What's the opinion of the Sequioa as a general purpose expo vehicle?

[RoundOut]

One thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet, is that locking differentials are not available on the 1Gen Sequoia from the factory. I am not sure, but I believe they are available on the LandCruisers.

So, if you are looking for a bone stock comparison, I'd have to suggest that the stock LandCruiser with lockers would be a whole lot more trail capable than a stock 1Gen Sequoia.

Our Sequoia does have a center differential lock, but not front or rear lockers. It also does not have a limited slip differential, although I think that is an available option (but I'm not 100% certain of this).

If you were certain you would be able to accomplish all of your trails with just 4LO and no locking differentials, I think the 1Gen Sequoia would be as capable as a 100 series.

Either way, I'd get some better tires than the factory sends them to you with. Other things equal, you'd be amazed at what some nice all-terrain or mud-terrain tires will help you get through that the factory Dueler H/Ts wouldn't.

.

 

[cruiser guy]

Remember, the Sequoia is based on the Tundra NOT the Land Cruiser so most aftermarket stuff for the Land Cruiser does NOT cross over.

For someone who is thinking primarily logging/dirt road travel, lockers are probably not too important. Sometimes if you're not careful they can cause some significant problems like this http://forum.ih8mud.com/intl-jdm-owners-alliance/109465-rolled-my-81-i-need-your-help.html

I'm not saying that Nick was careless but I was there, he was locked and the truck climbed the sidehill like it wasn't even there and before we knew what happened we were teetering on two wheels!

Generally if it is simply logging or dirt roads I wouldn't bother. I was not locked until coming to Central America where the mud is like grease and without lockers I could almost be stuck on level mud!

 

[jim65wagon]

I do not see any reason the "Big Tree", wouldn't work for an Overlanding/Expedition/Camping in America vehicle. Granted it is not "proven" to be as heavy duty as the Cruiser, and it hasn't been "proven" to be 72% as capable as the Cruiser; but I'd say someone needs to prove it once and for all so we can spend our time watching you spend your money building a cool and unique vehicle!

The ARB bumper for the same year Tundra DC should fit. Front coilovers for the same year Tundra should fit also. And there is no reason (assuming your looking at the earlier Sequoia) a 255/85/16 tire wouldn't fit with a very small 1.5" lift...that's all it took with my Tundra; well that a bit of massaging to the pinchweld.

One more thing;

My brother in law claims that his 2005 has gotten close to 20 mpg on long trips, with the V-8. I find that hard to believe, but in any case he's achieving better than most 100 series.

I believe it;I normally get 18.5 or slightly better running freeways and have hit 19.5 on a few occasions; that's with 33s and a mild lift and the wonderful V8...

 

[clinnet]

I do not see any reason the "Big Tree", wouldn't work for an Overlanding/Expedition/Camping in America vehicle. Granted it is not "proven" to be as heavy duty as the Cruiser, and it hasn't been "proven" to be 72% as capable as the Cruiser; but I'd say someone needs to prove it once and for all so we can spend our time watching you spend your money building a cool and unique vehicle!

The ARB bumper for the same year Tundra DC should fit. Front coilovers for the same year Tundra should fit also. And there is no reason (assuming your looking at the earlier Sequoia) a 255/85/16 tire wouldn't fit with a very small 1.5" lift...that's all it took with my Tundra; well that a bit of massaging to the pinchweld.

One more thing;

I believe it;I normally get 18.5 or slightly better running freeways and have hit 19.5 on a few occasions; that's with 33s and a mild lift and the wonderful V8...

If its getting that kind of mileage, I'll be looking at a previously owned later years 1st Gen Sequoia myself. I've been thinking minivan since my kids are getting bigger. But what is the fun :truck: :smiley_drive: in minivans.

 

[RoundOut]

Our Sequoia does about 17 highway and a horrible 12-13 city. I just dropped a K&N filter in the air box about 6 months ago, and we haven't taken a road trip in it since. I'd be interested to note any improvements.

.

 

[6Pins]

Our 05 gets about 17 in mixed driving, and i've got a heavy foot. I think there is some type of locking differential on it, but I'm not sure. I'm not sure it is a true locker or if its some type of traction control like they offer on the JK Wrangler. Its my wife's car, so I'm only in it when we are going for a long trip, so I'll have to roll out and check when she gets back home today.

 

[CSG]

Thanks for all the great responses. I'll be looking at both (LC and Sequoia) much more closely when the lease on my Miata is up. I've always admired, lusted after even, the LC but I also know that the kind of traveling I do would not push the LC's capabilities. That's why I started wondering about the Sequoia. It comes down to a space vs. ability thing. If I'm not pushing the ability of the vehicle, would I not rather have some space.

Either would end up being driven as an occasional daily driver too for our family of four. The LC seems to be more purpose driven where the Sequoia seems to be more family oriented.

 

[cumminscruiser]

See if you can rent one and take it on a trip to see if you like it.

The best 4wd ever is a rental.

My bad.

 

[hoser]

I've looked on and off at LC's for years but they're just a bit short in back and I have to lay diagonally to be able to sleep in it.

If the only thing stopping you from getting an LC is sleeping quarters, I use this tent with the tailgate down. It adds probably 18" more to the length and is very quick to set-up. May not work well for extreme weather but good enough for 3 season use.

http://www.tentsontrucks.com/explorer.html

 

[CSG]

HAven't seen a tent like that but I figured I could rig up some sort of tarp with the open tailgate. Just not as secure.

 

[4Rescue]

...But what is the fun :truck: :smiley_drive: in minivans.

I feel like this guy might have fun in his...

Dave

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I would argue that a stock Sequoia or at least a Sequioa with mild lift and tires, would probably be more capable than a 60 series Cruiser with only a mild lift and tires.

 

[cruiser guy]

I would argue that a stock Sequoia or at least a Sequioa with mild lift and tires, would probably be more capable than a 60 series Cruiser with only a mild lift and tires.

You may argue that if you'd like but I'd disagree. I've seen popped ball joints on some fairly minor trails and newer vehicles (one of which was a 90 series 'Cruiser) and that's all I need to know to be sure I don't want ball joints in my rig.

 

[clinnet]

You may argue that if you'd like but I'd disagree. I've seen popped ball joints on some fairly minor trails and newer vehicles (one of which was a 90 series 'Cruiser) and that's all I need to know to be sure I don't want ball joints in my rig.

He would argue "capable".
Durable? He might pop in and tell us. :safari-rig:

 

[bluedog]

A liitle late to this party on this one. It appears in the suspension department Wheeler's has got you covered for a mild lift and a few other off road upgrades. I have used them for parts on my 4-Runner and my 05 Double Cab Tundra, they are good people and offer sound advice.


http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/sequoia.htm

If you go this route, I would love to see the results.

Good Luck,

B.