1st Gen General Questions

Alright, I'll give it a try. Right now I just have the spare under this.

 

Hmm, what should I do?

 

Remove the steps.

 

I've actually been thinking about doing that. The only reason I leave them on is that I figure they are kind of a protection.

 

Looks good bud. Nice and clean. Start optimizing your engine?

 

Thanks! So that was actually a rhetorical question regarding the truck and the awesome dirt road. But I've got some good ideas from it. So far the suspension is working out really well, just got done giving it a pretty good workout on some desert roads in the Mojave with only one small rub.

I like the idea of doing some tune up work on the engine. Another thing I will be looking at in the next year is a new bumper for the front and possibly the rear. The whole front bumper and inner fenders are loose and most of those stupid little plastic clips are broken.

 

Nothing some zip ties and self tappers can’t fix!

 

Yep. I'm guessing that will be what will happen for now.

 

Never been to Mojave. Looks like fun. Desert is my favorite terrain.

 

If you're ever heading west on 40 and go past the Mojave National Preserve, check it out. There's some fun little dirt tracks that run through it. Just make sure to gas up first because there's no stations in the preserve. I'm sure there's other good trails out here but I don't know the country.

 

What is up with the gas nozzles in CA?

 

Scared the unicarns might breathe in a few vapors and lose some cognition. But, they have no probs with their weed burning brain cells?

Just guessing.

 

What do you guys use to keep your batteries nice and clean?

And I'm going to start going over the engine and fluids as I get time and the weather allows (gotta get a shop). I know it has been recommended to change all of the fluids, but what should I start with? I have no idea if the timing belt and water pump (those are the two that usually need changed in Tundras, 4Rs, and Tacomas, right?) were changed before I got the truck at 130,000 miles so is there any way I can check?

 

Some mechanics will put a sticker in the engine bay showing timing belt replacement. Have you checked the VIN on Toyota's website? Or tried carfax? There is a member here that can check the carfax for free. I can't remember his name.

If you can't find record of it getting done then I would definitely start with that. I would shop around though. Some members have reported getting a good package deal price on the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, drive belt, tensioner pully etc. Obviously, if you have the skills to do anything yourself you can save money.

 

What do you guys think of SeaFoam? Or an alternative.

Also got some new toys last night.

 

I buy seafoam occasionally. I'm not convinced it's the miracle product many people claim but it certainly can't hurt. Wal-Mart seems to consistently have it at the lowest price. I've noticed when Advance puts it on "sale" it's just the normal price at WallyWorld.

 

If you're planning to keep it a while. I'd spend a solid weekend working on the paint. I've learned that Toyota used a "single stage" paint on some of these early Tundra's, particularly the non-metallic colors. That means they don't go over them with a clear coat. That's why most of the white ones you see on the road look horrible. By spending the time on it now, you'll ensure it will look good for many years. If you want me to get more specific let me know.

 

I might grab a bottle to throw in, just wanted to make sure it didn't have any negative effects.

The paint actually looks pretty good on this one. It is an 06 so maybe it has a clear coat. There are some spots, especially above the tires that have been nicked/scratched so I'm planning to sand them down but am not sure what the best method is to blend the paint in.

 

Would it be smart to run some of this through in addition to SeaFoam? Or are they the same?

https://www.amazon.com/Chevron-65740-Techron-Concentrate-Cleaner/dp/B00092893E/

 

until you hit a rock hard & they collapse & spear your rocker panel.
But if you take it slow enough to stop at the scraping noise, then yes.

 

You guys know where I can get a tailgate cap?

 

Junkyard then Craigslist. I see people parting out 1st gens sometimes.

 

Ok. I'll check around.

 

Ok, is it better to just leave it in 4hi or switch between 2 and 4 as needed? Driving around town and 30+ miles on the highway.

 

Either is perfectly fine. You'll use a little more gas leaving it in 4wd but wear would be negligible.

 

The daytime running lights on my 00' will not turn off while the engine is running under any circumstances. I DESPISE any thing on my vehicles that I can't turn off. I pulled the DRL fuse and they still won't die. Going to look into the relay fix.

 

I really need to do this in spring. There's actually an orange tint to my white paint due to all the iron dust embedded in it. I have a couple rust spots I want to touch up as well. I'm not a patient person though, so doing IronX, clay bar, wax, touch up etc is going to be difficult for me.

 

Spent a little time searching and found that unplugging this connector kills the day time running lights. Whoohoo! Die you suckers!

(The grey connector between the batter and the fender)

 

This worked on my 2000 for a couple days and then my headlights would not come on at all until I hooked it back up.

Ended up having to modify some wiring in the cab under the ash tray to disable the running lights for good.