Potential 2nd Gen

Hey all,

Since I figured most of you have the 2nd gen on this forum, I thought I would ask some questions prior to purchasing one myself.

A little back story of myself: I have a 2013 2ndgen Tacoma, and I absolutely love it. The truck has taken my wife and I everywhere we wanted to go. It has now come to a time that a full-size truck will better fit our needs, and a Toyota seemed like a no-brainer. Thus, the idea of obtaining a Tundra was suitable for that need.

Upon digging into the different Tundra gen specs, I found that the 2nd gen seemed like the right choice as our donor vehicle for something big (what we plan to do with it will likely be a build thread y'all would enjoy). Right off the bat, I already know that the 5.7L V8 paired with the 4x4 DC is that right fit.

Considering that I do my own wrenching on our Tacoma, I'm all too familiar with the 2nd gens quirk.

As I plan to purchase a used 2nd gen, I wanted to know some thoughts of mods that (should) be done once I buy one. To be specific, I already plan to change all fluids, sparks, and do a rear diff breather mod, but i would like to hear, from others, what mods should be considered.

Thanks for the input!

 

I would just go through the second gen build section and do some research. You can see what everyone has done with their trucks and most likely pictures of what was done. Other than maintenance, everything else is your personal opinion of what should be done.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-mods-tutorials.257/

 

ECGS front diff bushing was the biggest annoyance thing that I fixed on mine! Secondary air injection bypass is another common Toyota thing to prevent the expensive repair.

 

Thanks! That DIY mod list was definitely something I could pick out.

Based on all this info alone, it seems to be a trend with these Toyotas. I had to do the needle-bearing and secondary air injection mod on my Tacoma as well (along with the anti-theft tailgate and rear diff breather extension).

 

Links to anti-theft tailgate and rear diff breather extension?

 

2 Gen is a solid Truck. Somewhat newer owner and very impressed. My raves in my build.

Some have had frame rust issues, more in northern climates from winterized roads. Also, inspect under a plastic bed liner; some rust issues as well (not all).

Easy suggestions:
-LED interior lighting as well as tails/brakes & reverse. Lots of options. Headlights are not as straightforward.
-Back seat fold down mod for Double cab only. (They do not fold down stock)
-Stock audio sucks, new HU does wonders, can also add backup camera, BT, & Nav. if needed.
-Center console tray and bottom divider/organizer if needed. Not stock and best $50 for organization needs.

Good Luck!

 

Awww the headlight retrofit aint so bad! Kind of hurt my DIY isn't on that list...sniff

Upgrading your headlights is a definite must! Halogen lighting from the 1950's shouldn't be on our trucks!




How To:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/how...w-morimoto-d2s-5-0-bi-xenon-projectors.44863/

 

Thanks for all this head-up! I actually have a 2nd gen Tacoma, and am very familiar with the frame rust, so that is definitely a must. I am not too concerned with the LED light upgrade in the rear, but I want to retrofit my headlights for better visibility. I am particularly interested in that fold down seat mod as I am getting the DC.

Thanks for this! I was definitely looking to do a Morimoto retro + BHLM mod.

 

how do people take care of the rust on their frames?

 

Various things. There was a recall for severe problems. Some try to treat and paint. Some try to prevent with coatings, Fluid Film mentioned as yearly preventative. Best thing in snowy states would be prevention.