Best Base 1st Gen Tundra for Overland Build Info

Hello everyone, first post here. I thank you all in advance for all of the information and knowledge that you'll be sharing with me! I hope I am posting this in the correct Forum section.

I am currently looking for the best platform vehicle to start my overland project with. It will be a slow project over a couple years and I would like to find the perfect vehicle to invest in. The biggest key factors for finding the right vehicle for me are:

• 2005 or 2006 2UZ-FE 4.7l iFORCE V8 Tundra AC or RC
• RELIABILITY (hence why Toyota)
• Access Cab or Regular Cab?
  
• 4x4
• Weatherproof
• Livable
  
• Easy to work on
• Easy to find parts (specifically in South America due to international travel plans)
• Decent MPG would be nice
• Payload
• Inexpensive vehicle (I am not looking to spend more than $10,000-$15,000 on a good base vehicle)
• Manual transmission would be a dream come true, but I know the V8 only comes automatic, is there a way to change it to manual, or is this just asking for more issues?

My end goals for this vehicle are to be able to live in it for a few years in a pop-up slide in camper while traveling around Alaska and eventually do the Pan-American Highway in it.

I won't be doing any hardcore off-roading, but I would love to be able to drive through soft sand, snow, and mud to awesome remote surfing, fishing, and camping spots. I mostly pack light and do tent camping, cooking outside, real basic type of overlanding, but I would love to be able to cook and live indoors during cold or wet weather if needed.



With my extensive research I have come down to a 2005 or 2006 2UZ-FE 4.7 iFORCE V8 Tundra AC or RC with a pop-up slide in camper (like a Four Wheel Camper as an example).

Does anyone have any experience with the Regular Cab 8ft bed? I would like a longer bed to fit an 8ft camper rather than a 6ft camper for more "live-in" space. However, would this add more weight to my payload having a bigger camper?

I am new and learning about mechanics on these rigs so please be patient with me. In order to handle the campers weight and all of my gear, I would have to beef up and modify my suspension, correct? I would like to do the minimal amount of modifications and just do what I really need. What would a minimal suspension mod look like for my added weight? New shocks, springs, tires, wheels, bump stops, leafsprings? Would I need to add any airbags? The less I add, the better for me.

Thank you so much for the help, it's all greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome to the thunderdome

check out this thread
https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

 

Thank you for the reading material! I can learn a lot with this.

 

As far as years go, you've got it nailed with the '05-'06. As far as AC vs DC goes, the best answer I can give you is it all depends. I've got a DC and think it's a bit big for the PNW. I'd love a smaller AC but, I like the real full size of the second seats. While it's less nimble off road and can't fit in as many places, I spend a lot more time driving my kids around town than I do on the trails. I keep trying to convince myself to sell my DC for a well built AC but, practicality always creeps in. Maybe someday the argument for capability will overcome the argument for practicality. Maybe you don't adventure in such cramped spaces and a DC would be perfect. Only you can decide.

Would be hard to find a build that's a whole lot better than this.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/perris-2006-tundra-4x4-47l-v8-turnkey/7698212552.html

 

Thank you for the information! Reading this is definitely helping me turn towards an AC or a RC. I don't need that extra space in the back, the longer truck, and the added weight. I think the interior space of the AC is perfect for what I need it for.

 

2005 and 2006 models have SAIS pumps that go bad. Less reliable (Could be bypassed prior to heading out). They also have VSC and complicated brake booster systems in some models that can go bad and are difficult to get parts for and $$$. Also have 5 speed auto with no dipstick to keep an eye on trans fluid levels. Should you damage a trans cooler line or pan, would be more difficult to repair / replace abroad. RC models have 8’ beds and higher payloads than AC, so if you only have 2 travelers the AC affords more bed space and payload for gear.

 

Thank you so much for the information!

 

Have you looked into the Project M or OVRLND CAMPERS models of campers that only way around 350lbs, sit on the bed rails, and you can build out how you want? These trucks would handle that MUCH better. Still a big square pop-up

 

Yes, I have, thank you for the recommendation!