to another friend – no idea where she is now.

    Overall goal is to be able to do everything well, nothing great (or can I?). A lot of diverse dirt in Southern California from Ocitilllo, Glamis and Mexico. A lot of mountains to explore nearby as well…wanted something to do it all and get me back home safe. As tempting as LT is I just didn’t want the added width and fiberglass, although I may cave eventually, we will see.

    I’ll do my best to document the last 16 years in the coming days but a lot is happening NOW, including a supercharger install. Wanted to get the post up now and piece together the loose ends later. Ultimately hoping I can help / inspire others as has been done to me through many years of reading/researching/modifying.


    Current Status:
    2004 Tundra AC SR5 TRD 4x4
    Current Mileage: 153K


    Suspension:
    Front:

    • King Ext Travel 2.5 w/ 700lb coil
    • Built Right Uniball UCA
    • Spindle Gussets
    • Coil Bucket Gussets
    • Built Right Custom Lower A-Arm to improve ground clearance and caster
    • Timbren Bumpstops
    • Cam Tab Gussets
    Rear:
    • Icon Piggyback 2.5 Resi w/ 3-leaf AAL replacement for overload

    Driveline:
    • 315/70/17 Falken AT3s
    • Method 701 Bronze 17x8s
    • Full size spare mounted in bed w/ 3-strap
    • 1” Wheel Adaptors in Front
    • Nitro 4.88 Gears
    • ARB Air Lockers F/R w/ Compressor in engine bay
    • ARB Breather Kit mounted next to brake booster
    • Aisen Manual Hub Conversion
    Performance:
    • Doug Thorley Shorty Headers
    • Spintech Sportsman Street direct muffler replacement
    • TRD Supercharger w/ 9th & 10th Injector (install underway)
    • Unichip (install underway)
    • Volant CAI (install underway)
    • TRD 160 Thermostat
    • Innovate Motorsports PSB-1 Boost/AFR gauge in A-Pillar mount
    • ScanGauge (need to program trans temp, any help appreciated)
    • IPT Valve Body Transmission Mod

    Armor/Recovery/Lighting:

    • Brute Force Fab Front Bumper
    • BajaDesigns 20” OnX Light Bar
    • BajaDesigns Squadron Sports Amber Spot/Fog Combo
    • Smittybuilt X20 10K w/ Syn-line & wireless remote
    • HIDRetrofit HID Projector Replacement w/lighted Halos + Turning Signals
    • Custom Aluminum Front Skid Plate (Brand new Skid Row for sale)
    • Custom Aluminum Oil Pan Skid Plate (Brand dnew Skid Row for sale)
    • Skid Row Transmission Skid Plate
    • Skid Row Transfer Case Skid Plate
    • Custom SoloDesigns High-Clearance Rear Bumper
    • LineX Bed Liner

    Interior:
    • Kenwood KDC X-700 Deck (replacing with Alpine 149-BT)
    • Polk DB 6502 Components in Front / stock paper rear
    • Kenwood X-450-4, rear bridged to sub (300x1), mounted on cab wall behind driver rear bench
    • Infintiy Kappa Perfect 10” in custom baffle w/ fiberglassed storage compartment
    • SoundDeadening Showdown Front Door Treatment (Tiles, Foam, MLV).
    • Wet Okole Seat covers Black/Charcoal combo F/R (2nd set!)
    • 20% 3M tint on front
    • Kenwood TM-281A Race Radio w/ Mag Mount as needed
    • Blue LED Dash Mod
    • WeatherTech Front Floor Liners
    • Modified Drivers rail for more legroom (I’m 6’5”)
    Future Mods:
    • Rear Suspension makeover – taking ideas
    • Thinking Spring under w/ low-profile bed shock hoop or cantilever setup
    • Archive Garage Hammer Shackles (when available)
    • Beef up recovery gear options
    • ARB Fridge
    • Bed Cage for RTT flush w/ roofline
    • Rear Lights for Bumper
    • Backup Camera?
    • Rock Lights?

    I’m sure I will think of more little things but that’s the 99% of the build as of now. Looking forward to updating and following others as well, cheers!

    BlueRanger.jpg
    Glamor Shot.jpg

    Before Headlights 35s.jpg
     
  2. May 24, 2020 at 2:34 AM
    #2
    FirstFirstGen

    FirstFirstGen New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2020
    Member:
    #43944
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Dark blue 04 tundra 4wd
    Fabtech lift pioneer double din flowmaster. Not sure what series.
    That thing is beast! I plan on documenting my build. Still gathering parts. Would like to know more about those UCA. I was looking into total chaos or camburg, But not really trying to spend that type of money. How are they working out?
     
  3. May 24, 2020 at 4:34 PM
    #3
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    Rebuilding the coil boots right now and I cannot figure out how to get the new spring seated into the coil boot. It’s cone shaped; The fatter end goes into the coil. Pushing with a spark plug, snap ring pliars etc I cant get the new spring in.

    Overall my coil boots look great. Will do the valve cover gasket and the distal boot. Just not sure about the spring. If I can figure it out I’ll swap everything otherwise will leave as is....


    First first gen back to you later tonight a lot of thoughts but my kids are sleeping so I need to keep going!
     
  4. May 24, 2020 at 9:40 PM
    #4
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    @firstgen.

    lots of options for ucas, camburg and TC are the staples. Ran the camburgs for 15 years with one uniball rebuild for the pair.

    Total chaos has a bigger uniball I believe, do your research, has been discussed at length. The UCAs I am running now are from the truck shop / built right. Nothing wrong with my camburgs but obviously Built Right wanted to optimize the lowers with the uppers.

    There have been other versions with “better” ball joints such as SBC and JBA. Beyond the marketing not sure which is better/stronger vs uniballs, all I know is that mine work just fine. The ability to run a sealed unit with the call joint versions is nice especially in more climate intense environments. SoCal never mattered...

    Either way the upgrade is worth it just find what’s right for you!
     
    FirstFirstGen likes this.
  5. May 24, 2020 at 10:12 PM
    #5
    FirstFirstGen

    FirstFirstGen New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2020
    Member:
    #43944
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Dark blue 04 tundra 4wd
    Fabtech lift pioneer double din flowmaster. Not sure what series.
    @Blueranger501

    thanks for the info.
    Your truck seems to be more built than I plan on going. But your build is nice. I’ll do more research on UCA. I’ll probably just go with the camburg arms.

    Thanks a lot bro.
     
  6. May 24, 2020 at 10:19 PM
    #6
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    Zero complaints with camburg they did great. Get some pics up!
     
    FirstFirstGen likes this.
  7. May 26, 2020 at 10:05 AM
    #7
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    Member:
    #22934
    Messages:
    12,915
    East TN
    Vehicle:
    2002 AC
    Wow. Nice truck. I've got that exact bumper/loop choice on order.
     
  8. May 26, 2020 at 2:20 PM
    #8
    jcrob33

    jcrob33 New Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2020
    Member:
    #46991
    Messages:
    172
    First Name:
    JR
    Vehicle:
    2004 Toyota Tundra DC // 295k+
    That tundra is pretty sweet. Like the Ranger too.
     
  9. May 30, 2020 at 9:54 PM
    #9
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    In the middle of thinking about what I will do in the rear (SOA, SUA, Cantelever) FOCUS, I still need to get this supercharger done. Sent my injectors out for flow testing and rebuild; wow, glad I did. Would recommend anyone with a blower (current or upcoming) do so. Here is a quote from James McMann and I think he nails it on the head:

    Some were 8-11% off.
    Such as flowing that much less than they are suppose to.
    Plus..never a good thing having poor spray patterns which makes for piss poor fuel atomization/poor combustion.
    Good thing they’re now cleaned up.
    That’s huge when it comes down to the ECU trying to equalize with short/long term fuel trims since it’s reading 4 cylinders converging into 1 collector where the OEM 0-5V analog O2 sensors are located.
    You’d of had upwards of 17-20% fuel cuts at low-mid RPM’s equalizing 14.7:1 for closed loop and leaner air/fuel ratios at WOT than what the tunes are tuned for where we focused on near 0-1% fuel trims.

    BCB97DAD-2A09-4285-B147-C9AE636B0A1D.jpg
     
    FirstFirstGen likes this.
  10. Jun 2, 2020 at 9:54 PM
    #10
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    Got my starter installed today - what an absolute PITA, I was going the Spider-Man over my engine bay to get to the starter bolts. Would have been a lot more difficult without this offset pivoting ratchet from Gear Wrench; lifesaver.


    New starter seems to have more vibration though the block / chassis when I cycle, not sure why or if it’s my imagination, replaced with OEM denso. Anyone else replace their starter and have this issue? No belts or anything so it just cycles no “chug chug” like the normal start up cycle.


    Also broke the retaining clip on the starter plug, had to get creative with some zip ties to make it work.



    Supercharger is ready to go on the block, lots to do before I can fire up but moving in the right direction!

    33C63825-B8A7-4279-B81A-D8032C4878DE.jpg
     
  11. Jun 14, 2020 at 9:52 PM
    #11
    Blueranger501

    Blueranger501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2020
    Member:
    #43069
    Messages:
    110
    Getting stupid close. Volant CAI w amsoil filter installed and ready to go. Need to wire unichip and put on belt. Then it’s go time!
    Also wired up my halos and turn signals and cleaned up some messy wiring in the engine bay. Fresh interior, exterior and engine detail as well....


    Can’t wait to feel that boost!

    B1C7B2A8-1E52-4311-950A-FA48E3FC7422.jpg
    227D2C9B-D2A7-4A89-A33E-6BABF91F69B5.jpg
    7C586BCC-EE3A-4CD9-99B5-4EB90756B47A.jpg
    337814F2-DD98-49E0-86A7-83BB47B2B433.jpg
     
  12. Jun 15, 2020 at 8:43 AM
    #12
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    Member:
    #22934
    Messages:
    12,915
    East TN
    Vehicle:
    2002 AC
    Man until I read your post I thought that was a ratchet you just bent the hell out of. :D That's an interesting tool.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top