astrosdude91's Truckin Thread! Need's new tires and wheels. Update post 25

[astrosdude91]

This is my new truck. It's a 2000 Toyota Tundra SR5. My dad bought it used back in 2003, at the local Ford dealer. He put a nice K&N intake, and it has a Magnaflow exhaust. So it has a nice sound, and some power boost too. He drove it until it was paid off. Around that time, my sister who is 4 1/2 years older than me, had an accident (not her fault) that totaled her Cherokee. So she got the Tundra, and my dad bought a new 2006 Dodge Ram. My sister drove for it 4 years until she got a Murano, about 2 months ago. So now I'm driving it! I'm thinking about installing an exhaust kit if the money's right, but I'm not sure which one. Here's some pictures:

Tell me what you think!

 

[JoshB1984]

Nice truck.

 

[nobuffalo]

I think you need to clean that filter. 👍 Nice truck.

 

[astrosdude91]

I think you need to clean that filter. 👍 Nice truck.

I need to clean more than just the filter! The interior took some abuse from my sister. The carpet is stained in multiple areas, and she left food and drink out so much that I've started to see those little sugar ants running around the cabin!

 

[astrosdude91]

Forgot to mention, the windshield may need to be replaced. There is a monstrous crack going halfway across.

 

[benvss696]

Nice Tundra man, you've done well, those things rock. You guys are lucky in the 'states, you have the nicest trucks. A lot of stuff in Australia is majorly light duty. My dream truck is a 2000 model Dodge Ram 1500 V8 Sport, one day if I go over there I'll get one.

 

[Sniffs]

you just inherited a couple thousand dollars worth of repair for inspection. I've had a few windshields/screens replaced, and they're bleeping expensive. don't forget to clean up those headlights either...they're friggin opaque! your gonna be lucky to get 14-15 mpg out of that thing. i had a K&N on my last toyota, but the thing only gave a 3 HP boost...well out of the shift range (at over 4000 rpm; the tranny wouldn't let it rev that high)

here's a little tip, keep an eye on the wiring harness and electronic components. Toyo's are like fords, they have electrical problems, for some reason.

 

[astrosdude91]

you just inherited a couple thousand dollars worth of repair for inspection. I've had a few windshields/screens replaced, and they're bleeping expensive. don't forget to clean up those headlights either...they're friggin opaque! your gonna be lucky to get 14-15 mpg out of that thing. i had a K&N on my last toyota, but the thing only gave a 3 HP boost...well out of the shift range (at over 4000 rpm; the tranny wouldn't let it rev that high)

here's a little tip, keep an eye on the wiring harness and electronic components. Toyo's are like fords, they have electrical problems, for some reason.

Thanks for the tips, Sniffs. I'm no stranger to electrical problems. A few of the dials of the cluster guage on my '91 Ranger aren't working, most importantly the fuel guage! I have to set the trip and go to 200 miles then fill up. I haven't noticed any electrical problems on the Tundra, or ANY problems for that matter. I don't think I'll have any problem passing inspection in Texas. (Which reminds me, The tags will be out of date in about 17 hours) What kind of Toyota did you have?

 

[Adamgp]

How does the frame look as far as rust?

 

[Joey D]

I don't think vehicles can even rust in Texas. I'd be more concerned with the condition of the paint and clear coat from the sand, wind, and sun. Looks like it's in good shape though.

Nice truck, but I agree with Sniffs, polish those headlamps man. Driving around at night must be a challenge.

 

[Glubags]

I'm not a truck guy, but I'm glad you picked up the V8 model. Have fun!

 

[Mark T]

When I was 18 I could barely afford the petrol for my 997cc Fiesta. Looking at that 4700cc V8 lump makes me wonder just how cheap the fuel is in that part of the US.

 

[Glubags]

^ Gas has always been cheaper here than it is for you guys, but seeing that he's in Houston, I'd guess it's still around $3 per gallon.

 

[Mark T]

So around 70p per litre? I just paid £1.17 a litre which is about $1.70.

I've always wanted some kind of pickup to run errands in.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

I'm European and this thing looks hilarious

There are some people here that are into trucks, but there are very few.
V8 5L we think of a BWM M5 or Audi S6 (last one is actually a V10).

But being open minded, it actually looks good, practical and fun for family outings. Seems something I would buy to hang a car trailer behind it to pull a Catherham or Ariel to the track.

 

[NISM0_SKYLINE]

If I had that truck I would waste no time turning it into a prerunner. Put some bluged out front fenders, little front bumper with some big fog lights, a little lift . I want one so bad, but like everything it's too expensive. Nice truck though I've always liked Tundras.

 

[Robin]

I reckon what it needs is some new rims, black multi spokes would go really well with the white... almost like a Tundra Superleggera!

I would give anything for something with a V8 for a decient price in the UK, instead of having engines you guys have in lawnmowers in the US! all in all its a neat truck 👍

Robin.

 

[astrosdude91]

^ Gas has always been cheaper here than it is for you guys, but seeing that he's in Houston, I'd guess it's still around $3 per gallon.

Even better! If you search a bit, you can find it as low as $2.40!!👍👍

 

[Jim Prower]

That's about what we have here. The truck and the gas prices.

Seems like a good buy. The boss likes his first-gen. As far as exhaust goes...I'd find something that adds power, but is quiet for a change. Far too many pickups emitting loud, lazy tones from powerboat-sized dual pipes.

 

[buickgnx88]

What you need is to look for some factory fender flares, I've never liked the Tundras with the bare fenders.

 

[astrosdude91]

Big Bump!

It seems like everybody here with a car has a thread to go with it, I made this thread back in March to show off my new truck, but I was a bit premature in showing off, since my dad decided that he wanted to sell it, instead of giving it to me. So, I started driving the good ol' Ranger again. Well, after a recent failed car spotting trip that left my Ranger broken down in a Church parking lot, I weaseled my way back into the Tundra. I still have the Ranger, it's sitting in the driveway, but the repair bill to get the seals replaced are pretty heafty. So, with college just around the corner, and an unused Tundra parked on the side of the street, I guess that leaves me with a new truck, officially.

So, here's what's changed with the Tundra over the past few weeks:

We got the front brakes replaced, since the old ones were pretty worn.

The interior has been cleaned up really nicely.

And, the girly stickers that my sister put on there were removed.

Now what still needs to be worked on:
The Stereo could be replaced. It still works and plays CD's and all that. But the dial that adjusts the volume is also the power button, so if you're not careful when changing the volume, you'll just turn off the stereo.

The headlights still need to be cleaned up for sure.

And the windshield still has a big crack in it. It's not leaking or anything, but still might have to be replaced.


I'm still looking for a nice exhaust system, and I could use some nice tires. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[astrosdude91]

Update!

I got the truck inspected. Initially it failed inspection because of the brakes being loose. But all they did was tighten up the brake lines and it passed second time around. Although, there is a slight leak in the gas line, but only slight. And the timing belt has a crack in it. But neither of those things affected the inspection. So just some small issues that I can work out on my own time, no biggie! I also gave the Tundra a nice spray down this morning.

So tomorrow, I have a trip to the Texas Department of Transportation to have my registration renewed. And I'll probably get those new Texas license plates, now with seven digits instead of the old six.

More to come!

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Timing... Belt... Crack...

Not good if it's an interference engine. That snaps and the motor is entirely trashed.

 

[nobuffalo]

The timing belt broke on my sisters Diamonte, with a 3.5L V6 that I believe is an Interference engine. Somehow, no damage was done...

Having said that (oh Larry), if it is an interference engine it wouldn't be wise to push your luck. I'd change it as soon as possible. This coming from the guy who still hasn't changed it in the Miata 8k miles after saying I was goin to. Non-interference though.

The Tundra appears to have an interference engine. Change it.

 

[astrosdude91]

Yeah, I know. My dad has advised me to park the truck until the weekend when we can get the problems sorted out. He told me the the fuel leak problem could actually cause the engine to catch fire. Definitely do not want that! I can always get my friend to give me a ride to the court house to reregister the truck. I just hope it's good to go for Sunday morning, cause I have to be over at my friend's house to watch the F1 race.

 

[astrosdude91]

UPDATE!!!

I got the truck registered! Turns out I won't be getting new plates. A new belt has been bought, so I need to get that on, and the fuel line needs to get fixed.

 

[astrosdude91]

Triple post update!!

I've gotten everything fixed and it's running perfectly! The Magnaflow exhaust system sounds fantastic.

I need new tires. I don't really know what to get. When I was still driving the Ranger, the Discount Tire cheap-o tires were all that the truck needed. But on the Tundra I want something that will grip the road alot better, but I don't want to spend a whole lot, so don't suggest Perreli P-Zero's or Bridgestone Potenza's or anything like that. Something that's a decent truck tire that will be easy on the road and on the wallet.

Right now the Tundra has Toyo Open Country A/T's, and they really need to go.

Also, does have any suggestions for some rims to go on the truck?

 

[Joey D]

What size tires are on it? Tundra's had 265/70-16 & 245/70-16 on them.

On Tirerack General Grabber HTS's and Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051's have decent ratings for highway truck tires. The General Grabber AT 2's and Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S's appear to be decent all-terrains too. All of those options look decently priced too. Firestone Destination A/T's might be a decent thought too, they are a bit more expensive though.

And for rims? I'd get MB Wheels brand wheels from Discount Tire, they are cheap and have a ton of styles to choose from. That's what my rims are and I've only had one dent due to me not avoiding a pot hole the size of my car. They typically will give you a discount too if you buy rims and tires together. I wouldn't go much bigger then a 17" rim either or it might look funny since your truck isn't dropped.