The BEST Mods For 1st Gen Tundras - Off Road Build Guide

These are the best mods you can do to your 1st Gen Tundra. Whether you're trying to build it for off roading or overlanding or just for looks, there's a lot you can do! Lift kits, wheels, and tires are super popular and easy to get your hands on. Also worth noting are headlight and projector retrofit upgrades, as well as truck bed buildouts for truck bed camping or overlanding. And performance exhausts and interior upgrades like door speakers and head units will also be worth you money. Check out the links below for relevant info!
Spacer Lift/Level: amzn.to/3i17m7W
Bilstein Lift (Use Stock Springs): amzn.to/3AtyuDe
Icon Coilover: amzn.to/3hXfk28
Icon Add-a-Leaf: amzn.to/3XjKYHa
Bilstein Rear Shock: amzn.to/3ELqgc9
Tires: amzn.to/3fOajbk
Co LED Projectors: amzn.to/3ICa2Eh
Stereo: amzn.to/2WfhWxL
Freedom Off Road UCA: amzn.to/3glQ84M
SPC UCA: amzn.to/3EIFbUq
Diff Drop: amzn.to/3TTlvS5
Websites:
www.suspension...
www.1stgenoffr...
www.toyteclift...
Patreon: / 208tyler
Buy Me a Drink: paypal.me/path...
What’s on my Tundra:
AWESOME tires: amzn.to/3fOajbk
Coastal Off-Road Bumper: www.coastaloff...
Front Level Kit: www.suspension...
Door Panel Pullers (similar): amzn.to/3m4jeV5
Or, find it all on crutchfield: www.crutchfiel....
Tools That I use:
DeWalt tool set (closest available kit, mine is discontinued): amzn.to/2LDiV5i
Impact: amzn.to/3nnS3XO
4 AH Battery: amzn.to/2UFNUCM
Charger: https: //amzn.to/3kQbbMS
Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3iL5n4r
Tool Case: amzn.to/3aOD3hL
Camera Equipment:
Sony Camera: amzn.to/3hUamzr
50mm Lens: amzn.to/2UERXyt
16mm Lens: amzn.to/3KOU6gq
16-50mm Lens: amzn.to/3yJpTJm
Action Cam: amzn.to/3yJNoBM
Action Cam ND: amzn.to/3e6oaFQ
Action Microphone: amzn.to/3AQJAR2
Lapel Microphone: amzn.to/3jZFb8F
Camera Backpack: amzn.to/3m8z5DQ
Camping Equipment
Pillow: amzn.to/3PiRpWm
Mess Kit: amzn.to/3yxx9JH
Stove: amzn.to/3si4HrG
Coffee Percolator: amzn.to/3sgsAA1
Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/3zQjT5m
Smaller Power bank: www.ravpower.c...
Larger Power bank: typesauto.com/...
Fan: amzn.to/3AO1ljn

[@theyeetgod8914]

“So you’ve bought a Tundra…” me who’s watching this after driving my ‘03 home 😮

[@georgepadilla6697]

Me too 2003 lol

[@rightyouareken7587]

05 today!

[@dominickvalentino8304]

Just bought my 1st Yota . 06 Tundra. Love it so far

[@SteveInterdonato]

Excellent video. I would guess all your suggestions also apply to it's baby brother Tacoma. I prefer the Rare, 1st Gen Tundra V6 3.4L Stick shift 4wd.

[@208Tyler]

Yes! Man. The 3.4 in the tundra is a tough sell for me, but having the manual transmission would be fun.

[@TheAlexandergw]

I’ll be honest I got a random recommendation and man I’m blessed to have discovered this channel

[@kendrickpreston456]

Owner of a 04 DC tundra…got about 200k miles and the way this economy is going I definitely don’t want a new vehicle so I’m glad I found this channel to help me get the most out of my truck and hopefully get it as close to the million miles as I can. Thx for all the info and ideas u put out here

[@blakbanshee]

The best mod is welding the frame back together after all the rust.

[@208Tyler]

Zero rust here

[@Linked_Ahead]

6:35 SIR THAT IS WAY TOO MANY SAUSAGES

[@ethanlynn5736]

Ive done projector upgrades to my 2002 access cab as well as led fog lights. Those were a great improvement. I also upgraded my old center console to the bigger one that you see more often in the double cabs. It has tons more storage and a nicer look. Good stuff, I also live in the 208

[@208Tyler]

Nice! Those are all great upgrades. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it

[@joelhendrickson831]

What is the phone holder that worked for you? Curving style of the dash makes it difficult to get suction devices to hold fast. Looks like your created a good adaptation. Thanks in advance.

[@208Tyler]

This is what I have: amzn.to/40BzWih

[@scooterprint]

Nice video! I have an 04 Double cab myself and my coastal off-road bumper prevented my truck from getting completely ruined when I got into a car accident last year. Insurance still totaled my truck, but I was able to repair it myself and get back on the road.

[@208Tyler]

That’s good to hear! Glad you got to keep your truck

[@rickymedina7563]

Someone near me is selling a brute force fab bumper with the full bumper guard for $1850, compared to the Coastal offroad is there much of a difference? You think that's too much for a steel bumper and guard?

[@rcjg24]

I really wish my camper shell had the flip open side windows. It has the sliders with the screens. Would be nice to not have to get everything from the back.

[@208Tyler]

Keep an eye out! It’s the best camper shell setup imo

[@Kaywonlee]

Most underrated channel. Thank you for sharing!

[@208Tyler]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@ridefaster6802]

Very informative. I don’t even own a tundra but now I want one so I can modify it! Thanks for always doing the research and testing products then bringing it to the people, Keep it up man!

[@208Tyler]

Haha thanks for watching! I appreciate it man!

[@kevs482]

Any advice a 2003 toyata tundra with 155k for 9,500? Should i buy it ?

[@jimjacob8032]

If it is in good condition it's a great buy. I have been offered $15k for my 2000 with 150K miiles. In CA no less.

[@kevs482]

@jimjacob8032 thank you. Yes I bought it after all. Who has offered you 15 k?? You wouldn't sell your truck at that price?

[@alexh4534]

Agree on the exhaust comment. My ‘06 came with a flow master exhaust. I hated the drone and swapped it back to stock. Truck now sounds better, drives better and doesn’t attract attention when you step on it.

[@cameronmeng3071]

I lifted my 05 double 2.5 in the front and 2 in the rear. I recommend the Camburg 1in Uniball upca's when lifting the first gen tundras, super reliable, and will fix the steering geometry when lifting these trucks. They are on the pricier side as they are hand made in california.

[@208Tyler]

What was the deciding factor in going with a uniball setup? I think for my application, if/when I added aftermarket UCA’s I’d go with a sealed ball joint with a longer service life and a little less maintenance. The JBA ones seem very highly rated

[@cameronmeng3071]

@208Tyler Although there is added maintenance with running a uniball (add hym oil to the uniball every 6k), the uniball is stronger and more durable than a sealed ball joint and will last longer & hold up to severe use way longer than a sealed ball joint. Also, the uniballs have better angular movement at the joint. I personally have nothing against sealed balljoints and think that they work amazingly, and it all comes down to preference and how hard you're gonna push the truck as well.

[@sharpshot411]

A uniball UCA is a bad choice when living in climate that has snow. The salt and sand they put on the roads wear them out super fast. @@cameronmeng3071

[@Fparrish]

I found a deck system from a early model Nissan frontier. Fit was near perfect 👌🏼

[@208Tyler]

Really? That's not one I've heard used yet. Good to know!

[@Fparrish]

@@208Tyler yeah was surprised as well. Found it on FB local and measured it twice and it fit with like 1/4” of cutting to one side 👍🏼

[@208Tyler]

@@Fparrish Wow, that is perfect. Better than the Super Duty retrofits for sure!

[@richardScott-d4q]

Tyler. I have an 02 Tundra and I am looking for that same type of shell with contractor windows. Can you tell me what model/manufacturer, where did you get it? Thanks, Rick

[@208Tyler]

I found it on Facebook marketplace. The only markings that are left on it say “cover master” which is an old brand that is no longer in business I think. Try looking up Leer 100xr models, those are similar and more popular.

[@WilliamNowlin-e4p]

FYI...just got a 04 dc in boise. Thanks for the channel, looking at all your mods in the future. Doing repairs 1st.

[@208Tyler]

Awesome! Hope your maintenance goes well

[@LandonJP07]

would you recommend a 2000-2006 tundra as a first vehicle? they are safe, reliable, not great on fuel, but thats not a huge issue, no old reliable truck or SUV is fuel efficient.

[@208Tyler]

If you're first vehicle has to be a truck, this would definitely be near the top of my list. Super durable and reliable. It's not a tow or hauling machine the way other newer half-ton pickups are, but its been a great recreational and daily driving vehicle for me.

[@LandonJP07]

@@208Tyler I would tow every once and a while, not heavy loads tho. I was looking at the 2003-2008 4Runner, but they had some expensive issues. Would you mind telling me how much a timing belt and water pump is? If you aren’t comfortable telling me that’s fine. I appreciate your input

[@208Tyler]

Ok, same deal on the 03-08 4runner since it has the same engine options (4.0 V6 or 4.7 V8). Getting an independent shop to do a TB/WP job is probably in the 700-1200 range, maybe more, depending on where you live.

[@LandonJP07]

@@208Tyler Ok, that’s what I saw online, thank you. I just wanted to know from a real owner of the truck.

[@josedelacruz5135]

where'd you get the tunneau cover?

[@evanmccoy9004]

Just bought 2000 access cab tundra two days ago

[@208Tyler]

Awesome! I hope this video helped

[@evanmccoy9004]

@@208Tyler yeah I have to do ball joints, brake rotors, and undo some of the previous owners questionable Soundsystem wiring. Then I can get into the fun stuff

[@AlexTheGreat1993]

I got that same bumper on my 3rd gen 4runner I love the Look! Costaloffroad rocks!

[@208Tyler]

Ya they do!

[@Visitorkyoo]

EXCELLENT content as always bud. I hope your channel gets a lot of followers.

[@208Tyler]

Thank you!

[@Sharktaco2000]

wow this was actually really helpful, keep up the great work!

[@208Tyler]

Thanks!

[@oliverlafarge6743]

Just found the channel and videos are helpful. What size/type of tires are you running?

[@208Tyler]

Hey! I’m running 235 / 85 / R16 tires. They’re about 32” tall. Thanks for watching!

[@johnduong3914]

I am surprised I havent seen this video yet. thank you!

[@208Tyler]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@official26zz46]

i have an 05 long bed is it pretty much the same as the other 1st gen tundras mods wise?

[@208Tyler]

Yup! Most aftermarket parts cross over or have an application for the regular cab trucks

[@danielmeraz1628]

Good vid will definitely do some mods that you mentioned! Keep making content for the gen 1 tundra

[@208Tyler]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Will do

[@Sunshinee60]

Hey bro good advice I had some more questions . Do you have a business number

[@208Tyler]

I have an email on my about page and I have a patreon for questions

[@BenjaminRadoslovich]

Where are you located in Idaho? 02 AC, over in here Spokane, WA. I just added some Archive Garage Leaf Springs, HD and new front ARB Springs/Freedom Offroad UCAs from 1st Gen Offroad. I am looking at getting a Brute Force bumper next. Great video.

[@208Tyler]

Awesome! I’m in the Boise area. Sounds like you’ve got a good build! The BFF bumper is great, if you’re on a budget the Coastal Off-road one is equally good and can come out cheaper (it did for me).

[@luke_almquist]

I’m down in kennewick 😎👊

[@ianriddle3388]

I’m in spokane area too 2006 dc

[@brvwolf63]

Okay wait wait wait, I just went to a stereo dealer and I have the JBL speakers in system in my current truck a 2004 double cab. He tells me and after some research I find out that the amp is tuned perfectly to the radio. He even has nice replacement focal speakers that will just keep the same hole configuration. I want a non nav head unit to fill up my space.

[@mtcowboyblue]

Differential breather mod that another one, that saves a ton of headaches. Unless you like changing axle seals. Doing the hvac control lever cleanup is a good one too! Nice having all the heat/vent/ac knobs actually turning all the way is a plus. The only other thing aside from lift, I have done on my 04AC, is true dual into and out of a dynomax x muffler. Man it sounds mean. Quiet and low rumble down low, louder up high.

[@jacobdean92]

Have the same truck and I just hit 2 deer and wish I had that bumper

[@208Tyler]

That’s a bummer

[@michaelpatton8427]

Great job can’t wait to lift my 2006 DC

[@208Tyler]

Thanks for watching! I hope the video helped

[@elpina587]

Bro are you related to Norm MacDonald?

[@208Tyler]

I had to look up who that was, and even then I don’t think I get the question

[@elpina587]

@@208Tyler you kinda look like him when he was young .

[@scottymac5174]

Way better.

[@Jake-us4tr]

@208tyler You don't need to waste money/time on a low quality headlight projector retrofits. (Title says "off road guide" not "rice rocket guide") A set of new OEM headlight assemblies with a high quality bulb will give you much better performance. Osram night breakers, Phillips RacingVision, etc. You won't have to worry about flickers, faulty components, water intrusion, ice, etc.

[@208Tyler]

A high quality protector retrofit ($300+) will perform much better than any typical bulb you can use in a reflector housing. In my experience, it’s not even close.

[@kilgoretrout4461]

Anyone on west coast interested in trading their first gen bucket seats for bench seats, lmk. Thanks

[@Method.Man816]

Love the bumper from coastal

[@208Tyler]

Thank you! I’m very happy with it too!

[@Vivianauxito]

Have you completed all Led upgrade? Is there a chance to showcase our products 😂?

[@emilymorataya5369]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@208Tyler]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@idrift314]

I got some Popsicles in the cellar

[@ianriddle3388]

My 06 dc is completely stock rn. What do you recommend for a budget level?

[@208Tyler]

It depends what you want to do with the truck. I left mine stock for a year and slowly kept adding stuff as I found out what I liked and disliked, primarily for camping trips

[@jt.explores]

Great video!!

[@208Tyler]

Thanks!

[@chrisphelps9935]

are you interested in selling your stock front chrome bumper, im in boise

[@208Tyler]

I sold the stock front bumper months ago, last summer

[@ARoberts0115]

Hi 208Tyler-Will your upgraded bumper fit my 2001 Lifted Tundra SR5 Access Cab v8 4wd? Can you please add a link if so as I think the bumper is awesome. Also if you have any center console links please forward. I have 2 bucket front seat with no center console and I really want to add something. My Tundra has a total lift of 11 inches so it is quite unusual but I love it. I really respect and appreciate your videos and am super grateful for your time. thx Drew

[@208Tyler]

The bumper is from Coastal Off-road, their website bares the same name. The bumper will fit your truck! I believe there is already a link near the bottom of this video description, I include the parts on my truck in the description of every video! I have a video detailing the whole thing and should have a link in the description of that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLClnttZdySmKcsi=a8v1eK47ruutb3bC I don’t know where you could get a center console except from a junkyard or a part out.

[@ARoberts0115]

@208Tyler awesome. Thanks a million Tyler. I really appreciate your help. Your truck is incredible. I have to change my valve covers and some other stuff. I'm blessed to have found your channel. Keep it coming Man. Thx Drew

[@208Tyler]

Glad I could help! Best of luck with your maintenance, thanks!

[@CHEFKAYAKPHOTONEWT]

Where did you find the bed cover? I can’t seem to find one.

[@208Tyler]

Facebook marketplace

[@jasonscoggins01]

Ty

[@ricardoorozco2579]

where did you get the TRD grill, can you put the website of the comments if you don’t mind?

[@208Tyler]

I got it from tacovinyl.com

[@ricardoorozco2579]

@@208Tyler they’re sold out,any other website?

[@208Tyler]

@@ricardoorozco2579 I think TEQ customs sells them. Taco vinyl is supposed to have a new order in stock in August I believe

[@ricardoorozco2579]

@@208Tyler appreciate it

[@ExpeditionTundraBeast]

Projector retrofit headlights has to the the best practical mod I have done.

[@208Tyler]

Absolutely! I want to get mine done this summer!

[@willparker7864]

I did 2 led pods in my housing and it works great and nobody flashes lights at me

[@208Tyler]

@@willparker7864 Personally, that sounds like a really poor solution. A lot of light pods I've used have pretty poor throw and aren't as bright or concentrated as a projector.

[@SuperFunkidelic]

Headlight upgrade has been number 1 for me. DIY projectors + small motorcycle headlights in the fog light holes and a light bar in the bumper hole. Oh, and LED orange bulbs on the side markers.