BigTree got lifted (1 Viewer)

[sseaman]

So I had been debating for a while on lifting the Sequoia and how I wanted to go about it. I ended up find a great deal on unused 5100 front struts off of Ebay, so the front was ready, I went back and for over putting OME trim packers or Man-a-fre spacer on the rear springs to bring it up slightly. After some discussions with other that have lifted their Sequoia, I decided to try something new and went with 100 series factory springs.

I got the lift on this weekend, I set the 5100's to the next to top adjustment, which gave 2 1/4" of lift, and also installed the diff drop kit from Fat Bob's. The rear was a little more difficult to get the replacement springs in as they are 3" taller. I finally got them in and after a short drive the rear is also sitting 2" taller. I think and hope they will settle in the rear a little more, I was hoping to net 1".

The measurements are

Before
Front- 34"
Rear- 36"

After
Front- 36 1/4"
Rear- DS 38 14", PS 38"

Here are some pics

 

[fightman]

Looks good man....what size rubber are you planning on getting for it????

 

[sseaman]

I am currently running 265/70-17's, might go to 265/75's or larger, haven't decided yet though.

 

[sseaman]

I swapped out to some Nitto Terra Grapplers I picked up cheap on CL size 285/70-17, so it is now a little taller.

I had to put the running boards back on until I can get the sliders so the kids can get and out.

 

[sseaman]

I also did some lighting changes, here is a link to the HID conversion. I have new headlight bulbs on the way from Daniel Stern as well.

Hella 2020 HID build

 

[sseaman]

I got the higher wattage bulbs in, it isn't a mjor change like HIDs but a nice improvement.

 

[bgrib75]

Did you use stock 100 series rear springs.

 

[sseaman]

Yeah I ended up using the stock 100's rear springs, gained about 2" and the ride is much improved

 

[bgrib75]

This is good info to know. I just sold my 80 series a couple months ago and picked up an 03 sequoia (more family friendly or thats what my wife says). Just looking to upgrade a little just sits to low for me. I am looking at doing the Bilsteins up front and I think this is a good option for the rear. Maybe she won't notice.

 

[sseaman]

Go for it, my wife now asks me when we see stock Sequoias if that is what ours used to look like.

 

[haddix]

Looks good. I love seeing these lifted just because you hardly ever seem em. What kind of sliders you going to go with?

 

[sseaman]

It's funny you asked, I picked up metal Wednesday on the way home from work since it was a long weekend. I got a couple hours today and got most of it cut and some welding done. I decided to go with 2"x2" stock with a runner under the pinch weld and then another length of tube up and out further to step on. I ran through the new spool of wire in the welder so need to run to the store tomorrow some more. I will get some pics up tomorrow.

 

[sseaman]

Here is a shot of the sliders in progress, I got a few minutes today and got the legs attached, just need to finish welding and clean them up for paint. I am using 2" square .125 tubing for the rails and legs, 1 1/2" square .125 tubing for then pieces connecting the rails, 1/4" plate for the the frame connection. All the cuts are made with my miter saw or grinder, and welded with a Century 80 wire welder.

 

[sseaman]

Pic with the legs attached

 

[sseaman]

I got the sliders finished up while it was raining today and I am very happy with them. My welds have gotten much better after running this many beads. I ended up spending about $300 total with the cost of metal, cutting discs, bolts, paint and 3 spools of welding wire.



Full side view



Driver's door open



Rear passenger door open



Legs attached to frame with grade 8 hardware



Backside of frame with 1/4" plate supports for the bolts.

They don't move at all when I stepped up on them, they should work great as steps for the kiddos and provide some extra protection around town and in the woods.

 

[Big Green]

i would run a couple of beads on the bottom of the square tubing, where it sits against the frame, reason is the sliders will bend the thin plate when you rest your truck on them, there for denting your rockers, if you lay the beads at the bottom you can also grind off the welds easily when you desire to remove them