Upgrading a 02 Sequoia SR5 4x4 for Expedition Travel

[xman]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4x4 that is currently stock. I have used it offroad when I go hunting and has done great in the mud, snow and rain. It seems the 4x4 Seq is often ignored and from what I read has a similar 4x4 system as the LC but with the option of going from 2WD to 4WD.

Any advice on improving it to meet the demands of expedition travel or I am better off selling it and getting a 05 or 06 Tacoma Double Cab Short bed with a rear e-locker?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[rgsiii]

I have a 2001 Limited. I am amazed at how well it can do off road. Having said that, there is very little aftermarket stuff for the vehicle. The area under the hood is absolutely cavernous compared to my FZJ-80's and it averages 17mp. I like the idea of having a lot of room.

I don't know if somebody might not make an aftermarket locker? Also,
I have not seen any bull bars or heavy duty bumpers. There are hundreds of damage multipliers available.

I would keep the Sequoia.

 

[xman]

I have a 2001 Limited. I am amazed at how well it can do off road. Having said that, there is very little aftermarket stuff for the vehicle. The area under the hood is absolutely cavernous compared to my FZJ-80's and it averages 17mp. I like the idea of having a lot of room.

I don't know if somebody might not make an aftermarket locker? Also,
I have not seen any bull bars or heavy duty bumpers. There are hundreds of damage multipliers available.

I would keep the Sequoia.

My wife says the same thing. I did find this wedsite http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/#taco_ifs and after reading it looks like I can add a locker. What do you guys think? I was told by others that I should give my Seq a 2" body lift or a suspension lift to level it out and change the stock shocks to Bilsteins.

I just compared the dimensions of the Sequoia to the new Tacoma Double cab and was surprised to find that Sequoia is actually shorter in overall length by about 4 inches and wider by 4 inches and taller by 3 inches with the roof rack.

 

[7wt]

I would keep the big tree. Everybody has a Tacoma. Just think how cool it would be to have a capable, dependable rig that big. You could have some really cool sleeping arangements in there. You could put two fridges in it. You could have a custom roof rack put up top with lights and extraction hardware. There is a ton of stuff you can do with a platform that large. I say go with what you have and make it stand out.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Yep, keep it and build it. The big tree is based on the Tundra as far as engine and running gear I think. Do a mild suspension lift and stay away from body lifts - low COG is your friend. Good tires are key as well.

 

[xman]

I see we have a few Toyota tree huggers out there. That is cool! Any suggestions on a quality suspension lift for the Seq?

 

[7wt]

Donahoe makes coilovers for the front and Deaver can make you a set of custom coils for the rear. I priced a set of custom coils for the front of my Taco and they ran $265 powder coated and ready to go. All you do is give them your VIN# so they can obtain the stock spring rate and tell them how much lift you want and if you want an increase in spring rate. They reccomend a 10-15% increase.

 

[Scott Brady]

Keep the big Toyota and add the Donahoe suspension kit, 255/85 R16 Mud Terrains and some sliders. Then start to address the interior storage, camping comfort, fridge, roof tent, etc. Expedition travel is about exploring remote and interesting places. Minimal "off-road" modifications are required.

Great to have you and "the big tree" on the site. It will be fun to watch the build up :victory:

 

[calamaridog]

Xman,

Think "Tundra". You share the drivetrain, transfercase, front suspension, and basic frame design. As stated, Deaver can make you some rear coil springs.

I'm not 100%, but a bumper designed for the Tundra may also fit your Sequoia?

If it is paid for, then I believe you are better off keeping it then starting over with a new vehicle.

 

[7wt]

Also you would be the only kid on the block with a modded Sequoia. Is it white?

 

[devinsixtyseven]

yup...i have a tundra and it's great offroad, unfortunately nowhere near as luxurious as a tree...and there's a gentleman here with a suziki vitara that impresses the heck outta me every time i see/hear what the vitara gets through. a tree is just like a tundra-sized vitara ...so i'd say keep it and build it.

one thing i've learned already from the short time i've been on the forums here is that it's more important to equip your truck with things like a mini fridge and a winch than long travel, though the travel definately helps.

anything you can do to a tundra, you can do to a sequoia. the back half is different, but by no means restrictive. because they are so similar, you can theoretically do anything from fiberglass to wheel well mods to chips to bumpers...road armor, arb and now shrockworks make or are making front bumpers that should be a direct bolt on. if you happen to take your front bumper off, and measure the mounting hole locations, i can compare to my tundra...should be the same. some guys have built some bombproof, very functional rear bumpers for late model 'cruisers and 4runners, a sequoia bumper might work out along the same lines.

good luck, cant wait to see pics of the build...i think youre the first person i know who's considering a sequoia build.

-sean

 

[Pskhaat]

I have driven to many crazy places and my LC has seen many tens of thousands of hard off-road miles without any lockers, I wouldn't consider it to be an immediate expedition need personally. As previously stated, there should be quite a few options for locking later.

I have no idea, but heavy LC coils may work in the Seq, my experience with all Toyotas for this travel nature is go heavier than you first guess. Go for it, there's LOTS of room in that girl for stuff.

 

[xman]

I have a Black Sequoia and its paid for! Thanks for the advice and it looks like I will be keeping the big tree. I plan to install the Donahue suspension as that seems to be the popular and high quality. Then upgrade the tires.

 

[xman]

It's not easy finding aftermarket stuff for my Sequoia. I will keep it but not make the major improvements I had planned to do especially after seeing a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in my mom's neighborhood for $11,500. As you know, there's plenty of used and new aftermarket stuff for the LC.

 

[dieck]

lots of pics of lifted sequoias

I've just bought an 06 sequioa and have been amassing pictures of slightly lifted sequoias. It turns out that you can fit 285/75/16's under them with a 2-3 inch lift. It is more common that you might think. I believe it would be a very capable truck with these modifications and a winch.


http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/sequoia/74260-showoff-thread-lifted-sequoias/

Here are some selected previews:

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