Black Head light MOD for 2nd gen Sequoia:

This was a pretty straightforward mod.

• Remove headlights
• bake them in the oven to loosen the glue
• pry them open
• Tape off reflector
• spray paint chrome
• bake them again to soften the glue
• Reassemble

Here's the video I followed:

 

Time to get rid of the rest of the chrome!
Plastidip chrome emblems, grill, door handles and side mirrors, 7 coats:

For the doors, I cut some small pieces of wood to pry open the handles in order to properly coat the handle edges.

Removed the grill and side mirrors which made it easier.

Flat black on everything except front emblem which was gunmetal.

 

The suspension and wheel combo feel really good, firm and controlled but not harsh. I am trying to remedy a steering wheel shake between 50-70mph now that was only a slight vibration before. I've had 3 wheel balances including a road force and still have a 1/4" steering wheel shimmy. I plan to take it in again next week to start hunting down the problem. I'll let you know what I find.

 

Freaking awesome! Think I’m gonna do the Dobinson’s 2.5” lift too! Were the 17’s a tight fit with the calipers? Totally gonna dip the chrome as well.......how are the handles holding up?

 

@Farnsrocket Thanks! The 17" Icons just fit on a 2nd gen Sequoia. Although I can’t speak for other wheel brands.

Here’s a shot of the front calipers:

Rear Calipers:

plastidip handles are holding up nicely.

 

Great looking Sequoia! I'm hoping to install the Dobinsons 2.5" kit also. Looks really great.

Question: is it a typo? Or did you only get 1.5" of front lift from your 2.5" setup?

 

I did only get 1.5" of lift.. (not including tires). It could be that since there was more lift in the back than expected, it might be pushing the front down a bit. As the back comes down, this may correct, otherwise Dobinson's sells spacers for both front struts which will add 1/2" lift over wherever they're sitting. It clears my 34s so its not too bad.. just a little more rake than I expected. Other guys running Dobinsons measured 2.5" of lift, so not sure what happened really.

 

Have you verified (via part number or free length measurement) that you received the 2.5" strut and not the 1.75"? I'd be disappointed to only get 60% of the lift that I paid for.

I think your Sequoia looks great. I too own a 2014 Sequoia Limited 4x4, so for my own benefit, I'd like to know what to realistically expect if I buy these parts. If Dobinsons says their 2.5" front strut provides 2.5" of lift, I'd actually expect it to initially be around 3" of lift, and then settle back down to 2.5" with some miles on it.

 

Have you verified (via part number or free length measurement) that you received the 2.5" strut and not the 1.75"? I'd be disappointed to only get 60% of the lift that I paid for.

I think your Sequoia looks great. I too own a 2014 Sequoia Limited 4x4, so for my own benefit, I'd like to know what to realistically expect if I buy these parts. If Dobinsons says their 2.5" front strut provides 2.5" of lift, I'd actually expect it to initially be around 3" of lift, and then settle back down to 2.5" with some miles on it.

Yes, I still have the tag on the front springs that validates the correct part for the 2.5" springs. The struts are the same on both the 1.75 and the 2.5, so the lift is strictly coming from the springs with dobinsons. There's some good info on the IH8MUD forum with other folks measurements: Dobinsons Suspension options for Sequoia 01-07 and 08+ | IH8MUD Forum

 

I've read that thread several times. It's what got me excited about Dobinsons kit to begin with.

Still doesn't explain how your 2.5" lift parts only gave you a verifiable 1.5" of lift. But you know what... if it doesn't concern YOU, it doesn't matter. As long as YOU are happy with the result.

Just strikes ME as funky that there can be a 40% discrepancy in advertised lift height. I've been around the lifted 4x4 game too long, I think. Used to be if you ordered a set of 6" lift leaf springs for your truck, you got 6" lift, maybe more.

 

How to you like those Maxpider mats? I've seen them advertised in a few spots but never sure if they fit like Husky or Weathertech. And is the price comparable to the other ones?

 

Sorry to butt in your thread Hike, but I love my Maxpider mats too.....more than WeatherTech......these actually stay in place, fit perfect, are lighter, not as slippery on top and look great!

A little dirty!

 

They fit great, nice and flat. lip all around to hold water. only concern is that the perforations are so small it tends to hold dirt and sand between them. Have to use a brush to get it really clean. Priced better than weather tech. Full three row set is around $200.

 

Funny you would say that. I too am not a big fan of Weathertech. Not saying they are bad, I just dont think they're as good they think they are.
Saw the maxpider ones at Costco but you have to give name, e mail, phone, DNA, urine etc. just to get an F ing quote so I didnt bother but I always wondered if they were any good or not. And thanks for the pics, it helps a lot to see them in actual vehicles.

 

Funny you would say that. I too am not a big fan of Weathertech. Not saying they are bad, I just dont think they're as good they think they are.
Saw the maxpider ones at Costco but you have to give name, e mail, phone, DNA, urine etc. just to get an F ing quote so I didnt bother but I always wondered if they were any good or not. And thanks for the pics, it helps a lot to see them in actual vehicles.

My buddy has the Weathertech's and they don't sit as flat. His are curling on the edges. I've had the Maxpider's for 3 years and they've been great.

 

I'm still trying to decide about the fender flares... what do you guys think? Better with or without?

 

That should be a question only for you because its all personal taste. Ask 10 people what they think and you could get 5 yes and 5 no's. I know they are bolt on but could you ever put them on and remove them again? Will the holes they leave ever be visible? If you could do that just put them on for a few weeks and judge for yourself.

 

Steering shake solved! After a second road force balance, two of the ridge grapplers were out of round and moved to the back. The first road force gave me 27lbs, 22lbs, 14lbs and 11lbs. For some odd reason, the shop kept the high #'s in the front. When moved to the back the steering shake was gone. Tires will be replaced by Nitto under warranty.

 

Did you replace UCA?

 

Were you able to fit your full size spare in the spare spot?

 

Been reading through your build, nice setup. Been waiting for my Dobinson springs for about 6 months, hope to get them soon and start my build on a 2018 Sequoia. Have you had any rubbing or issues with your 17" wheel and tire setup? I was thinking of buying those exact tires, same size.

This is what I started with...

This is how things stand while waiting for a lift...

 

Been reading through your build, nice setup. Been waiting for my Dobinson springs for about 6 months, hope to get them soon and start my build on a 2018 Sequoia. Have you had any rubbing or issues with your 17" wheel and tire setup? I was thinking of buying those exact tires, same size.

This is what I started with... View attachment 155664

This is how things stand while waiting for a lift...
View attachment 155665

Looking good! You still got that stock grille? Trying to update my ‘16 Platinum

 

No, sorry JDescant. The grille was my first modification and I already sold the stock one.

 

Nuts. Worth a shot. Thanks for reply!

That rig is 🥵

I might be rethinking the TRD grille. Just worried that it would look goofy with the chrome handles, mirrors, etc

 

I have a 2019 sr5 MGM grill if you’re interested

 

Still have the gray/silver roof racks and the grille. Shoot me a PM if you’re interested

 

I really appreciate everyone on this forum who has shared their research in customizing our awesome rides. A few years ago, I spent some time in the Australian outback and was amazed at how the majority of vehicles there were Toyota trucks. The locals said it was because they don't break down and just keep running. After that experience, I set out to track down a used 2nd gen Sequoia limited.

I ended up with a 2014. It's my daily driver but I use it to tow a 23' boat and 4 somewhat grown kids. You can probably imagine how much rear squat I was getting with it loaded up, it was like I was riding a wheelie. I also wanted the option for an occasional off-road weekend adventure vehicle.
View attachment 154311 View attachment 154312


I decided to go with a Dobinsons 2.5" lift.
Until recently, Dobinsons only offered a 1.75" lift with linear coils front and rear for the 2nd gen sequoia. In 2020 Dobinsons released a 2.5" lift with variable rear coils. Variable rears are known for a softer ride over small bumps then progressively firm up with increased travel.

Build:
Dobinsons 2.5" lift kit for 2nd gen sequoia
Pro Tune Dif Drop
Icon Vector 5 wheels 17x8.5. 25mm offset
Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/75 17 C rated tires
Black headlight mod
Black plasti-dip on all chrome. Gunmetal on front emblem
Sealight LED low/high beam & foglight replacement (Amazon)
3D Maxpider all weather floor mats (Amazon)

Pre lift ride height hub to fender: 20.5" front, 21.25" rear
Post lift: 22” front, 24.5”rear. (should settle over the next month)

Before/after:
View attachment 154313
View attachment 154314

View attachment 154319

Tire stickout is about an inch: View attachment 154322

View attachment 154321

I tried out the Bushwhacker OE flar which come out about 1.5" (about a half inch passed the tires). but decided to hold off on them. I like the slightly aggressive stance I ended up with. View attachment 154323 View attachment 154324

Nice ride man... How many mile ? I just bought a 2008 Sequoia,. It is a Platinum and I'm getting mixed feedback on whether or not I can go with the lift the Dobinson 2.5" lift. Have you heard of anyone putting this lift on a Platinum edition ( has air bag suspension ). I'd like to keep the rear airbags , Tandem Off road sells a 3" lift puck for the airbags and I'll just go 5100s to replace the rear electric damper shocks

 

Great thread, great build! Did you happen to get a side view of the truck while holding up the OE style flares? I've never been able to see them in a contrasting color from the body.. Why didn't you keep them?

I've seen a few sequoias with the "pocket style" flares but I can't figure out who made them..

 

I’m gonna do the Dobinson’s 2.5” lift too! Were the 17’s a tight fit with the calipers? Totally gonna dip the chrome as well.......how are the handles holding up?
9apps
cartoon hd

 

Decided to go with a Dobinsons 2.5" lift.
Until recently, Dobinsons only offered a 1.75" lift with linear coils front and rear for the 2nd gen sequoia. In 2020 Dobinsons released a 2.5" lift with variable rear coils. Variable rears are known for a softer ride over small bumps then progressively firm up with increased travel.

Build:
Dobinsons 2.5" lift kit for 2nd gen sequoia
Pro Tune Dif Drop
Icon Vector 5 wheels 17x8.5. 25mm offset
Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/75 17 C rated tires
Black headlight mod
Black plasti-dip on all chrome. Gunmetal on front emblem
Sealight LED low/high beam & foglight replacement (Amazon)
3D Maxpider all weather floor mats (Amazon)

Pre lift ride height hub to fender: 20.5" front, 21.25" rear
Post lift: 22” front, 24.5”rear. (should settle over the next month)

To Hike, the OP: Do you feel that the Diff Drop was necessary? Also, did you upgrade your Upper Control Arms (don't see UCAs listed)? Pretty sure I'm gonna do the 2.5 IMS kit on my 2013 Limited. I'm gonna keep the stock 18's though, so won't be as pretty as yours.