02 Tundra vs 03 vs 04

[Alin10123]

Hi all,
Newbie to the board here. I tried to do a search on the topic, but did not come up with a conclusive answer. There's just way too many threads to read through when i try to search for this.

I've owned a 4runner for the last 5 years and it has been pretty reliable to say the least. I have not been in the shop at all except for maintenance and warped rotors. (i think brakes are a common problem on Toyotas).

Anyways... i've been reading through some of the "what warranty work" threads and some of those kind of freak me out like the A/C compressor leaks, fuel neck cracks, balljoint seperations, etc... Are those really common? Or is it something to worry about? I'm probably looking into an 03 Limited 4x4 pretty soon.

Also, i know that most problems are addressed with TSB's. I know that TSB's are no longer performed free of charge after the expiration of the warranty. If i were to buy a tundra that's "factory certified" up to 6 yrs/100,000 miles, would those tsb's still apply to me?

My other questions were regarding the differences between years.
I've heard a few things about 5 speed autos, VVti, more hp and tq, etc... what year did all of those start?

Also besdies cosmetically, what's differences are there between the 02, 03, and 04's? If there's not that big of a difference, i would probably just save my money and go with an 02.

Also since this will be my first 4x4 i've got a few questions about the lsd, locking diff etc...
which will be best for mostly onroad/sometimes offroad? This will be a mainly on-road truck but i'd like to take it offroad once in a while.
What about the TRD package? Is it really that big of deal? Some have said that the ride is harsh, is that true?

Is the tundra really stable/steady at highway speeds? What about when it's windy out? is it still pretty stable?

thanks for all your helpand input!

[Alin10123]

Oh, i also forgot to ask,
What's this about the tranny cooler being standard in some years? but not in others? I'm planning on getting a Tundra with a tow hitch.

Also, i'm looking for a Black, 4x4, limited, leather, (basically fully loaded).
Is this a hard combo to find? in the 02/03 years? I tried to look on autotrader and i found like 2 within a 200 mile radius.

[RSLAND]

I have an 02 with 60000 miles and have had zero problems. The one thing I wish I had is anti-lock brakes which became standard in 03. Engines and trannies stayed the same until 05 model when the hp went up and the 5 speed auto replaced the 4 speed auto. I know the center console was upgraded after 02 for trucks with front bucket seats.

Rob

[Alin10123]

Bump.......

[jim65wagon]

If you can't afford an 05 with the extra 42 HP and the 5-spd auto, get the 03; not that I'm biased or anything . 32,000 and counting, first set of rotors and pads still going strong, and other than the deer damage I've had 0 problems, no rattles, thumps or groans. It's stable at all speeds, the ABS works and works well(first truck I've ever had where it worked correctly!). Gets good mileage and fun to drive. I've got the LSD and it works great, for mild off road situations, it can be overcome if you don't watch where you're driving, but it hasn't happened often enough for me to spring for a locker...yet.

[dezert_rida]

Originally Posted by Alin10123

Oh, i also forgot to ask,
What's this about the tranny cooler being standard in some years? but not in others? I'm planning on getting a Tundra with a tow hitch.

Also, i'm looking for a Black, 4x4, limited, leather, (basically fully loaded).
Is this a hard combo to find? in the 02/03 years? I tried to look on autotrader and i found like 2 within a 200 mile radius.

I believe you could get a tranny cooler starting in 03. I have an 04 with the tow package, which came with one, plus 7 round, pre wired for brake controller, 130 or 140amp alternator.

02 and older had 2 small cats up front, with a large cat after the Y. 03 and up have 2 big cats up front with a resonator after the Y. The emissions are different between 02 and 03.

The TRD package for the Tundra is a joke. You get fender flares, minature Bilstien shocks, fog lights and stickers. For me it wasnt worth it, because i didnt want flares, I knew I would be replacing the shocks with something far better than Toyota offers, I dont need the stickers......the fog lights would be cool i suppose. I opted to get the limited slip diff, which is independent of the TRD package.

In short, if it was me, id look for an 03 and up.

At least the Tacomas offer an electric locker in their package.

They redesigned the trannies somewhere in 03-04 to take the heat. These ones take T4 ATF. Im unsure what was required for earlier.

Brakes are upgraded on 03 and up. Late 03 and up have different spindles(larger bolts for the lower ball joint).

[confederate2]

Originally Posted by Alin10123

Hi all,
Newbie to the board here. I tried to do a search on the topic, but did not come up with a conclusive answer. There's just way too many threads to read through when i try to search for this.

I've owned a 4runner for the last 5 years and it has been pretty reliable to say the least. I have not been in the shop at all except for maintenance and warped rotors. (i think brakes are a common problem on Toyotas).

Anyways... i've been reading through some of the "what warranty work" threads and some of those kind of freak me out like the A/C compressor leaks, fuel neck cracks, balljoint seperations, etc... Are those really common? Or is it something to worry about? I'm probably looking into an 03 Limited 4x4 pretty soon.

Also, i know that most problems are addressed with TSB's. I know that TSB's are no longer performed free of charge after the expiration of the warranty. If i were to buy a tundra that's "factory certified" up to 6 yrs/100,000 miles, would those tsb's still apply to me?

My other questions were regarding the differences between years.
I've heard a few things about 5 speed autos, VVti, more hp and tq, etc... what year did all of those start?

Also besdies cosmetically, what's differences are there between the 02, 03, and 04's? If there's not that big of a difference, i would probably just save my money and go with an 02.

Also since this will be my first 4x4 i've got a few questions about the lsd, locking diff etc...
which will be best for mostly onroad/sometimes offroad? This will be a mainly on-road truck but i'd like to take it offroad once in a while.
What about the TRD package? Is it really that big of deal? Some have said that the ride is harsh, is that true?

Is the tundra really stable/steady at highway speeds? What about when it's windy out? is it still pretty stable?

thanks for all your helpand input!

I had an 02(nonTRD) and now drive an 03(TRD)LSD, both 2wd. Other than exterior styling, I don't think there was anything different between the 2. I traded for the 03 because I wanted the stepside, other than that I would still be in the 02. Also I found the TRD package handles a lot better. Good luck.

[Alin10123]

Wow! 4x4 limited's seem kind of hard to find around here for around $20k.
I'm mainly an on road driver... but i've always wanted a 4x4. When i bought my 4runner even new, i had problems getting a 4x4 cause they were rare even new. There have been times where i have slipped and wished that i had 4x4 to bail me out.

I've heard that the truck handles differently when it's 4x4 compared with 4x2. That's the 4x2 is more nimble and more agile? Is that true? Is there a huge difference? Are you current 4x4 owners happy? have you regreted getting the 4x4 thinking that you could have saved money getting the 4x2?

thanks

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by Alin10123

Hi all,
Newbie to the board here. I tried to do a search on the topic, but did not come up with a conclusive answer. There's just way too many threads to read through when i try to search for this.

I've owned a 4runner for the last 5 years and it has been pretty reliable to say the least. I have not been in the shop at all except for maintenance and warped rotors. (i think brakes are a common problem on Toyotas).

Anyways... i've been reading through some of the "what warranty work" threads and some of those kind of freak me out like the A/C compressor leaks, fuel neck cracks, balljoint seperations, etc... Are those really common? Or is it something to worry about? I'm probably looking into an 03 Limited 4x4 pretty soon.

Also, i know that most problems are addressed with TSB's. I know that TSB's are no longer performed free of charge after the expiration of the warranty. If i were to buy a tundra that's "factory certified" up to 6 yrs/100,000 miles, would those tsb's still apply to me?

My other questions were regarding the differences between years.
I've heard a few things about 5 speed autos, VVti, more hp and tq, etc... what year did all of those start?

Also besdies cosmetically, what's differences are there between the 02, 03, and 04's? If there's not that big of a difference, i would probably just save my money and go with an 02.

Also since this will be my first 4x4 i've got a few questions about the lsd, locking diff etc...
which will be best for mostly onroad/sometimes offroad? This will be a mainly on-road truck but i'd like to take it offroad once in a while.
What about the TRD package? Is it really that big of deal? Some have said that the ride is harsh, is that true?

Is the tundra really stable/steady at highway speeds? What about when it's windy out? is it still pretty stable?

thanks for all your helpand input!

Ok Dude,,


Since I am the know it all on this board on this topic I'll aneswer question on all this.

Question;

I've heard a few things about 5 speed autos, VVti, more hp and tq, etc... what year did all of those start?

Aneswer

The 5 speed auto trans's were introducted on the 2005 tundra and I first mentioned these key changes on the site last year around this time period (I usually have the head's up before A product is relased)..2005 Tundra is the only Tundra with vvti and 5 speed....

Question;

Also besdies cosmetically, what's differences are there between the 02, 03, and 04's? If there's not that big of a difference, i would probably just save my money and go with an 02.

Aneswer.

The 00 to 02 Tundra have the same look and for 2003 Toyota updated the grill and added a cheap plastic bumper and some minor trim detail's too. Engine power has remained the same on all tundra's from 00 to 04 and wasn't revised till 2005. hear's a picture showing my tundra with the 03 grill Yea i am working on the updates as we speak hopefully done by the time of the meet on painting it http://www.tundrasolutions.com/photo...cat/500/page/1 hear's what the 00 to 02 grill look's like http://www.tundrasolutions.com/photo...cat/500/page/1

question

Also since this will be my first 4x4 i've got a few questions about the lsd, locking diff etc...which will be best for mostly onroad/sometimes offroad? This will be a mainly on-road truck but i'd like to take it offroad once in a while.
What about the TRD package? Is it really that big of deal? Some have said that the ride is harsh, is that true?

aneswer

Yea the ride is a little harsh on the trd package take in mind this package has a stiffer setup with the Bilstien shocks..The Lsd is a great feature too and usefull on boat ramp's I have this setup on mine and it can be added to any tundra for that madder..

question

Is the tundra really stable/steady at highway speeds? What about when it's windy out? is it still pretty stable

Aneswer

In georgia yea we have some Winds but the Tundra handles pretty good for a full sized truck and I don't see a problem with it however the handling in rain the Tundra does experience some getting used to at speed's(note slow down) and get a feel for your tundra after a wile your gather what i am refering too from your ownership experience..

last of all go to the meet and ask us owner's

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by dezert_rida

I believe you could get a tranny cooler starting in 03. I have an 04 with the tow package, which came with one, plus 7 round, pre wired for brake controller, 130 or 140amp alternator.

02 and older had 2 small cats up front, with a large cat after the Y. 03 and up have 2 big cats up front with a resonator after the Y. The emissions are different between 02 and 03.

The TRD package for the Tundra is a joke. You get fender flares, minature Bilstien shocks, fog lights and stickers. For me it wasnt worth it, because i didnt want flares, I knew I would be replacing the shocks with something far better than Toyota offers, I dont need the stickers......the fog lights would be cool i suppose. I opted to get the limited slip diff, which is independent of the TRD package.

In short, if it was me, id look for an 03 and up.

At least the Tacomas offer an electric locker in their package.

They redesigned the trannies somewhere in 03-04 to take the heat. These ones take T4 ATF. Im unsure what was required for earlier.

Brakes are upgraded on 03 and up. Late 03 and up have different spindles(larger bolts for the lower ball joint).

I believe you could get a tranny cooler starting in 03


wrong my Tundra has had a tranny cooler when I got it new and this was an option on the v8 powered Tundra for 2000..redesigned the trannies somewhere in 03 is correct and they changed the fluid requirment's too.Brakes on the 03 also were updated however note there were a few early 03 that have the older flawed part and only if you know the part like I would you can spot the difference...The emissions are different between 02 and 03 is also correct and mine has 3 cat's vs the georgia tundra 2 and my v8 also has 240 horsepower vs 245 but nothing A k and N wouldnt help

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by RSLAND

I have an 02 with 60000 miles and have had zero problems. The one thing I wish I had is anti-lock brakes which became standard in 03. Engines and trannies stayed the same until 05 model when the hp went up and the 5 speed auto replaced the 4 speed auto. I know the center console was upgraded after 02 for trucks with front bucket seats.

Rob

Toyota had an option on abs brakes and there a rare find too.When I got my Tundra I Made sure this feature was included on my New truck and I wouldnt buy a Tundra without them.Yea Toyota made Abs brakes standard eq on the 2003 Tundra....