needatundra

New guy here... And I'm on the hunt for my first Tundra (gen1). My last truck was a 1989 4cyl 4wd, so I'm not familiar with the Toyota V8's. Are they as durable as the old 4 cylinders? I was kinda shocked to see they are belt driven.

 

Welcome from Obx, you can't go wrong with any generation Tundra. My mom has a 2005 Tundra with 200k +, and I own a 2008 2nd gen . Good luck with the hunt

 

Yup first gens are damn near bullet proof.

 

If you polled alot of the guys on this site you would find many of us came from Tacomas, and even before that when they were just Toyota trucks!My first Toyota truck was a 1989 regularcab, V6 ( 3.0 ) manual 5 speed, I bought it used with 60,000 miles, drove it for 11years put an additional 200,000 miles on it, with only routine maintenance, 1timing belt, 1 radiator, brakeshoes & rotors 2x, brushes in starter 1x, muffler & tailpipe 3x!shocks 1x, And never needed a front end alignment the whole time. There was no way I would ever buy anything but Toyota trucks after that, I have owned my Tundra for 2 years in April, ( 5.7L ) and still love it! You take care of it & it will take care of you. Oh welcome to the site also!

 

Most definitely. I've been wanting a code reader for a while anyway. Now I have an excuse to get one.

 

I had a 2002 4.7L SR5 and absolutely loved it! I sold it to a fellow firefighter for $7K and I get to visit her everyday I go to work. I bought a newer 5.7L Tundra because I needed more power to pull a 7,000 lb., 26ft travel trailer. Both times the check engine light came on and stayed on, it was an oxygen sensor error. Had to replace 2 of the four of them at $90 each. Was an easy fix, but absolutely have someone read the code. Nearly all the auto parts stores will read for free as opposed to the $200-$300 you'll shell out for your very own reader. With a Tundra, you won't need the reader very often! To turn off the CEL, turn the ignition switch off, hold down the odometer trip button, then turn the ignition switch on, but don't start the engine. You should see 5 flashing dashes in the odometer window. They'll count down from 5 dashes to no dashes and the ECL should go out. If it comes back on you'll need to read the code. If it stays off, it was just a scheduled maintenance issue.

 

Thanks for the info. I found a reader at harbor freight for $50, so I'll either get that or have the guy meet at Autozone.

 

I still haven't bought a Tundra, but I've found one that I like. It's a 2000 4x4 v8 access cab with 146k miles. Even has new tires. The asking price is $4000, which is not bad for East TN. The bad part is, the seller said the transmission is giving him trouble in 1st gear. I've not driven it yet, but if everything else is good, I may just have to replace a transmission. I have found a few used ones around, but most are off of newer (04-05) models. Are the transmissions from all 1st gen 4x4's compatible?

 

If it was me and I have 03 here. I would have the transmission pulled and do a total rebuild on the case. Rebuilding it can give you stronger internals plus advance is transmission pressure hint hint.

Take this from a guy who has more than a few hours more like 20 hours in planning engine and transmission rebuild on mine.

 

I've rebuilt a couple of engines, but transmissions are out of my league. If I pulled it, what is a ballpark cost for a transmission rebuild?

 

Just looking around on google, transmissions through 2004 should bolt right in. I've also read that the 00-02 models have planetary gear problems, which were fixed in 03 and 04. So I may go that route if I decide on this truck. I've sent Lostso a message just to confirm the compatibility.

 

This is the 4wd truck that I mentioned above.

 

Problem with used transmission you don't know its history... IMO your better off having a reputable transmission shop rebuild it. Plus they have access to make it stronger than stock in most cases.

 

I've decided to go with this 4wd. I'm getting it for $3800, so I'm pretty happy. I'll check into the cost for a transmission rebuild too, before I buy used.

 

Biggest issue with the trannies is towing in OD....it will eventually grenade (Toyota bought me a tranny at 35k) so punch the button when towing. Only other common issue with 1st gen is cracked exhaust manifolds seem to be fairly common. Mine is bad on the drivers side, but goes away when the truck warms up. Part isn't bad, but access sucks a big one! Also be sure the timing belt gets done around 90k as it will be ugly if you break one! Normal practice is to change the belt and water pump (because you are there). Had my 02 since new and love it! If they hadn't gotten so big I would have gotten a Tundra instead of the 15 Taco Pro.

 

Yea, mine has an exhaust leak. I figured I would just go ahead and change out the headers while I'm in there. My timing belt kit is on the way already.

 

I received part of my timing belt kit. I got everything except the hydraulic tensioner and serpentine belt that were advertised for the kit. After a phone call to the vendor (New-Part.com), those items are on the way. I also received my Bilstein 5100's for the front end. Now I'll have to figure out which setting I want to use. I'm thinking about taking out the plastic bed liner after I get the transmission fixed. I've never been a fan of them, and I like the sprayed in look better. I'm considering one of the tintable U-POL Raptor Liner kits for the bed, and possibly the rocker panels.

 

Congrats on the purchase and with all the fixes. You will love this truck. Everything I have read these things are indestructible and will run forever if you treat them right and maintain them. There are many out there that have many more miles than the one you bought and still run great. I just worked out a deal on a 2004 Tundra with 96,000 miles. One owner and well maintained. Owner traded her in on a new Tundra, so that says something for the truck. If they didn't like it I am sure they would have went elsewhere. Once I have her I will post some pics.