2001 Tundra project/cleanup

this 2001 2wd v8 access cab Tundra has been in the family for 4 years now at 230k and is amazing. Purchased off someone who upgraded a few things and made it work for long boat trailering. (Bigger model brake calipers/rotors, tires, Firestone ride rite, tow harness, subwoofer, radflo, total chaos fab, New transmission at 190k) I have had a local mechanic do all the work since I bought the truck because I grew up with surfboards/fiberglass instead of cars/engines. Ive started to dive into my own trailer and boat maintenance (as it saves a ton of time and money) and was going to start doing some projects on the tundra. I tow 2-4 times a week but it is a pretty light boat and few times a year send 400-600 mile tows, surfing and fishing the beautiful west coast. I’ll be posting my work along the way and here is a list of the work I need to do just off the top of my head
-coolant flush/change
-brake pads/machine rotors
-oil change/filter
-air ride system replace
-rear brakes
-rear bumper
-axle inspect?
I’ve done some research on here for a few months and finally have time to start some maintenance. Any info or thread links are greatly appreciated and if any pics above look like something is time for replacing let me know! I need to start taking better care of her and maybe even begin with cleaning the cab haha

 

Yes, those lower ball joints need OEM replacements ASAP.

 

Is it possible to do with some high jacks, correct part and a friend that knows some more mechanic stuff than me? or save the headache by taking it in?

 

Utube it and you will know pretty fast. I fight things alone and it sucks so if you have help go for it.

 

Welocme!

Lower ball joints are pretty easy, just get the correct puller.

On your list I'd skip machining the rotors and just get new ones. They're not terribly expensive and our trucks are a little rough on rotors since they are bit undersized.

 

I believe the previous owner already upgraded these when he did the brakes as they are straight, just got some rust. Salty air isn’t too nice on the trucks

 

Timing belt and water pump if unknown age ASAP
I'd do lower ball joints before driving that thing another mile. I used a cheap pickle fork to separate the joint. Its 4 bolts and a big nut. Get new bolts when doing it.
Here is my order from my 01 access cab.

 

Definitely something you can do yourself. Borrow a pitman arm puller kit from Autozone or Advanced auto for free or just buy one that's the right size. I'd probably use an impact wrench to get the 4 bolts out considering the rust but they still could break free with a ratchet since they appear to be in good shape. I don't know about the high jacks; I would use a floor jack.

 

Update 11/6 LBJ and radiator replace at mechanic $840 total, didn’t feel confident replacing myself and felt it was a good deal to get it all done. My radiator had been slowly leaking rusted coolant and needed to be replaced.

 

Some easy cosmetic upgrades
-led reverse lights (huge difference)
-footwell lights
-front grille spray
-glovebox clip replacement
-19” and 22” wipers
-clean rust off bumper
-clean black bumper part

 

Updated list
-replace ride rites
-replace air filter
-check rear brakes
-led tail lights
-tint tail light
-key fob
-bed light/redo trailer harness
-rear bumper (coastal off-road maybe)
-single steps for cab
-rack for roof of the bed
-red interior/dash lighting
-headlights/fog lights
This forum has got me on more and more projects everyday but going to follow some of the threads on here to do some of the above. Also trying to fix this issue with side light

 

The side light marker is supposed to have a clip on it like this crude ass drawing, the red part, and it snaps firmly into a tube/tunnel on the side of the headlamp housing:

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IMHO, it shouldn't be popping out unless (a) someone broke that red tab part off, (b) the tab wasn't correctly seated into the headlight the last time the bulb or fixture was replaced, or (c) someone broke the yellow tunnel part on the headlight that red blinker tab snaps into.

Toyota uses this clipping tab design on a lot of the headlight and taillight housings. My wife's Highlander tail lights are the same. To remove the housing, you just sort of push-slap the light fixture forward and away from the car once its retaining bolts are out.

You should see really quickly what's wrong with it if you go through the disassembly process. The general process is explained here, but DO NOT listen to their advice about prying the blinker forward with a tool, it's a paint damage risk. Just palm-slap it towards the front of the vehicle if it doesn't push forward on its own.

https://www.1aauto.com/how-to-replace-headlight-assembly-on-a-00-06-toyota-tundra/video/48187

 

Changed the green to red leds on the instrument panel and center panel. Still need to change the cargo/fog and ignition ring. Gave the tail lights some nightshade spray need to change brake and blinker to led.