justcuz
Explorer
View attachment 300424
Here's our first gen Sequoia build. They don't get a lot of attention, but damn it works out great
I did a quick read of your build thread, nice Sequoia.
Expedition or Sequoia? (or GMC) Advice?
- Thread starter unplannedbbq
- Start date
I did a quick read of your build thread, nice Sequoia.
Did you re-program your speedo to account for the larger tires?
10 mpg sounds more like a big block Chevy than Ford 5.4...
unplannedbbq
Adventurer
Test drives have begun; I think it may be a bit before I find a good match for us. Checked out an '03 Lincoln Navigator (partly 'cause it'd be fun to show up at overland expo east in a de-badged navigator w/ 17" steelies)
The navigator had been de-bagged and coiled. A little probing showed lots of electrical gremlins and a rusty/corroded engine under the plastic covers. 145K, but on its second engine; Looked like a northern (or flood-dunked) engine in a southern truck.
Also learned I want to avoid power-folding 3rd row seats.
The hunt continues.
The navigator had been de-bagged and coiled. A little probing showed lots of electrical gremlins and a rusty/corroded engine under the plastic covers. 145K, but on its second engine; Looked like a northern (or flood-dunked) engine in a southern truck.
Also learned I want to avoid power-folding 3rd row seats.
The hunt continues.
Ivan
Lost in Space
If you get a chance, look up the woes related to the navigator. If you want the 5.4 4v engine, you'll need to look for the 1999 to 2002 model year. The first year and a half came with the 5.4 2v.
If you find a good example that wasn't abused, it would be a pretty good choice. The 5.4 4v motors respond to mods really well, just make sure the propper maintenance was done. As far as the suspension, it's really not that big of a deal. You can just as easily swap in a set of coils from an Expedition and a set of moog coil overs up front. If you're feeling adventurous and find a set, swap in some 7700 series torsion bars, some front coil springs from an f250-f350 in place of the rear, and the Moog coilovers up front. That may be my route in the future as Rancho no longer makes the 4" lift coils for these trucks, but the SuperDuty coils allegedly work pretty darn well.
Now if I could just find a set of 7700 torsion bars...
Forgot to add link to similar set up:
http://www.expeditionforum.com/f47/got-4-lift-15194/
drobb
Adventurer
Wolvee
Adventurer
By the stock numbers I think the Sequoia has the Expedition beat in every category except interior space, plushness and the strength of the rear end.
I overland a Supercrew F150 of the same generation you're looking into for the expedition and they share a LOT between the two. I am very happy with my F150's interior and power level (Same as the Expedition up to 03) and they only got better in the following years. I have spent many hours building those Ford Modular 2v, 3v & 4v engines and when they're treated to basic maintenance they last a long time. I haven't spent any time with the Sequoia's V8 so I can't even begin to speculate on them.
If I were to consider the two vehicles I would pre-plan the build. Look at all the aftermarket and availability of parts you would probably want before the build. Toyotas are well known for their off road aftermarket and the Expeditions are kind of limited to whatever they share with the F150. The Bolt pattern of the wheels will also be a PITA if you're picky or trying to find extremely solid rock wheels. (5x135)
If I had to choose I'd pick the Expedition (non-eddie bauer to avoid air-bag suspension) A small lift with 35's, MHS torquer cams for 25rwtq more in the low end, 4.56 gears. I'm a little bias though as I've worked with Modular engine Fords for a long time. Lots of tuning options for Fords as well. (SCT is the best.)
The 4v 5.4 is a better flowing engine than the 2v but there are no off the shelf Aftermarket cams to add low end Torque. If you get something with or swap in a 4v you're going to be limited to Stock Tq and no long tube headers. (Cams also cost twice as much because there are 4.)
Also and probably most importantly Expeditions are a dime a dozen. The lower cost of the truck could easily speed the addition of Mods if cost is a factor.
I overland a Supercrew F150 of the same generation you're looking into for the expedition and they share a LOT between the two. I am very happy with my F150's interior and power level (Same as the Expedition up to 03) and they only got better in the following years. I have spent many hours building those Ford Modular 2v, 3v & 4v engines and when they're treated to basic maintenance they last a long time. I haven't spent any time with the Sequoia's V8 so I can't even begin to speculate on them.
If I were to consider the two vehicles I would pre-plan the build. Look at all the aftermarket and availability of parts you would probably want before the build. Toyotas are well known for their off road aftermarket and the Expeditions are kind of limited to whatever they share with the F150. The Bolt pattern of the wheels will also be a PITA if you're picky or trying to find extremely solid rock wheels. (5x135)
If I had to choose I'd pick the Expedition (non-eddie bauer to avoid air-bag suspension) A small lift with 35's, MHS torquer cams for 25rwtq more in the low end, 4.56 gears. I'm a little bias though as I've worked with Modular engine Fords for a long time. Lots of tuning options for Fords as well. (SCT is the best.)
The 4v 5.4 is a better flowing engine than the 2v but there are no off the shelf Aftermarket cams to add low end Torque. If you get something with or swap in a 4v you're going to be limited to Stock Tq and no long tube headers. (Cams also cost twice as much because there are 4.)
Also and probably most importantly Expeditions are a dime a dozen. The lower cost of the truck could easily speed the addition of Mods if cost is a factor.
unplannedbbq
Adventurer
Update - Still looking; everything i've looked at has had "undisclosed" issues. Not a big surprise. The worst has been "oh, it's not 4wd? I always though it was."
On the upside, I'm still open to Ford, GM, or Toyota. As everyone has offered, the right, clean rig will suit my needs, no matter what assembly line it rolled off of.
Also starting to look at some other stuff as it pops up - mildly built/locked older cruisers, troopers, rodeos/passports, mistu/raiders. (rust-free, relatively inexpensive rigs with lots of rear-seat leg room and the option to sleep in a flat, 6'+ "bed" with the hatch closed) I'm not in a hurry (aside from potentially bringing to ExPo East), so I'm having fun. Still leaning towards full-size in purchase.
Last point - some sellers have a very different opinion of "non-smoking/smoke free car" than I do A couple have had cig burns and/or butts in the rig to go along with that lingering ashtray smell!
On the upside, I'm still open to Ford, GM, or Toyota. As everyone has offered, the right, clean rig will suit my needs, no matter what assembly line it rolled off of.
Also starting to look at some other stuff as it pops up - mildly built/locked older cruisers, troopers, rodeos/passports, mistu/raiders. (rust-free, relatively inexpensive rigs with lots of rear-seat leg room and the option to sleep in a flat, 6'+ "bed" with the hatch closed) I'm not in a hurry (aside from potentially bringing to ExPo East), so I'm having fun. Still leaning towards full-size in purchase.
Last point - some sellers have a very different opinion of "non-smoking/smoke free car" than I do
A couple have had cig burns and/or butts in the rig to go along with that lingering ashtray smell!
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
When looking at already built vehicles try to stay realistic about how much involvement you want to have with the vehicle and your mechanical skills and interest level.
I've seen people buy trucks that are like a giant mechano set of different vintages and makes for simple things like replacement brakes, pads, axles, etc. It's a pita that you really need to be aware of before pulling the trigger.
A concrete example: the front axle on my Jeep is a 1988 axle housing with a Warn hub kit with 2002 WJ brake calipers and 1980 CJ7 "thin" rotors. Warn no longer makes the axle kit so when I broke one side it took a bunch of looking around and waiting on Yukon to tool up to make me a new one (they bought the rights to the Warn axle stuff).
Likewise the rear end of the Jeep is a mish-mash of Jeep, International, Warn and Suzuki.
While on a long overlanding trip I've been stranded for the better part of a week waiting on a power steering pump for this Jeep. So, just imagine the more esoteric parts when away from home - especially when there is no wrecking yards that contain anything older than ten years.
It's one of the reasons why I switched from Jeep to Ford actually. Toyota seems to be everywhere also so I'm not trying to make that distinction... at least Tundra/Sequoia seems to be. LC I'm not so sure and did not research. For my travels Mitsubishi and Isuzu are not a good option. Once you head north of the more heavily populated part of Canada it's "big three" and Toyota effectively, and it needs to have decent local saturation (e.g. Ford, GM, Dodge, Toyota) versus something that does not (Jeep). At least, that's my experience. If I was driving an Expedition or a Sequoia I'm pretty certain I would have been on the road the next day.
I've seen people buy trucks that are like a giant mechano set of different vintages and makes for simple things like replacement brakes, pads, axles, etc. It's a pita that you really need to be aware of before pulling the trigger.
A concrete example: the front axle on my Jeep is a 1988 axle housing with a Warn hub kit with 2002 WJ brake calipers and 1980 CJ7 "thin" rotors. Warn no longer makes the axle kit so when I broke one side it took a bunch of looking around and waiting on Yukon to tool up to make me a new one (they bought the rights to the Warn axle stuff).
Likewise the rear end of the Jeep is a mish-mash of Jeep, International, Warn and Suzuki.
While on a long overlanding trip I've been stranded for the better part of a week waiting on a power steering pump for this Jeep. So, just imagine the more esoteric parts when away from home - especially when there is no wrecking yards that contain anything older than ten years.
It's one of the reasons why I switched from Jeep to Ford actually. Toyota seems to be everywhere also so I'm not trying to make that distinction... at least Tundra/Sequoia seems to be. LC I'm not so sure and did not research. For my travels Mitsubishi and Isuzu are not a good option. Once you head north of the more heavily populated part of Canada it's "big three" and Toyota effectively, and it needs to have decent local saturation (e.g. Ford, GM, Dodge, Toyota) versus something that does not (Jeep). At least, that's my experience. If I was driving an Expedition or a Sequoia I'm pretty certain I would have been on the road the next day.
Last edited:
I bought my wife a 07 Sequoia in 2010. With 30k miles on it. Loves it.. 4.7 is still strong with close to 75k to it.. No real major problems until last week when the VSC/traction control due to the gas cap having to be replace.. Yup you heard it right.. But she still loves it.. Even though it seems "big" it's really easy to drive and goss you can fit a lot into it... I personally love the fact it is part time 4wd with the center diff lock. We regularly take it to the snow and it's does really well.. You just have to get used to the the beeping and warnings when the traction control is in action..
You can't go wrong with one... Hope this helps..... And good luck... If you have any questions feel free to ask...
Oh FYI... Her family is a huge Chevy and she is now a Toyota lover... Thanks to me..
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You can't go wrong with one... Hope this helps..... And good luck... If you have any questions feel free to ask...
Oh FYI... Her family is a huge Chevy and she is now a Toyota lover... Thanks to me..
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
justcuz
Explorer
Mitsubishi Monteros are real steals if you can find nice ones. They are stout as all get out, even the Gen 3 unibody ones, but...they are not easy to work on, parts are getting harder to find, not much aftermarket support at all for these. Most of it is DIY. The upside is the guys that own these are generous with their knowledge and resources.
The Mitsubishi section here has some great info. Check out Eurosonics build progression and his comparison of a 80 series Cruiser to his Gen 2 Montero. Not for everyone, but a viable option.
Later model Troopers kind of the same deal, except their automatic is its weak link. It can be fixed though.
The Mitsubishi section here has some great info. Check out Eurosonics build progression and his comparison of a 80 series Cruiser to his Gen 2 Montero. Not for everyone, but a viable option.
Later model Troopers kind of the same deal, except their automatic is its weak link. It can be fixed though.
rabbiporkchop
Adventurer
How about a 2001 Ford Excursion with 7.3 diesel?
unplannedbbq
Adventurer
Wife's quote: "Huh. That's really big. We could have a sleep platform & fridge behind the 2nd row, but you'll never be able to make a three point turn on a normal street."
calicamper
Expedition Leader
The 07 Sequoia is the first year with front to back full head liner airbags across the windows. The 4.7 v8 is a nice engine it does need the 80-100K timing belt, water pump service but outside of that its pretty solid. The 5spd transmission is pretty solid not really known for having any sort of issues. I picked mine up in 2012 from the original owner typical soccer mom owner it had 64,000 miles on it paid $21,000 for it. I called them about 5 minutes after they listed it looked at it the next morning and drove it home. Interior is Ok seats are comfortable but quality isn't anything special over GM or Ford. No gear on the roof we typically see road trip mileage averages around 17-18mpg. I have stock sized Rugged Terrain BFG's on it tad noisy at 40mph but outside of that good tire for it. The original owner had put Geolanders on it after the stock Michelin's were done at about 40K. The Geolanders were terrible just not built strong enough for it. They aren't light and can be hard on lightly built tires. The BFG's have been wearing really nice and should easily do 50-60k.
The ride is smooth enough for long highway trips and with the running boards removed its actually pretty capable on the trail. Its weak point is crossed up trail sections and no locking rear diff outside of that it does pretty damn well on the trail in stock form. I wouldn't want to go any larger for tight trail stuff thats for sure. I tagged along with a Gwagen club outing just north of the Rubicon good friend was guiding the group. The Sequoia was the biggest rig in the group of Gwagens for sure but we were able to hang with them on the trail but 100% any wider or an inch longer and the tight spots would have been a stop and get a spotter or take down a tree sort of deal. Its about right size wise any larger and the trails I've done on the west coast would be either not possible or pretty difficult to do without body damage.
The ride is smooth enough for long highway trips and with the running boards removed its actually pretty capable on the trail. Its weak point is crossed up trail sections and no locking rear diff outside of that it does pretty damn well on the trail in stock form. I wouldn't want to go any larger for tight trail stuff thats for sure. I tagged along with a Gwagen club outing just north of the Rubicon good friend was guiding the group. The Sequoia was the biggest rig in the group of Gwagens for sure but we were able to hang with them on the trail but 100% any wider or an inch longer and the tight spots would have been a stop and get a spotter or take down a tree sort of deal. Its about right size wise any larger and the trails I've done on the west coast would be either not possible or pretty difficult to do without body damage.
I was in a similar boat and was really torn between the Sequoia and the Expedition. All the Sequoias around here had mucho mucho miles and the Expeditions were all kinda beat up. There we were a couple of semi decent examples of both, but nothing was exactly what I was looking for. Gotta hate the Midwest/Ohio for used trucks... Anyway, I ended up findings a Hummer H3 and initially said no way.
But as I started thinking, it really did fit my needs and was fairly well appointed for off road duty. So I bought it, and I gotta tell for being a Toyota and Ford guy in the past, this GM is a great vehicle so far.
Just food for thought. If I hadn't gotten the Hummer, there was one Expedition that would have been mine. All the sequoias had too many miles for my tastes. But I had looked at many many Expys before finding one that was a maybe.
Good luck- you can't make a wrong choice. Both are nice vehicles.
But as I started thinking, it really did fit my needs and was fairly well appointed for off road duty. So I bought it, and I gotta tell for being a Toyota and Ford guy in the past, this GM is a great vehicle so far.
Just food for thought. If I hadn't gotten the Hummer, there was one Expedition that would have been mine. All the sequoias had too many miles for my tastes. But I had looked at many many Expys before finding one that was a maybe.
Good luck- you can't make a wrong choice. Both are nice vehicles.