Considering Upgrading the Taco to a Tundra (1 Viewer)

[weejub]

Updated this post to list out the work items from below:

Final Build:

• ~2.5" Bilstein 6112 Coilovers, Eibach 800 lb Springs Installed
• Diff drop Installed
• 33" tires and 17" Toyota wheels Installed
• Dual battery system Done
• Bed Shell - (Purchased and "installed" thank you @Steelman )
• Heavier capacity/taller rear leaf springs Installed - Deaver AAL Springs from Toytec
• Rock sliders - Stubbs HD-SKO
• Floor Mats (Weathertech as Husky doesn't make any) Purchased/Installed, Tan
• Cut/Adjust Wheel wells for 33"+ tires Done
• New Headlights Purchased/Installed
• Fix Rusty Cab Top (Phase 1 Done)
• Bed Storage/Slide System Done - Bedslide Brand
  
• Fix Driver's Mirror Done
• Diff Breathers (Rear Done)
• Toyota did the timing belt, transmission fluids, and water pump.
• I have done a full fluids updates on the diffs and transfer case.

 

[pawwright]

@Steelman could probably give you the rundown for sure - I am pretty sure he also runs his Tundra on the trails......

 

[GLTHFJ60]

@TailsWCU had one and is getting another soon. Any advice for Jamie, Mr. Vitelli?

 

[AndrewHadji]

They are large vehicles. We had a few come with our group in moab, the troopy is narrower so i was able to make some of the turns. the Tundras had to 3-4 point turn it. I guess what you expect you will do with it would define a pro or con. Just a thought, not that its a negative, but ti does change approaching tight trails with caution. That being said, i have yet to hit that problem with mine and im pretty damn long. (Giggidy)

edit, well im right at 200 inches, looks like the doublcab short bed is 229 to the long bed 248... just food for thought

 

[Gfunk1127]

I have been driving my dad's older style tundra. The turning radius...sucks. But I think the ride is comfy.

 

[weejub]

Thanks gentlemen!

Couple updates:

Son is not taking the Taco to college. We had that discussion last night. No cruise, lack of interior space to store stuff = less-secure truck bed was enough to kill the idea for all of us discussing .

Found this one, which I have been having some back/forth with the owner. Maybe a possibility. 2005 Toyota Tundra CLEAN Don't love the wheels, I would have to swap with the Taco or do something different

Will keep you updated.

 

[weejub]

Re-using this post for up-to-date pics. More to come.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Why not the newer generation?

 

[AndrewHadji]

Why not the newer generation?

Prob bc $$$

 

[RedHeadedStepChild]

As you're looking, be aware that 2007-2008 Tundras are subject to the frame settlement.

 

[weejub]

Why not the newer generation?

2005/06 is the sweet spot to me in price/value for an expedition vehicle based on what I wanted to spend. It has the 2UZ and the A750 5 speed which I have had and loved in my 2004 4runner and 2003 GX.

Mostly though, the double cab and 6.5' bed are a good fit for us. This gives us 37" of rear leg room for 14/18 year olds and still a huge bed for carrying camping equipment.

This is my "poor man's UZJ100" - but I still get to have a pickup bed when I need it.

I considered jumping to the 2008+ Tundra Double Cab, but gas mileage goes down, weight goes up, turning radius goes down, price goes up and less cab space and 34" of rear leg room. Don't need the extra truck bed.

The Crewmax is just too big with too much wasted space for us . . . not for some, but for us.

 

[weejub]

^^ by the way . . huge positive to the new tundra is the amount of after market stuff now available. 2005/06 tundra is pretty bleak pickings.

 

[weejub]

^^ oh - one more plus for the early 2nd Gen Tundra: It looks nice. I hope to improve a 2005/06 with some stuff, but it seems kinda ugly as-is I'm no fan of the 2nd Gen Tundra redesign, but I am probably outvoted on that by most.

 

[weejub]

Made a purchase, more to follow . . .

 

[NCFJ]

You go boy!!

 

[Steelman]

Looking forward to your build

 

[weejub]

Thanks, guys. Lincoln - already picked up a lot from your build thread and the links around it.

2005 Double Cab Tundra with 158K miles - Phantom Grey Pearl with the XSP option (leather seats, goofy chrome step bar, some other stuff). Came with Fiberglass bed cover in good shape. Also we swapped out @Rice 's old wheels and my new ~ 32" tires.

Has cloudy front lights and a wobbly mirror and never had the timing belt done as far as we can tell, so some initial work to do there.

Pic of truck:

 

[weejub]

EDIT: Moving the list up top. Placeholder here.

 

[izzyandsue]

Wow! Nice big truck. But every time I read the title of the thread I only think about our borders with Mexico and Canada....

 

[NCFJ]

Congrats on the new truck guys. Bringing it in May?