Hey Mud – I have been meaning to get on here and get some documentation on how my Sequoia build is going but ya’ll know how life goes. Hoping this thread can be inspirational to folks who are looking to push their big bodied rigs a little further than soccer practice and the mall.
Background: I came up from Toyota Pickups and 2g 4runners into the full-size segment a few years ago. Cut my teeth on torsion sprung IFS stuff and kinda just evolved into more updated rigs and technology. I started with a 1st gen Sequoia that I picked up before covid for a good price after I kept striking out on 3/4th gen 4 runners (the market in Alaska is notoriously tight + Alaska/Toyota tax). It was a good rig, super roomy and comfortable. I had a travel trailer at the time and I knew I wanted a little bit more pep to tow it around. I came across the 2G and the timing was right along with the price so I picked it up after it passed Cam seal inspection and Timing chain guide checks.
Stock form aesthetic was atrocious, quite bad. It was totally stock besides some leather seat covers for the front two rows and HID’s in the Low/Highs/Fog lights. As soon as I felt the 5.7 powerband working with the 6 speed I knew I was on the right path and I wasn’t going to look back. I really do love the manual shift selection option as well. Also it is cool that we have the option for AWD on our T cases when compared with the Tundras boxes.
Got suspension and tires en-route and then tore out the interior the following spring to make it a 3 seater. Used it hard all last year and now getting ready to go into the second summer season with it. Still waiting for the full Tandem Offroad skid plate package to ship out, also have the Hewitt Tech SAIS bypass kit and Snorkel Upgrade head on order ATM.
Future plans exist in theory, but trying to stay present and use it for where its at without worrying about what’s next. Winch and rear locker are pretty high on the need list.
Breakdown:
PM:
Thanks for reading - looking forward to hanging out here with you all.
- Gabe
Background: I came up from Toyota Pickups and 2g 4runners into the full-size segment a few years ago. Cut my teeth on torsion sprung IFS stuff and kinda just evolved into more updated rigs and technology. I started with a 1st gen Sequoia that I picked up before covid for a good price after I kept striking out on 3/4th gen 4 runners (the market in Alaska is notoriously tight + Alaska/Toyota tax). It was a good rig, super roomy and comfortable. I had a travel trailer at the time and I knew I wanted a little bit more pep to tow it around. I came across the 2G and the timing was right along with the price so I picked it up after it passed Cam seal inspection and Timing chain guide checks.
Stock form aesthetic was atrocious, quite bad. It was totally stock besides some leather seat covers for the front two rows and HID’s in the Low/Highs/Fog lights. As soon as I felt the 5.7 powerband working with the 6 speed I knew I was on the right path and I wasn’t going to look back. I really do love the manual shift selection option as well. Also it is cool that we have the option for AWD on our T cases when compared with the Tundras boxes.
Got suspension and tires en-route and then tore out the interior the following spring to make it a 3 seater. Used it hard all last year and now getting ready to go into the second summer season with it. Still waiting for the full Tandem Offroad skid plate package to ship out, also have the Hewitt Tech SAIS bypass kit and Snorkel Upgrade head on order ATM.
Future plans exist in theory, but trying to stay present and use it for where its at without worrying about what’s next. Winch and rear locker are pretty high on the need list.
Breakdown:
- Toyota Sequoia SR5 4x4
- Bought at 129,xxx – Current 142,xxx
- Dobinson’s IMS 2.5” lift
- Dobinson’s strut spacer (drivers side +.5”)
- SPC UCA’s
- Falken MT01 35x12.5x18
- OEM Steelies (powdercoated satin black)
- Spidertrax 1.25” spacers
- Ultimate 9 EVC-X Throttle controller X171
- Durobumps extended bumps F/R
- 333 Fabrications Cam Eliminator Kit
- Coastal Offroad BMC plates
- Batteries plus X2 AGM 27F
- ARB safari SS88HPE snorkel (install video here):
- ARB diff breathers
- ARB 2500 touring awning
- GX Base Camp awning mounts
- Scangauge II
- Umnitza TRD style grill
- Rocky Road Outfitters sliders
- Paint correction/Ceramic coat
- Bumper trims F/R
- Sway bars F/R = gone
- BMC/Pinch weld mod/front fender liners removed
PM:
- Plugs
- Belts
- Full fluids (synthetic)
- Brake pads (all the way around)
- Front brake rotors (warped)
- Inner CV axle seal
- Consistent SAIS codes
- Drivers headlamp housing condensation (replaced)
Thanks for reading - looking forward to hanging out here with you all.
- Gabe