ExpoScout's 03 Tundra

[stclair]

Good looking Tundra. I'll be interested to see what you do with it. We bought an '02 Access Cab back in February. It was also 1 owner, but high miles...50K! Compared to yours I guess. Thinking of doing the same things right now as well, but just picked up some Trail Teams wheels too. Pondering suspension upgrades right now. I really wish there were more options for bumpers, looking for a good swingaway for cans and another spare. Again...NICE TRUCK!

 

[Haggis]

Hmm, Do you have any pics by chance?

Sears Diehard Platinum Marine series 31

It was a tight fit and the factory cables just stretch enough to reach the terminals, but it fit in there. It even fits in the factory plastic tray, though I did have to modify the bend on the factory hold down to make it work.

 

[rickashay]

Looks like a super nice find! That truck is going to last forever with those low miles. I'm excited to see how this build thread progresses. I've said it once, and I'll say it again - I can't believe more people dont modify these trucks and I can't believe the lack of aftermarket support. I honestly think I would prefer a 1st gen Tundra over the 2nd gen Tacoma, that v8 is awesome and they really are not much bigger than the Tacomas. Sweet!

 

[ExpoScout]

I'd say you did good. They seem to go in my area for about $11k for one with 100k miles (depending on the year). I recently saw an 04 with 18k original miles for 18k dollars.

Good looking Tundra. I'll be interested to see what you do with it. We bought an '02 Access Cab back in February. It was also 1 owner, but high miles...50K! Compared to yours I guess. Thinking of doing the same things right now as well, but just picked up some Trail Teams wheels too. Pondering suspension upgrades right now. I really wish there were more options for bumpers, looking for a good swingaway for cans and another spare. Again...NICE TRUCK!

Looks like a super nice find! That truck is going to last forever with those low miles. I'm excited to see how this build thread progresses. I've said it once, and I'll say it again - I can't believe more people dont modify these trucks and I can't believe the lack of aftermarket support. I honestly think I would prefer a 1st gen Tundra over the 2nd gen Tacoma, that v8 is awesome and they really are not much bigger than the Tacomas. Sweet!

Thanks guys. I may leave it alone for a little while, but admittedly, the ideas have been popping up. I kinda hate making a list of what I plan to do because I feel like I never get around to all of them or change my mind and then my thread ends up being a let down.

But I do have some plans I'm confident about, like I said before, being the battery, line-x, weathertech mats, inverter, wet okole covers, and Ive got some good ideas for a custom center console.

 

[ExpoScout]

Sears Diehard Platinum Marine series 31

It was a tight fit and the factory cables just stretch enough to reach the terminals, but it fit in there. It even fits in the factory plastic tray, though I did have to modify the bend on the factory hold down to make it work.

That does look like a snug fit. Is the hammer the preferred method or are some people doing some cutting? I suppose the smaller diehard would work but Id really like as much reserve as possible.

 

[Falkon]

Yep, nice find! For comparison, I paid $17.5 3 years ago. It has 64k on it at the time. It has 125k now and has not given me problem one. They are great trucks.

 

[ExpoScout]

Yep, nice find! For comparison, I paid $17.5 3 years ago. It has 64k on it at the time. It has 125k now and has not given me problem one. They are great trucks.

Stories like this are why I went this direction. Thanks!

 

[Haggis]

Is the hammer the preferred method or are some people doing some cutting?

I used a BFG and a little heat.

 

[ExpoScout]

Im super excited about the center console ideas. Just to give you an idea what Im talking about Ill show you some stuff Ive done. Here is a mobile office type setup I did for an LE agency:

It was pretty simple but worked really well.

Im still trying to track down the pic, or Ill just take a new one, of the center console I did for my patrol car. It has a built in vault, document storage, computer mount integrated, electronics mounts, cup holders, etc.

What Im thinking of for the tundra will maximize storage and utility for the space between the seats. The factory console isn't bad, but being that its somewhat rounded and tapers up to the top, wastes a ton of space. Plus I want a lockable storage area. Not only that but Ill likely incorporate a mount for my ipad, the inverter, CB, etc. The one I did for the agency got powdercoated. Mine was simply painted. For this one I will will either powdercoat or line-x.

 

[jim65wagon]

jim65wagon][/FONT]

Not a Diehard but I have a group 31 deep cycle. It takes some, um, modifications. A Ball Peen hammer has the right shape to dent the underhood bracing to get the posts to not touch metal......very important to get that bit right.​

This is what I had to do. The battery fits mostly in the tray, but the holdown had to be modified slightly. The hood brace had to be dented above the negative post, a few decent pounds with a ball peen did the trick. I think the DCs have a little more forgiveness in this area. They are a little larger in most areas. The wiring will just reach the posts....

 

[Storz]

When are you supercharging it?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3

 

[ExpoScout]

When are you supercharging it?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3

Ha, don't put money on that happening.

 

[ExpoScout]

Got a little dusty today. Met my brother for some spur of the moment dirt road exploring...along with letting the pups do some swimming at the lake.

 

[ExpoScout]

Is the consensus pretty much that 265/75-16 is the go-to size? At some point I'll be going to ATs and while larger tires are cool, look good, etc...I'm over the lifting, rubbing, poor road manners that come along with it. Maybe I'm getting old

I'm thinking 265/75s, 5100s (or 5150s), and call it a day.

 

[seanpistol]

Is the consensus pretty much that 265/75-16 is the go-to size? At some point I'll be going to ATs and while larger tires are cool, look good, etc...I'm over the lifting, rubbing, poor road manners that come along with it. Maybe I'm getting old

I'm thinking 265/75s, 5100s (or 5150s), and call it a day.

Well, it's a Toyota, not an F-250.. my truck handles like a dream with 33s and 3" of lift. You don't rub if you run wheels with the proper backspacing(-4.5") - See the setup in my signature.

Otherwise, yes. 265s are the go to size.