Hello ih8mud
I bought a used 05 Sequoia almost 2 years ago now, and after having worked it for so long, I've decided to make a build log on it.
This is my first vehicle that I have ever personally worked on, and my first time experiencing offroad type builds. If anything, this is an Adventure Vehicle. A lot of the trips I plan to go on will be slightly off-grid, but nothing towards the expedition level where I'd travel hundreds miles just off road/ off grid....for the time being.
Hope ya'll enjoy it as I try and find / create information for everyone to use! I'll try and document it as well as I can. A lot of these projects have been inspired by mods that are available for other platforms, and mods others have done on the TSOR Facebook group page.
Lastly, I'll put some thoughts on the decisions I've made, and why I went that way. A lot of the decisions was made for a functional purpose, for when and if I needed it. Some of it,
INITIAL PURCHASE DECISION MAKING.
I purchased this vehicle Mid 2019 with the intention of making it a vehicle for road trips / camping. At this time, I was only interested in using it as a family hauler, as my family had sold the minivan around 2010, so we only had sedans. In those 9 years, we went on less road trips and it's something that I wish I had more in my life, even if it was only a handful of times a year.
Initially, I was looking at a 3 row 4runner with v8, but learned that it was a very rare spec, and the trunk space was basically non-existent. After looking around for a few weeks, I found this 05 Limited Sequoia, and jumped on it. After initial inspection, it appeared to be in good condition and the main parts of it were in working order, including the ENGINE, 4X4, TRANNY, AC, FRAME, SOUND (aftermarket with backup camera & android/apple car play), and all of the buttons, except the rear window. All the initial inspection learning was done from Youtube via Chrisfix, and any other Sequoia focused videos.
The Good
1. Frame condition is good
2. Aftermarket headunit, sound system, and backup camera.
3. Engine had good compression
4. 4HI/LO + Center diff activated.
The Bad
1. Missing fender molding (Driver side).
2. Liftgate did not work, but also sensor and trunk light didn't work (later I learned that it was missing a computer unit, and the trunk was the main issues with this vehicle in terms of electrical work)
3. AC dial rarely registers
4. Liftgate lights did not work
5. Driver / Passenger seat was starting to rip.
May 2019, after purchase.
May 2019, two days after purchase.
Initial researched informed me that if the timing belt snaps, the whole engine is toast. My first maintenance jobs on this was to change the timing belt, water pump, pulleys, oils, including diff / transfer case. This was my first time doing this difficulty of job. My only previous experience was changing brakes, a starter in a CRV, and oil change. It was very challenging and it took me 3 days to do as I was missing some tools to brake some bolts. I also did some other jobs that were done on the way to this job.
Good References on Timing Belt DIY
The OEM Repair Manual.
Products used:
Aisin Kit
Mobil1 Synthetic Oil
Redline Gear Oil
Toyota Pink Coolant
Jobs Performed
Brake Fluid Flush
Dash Cam Install
Coolant Flush + Cap Replacement
Serpentine Belt
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Front Diff Fluid Drain + Fill
Rear Diff Fluid Drain + Fill
Transfercase Fluid Drain + Fill
Late May 2019, I took it to Zion to camp with friends.
It was a great time and my first time driving on non-pavement. I've never been "off road" or really on any forest roads. It was a bumpy ride, and I didn't know the concept of airing down. I thought "if has 4WD = CAN OFF ROAD".
This was also the first trip that I didn't book a site for. It was all informal, and was a dispersed site in the Forest. Loved the freedom to move sites as it was windy / raining the 2nd night.
At this time, the Sequoia is still stock, but I've been lurking the TSOR page a lot and seeing where I could go with this.
Late June 2019
I had a misfire in cyl #8. After inspecting the coil, it had a partial crack in it. Decided to go on a budget, and went to the junkyard for a few coils. Replaced the coil in cyl 8, and also bought new spark plugs.
Used Parts
NGK Sparkplug - IFR6A11 or you can go with the Denso Sparkplug - SK20R11 // Both are recommended in the manual, but I went with NGK.
- Electrode gap: 1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
Coil Pack - #90919-02259
I decided to clean the carpet in the Sequoia. Was nasty A F.
August 2019
Took my family to Sequoia National. Was awesome! We did encounter a bear, so that was a tad scary.
Early August 2019
One of the biggest concerns about bringing more than 5 people on a trip was storage. On one hand, you don't need too much gear, if you need to abandon the vehicle, but you still need some essentials. The current consideration is not "expedition" type trips where I need a get home bag. Most of the places I'd travel to will likely have others around and will be somewhat popular / destination spots. I'd want to go to places where there are less crowds, where there are some physical limitations to where you can go. I'm not very into rock crawling and I just want a vehicle that I can depend on to get to places and back.
The Thule skybox was purchased used for $200, and is one of the larger ones. I also have a plano box I had, but in order to have it in the vehicle, I had to remove a chair in the 3rd row, which reduces 2 seats. I have to make some considerations on how to use part of the roof, but also maximize the rear cargo area. I don't think I need to have a lot of gear, but having to dig through it was quite cumbersome. At this point in time, I also discovered that people had drawer systems in their rigs. This would be a gamechanger, but I don't really have much experiencing wood working. On top of that, wood is very heavy, but going with aluminum is expensive, but has a good strength:weight ratio.
Mid August 2019
On my first trip, I had a big cooler attached to the rear hitch of the the Sequoia. I didn't know much about exhaust heat, and the exhaust was pointed directly at my cooler. It melted part of it so I decided to angle the exhaust. I went to a random muffler shop I found, and they did this for $20.
Thoughts in 2021, as I write this: regret doing this, and wish I had went a different direction. I think today I'd consider cutting the muffler, and then angling the piping so it aims down or to the side. Unsure how this would be achieved, but it's something I'd consider.
Sept-Oct 2019
At this point, I decided that I wanted to install ATW3's 33s (285 70 17) onto my Sequoia. I wanted it to be capable of going up roads with confidence, and also going snowboarding without the need of tire chains most of the time. We go snowboarding multiple times during the winter and chains were required at times. Safety was a huge factor in going towards this route as in my previous SUV (AWD 06 CRV), I slid on ice roads in Mammoth thinking "AWD = TRACTION". I also wanted to experience something new, learn more about working on cars, & have the ability to take on new challenges with the Sequoia.
I decided to go with a modes and economical lift kit, and also change the LBJs after reading the horrors of its failure.
Thoughts in 2021: I wish I went with something better for the front such as OME or DOBINSONS.
Parts Used
FRONT SUSPENSION
Bilstein 5100s on Bottom Notch with OME 2885 in the FRONT.
- Also had to use Energy Suspension Coil Isolator to seat the new coil for the front.
TOYOTA OEM LBJS.
SPIDERTRAX 1.25" WHEEL SPACERS.
REAR SUSPENSION
OME 60024L with OME 2865 in the REAR
- Purchased additional washers at Home Depot for the shock mount.
FREEDOM OFF ROAD UCA
- Fair price. Their CS is pretty good at responding, but I wish their information was more complete. The nut they use is non-standard and can't even be purchased at McCasterCarr.
- Part is IMPORTED.
Oct 2019
Finally finished the suspension upgrades, and got the tires mounted. Looks awesome. However, the alignment couldn't be finished due bad LCA lower bushings.
I also installed a light bar + ditch lights + a rear diff breather. I decided to go all the way to the top of the engine bay. I realize it's a long route, but I had to purchase a long strip of fuel line anyways. The bumper cover was removed so I could drill through the actual bumper. then I spray painted it to try and protect it.
Lastly, I installed a random net I found on Amazon. Works fairly well, but the net isn't tight enough. It works fine for people under 5' 10".
Parts Used for Lights
Nilight Ditch Lights
Hood Brackets (Crappy), I suggest these instead.
- If you use the GSPOWER ones, make sure to install them with help. These bolt up to the hood hinge via 2 bolts each side and someone should hold the hood while it's being installed.
Switch / Wiring Harness for Lights
Some random brand Light Bar. I'd post the link, but it sucks.
Misc Parts
Net
Diff Breahter Relocation Parts
Fuel Line 5/16" ID
Axle Plug - 90404-51319
Breather - 90930-03136
Hose Clamps - 5/16" - 7/8" (get a kit from HF or go to a parts store for some good ones).
Thoughts in 2021: Wish I went with a diff breather kit as it looks janky, but it works and I saved a few bucks so not much regret.
Sept 2019
Nothing special, but I got an ARB awning, and went to Big Sur. It's about a 40 minute drive to this point from the highway and it was all "off road" per se. Was a great ride as I aired down and used the newly installed lights. Also installed WeatherTech window deflectors - they're great for cracking the window slightly open for some air flow. I had also started prototyping an aluminum roof rack.
Thoughts on the roof rack in 2021:While I was able to save $300 from the cost of what it was to get the roof rack from Sherpa, their roof rack is designed better and looks better. I definitely recommend checking them out during their BF sales as it's around $1000 USD shipped.
Airing down was something else with the ARB tire deflator. The instructions were a tad confusing, and I definitely recommend trying it out at home before using it in the field - this should really apply to any new piece of equipment.
The last piece of this whole thing was a tire inflator. I mistakenly opted for the Viair 85P, and should have gone with the 88P. It has a higher cycle time, and attaches directly to the battery, instead of the 12V plugs. The 85P was able to get me up to 25-28PSI, which isn't the best, but got me home for now.
While at Big Sur, I spotted an imported LandCruiser and was able to speak to the owners. They were from Sweden and the LC was imported from Saudi Arabia due to the specific spec they wanted. It was truly a sight to see. They were traveling the world in the LC and were here on a travel permit with the vehicle.
Big Sur was beautiful!
I bought a used 05 Sequoia almost 2 years ago now, and after having worked it for so long, I've decided to make a build log on it.
This is my first vehicle that I have ever personally worked on, and my first time experiencing offroad type builds. If anything, this is an Adventure Vehicle. A lot of the trips I plan to go on will be slightly off-grid, but nothing towards the expedition level where I'd travel hundreds miles just off road/ off grid....for the time being.
Hope ya'll enjoy it as I try and find / create information for everyone to use! I'll try and document it as well as I can. A lot of these projects have been inspired by mods that are available for other platforms, and mods others have done on the TSOR Facebook group page.
Lastly, I'll put some thoughts on the decisions I've made, and why I went that way. A lot of the decisions was made for a functional purpose, for when and if I needed it. Some of it,
INITIAL PURCHASE DECISION MAKING.
I purchased this vehicle Mid 2019 with the intention of making it a vehicle for road trips / camping. At this time, I was only interested in using it as a family hauler, as my family had sold the minivan around 2010, so we only had sedans. In those 9 years, we went on less road trips and it's something that I wish I had more in my life, even if it was only a handful of times a year.
Initially, I was looking at a 3 row 4runner with v8, but learned that it was a very rare spec, and the trunk space was basically non-existent. After looking around for a few weeks, I found this 05 Limited Sequoia, and jumped on it. After initial inspection, it appeared to be in good condition and the main parts of it were in working order, including the ENGINE, 4X4, TRANNY, AC, FRAME, SOUND (aftermarket with backup camera & android/apple car play), and all of the buttons, except the rear window. All the initial inspection learning was done from Youtube via Chrisfix, and any other Sequoia focused videos.
The Good
1. Frame condition is good
2. Aftermarket headunit, sound system, and backup camera.
3. Engine had good compression
4. 4HI/LO + Center diff activated.
The Bad
1. Missing fender molding (Driver side).
2. Liftgate did not work, but also sensor and trunk light didn't work (later I learned that it was missing a computer unit, and the trunk was the main issues with this vehicle in terms of electrical work)
3. AC dial rarely registers
4. Liftgate lights did not work
5. Driver / Passenger seat was starting to rip.
May 2019, after purchase.
May 2019, two days after purchase.
Initial researched informed me that if the timing belt snaps, the whole engine is toast. My first maintenance jobs on this was to change the timing belt, water pump, pulleys, oils, including diff / transfer case. This was my first time doing this difficulty of job. My only previous experience was changing brakes, a starter in a CRV, and oil change. It was very challenging and it took me 3 days to do as I was missing some tools to brake some bolts. I also did some other jobs that were done on the way to this job.
Good References on Timing Belt DIY
The OEM Repair Manual.
Products used:
Aisin Kit
Mobil1 Synthetic Oil
Redline Gear Oil
Toyota Pink Coolant
Jobs Performed
Brake Fluid Flush
Dash Cam Install
Coolant Flush + Cap Replacement
Serpentine Belt
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Front Diff Fluid Drain + Fill
Rear Diff Fluid Drain + Fill
Transfercase Fluid Drain + Fill
Late May 2019, I took it to Zion to camp with friends.
It was a great time and my first time driving on non-pavement. I've never been "off road" or really on any forest roads. It was a bumpy ride, and I didn't know the concept of airing down. I thought "if has 4WD = CAN OFF ROAD".
This was also the first trip that I didn't book a site for. It was all informal, and was a dispersed site in the Forest. Loved the freedom to move sites as it was windy / raining the 2nd night.
At this time, the Sequoia is still stock, but I've been lurking the TSOR page a lot and seeing where I could go with this.
Late June 2019
I had a misfire in cyl #8. After inspecting the coil, it had a partial crack in it. Decided to go on a budget, and went to the junkyard for a few coils. Replaced the coil in cyl 8, and also bought new spark plugs.
Used Parts
NGK Sparkplug - IFR6A11 or you can go with the Denso Sparkplug - SK20R11 // Both are recommended in the manual, but I went with NGK.
- Electrode gap: 1.0 to 1.1 mm (0.039 to 0.043 in.)
Coil Pack - #90919-02259
I decided to clean the carpet in the Sequoia. Was nasty A F.
August 2019
Took my family to Sequoia National. Was awesome! We did encounter a bear, so that was a tad scary.
Early August 2019
One of the biggest concerns about bringing more than 5 people on a trip was storage. On one hand, you don't need too much gear, if you need to abandon the vehicle, but you still need some essentials. The current consideration is not "expedition" type trips where I need a get home bag. Most of the places I'd travel to will likely have others around and will be somewhat popular / destination spots. I'd want to go to places where there are less crowds, where there are some physical limitations to where you can go. I'm not very into rock crawling and I just want a vehicle that I can depend on to get to places and back.
The Thule skybox was purchased used for $200, and is one of the larger ones. I also have a plano box I had, but in order to have it in the vehicle, I had to remove a chair in the 3rd row, which reduces 2 seats. I have to make some considerations on how to use part of the roof, but also maximize the rear cargo area. I don't think I need to have a lot of gear, but having to dig through it was quite cumbersome. At this point in time, I also discovered that people had drawer systems in their rigs. This would be a gamechanger, but I don't really have much experiencing wood working. On top of that, wood is very heavy, but going with aluminum is expensive, but has a good strength:weight ratio.
Mid August 2019
On my first trip, I had a big cooler attached to the rear hitch of the the Sequoia. I didn't know much about exhaust heat, and the exhaust was pointed directly at my cooler. It melted part of it so I decided to angle the exhaust. I went to a random muffler shop I found, and they did this for $20.
Thoughts in 2021, as I write this: regret doing this, and wish I had went a different direction. I think today I'd consider cutting the muffler, and then angling the piping so it aims down or to the side. Unsure how this would be achieved, but it's something I'd consider.
Sept-Oct 2019
At this point, I decided that I wanted to install ATW3's 33s (285 70 17) onto my Sequoia. I wanted it to be capable of going up roads with confidence, and also going snowboarding without the need of tire chains most of the time. We go snowboarding multiple times during the winter and chains were required at times. Safety was a huge factor in going towards this route as in my previous SUV (AWD 06 CRV), I slid on ice roads in Mammoth thinking "AWD = TRACTION". I also wanted to experience something new, learn more about working on cars, & have the ability to take on new challenges with the Sequoia.
I decided to go with a modes and economical lift kit, and also change the LBJs after reading the horrors of its failure.
Thoughts in 2021: I wish I went with something better for the front such as OME or DOBINSONS.
Parts Used
FRONT SUSPENSION
Bilstein 5100s on Bottom Notch with OME 2885 in the FRONT.
- Also had to use Energy Suspension Coil Isolator to seat the new coil for the front.
TOYOTA OEM LBJS.
SPIDERTRAX 1.25" WHEEL SPACERS.
REAR SUSPENSION
OME 60024L with OME 2865 in the REAR
- Purchased additional washers at Home Depot for the shock mount.
FREEDOM OFF ROAD UCA
- Fair price. Their CS is pretty good at responding, but I wish their information was more complete. The nut they use is non-standard and can't even be purchased at McCasterCarr.
- Part is IMPORTED.
Oct 2019
Finally finished the suspension upgrades, and got the tires mounted. Looks awesome. However, the alignment couldn't be finished due bad LCA lower bushings.
I also installed a light bar + ditch lights + a rear diff breather. I decided to go all the way to the top of the engine bay. I realize it's a long route, but I had to purchase a long strip of fuel line anyways. The bumper cover was removed so I could drill through the actual bumper. then I spray painted it to try and protect it.
Lastly, I installed a random net I found on Amazon. Works fairly well, but the net isn't tight enough. It works fine for people under 5' 10".
Parts Used for Lights
Nilight Ditch Lights
Hood Brackets (Crappy), I suggest these instead.
- If you use the GSPOWER ones, make sure to install them with help. These bolt up to the hood hinge via 2 bolts each side and someone should hold the hood while it's being installed.
Switch / Wiring Harness for Lights
Some random brand Light Bar. I'd post the link, but it sucks.
Misc Parts
Net
Diff Breahter Relocation Parts
Fuel Line 5/16" ID
Axle Plug - 90404-51319
Breather - 90930-03136
Hose Clamps - 5/16" - 7/8" (get a kit from HF or go to a parts store for some good ones).
Thoughts in 2021: Wish I went with a diff breather kit as it looks janky, but it works and I saved a few bucks so not much regret.
Sept 2019
Nothing special, but I got an ARB awning, and went to Big Sur. It's about a 40 minute drive to this point from the highway and it was all "off road" per se. Was a great ride as I aired down and used the newly installed lights. Also installed WeatherTech window deflectors - they're great for cracking the window slightly open for some air flow. I had also started prototyping an aluminum roof rack.
Thoughts on the roof rack in 2021:While I was able to save $300 from the cost of what it was to get the roof rack from Sherpa, their roof rack is designed better and looks better. I definitely recommend checking them out during their BF sales as it's around $1000 USD shipped.
Airing down was something else with the ARB tire deflator. The instructions were a tad confusing, and I definitely recommend trying it out at home before using it in the field - this should really apply to any new piece of equipment.
The last piece of this whole thing was a tire inflator. I mistakenly opted for the Viair 85P, and should have gone with the 88P. It has a higher cycle time, and attaches directly to the battery, instead of the 12V plugs. The 85P was able to get me up to 25-28PSI, which isn't the best, but got me home for now.
While at Big Sur, I spotted an imported LandCruiser and was able to speak to the owners. They were from Sweden and the LC was imported from Saudi Arabia due to the specific spec they wanted. It was truly a sight to see. They were traveling the world in the LC and were here on a travel permit with the vehicle.
Big Sur was beautiful!
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