Toyota Tundra Truck Build - Ron Burgundy

This week we dial in Cameraman Cam's 1st gen Toyota Tundra. We tackle new tires, suspension, lighting, and more!
We're really looking forward to getting out and camping this summer in this truck. Stay tuned for a gears / lockers install down the road.
Dirthead Dave - Dirthead Shed
Cameron Hotchkiss - HOOTCH Creative & Culture
ARB USA
Falken Tire
Solo Motorsports
ADS Suspension
Nomad Wheel
SPC Arms
COMEUP Winch
Sherpa Equipment Co.
Music Bed SYNC ID
MB01QRZYJZ3MRN0
MB015S5W7OSFBQ1
MB01AC2FJWRSB1R
MB01ZPMYGQBF5WI
MB01NFXZVKG9EV3
MB01BBNIMIOXLZM
MB01V4O0LRVDMNN
MB01DPHM6MY6LAA

[@finishedwithengines]

These trucks were almost invisible for the past 15 years. I didn’t think they were anything special for the longest time, but lately I have seen a few that look great. The size of is perfect. Modern halfton trucks are huge and the simple older Toyota engines are cool. Nice project!

[@thedirtheadshed]

All valid points.. now I feel like I need one

[@FullTimeGT]

So right. Even if you add most of these mods you will end up about half the price of a new one and will be fixable in 15 years, which newer ones won't be as friendly to fix or upgrade.

[@brucecollins8865]

This is a real world build with real timelines. Always take longer and more parts runs than anticipated. Thanks for sharing real life struggles.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Not all are quick and easy

[@jackrosen1740]

About time we see a 1st gen Tundra on here! One of the coolest platforms IMO, and too often overlooked

[@thedirtheadshed]

Always overlooked

[@jeepgreatstories]

Wow, what a step up in production quality! From the b-roll, to the camera angles, to the music… what a great video!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cameron knows what he’s doing!

[@jeepgreatstories]

@@thedirtheadshed He’s a keeper

[@Jfallon83]

What a cool build! Also, the cinematography and editing seems to have come a very long way from just a few months ago. The videos are really looking great. Y’all are killing it!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Oh yeah. This one is all Cameron’s skills

[@paulezk]

@@thedirtheadshed this video is amazing! I'm taking notes on his sequence and shots list!

[@colebertils7359]

What a cool project! Most 1st Gen Tundras around here have returned back to the earth so it’s great to see one clean and kickin

[@senorspiegel]

Not in the south, they don't die from rust down here so they're fucking everywhere

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds like you need to head to the south

[@DriveBetter]

Did NOT need to see this. Just picked up a 2003 V8 last month.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh yeah!

[@briannichols1586]

You're doomed....or at least your bank account is!

[@EvanMoon]

You might need more information on the exact parts he bought, and what parts of the bumper he cut off

[@GrandmasFolly]

I love my 03’!

[@goofbtw]

I just bought an 06 with 160000 miles 1 owner garage kept…. A freaking GEM. Now im on the KZbin algorithm I need to

[@max7143]

Literally will always be the best truck Toyota has ever made.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That a bold statement!

[@crnutsmotorsports]

2 Things: 1- Editing, I think we have a new chef in the Kitchen, Nice Job. 2- Your buddies are fortunate to have you as a friend. Your a very giving person, a quality that's vanishing in today's society. Peace

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. Yeah, Cameron edited this one. He has done about 10 videos on my channel so far. They are pretty easy to spot

[@brapperdan9554]

Coolest 1st gen Tundra I’ve ever seen.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@Rust2Roks]

Great video. Love the energy with everyone in the shop working on a buddies rig

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@greenscobie86]

Badass Tundra. Dave looks super cool to hang out and wrench with. Love this channel.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@raventeague7745]

I just got a 01 TRD Tundra absolutely loving it. Just got skinny 33s and Steele’s and a 2.5” OME front wth icon 1.5” AAL in the back, need a new leaf pack. Full custom drawer system and need to source or trade a bench seat cause the captain chairs aren’t my style

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds like a cool truck so far

[@codybradley287]

I literally bought a 1st gen Tundra today!! This is perfect timing!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Congratulations!

[@lordaleksandre]

Check out the Coastal Off-road bumper. Looks so much better than this ARB...

[@robertdepyssler2769]

I'm really envious of your friends. I've watched you and Fred on Dirt Everyday and I always said YOU were the fabricator and Fred was the front man, now my opinion has been proven. Your projects are always interesting and they are educational as well. I really would love owning Fred's flat fender Jeep though .

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. He does have some cool jeeps

[@willhonkforparts5353]

Those ARB lights are PERFECT for that rig

[@thedirtheadshed]

They look good on there

[@trentonolivier]

You guys are killing it...and the trust he had holding that axle shaft!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

So funny

[@038Landry]

Best offroad show / channel on youtube, hands down! From the edits to the jokes to the sick oldschool punk music, absolutely epic! LOVE IT! Always looking forward to a notification video from the dirthead! Sick dudes 🤘🏻🤙🏻

[@raventeague7745]

100%

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated!! Thanks for the support

[@vonrunner]

Such a rad build! First gen Tundras are underrated.

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are. Thanks

[@jqentertainment6966]

It's those horrible frames that rust out so bad that give these trucks a bad rep. Other than that they are incredible and the most reliable

[@glenharrison123]

I was doubled over howling with laughter when the axle shafts came out, so funny!

[@thedirtheadshed]

So funny🤙

[@BasilsGarage]

This thing came out SO GOOD. Stoked to see Camerons truck getting some love, the first gen Tundra platform is such a good one.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for your help along the way

[@adrianw3985]

I have a 2003 LC 100, it has mostly the same drive train as these first Gen Tundras. Good shit!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Cool rig!

[@TheLotroNerd]

Been wainting on a video like this with a good bumper on a 1st gen tundra almost as long as I have been waitin on Christs 2nd comming.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad it helped you out a little

[@blkmoon5596]

Times like that are great times with bros

[@thedirtheadshed]

Got to have a good group to hang with

[@wbball15]

Thanks, Dave, for showing Nippon offroad options

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep!

[@daviddickson5664]

When installing tight bushings, freeze them for a day and they’ll slide in a ton easier

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good advice. Thanks

[@matthewwieder4047]

awesome! I'm also a first gen tundra owner. 2006 double cab with OME shocks/springs, SPC uppers, 33" Cooper Rugged Trek and the rare 6 lug TRD rock warrior wheels. The more first gen tundra content on KZbin the better

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cool sounding truck

[@TheReeper602]

This is a beauty build, can’t wait to finish my 2nd gen Sequoia then I can start working on my 1st gen tundra.

[@thedirtheadshed]

All the Toyotas

[@albertorivera2684]

I was a longtime fan of DED and its awesome to see how your editing and video quality continues to get better. Love the content and glad you are continuing to do it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. My editing is coming along, but this one is all Cameron

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

This truck is so cool its a nice looking truck in perfect shape, its comfortable and can be daily driven but its also capable where you can use it off-road, just an awesome rig. Its not a dedicated trail rig where its loud bumpy and not something the wife would go to town in but definitely not a Mall Crawler either, and no offense but its not another Jeep, everybody buys a Rubicon puts a lift kit and 35-37's on them. This is different, practical and really cool plus you can take the wife out on date night in it. Winning!

[@thedirtheadshed]

All around good rig. Thank you

[@thetake864]

Cool build loved the punk rock work montage!

[@thedirtheadshed]

That was good. Very offspring-ish

[@ianmankersen]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for another great video.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching!

[@DJsHotRodFab]

Rad episode! Some really nice stuff on that truck.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Super nice! Thank you

[@rickbargar3145]

Awe, to have a friend as talented and knowledgeable as you ! Jealous as hell ! Another great one.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have a good group of people around me ! That’s for sure.

[@LaurenceHoneytoast]

Funny my Tundra is about the same setup when he pulled up the 5100’s are a solid build starter. I plan to do the ADS shocks and uca as well they are great trucks.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cool rigs that were under the radar for a long time

[@dsb1829]

I miss my 1st gen Tundra, was a good rig. This definitely makes me nostalgic and wanting to check craigslist.

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are cool and unique nowadays

[@xWeaponOfChoicex]

Idk if you want to do youtube full time but we as viewers would love it! Hope you get to a million subs asap!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m enjoying it. Will be rad if it becomes that big

[@Fparrish]

Archive Garage makes a great rest shock relocation bar that works great for those remote reservoirs.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll check them out

[@markgordon6971]

You all did some nice work with that Toyota. Looks really good.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@chunkychambers1530]

Dang that spindle is spindly! Nice truck though I’m sure she’s fun to drive.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I’m sure it’s more than strong enough for most use

[@digitalgavakie]

Super rad to see what you've done in the last few months. Really enjoy the content. I think it gives me a false set of confidence in my wrenching skills lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!! My plan is working out

[@jeremyhowell2332]

I bought a set of ADS shocks for my 3rd gen Cummins. Haven’t received the rears yet because I opted for remote resi on the rear too. Can’t wait to get them installed and charged up to see how they handle.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. Hope you get them soon

[@alancraig3604]

Been waiting a long time for someone i trusted to build a first Gen....thx for all the good info once again!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right non. Thanks for watching

[@WayawayAdventures]

I looks so killer. Everything is so clean and just works visually. I love it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Clean and classy!

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

We all need a friend like Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too

[@robbyrabit]

Yessir, this is my daily driver and I'm upgrading from a level kit puck and spacer lift to the one you guys pulled off. Love to see old rigs still being used. 😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice! It’s still a good middle ground

[@tylerhalverson1017]

Love anything Toyota! Been binge watching your videos and you've got me motivated to work on mine. Like you said a couple hours here and there and you end up with something cool. Thanks for getting me back into it!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Get to work!

[@dstrickler20]

You got a no trigger song?!?!?! I love those guys! Just proof your the coolest guy in offroad!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@yeldawg907]

Good thing i just rebuilt the front end of my tundra with stock parts so that nos i can have suspension envy. Tell Cameron to look into stainless brake hoses, they make the pedal feel so much better

[@thedirtheadshed]

Unfortunately he sold it off already

[@theark6091]

super rad build nothing like getting some buddies together and working on a project together. the video editing is super awesome as well.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good times. Quality editing by Cameron

[@ssarkees]

Tundra - Reliable quality, built here in the USA! Cool music in this one Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

True.. thanks

[@TheLotroNerd]

Should get eagle eye mini projectors and all internal leds to upgrade the lighting

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll look em up

[@JeepnJeff]

So much production in this video! I like it!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah/ it’s a step up for sure

[@TheJholiday3]

This is my kind of content. I guess it’s the relatability of it all. Thanks Dirthead Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching. And for the feedback

[@TheTreadLife_]

I think the one video we all NEED is a thorough explanation of just how many files Dave has in these filing cabinets.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Eventually I will do a “what’s in the cabinets “ video

[@TheTreadLife_]

@@thedirtheadshed love it! Also love the video. I snagged a ‘04 double cab from a guy in deer park a while back and my favorite mod was headers. Sold it to a guy out of Hamilton though. Was a fun pickup!

[@jamesmitchell7148]

Man, the production value on this episode is way up there

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cam did a great job!

[@Mansfield_Motors]

Liking this platform more and more.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@markhenderson3498]

Dave, I just saw the old Chevy Luv at a salvage yard on an episode of Puddin’s Fab Shop! It still runs!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep! Such a cool rig

[@melanehme3661]

The white wheels remind me of the basic Bronco wheels, which I like 🤩

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are nice an classy

[@nealgriffen]

Heck yes! Bobby down at Solo Motorsports are great people and have killer products!

[@thedirtheadshed]

For real

[@jaydenmusselman2246]

Awesome work Dave! The truck looks great.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@ctwolfgang433]

That Toyota is a gem. Great work. This is your best production and editing yet. Good job, keep the ball rolling.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good work on the edit to Cameron

[@prettiestsir4978]

Dude this episode was rad.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@MatthewHarrington72]

Wow! Great video! Not that the others were bad, but production wise… transitions, music, slides, and jokes! Great job! Really loving the evolution!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s all Cameron. He’s professional grade. Like a GMC

[@b-rad4363]

Wow. Great quality video. Editing and angles and all that jazz . Quite a step up in quality 👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. There are a few Cameron edited episodes scattered throughout my stuff

[@tonyread5559]

Rad. I got my first Toyota 2 years ago. A 2005 Tundra double cab. I love it. Probably my favorite truck I've owned. Took forever to find one without a rusted out frame though. Got lucky and found one without a single spot of rust on it in Alabama.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. It’s always worth the drivr

[@christopherhock1958]

What the crap, this video is such a vibe… it has no business being this good. I don’t have a tundra and I don’t like overlanding style rigs but I enjoyed this video so much🤘🏼

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on! We are trying to keep them all fun

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

It's crazy how a first generation Tundra looks to be about the same size as the current Tacoma? Good rigs, don't see them built up too much.

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are about the same size

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Looks great! Cameron will get alot of offroad use out of truck. Nice video. Love dirt. Thanks

[@thedirtheadshed]

He should! Thanks

[@scottymac5174]

I have an 04 Tundra and just finished doing a suspension upgrade today! New Camburg upper control arms/ball joints, New OEM lower control arms/ball joints. New wheel bearings/spindles/hubs. Bilstein 6112's. I did an add a leaf kit on the rear with Bilstein 5100's. About 3" of lift. Going from stock tire size up to 33's. I also have done new custom front/rear bumpers with a 10K Smittybuilt winch from Brute Force MFG. Brute Force actually makes first gen Tundra bolt on bumpers - I think they are the only ones who do so. The more I research it seems the more options that I am finding for these older Tundras!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds like you are on track!

[@scottymac5174]

@@thedirtheadshed Baby Steps.

[@DragonsFireMetalWorx]

wish we could post pics of our rigs here...I'm 3rd owner of my 03 gen 1 Limited...I've built a few basic mods for it, modified some stuff I've pulled from wrecking yards to make fit... watched this TWICE last night because Dave n because Tundra with frozen, rusted hardware...I replaced my LCA's 5 years ago...I felt that pain watching you boot that ratchet trying to get em loose brother...

[@luccasdurham3275]

Love seeing your channel grow! Can’t wait for more content and builds!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks, me too!

[@themadmonk6379]

Always wanted one! Lets see more of it!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’ll be around a while

[@DeathRockRadioTampaFlorida]

Nyce Teeferz =) Dave's back with another one. Great vid however who ever is adding music needs to lower the volume. Nothing like music blasting out when you didn't expect it lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. Some of those come in hot.

[@nwoffroader]

Great episode, glad to see you went with the Solo Motorsports A arms 👍🏻

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@briannichols1586]

Great build and fun vid.....I secretly have a burning need for a 1st Gen Sequoia with this full treatment. Don't tell my wife 🤣

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s what we originally wanted on dirt everyday instead of the Swiss Armada

[@scottlewis2372]

"These Bilstein's have been on this truck for 1000 years and roughly a million miles so we're going to retire them." Fast forward 8 months: "Yeah, I have these sweet like new Bilstein's I got from a buddy that I'm going to throw on this junk." You and your guys are killing it, Dave. Keep it up and we'll keep watching!

[@thedirtheadshed]

You know I’ll reuse them…. Thanks

[@pablod.7049]

Looking good! I check all my center pin locations on my leaf springs ever since SkyJ sent me a set with a half inch offset. Keep killing it man.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good advice. I’m sure they took care of it

[@blkmoon5596]

Personally I always run a E rating on my 1500's sidewalls hold up so much better when airing down and bashing.

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are tough!

[@blkmoon5596]

I have to say on one of my 06 ram 2500's I put Bilsteins 5100 tuned by Carli and I had been blown away how great these shocks have been

[@thedirtheadshed]

That setup is really nice

[@shanewright6958]

Looking good 👍👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@Brononomous]

Rad truck I love toyotas, also the music in this vid was great🤙

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cam did great with that

[@LusAhc724]

I saw this truck on Main Street in Bozeman two weeks ago.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. I wasn’t sure where it went

[@SolivagantJourney]

Coastal offroad and 4x innovations make some pretty great stuff for the tundras

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll check them out

[@jameskendrick573]

Looks nice Dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@xcesarxramosx]

Sweet truck

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I had the 5100's on my 2011 Frontier and they were ridiculously soft. Like the truck would bounce all over the place even when trying to crawl as slow as possible. Way underdamped for that application. The Tundra looks great with the 35s.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hmm.. Toyota guys say the opposite

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

@@thedirtheadshed That's interesting. I'm sure each application is valved differently even though the Tacoma and Frontier are pretty similar in weight and suspension design. The front was the problem end on the Frontier. I actually wrote an email to Bilstein about it and they said they tuned them for safety, so I guess that means maximum contact between tire and road. In other words low rebound damping to get the tire back down. But I found the compression pretty soft as well. When driving over rocks and stuff slow the front shocks just could not control the body of the truck very well. I'm pretty easy on my equipment so I wasn't over driving them. I couldn't go slow enough to prevent side to side rocking as the suspension worked. My friend with a TJ and some aftermarket 2.0 stock replacement shocks looked much more composed.

[@GiNnYmAnN]

We need an update on this rig

[@FullTimeGT]

I have a 2000 Access Cab, just like this, these trucks are really cool. You are giving me some ideas for 2024! Great video! 👍👍👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@old_con]

An awesome build, enjoying you skills in all departments a true all rounder. 👍🏽😎

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@brianholmes6445]

Super cool project! Dave comes off as a great dude helping out a friend on this video. Looking forward to seeing the tundra in action at some point.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sorry to say, but Cameron sold that one. We will be building a cool 2012 ram 2500 in its place

[@r33tsh33p]

Great inspiration. Beginning to take my 06 to the next stage and this helped a ton. Great build!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Good luck with the build!

[@Will_my65gmc]

She's clean! Turned out really nice! Good job!👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@shanes_bs2659]

Super rad build! Dave your editing has improved 1000% keep the vids coming. I could watch you work on anything.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Not mine! I’m still a rookie. That one was all Cameron

[@dominicnonnenmacher9260]

Awesome build! Going to use this as inspiration for my stock 1st Gen sequoia. Love the nomad wheels

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s got good style!

[@bengriffith9347]

I’ve got an 01 Silverado, also a Ron Burgundy

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice!

[@Fremlin]

Have you ever thought of portal axles on a Toyota/Lexus rigs? I like the fact you leave all the factory angles and suspension(I you want) plus you bolt on a 38-40” tire without regearing. Werewolf 4x4 check them out. Only issue I see is that they’re in a war zone in Ukraine.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I like the idea, but It’s never as simple as it seems

[@lukeromeril2052]

Great video that tundra is way cool!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. It’s a good one

[@PaulKaiser42]

Looks great 👍🏻. The nomad wheels are awesome

[@thedirtheadshed]

They go well on there

[@robfox5892]

Hahaha love how Cam just totally slow played you on this one. Mad skills Cam! 🤣

[@thedirtheadshed]

He did