2001 Sequoia aka: Project Black Sheep

[justinh]

I've considered one as well as the next jump up from my 2001 4runner in size. Basically the same "type" of underpinnings that work so well on the 4runner. We go camping, hunting, traveling, not super hardcore stuff off road. One child, two big dogs and when it is just me and the kiddo I'm sure it is better for sleeping inside than my 2001 4runner and even the newer model 4runners.

Price wise I think you get "more" for your money than a comparable 4runner as well.

 

[lithium wagen]

I've considered one as well as the next jump up from my 2001 4runner in size. Basically the same "type" of underpinnings that work so well on the 4runner. We go camping, hunting, traveling, not super hardcore stuff off road. One child, two big dogs and when it is just me and the kiddo I'm sure it is better for sleeping inside than my 2001 4runner and even the newer model 4runners.

Price wise I think you get "more" for your money than a comparable 4runner as well.

Ya the design and suspension seem on par with most Toyota's. fully boxed frame... Interior volume is awesome, you can build a man, or family cave in there for sure. Also leg room for passengers is really good, I sat in the back the other day (I'm 6'2) and was blown away.... Also bang for buck, this thing is optioned out quite well, but not too much gadgets that can could break or leave you hanging on a trail or road...

But I have to be honest too... I have never driven mine more that 20 feet, so we will see how it goes and if I feel the same way with its performance!

 

[washington taco]

Toytec for one stop shoping!!! I really like the big tree!!

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Sequoia-00-07_c_258.html

 

[fireball]

Really like the first gen Sequoias. Was strongly considering an 03 or 05 before deciding I needed the additional off road prowess of the LC.

Will enjoy watching your build. Where you located?

 

[Stone_Blue]

Toytec for one stop shoping!!! I really like the big tree!!

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Sequoia-00-07_c_258.html

There's Wheeler's Offroad as well: http://wheelersoffroad.com/product-category/toyota/tundra-182669/1999-2006-tundra/

They recently redesigned their website, so it doesnt look like they have much, but the Sequoias share so much with the Tundies, and Wheeler's has just about EVERYTHING you could want for a Tundie.... They also have some of the best prices I've found.

 

[Dark Shark]

I look forward to seeing this build! I know a few Sequoia guys that will as well

 

[lithium wagen]

Toytec for one stop shoping!!! I really like the big tree!!

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Sequoia-00-07_c_258.html

Thanks for the link, I've been looking at there Bilstein Coilover setup ... I just have to figure out which upper control arms to choose: Camburg, Total Chaos, or the ball joint style of toytec.

Really like the first gen Sequoias. Was strongly considering an 03 or 05 before deciding I needed the additional off road prowess of the LC.

Will enjoy watching your build. Where you located?

Thanks, I'm sure the LC is treating you well!.. I'm located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

There's Wheeler's Offroad as well: http://wheelersoffroad.com/product-category/toyota/tundra-182669/1999-2006-tundra/

They recently redesigned their website, so it doesnt look like they have much, but the Sequoias share so much with the Tundies, and Wheeler's has just about EVERYTHING you could want for a Tundie.... They also have some of the best prices I've found.

Thanks! those are some good prices, I'm on the fence with Icon suspension. I've installed some in the past.. Fitment was ok but the ride was nice.

I look forward to seeing this build! I know a few Sequoia guys that will as well

Thanks, as for your buddies tell them to chime in as the build goes on... Experience is needed!

 

[lithium wagen]

New used metal

So I finally got the rad support and fender support cut off at the local wrecker over the weekend.



They gave me a bit more than I needed :Wow1: As it was easier to cut the front off rather than drill out spot welds. As you can see there is a lot more





So the next step was to remove any remaining metal from the left inner support for the fender and accessories. The reason I did not cut it off the other day.. Because I did not have the new piece in hand and I didn't want to cut too much off. As you can see from the above picture I have plenty enough to splice the fender apron using the factory locations.





Spot weld cutting and saving some of the OEM braces was needed next.



Next was to remove all the old metal and clean, prep and prime



Same goes for the right side where the fender apron meets the rad support. Getting rid of any remaining rad support metal.



OK... this has turn out to be a lot of work, but so far well worth it!

 

[lithium wagen]

A couple steps back...

 

[lithium wagen]

rad support repair

So I stripped the new front clip of all the extra crap it came with.. But before cutting off what I need. I had to do a little repair to the front rad support on the new piece that suffered a small bend..

More than one use for a Hi-Lift.

 

[lithium wagen]

Back At It

So I managed to get a lot of work done on the truck but haven't put any pic's up in a while... So photo dump time!

Straightened rad support and left inner apron ready for installation.



As you can see from this angle how bent the right frame rail was, and also another use for the hi lift jack.




Now because I'm try to make this a budget build, you can see my ghetto frame straightening. Basically I'm not worried as long as I get the rails straight enough my new bumper will bring the strength back to the front end of my Sequoia. Also all the damage to the frame was before any suspension mounts or sub frame mounts. Also I've loosely fitted the rad support to check my measurements.

 

[java]

Nice frame Jig! Love a budget project.

 

[lithium wagen]

Finally Welded

Some minor tweaks to my rails.



My right and left rails are looking better.




Re attaching the left apron. And then POR-15.




As for the end of the frame rails I cut them off as I will have new mounting plates built for my new bumper.. And the other ones were bent to hell.



I also finished off the rails with POR-15.

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

Great budget project. The effort is undoubtedly praiseworthy. So nice to have all that space to work in as well.

An observation and question regarding your re-framerail work; kudos for being able to move things around with the tools you have and is that effort complete? Any possible pictures of the areas on the framerail showing the bent location?

Keep it up!

 

[lithium wagen]

Back to stock... Kind of

Assembly time!



I was able to find a Junk hood and Bumper for the mean time, The hood has some massive dents and horrible body filler over the paint. But it will due for now, I'm still looking for a hood right fender and some front end bits. But this setup will due for now!



Might as well do some maintenance while I'm here. New timing belt, water pump, coolant, t-stat, Oil change.



As you can see from the water pump it was a good idea I did, I found a little dried up coolant booger.




And my temp bumper and rebar, I had to tack it in place because the old mounts were mangled and I did not need them as I will be putting on new plate steel in place for the new bumper we are building. Also I quickly painted the white fender to match using plasti dip. I do not really like this stuff (Or I should say what people do with it) but its great for now that way I do not have to sand the fender down when I have to paint it professionally.