[Beginner] Build Guide - seeking recommendations/suggestions/tips!

Hey everyone! First post here, been lurking for a while and figured I would finally post to start a dialogue on my first project!

** I literally have NO idea what I'm doing, I'm learning here. **

I have a 2002 Tundra access cab, and I'm making some plans for builds. My biggest questions are the order of operation, things that need to go hand in hand, and most cost efficient. Any tips or recommendations on anything is greatly appreciated!

I'm not trying to get anything too crazy, just the freedom and liberty of being able to go where I want to go, safely and dependably.

Can provide pictures, not sure what you would want to see, so just let me know and I will post!

In the order I'm wanting to tackle things:

1. Suspension lift/Shocks - I'm wanting a 2" lift, but not sure how lifts impact the way everything else works together? From what I've read, a lot of other elements of how the truck drives changes? I also would be happy keeping stock height.

- are shocks & suspension... the same? It looks like the Bilstein 4600 is currently installed. Not sure if these necessarily need to be replaced? Does this mean that suspension might be upgraded too? how to tell...?

- recommendations for brands? Im looking at Bilstein or OME or ICON? Is there any difference or can I just go with the most cost effective and call it a day?

1.5 Leaf springs - Not really sure what these are, or if they need to be replaced/upgraded when suspension is? Is this better OEM or?

2. Front/Back bumper - I want to remove both of them, I'm looking at Coastal Offroad. Aluminum vs steel? Thinking aluminum because of the weight of steel?

3. Not really sure what else would need to be considered? Order of importance?

Thank you for your time reading through this and for any recommendations/suggestions on how I should tackle all of this!!!

 

Please, if you haven't already, read this sticky thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

It touches on at least a couple of your points above. Especially the suspension section. But overall, its first two replies as a whole b/c there are things to address, including order of importance, which always starts with getting the truck mechanically sound so you don't get stranded way out there.

Swing back over, let us know if your questions change after, or what you need more clarifications on.

Would be helpful to know your budget also. Because suspension, wheels and tires, most people are in it for $3k-4k with basic setups on that alone.

2" lift is significant, I think more significant than a lot of folks realize, when 1" will get most people where they need/want to be.

YOU ALSO NEED TO TELL US IF YOU'RE 4WD OR 2WD, MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE! (especially w/suspension)

Oh, and if the point of the bumper is protection and absorption, always steel. I don't know of many front bumpers that are bolt-on, so there will be welding. Some may call that 'crazy', referencing your "not too crazy".

 

Welcome from VA. I’m guessing by your name you’re in Montana. Show us your TITS (tundra n the snow). I hoped you laughed at that. Really though, post pics of what you are starting with. Lots of 1st gen stuff on here with great info. @shifty is a good resource.

well, hell, he beat me to it.

 

Welcome from Texas!

 

hi! thank you for linking me to that thread. I had went through it, but I think as someone who knows nothing, I really don't understand anything that it's saying, and feeling a bit deflated and overwhelmed. I'm learning there are arms? and knuckles? goodness.

I did find the section on OEM parts helpful, though!

I'm going to stick with the height I have now, maybe a safer bet until I get more educated on everything that goes into this. I'm going to start by replacing the front and back bumpers off, keep it stock until I spend more time with it and figure out exactly what I need.

PS: Mine is 4WD...!

 

unfortunately, its only snowed 13" so far and there are no tits to share :')

 

Post pics of what you’re working with for recommendations on mods. @shifty is really good at your gen truck.

 

Once you start reading and searching on here, refer back to the MEGA THREAD that shifty first linked you to. Read it often. It's the equivalent to the FGT Bible.

 

not sure what parts you'd like to see but

 

thank you! I will! there's a lot of information there that I need time to process.

 

This will hopefully help you picture parts involved up front: https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-to-plan-out-suspension-tires-part-of-build.128410/#post-3277935

Actually, that thread is a good one, if you start from the beginning it could help you with considerations about how to build up, what to upgrade, budgets, etc. and see how quickly things add up: https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-to-plan-out-suspension-tires-part-of-build.128410/

It's very doable to get 1" of lift out of these trucks with a smart front strut (i.e. shock+spring) choice, then another inch in the rear, and get out the door for under $1k. It'll give you enough lift to clear tires that are a size or maybe two over stock. You just need to have a good idea of what your end goal is.

First step to any project is setting a budget. Be real here.

Next step, and this is key: You really need to be honest with yourself ... who is doing the work? For example, I was tight on time and felt I had more time than money. So when I needed to install my new front suspension, I pinged around. Cheapest shop wanted like $1,200 or something just to add a leaf into my rear leaf springs, then swap my front struts (spring + shock) and upper control arms. The "go-to" Toyota offroad overlander shop wanted like $2,400 or some crazy shit like that. To install about $1,800 worth of parts. I did the work myself. But it screams to the point: If you're not able to do the work yourself, you **WILL** double or triple the amount of money needed for the project, and you really, seriously, genuinely, absolutely need to find a trusted shop in your area that's familiar with this generation of truck!

Next thing I'd be looking at how do you plan to use your truck, primarily?

• Rock crawl with it?
• Sleep/camp/live out of it, basically run it off the grid?
• Haul stuff with it, like boats, trailers, campers, landscape stuff (more than just hauling ass, of course)?
• Cruise mall parking lots with it?
  
• .... ?

Obviously, if your intent is to crawl rocks, any advice we gave you on lifting for camping/offroad adventure would be useless.

Beyond that, where do you plan to run the truck?

• Fire roads, forestry roads, offroad paths that see some traffic, and other semi-flat areas?
• Extreme terrain, big boulders, unmarked areas, areas vehicles weren't intended to go?
• Do you plan to really get into water a lot, crossing rivers, yanking boats, etc.?
• Planning for snowy places, or mostly dry places?

Do you have thoughts about what you want, like, make a list of "must have" and "nice to have".

• Sometimes looking at pictures (there's a sticky thread for those here) of other people's trucks helps
• Sometimes poring over other people's build threads helps (there's a forum for 1st gen builds here)
• You may be able to save yourself some coin by trolling the 1st Gen Marketplace here
• Think about everything: Don't forget things like camper/shell, racks, wheels, tires, etc.

Just spitballing here. Hopefully this isn't too overwhelming. We should really sit down a small group of folks here and create a "Project/build 101" thread or some crap. Something that covers all this stuff and helps people decide on things, understand what's involved. I feel like I've typed the above a few times now.

 

Oh and it almost looks like your truck is lifted already? Possibly with pucks/spacers up front, but I can't tell for sure (Looks like I see a 1" disc up there). It looks about 1-2" higher front and rear, maybe a hair more.

If you can get us some shots of the rear shocks/leaf springs (the arched slats) and the rear axle, that could help. Likewise, a couple shots of the front suspension could help too.

 

Welcome the tundras Montanalily!
Some of the important basic key items to have for overlanding are,

-720 degree batwing awning.

-lazy susan spice rack made out of mahogany. Yes, mahogany.

-amber colored LED lights...and a whole heck of a lot of them. All six sides of the truck need them. Think LED 72” long light-nerf bars used as side steps.

-cowl mounted ditch lights. So you can illuminate both the hood, cowl, AND ditch up all at the same time.

-interior propane heater. Why propane?...so that you can wake up at 5am with EVERYTHING inside your camper soaking wet with moisture.

-33/12.50-16 mud tires. Because a more manageable 265/75/16 all terrain just won’t do.

-Method wheels because they’re nice AND expensive at the same time. Make sure to get six of ‘em so that you can carry two spares at all times. Choose the beadlocks instead of the beadlooks because, hey beadlocks.

-Snorkel, for just in case you have to outrun a sentient killer volcano.

-sand ladders, for all those times you’ll be driving around in a state forest.

-artisan boutique designer folding shovels...because one Dolce Gabbana shovel isn’t enough when you’re digging a loo trench.



Of course i’m making fun of the whole overlanding thing. Yes i’ve been on many 4x4 wheeling camping trips, but that was YEARS before rooftop tents were a prerequisite. We simply slept underneath our rigs to keep the morning dew off our sleeping bags, or inside a tent if it was going to be cold and raining. If you’re just getting into it, i’d look for-

-a used high rise canopy, a plastic bedliner (for some added insulation)
- a thick foam sleeping pad,
-some cheap white christmas lights to hang up inside the canopy.
-cheap chinese diesel heater (fleabay or scamazon).
-if you can find an inexpensive used 12 volt fridge/freeze, you’ll be loving life.
-keep the stock sized tires on your truck for now (unless yours are worn out).
-a winch and winch bumper are nice...if you actually need a winch and winch bumper. I would say most people would not EVER benefit from having one. Steel would be a better option if you plan on hammering on it. If not, then you could probably get away with using an aluminum bumper. I would guess most people would be totally fine with an aluminum bumper though.

 

I was in the same boat as you when I started this journey in 2017. To quote Ruth from Ozarks, "I didn't know shit about fuck".

Take a deep breath and realize the internet has everything you need to know.

I stole this pic to get you started. It labels some parts but not all. The blue arrow I drew is the knuckle, also called a spindle. The horseshoe shaped thing that connects to the upper ball joint is the upper control arm or abbreviated as UCA. The lower control arms are shortened to LCA.


Hope this helps. Once you have a basic understanding of the suspension things will make a lot more sense. I would take this picture or something like it, crawl under your truck, and identify each part with your own eyes.

Edit, I see @shifty` linked to some even better pictures that show the suspension parts. Those will be more helpful.



Some YouTube videos will help too.

https://youtu.be/Ww2fygySJl4?feature=shared

 

I remember going “Overlanding” as a kid. That generally meant that we drove to the trailhead, most of the time arriving after dark, and slept in the parking lot.

A rooftop tent is stupid and completely unnecessary. Sure, it sets up in two minutes. However I can set my ground tent up in about five minutes and it provides a lot more room.

I don’t need an awning on my truck. An 8 x 8 canopy works just as well, if not better. It’s more versatile because I can move it around anywhere and gives me a lot more coverage.

I understand the allure of a dometic refrigerator along with DC to AC converters and solar panels. The two coolers I carry do a good enough job for a 2-3 day adventure. The money you would spend on a permanent set up like that buys a lot of ice.

Sure the jeri cans on the exterior of the bed rack make it look cool, but they also cause your water to heat up more rapidly in the sun. 5 gallon Gatorade cooler works just as well.

Maxtrax. Yes, I see a use for maxtrax if you plan to do wheeling in certain terrains. What I don’t see is permanently attaching them to the exterior of your bed rack just to drive around town. Keep them in the garage and throw them in the bed of your truck when you go out on adventures.

Shovel, axe, hatchet, battery powered chainsaw, all good items to carry in the truck bed.

I don’t need a fancy bed decked system. Rubbermaid totes and zip lock bags are fantastic for dry good storage.

I carry a collapsible table with me that I do my cooking on with a Coleman two burner propane stove. That design, I’m sure, has been around for 60 years if not longer. It works flawless. Speaking of cooking, a very basic starter pots and pans set is all that is really necessary for cooking.

Essentially what I’m getting at here is that you don’t need to go out and buy what society tells you is popular. You can have just as fun an adventure with every day inexpensive items that can be purchased right now at any Walmart.

 

Here's a couple of tips that usually get overlooked. I do not consider myself uber tactical, a prepper, or an overlander, but I do enjoy gear and camping. I also like being well equipped.

Daily driver?
-If so, are you willing to roll around every damn day with all that shit on your truck? Lot of weight means you need a solid leaf pack and rear shock to handle the weight.
-Do you use the truck for work? Also consider how that affects your day to day life.

Roof top tent
-Do NOT buy the smittybilt tents. They are awful. Buy a hardshell it is definitely worth every penny.
-Do you get out enough to justify the cost or are you comfortable with spending that money to only use it a handful of times out of the year?
-I ditched my RTT for a gazelle t4 ground tent and love it. If you like to get rowdy you won't have to worry about a $2,000+ accident waiting to happen.

Bed Rack:
-Figure out what gear you want to run and what rack will accept those pieces the best.
-Go as low as you can manage. That weight above the cab is a pain driving in the wind and creates a ton of general body roll.

Camper shell:
-honestly these trucks are made for camper shell builds. I'd do this over a RTT/rack combo any day.

Mounting solutions:
-Hard mount as much as you can. Stuff moves around so either pack it tight in containers, strap it all down, or hard mount.

Spare parts/tools:
-Auto parts store lifetime warranty axle for a spare.
-Take some time to learn the truck and what tools you need to do maintenance/repairs. This can really save your ass.
-OBDII scanner.
-Make sure you have wheel chocks and an adequate jack to lift the truck.
-that big ol Milwaukee 1/2 impact>>>>>>
-Full size spare tire

Dry storage:
-You ever get to camp and your chairs are soaking wet? yeah no f ing bueno.
-Plano and husky containers are pretty good for the price.

Trip prep:
-Shakedown runs are invaluable. Can't tell you how many times a buddy has had something come loose within 10 minutes of hitting the dirt.
-Nut/bolt check everything. Use a paint pen to see if bolts back out on you when you're out and about. Also makes it easy to isolate issues and if you lose your alignment you can manage to put it back till you get home.
-If you're new I recommend staying no more than 30-60 minutes away from town or where you can pick up something if you forget it.
-REI has a pretty good camping checklist online.

GPS:
-Gaia vs ONX. I have both, but prefer ONX. Definitely feeds to the more adventurous spirit. Gaia is a super solid tool, but a lot of information and you need to spend time learning all the functions. Onx's user interface is a lot better.

Bathroom:
-Bring extra toilet paper.
-Bring extra toilet paper for the extra toilet paper.
-Dude wipes
-If you have a lady friend figure out a solid solution for them.


My resolution was to isolate what needs to ride in the truck with me 24/7 and what can be removed or loaded very easily. I have a rear seat delete with Milwaukee packout for tools riding in the back. For trips specifically, Valuables, food, clothes always ride inside the truck strapped down. Everything else gets organized in smaller bags or containers that ride in two big ass husky 45 gallon totes strapped in the bed. One goes for bedding/furniture, camp kitchen and the other is strictly recovery gear, air compressors, ax, shovel, and basically anything I dont mind getting dirty, but want to stay dry. I can be ready to head halfway across the country in under 20 minutes. Keeping things stocked, organized, and minimal will make getting ready for trips way less of a burden and the chances of you forgetting something are much slimmer.

Don't feel like you need to splurge either. You'll change out gear for what suits your needs as you continue to do it. Take your time and invest wisely.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/show-us-your-tits-tundras-in-the-snow.975/page-72#post-3410152

Link to the snow photos thread.

 

My suggestion would be to baseline the truck before jumping into mods. Timing belt, hoses, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, differential fluid, ball joints, brakes, radiator, battery, starter and universal joints/carrier bearing can all strand a very well built truck. Once the truck is in tip-top shape take it out and use it. You won't know what modifications the truck needs for your style of travel before using it and finding the shortcomings.

Keep in mind, most folks who rely on their vehicle for extended travels generally keep them close to stock.

 

thanks for all the detail on this! after rolling around underneath the truck it seems like I'll need to add leaf kits and new suspension to the back. it's not sagging yet but definitely not pretty.

trying to keep the inside as minimal as possible, and I'm too short to really add anything to the top of the shell.

I'm trying to take time to learn what and how to do, and I've managed to figure out a few different things. but honestly I'm terrified jacking the truck up and I really need to get over that. I'm trying to befriend my local mechanic and maybe he will have pity and help me over the summer lol.

I'm also thinking about getting rid of the rear seats entirely to have more space? I'm not sure if that's a good idea but something I'm thinking about. I'll be spending the winter thinking and drafting up some ideas and will hopefully have time to get things going in the summer!

cheers!

 

I'm in Bozeman! not too far!

 

this is actually really sound advice. I've been chipping slowly away at it. I'm hoping to gather up as much information as I can and start rolling come spring/summer!

I did get a five point inspection and it is cleared, but maybe I should ask more specifically. thanks for this tip!!

 

I'm actually an idiot and didn't realize that overloading is ON TOP of the topper?? I actually don't like that at all and am VERY short. for some reason I thought overloading was like.. being able to go OVER the land lol???

 

this is super awesome, thanks for going into more detail with me!!

the biggest thing for me is just being able to go wherever I want to go. I'm also realizing that I didn't know what overlanding was, and that is not my goal. I thought overlanding meant... over the land.. and being able to go anywhere lol

but yeah, mostly being able to go anywhere comfortably and being a daily driver. so I'm going to need to think about how i'mg going to balance the two out.

there is this one IG tundra that I'm obsessed with "Gwen the first gen". and that is basically the "aesthetic" I am going for, but that is WAYS out for me. thank you for the links to inspo

that's the thing I'm REALLY struggling with. I've watched too many hours of videos on things I want to accomplish and I'm like.. I could totally do that!! but.. I just don't have the means. no garage, no tools. and that's like, a whole other venture

I go back and forth feeling excited and discouraged on my dreams here!!!

 

Entire thread dedicated to that for our AC trucks: https://www.tundras.com/threads/first-gen-ac-rear-seat-delete.80422/

 

Your understanding of what "overlanding" means is the same as mine. But I'm not sure who is right or wrong on this one. A quick consult with the ominous Google suggests you and I may share a common interpretation. Don't doubt yourself so much, confidence is key, especially when you're out in the middle of nowhere, maybe good to work on that first.

Look - we all started somewhere. I'm fortunate. I grew up in a family with very little money. Dad joined the Navy to put food on the table, and basically got pulled into airplane mechanics, came from a family who also had limited means. I had tools and technology readily available thanks to family and the USN, and my parents being teens when they started popping out kids, I got a lot of hand-me-downs as Dad upgraded. Dad would never let us take our car to a shop for work (no money to do that), so he gave an option: He explains how it all works, he asks you what's wrong based on your understanding of what he said, if you pick the correct part, he'd pay for it and watch you install it while he coaches. Win-win-win for me across the board, though I cursed him plenty of times when I was younger.

I can't recommend enough to get a cheaper all-inclusive kit for now, so you can at least do the small stuff. There are ample quality kits out there for under $150. If you were closer, I've got a bunch of tools and a decent box I'm really needing to donate out to someone, but not much of what I've got to donate out makes sense to ship, and a good deal of it isn't going to help you a ton. I wish we had a thread here that covered what "mechanics kits" are worthwhile, and what add-ons (breaker bars, impact wrenches, etc.) are the best add-ons for a junior mechanic.

This video covers a lot that may help you decide on a kit - anything Todd here puts in his top 3 winners will 100% suit your needs, and he'll give you a great breakdown on what's missing/what's good/what's bad. Project Farm is a great channel!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEsW-eMLSbM​

 

So ... you wanna buy / just bought a tool set, eh?

 

BTW, you are absolutely correct. Please don’t misinterpret me. I’m not picking on you nor making fun of you. I’m more making fun of what society believes that it is. It just seems more often than not, people rush out and purchase something based on what society believes is cool or hip. I just wish I could tell them that the majority of that crap is unnecessary.

EDIT: it’s also beneficial to have this conversation for those that will search the topic in future thinking that’s what they want / need.