Getting Started 2002 Tundra

And here we go. I hope to keep this thread going as I get this thing setup the way I want it. Here is the inaugural photo.


One step back before I even owned it yet.

My first project was an unanticipated one but thankfully not a difficult one. The dealership gave me a replacement for the passenger side. While I was replacing it I realized the driver side is also broken. I went ahead and just ordered the aluminum set so hopefully this won't be a recurring issue.

Project two: New radio. The old CD/cassette player had to go in favor of something a little more modern. I may consider an upgrade to the factory speakers down the road but this is a good start.


My current plans moving forward are for a 2.5"-3" lift and some new wheels and tires. I'm still doing the research on that front but I hope to get it done within the month. I'm not really planning to go crazy as this will also be my daily driver. What I gathered so far is spacers are a no/go for good ride quality and that matters to me. Any advice on the suspension front would be greatly appreciated.

 

Nice ride. Can’t say I’ve ever seen the dealership selling tundras that old. I always thought they auction them off or sold them to a small potato used car dealer. Must have been in great condition.

 

It seems to be in really good shape (knock on wood). It has 138,000 miles on it. Not bad for a truck that's almost 20 years old. It has two very small (2"-3" at most) dents that don't appear to be creased. It also has the two rear window latches which is inconsequential. The interior is basically perfect. It runs great and rides smooth. Everything feels tight. We'll see how my luck holds out though.

 

Good looking truck. What’s the consensus on the frame? Assuming the dealership was selling it, I have to assume it was fairly clean..

Welcome to the club!

 

Frame looks nice. I went out to try to take a picture but it's dark and my phone hates me. I did just see that I do have the LSD. I didn't even realize that when I bought it so good news there.

 

Awesome low miles score. Check out my build page for maintenance ideas and other stuff that creeps up on our 20 year old trucks.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the...vestment-‘build’-a-chronological-story.46816/

 

New muffler and resonator delete today. I went with a Magnaflow. Not loud enough to piss off the neighbors but sounds really good in 2000-3000 RPM range.

 

Which Magnaflow? Looking to do the same on my 03.

 

Looks to me like it might have been leveled already. Can you post a pic of your front suspension?

Good find.

 

It's the 14". I'm not sure about specific model numbers.

 

@Darkness Current suspension.

 

Took off the running boards. Only one of the bolts required profanity and copious amounts of liquid wrench. Otherwise pretty painless. I think it looks better but you guys feel free to give your opinions.
Before:

After:

I took photos from the same angle but couldn't get them to upload so you get these instead.

 

Put’em back on.

Doesn’t matter what I think though. I always wanted them. Stealer tried to pop me for $900 on them when I bought the truck new.

Just bought some used last year ($125 with brackets) and installed them myself. They are form fitting.

 

I think my wife agrees with you. It's getting a lift, wheels, and tires next week so I'll reevaluate once that is taken care of. Hopefully it will have rock sliders before too long.

 

I love that color. You have a really nice looking truck.

 

Thank you. Its the 1D6 Silver Metallic. Those Side Runners were from a Jade Green 2003 Junker and I painted them with Black Rustoleum Bedliner. Same with all my black trim on the truck.

 

Those are like the only steps I've ever really liked because they are so minimalist. If you are going with sliders I wouldn't bother, but if they are delayed, I'd paint the OE ones black like @Professional Hand Model did and throw em back on....I think it would tie in nicely with the side trim and fender flares and contrast with the body paint just like with PHM's...ymmv

 

That is true. And it would be easy to do. My new wheels will also be black.

 

2.5" Rough Country N3 struts (not the spacer kit) with rear blocks and RC shocks. 285/70/17 Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP and AR172 17x9 wheels.

I know Rough Country is the Hi Point of suspension but it actually rides really nice. We'll see if that continues.



I think it needs a black mesh grill now.

 

Discovered yesterday that my tailgate latch is broken. It still functions but the tabs that hold it in place broke. I know I will regret it but I grabbed the cheap $25 replacement for the time being. I'm not in and out of the bed everyday so hopefully it will hold up. If not, I'll bite the bullet and find an oem replacement.

Ordered some new JBL concert series speakers and a

$165 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275 from Crutchfield. Also ordered a cheap back up camera from Amazon. That should all be here and ready for me to install next weekend.

 

Let the games begin...


Out with the cigarette lighters and in with a USB plug routed to my stereo. Now I don't have to put my phone in the glove box to use Android Auto. I also added an RJ45 jack that runs to a

$165 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275. The radio is in the glove box. This allows me to completely hide the radio and mic when not in use and simply plug in the mic to use it. The 12V is still plugged in and hidden behind the panel to power the radio.

I ran out of time tonight but tomorrow's plans include a backup camera, new speakers, and a new tailgate latch. We'll see how it goes.

 

New speakers are installed. GMRS is in and good to go. The tailgate latch is replaced. Backup camera is installed despite my best efforts to mess it up.

I'm not sure why but I couldn't stop overthinking the trigger wire on the camera. This was the first time I have installed one and for some reason it just wasn't clicking at first. First, I didn't understand the concept of the trigger wire. I assumed the HU would recognize when there was signal from the RCA. Once I realized I needed to attach it my brain said this wire needs to be ran to the reverse light power wire just like the power for the camera. I was going to wait until tomorrow to go and get some wire to run the rest of the way. While I was sitting down to a glass of Four Roses I realized I'm dumb. If I just ran the power wire from the camera to the reverse light, why not just splice into the power wire? Of course, that makes perfect sense as to why the trigger wire is only 6" long. I'm not proud but I do have flush mounted and functional backup camera.

Don't mind the mess. It's been snowing a bit if nobody noticed.

 

I regularly waffle between overthinking and underthinking problems, so don't feel bad...in fact that's my standard....I seem to have a hard time finding that Goldilocks spot when it comes to thinking...

 

Really feels at home on a snow covered trail.

 

Looking good!

 

Gungoboom! OK I think you and these guys here are just the ones to help answer this (I posted it in the wrong place originally I'm new HELP!


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...wheels-fit-2002-2wd-access-cab-tundra.708978/

 

I don't have near enough expertise to give you a definitive answer. I can tell you I have a negative 12mm offset and I don't rub. I would think they would fit but with a neutral offset you may rub the UCA but I don't know that for sure.

Check out this thread....https://www.tundras.com/threads/285-1st-gen.34315/

 

Decided to do this as well. Unfortunately, I didn't have the adapter to go from the speaker level inputs to RCA for the subwoofer preout on my head unit. I went ahead and mounted it and ran the rest of the wires so connecting the sub should be simple once they arrive later this week.