Awesome build!!:tu::tu::tu: I contacted Brian Jowett too for rear shocks and a higher lift but he said there's no room for longer shocks with out modifying the upper shock mounts and it will be too difficult to get the suspension in alignment above 3" for the rears.

S2klbc - are you having top out issues with your bilsteins and spacers in back? I've heard that combo works ok. I found that the stock shocks can't really handle anything much over 1 3/8" lift in the rear without top of issues. Probably why the Revtek spacer is 1 1/2".

 

No issues yet but I want to go a little higher for clearance. I scraped a rock pretty good the last time out.

 

How much did these end of costing? I know it is impossible to get skids off the rack for trucks our size.

 

How much did these end of costing? I know it is impossible to get skids off the rack for trucks our size.

The skids cost me $1,700. Unfortunately, they are not simple "bolt-on" modifications as there is a welded steel substructure supporting the aluminum plates. Another route would be to get the Tundra or LC200 skids from Slee or Budbuilt though I don't know how much modding it would require. I would think it would bolt up as they use the same front end structure. I wasn't brave enough to buy and try. Overall, I like how the skids came out. I plan on subbing out the black zinc plated bolts for stainless ones but that's it. Also, I was thinking about anodizing the aluminum but I have to see how much that would run. I may just paint it black as paint is cheap and easy to reapply.

 

So after long deliberations about everything under the sun, I finally decided on my tire/wheel combo along with a my lift. I ended up going with Toyo MT's 275/70/18 (33.6") and the KMC Monster 18x9 with the 35mm offset. I got the 35mm because I didn't want the tires to stick out beyond the fender wells. They happen to line up perfectly!

Did you notice any issues with tire wear etc? Since it seems like that tire (or pretty much any 275/70R18) is not rated for 9" wide wheels (approved rim width range seems to be 7" - 8.5")?

Btw, if +35mm offset wheels are about flush without (OE) fender flares, then likely with flares installed offset should be about +18mm (or 20mm) to get same results (?)

 

Did you notice any issues with tire wear etc? Since it seems like that tire (or pretty much any 275/70R18) is not rated for 9" wide wheels (approved rim width range seems to be 7" - 8.5")?

Btw, if +35mm offset wheels are about flush without (OE) fender flares, then likely with flares installed offset should be about +18mm (or 20mm) to get same results (?)

I've actually been very happy with the tire wear. The tires wear completely flat. I have several close up pictures of the tire in this thread and the 9" rim is an easy fit. There's no odd bowing. I've aired down to 25psi without issues or un-beading the tire. That said, I wouldn't mind going up to a 285/70 or 295/70 simply to get more sidewall height. Of course, there are downsides with that too; namely weight and clearance.

As for running fender flares, a +18mm will push the rim outward an additional 17mm or ~ 5/8". You will also want to understand the wheel backspacing too as some rim lip designs can be different. The backspacing on the KMC XD Monsters are 6.38".

If you look at the two pictures showing the front and rear of my Sequoia, you can see the back and front do stick out ever so slightly but I haven't had any contact issues. Also, check out the FN BFD wheels. They have a +12 offset which would probably work even better with the fender flares as the fender flares add 1.25" (31.75mm). The advantage with the BFD is that they weigh 22lbs vs Method's or KMC which are all around 30-34lbs. That's a huge difference especially when 10 ply tires are 66-72lbs. Your gas mileage will appreciate the lighter weight.

Also, you should know that the fender flares are not OE (Original Equipment). Bushwacker may have been the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the Gen 1 Sequoia but the Gen 2 Sequoia did not have them and never had that option to be OE. That said, I do like the look of them.

EDIT: I just noticed that Bushwacker calls them an "OE" fender which is somewhat wrong terminology but I get why they did since the Gen1 had them... :doh:

 

If you look at the two pictures showing the front and rear of my Sequoia, you can see the back and front do stick out ever so slightly but I haven't had any contact issues. Also, check out the FN BFD wheels. They have a +12 offset which would probably work even better with the fender flares as the fender flares add 1.25" (31.75mm). The advantage with the BFD is that they weigh 22lbs vs Method's or KMC which are all around 30-34lbs. That's a huge difference especially when 10 ply tires are 66-72lbs. Your gas mileage will appreciate the lighter weight.

I took rough measurements from front with stock Michelins on original 18" wheels (+60mm offset), and wheels are sunk in about 42mm from outer edge of front fender flares (measured from top of the flare), so yes offsets in +10mm to +20mm range likely would look rather nice...
Backspacing should not be an issue as long as staying with 9" (or narrower) wheels (?)

Also, you should know that the fender flares are not OE (Original Equipment). Bushwacker may have been the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the Gen 1 Sequoia but the Gen 2 Sequoia did not have them and never had that option to be OE. That said, I do like the look of them.

EDIT: I just noticed that Bushwacker calls them an "OE" fender which is somewhat wrong terminology but I get why they did since the Gen1 had them... :doh:

There seems to be "Toyota" part numbers for flares 00016-0C830-xx and 00016-0C831-xx (where "xx" is the color code). If you google "00016-0C0830-XXinst.pdf" you should find links to install instructions...
The later number seems to be improved version with improved mounting, thats what I just installed on my 2010, although these parts appear to be listed to only fit 2011+ models...they fit fine. I was initially looking to get set of Bushwacker flares, but luckily happened to come across these since these were cheaper and came pre-painted with perfect color match...

 

There seems to be "Toyota" part numbers for flares 00016-0C830-xx and 00016-0C831-xx (where "xx" is the color code). If you google "00016-0C0830-XXinst.pdf" you should find links to install instructions...
The later number seems to be improved version with improved mounting, thats what I just installed on my 2010, although these parts appear to be listed to only fit 2011+ models...they fit fine. I was initially looking to get set of Bushwacker flares, but luckily happened to come across these since these were cheaper and came pre-painted with perfect color match...

Learn something new everyday. I wonder why they never offered these as an option at Toyota. Possibly they were supposed to but something got dropped? Don't know. I like the look though.

 

I absolutely love your set up. I just bought a 2012 sequoia. It is a platinum edition. It has an automated air suspension. I am looking at the Rev Tek 2 inch lift kit for the front. The automated leveling system will lift the rear by 1 1/2 inches to compensate. I am wondering if I could run the same size wheels and tires as you.

 

I absolutely love your set up. I just bought a 2012 sequoia. It is a platinum edition. It has an automated air suspension. I am looking at the Rev Tek 2 inch lift kit for the front. The automated leveling system will lift the rear by 1 1/2 inches to compensate. I am wondering if I could run the same size wheels and tires as you.

Thanks. There's no reason why the Platinum would fit the tires any different than the Limited. It's the same suspension in front. The rear is no concern on either edition.

I really like the current offset of the rims (+35). The tires are fairly flush to the side of the Sequoia without sticking out. Are you planning on using the stock rims? If so they are a different offset. I do plan on going to a little bit larger tire to get a little more ground clearance for rocks. Probably a 295/70/18. It will be about a little taller and a little wider but should still work without rubbing per my measurements. Also you will need to manually slide your rear height adjusters to set the rear airbag height. There are others in this forum that have done it. It's not hard but you will need to search. I wonder if a spacer can be made for the airbag too?

Let me know if you have any other questions,

steven

 

I << I am looking at the Rev Tek 2 inch lift kit for the front. >>

I bought a '05 SR5 a few months ago. It had the Rev Tek spacers in the front, and what looks like nylon spacers in the rear. The front OEM shocks were shot @ 70k miles, so I got the 5100's, and was very impressed with the improved ride. I was thinking of going to a longer spring & take some of the preload out of the shocks, anyone care to comment on this?

rb

 

Was lucky enough to see your Sequoia in person at Mammoth Village a week ago. Looks fantastic. Inspiring me to start a must have parts list.

Carlos

 

Was lucky enough to see your Sequoia in person at Mammoth Village a week ago. Looks fantastic. Inspiring me to start a must have parts list.

Carlos

Thanks! Should have said hi. We were up there primarily for the race but did a little off roading around mammoth scenic loop. Nothing too crazy this trip.

 

I was up at Mammoth also for the races. Did a little hiking, mountain biking and trail exploring......but I'm over in the 1st Gen section

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-sequoia/305945-bit-the-bullet-started-the-build/

 

after scraping some rocks and bottoming out on a NF road last week, I really want to get serious about lifting mine; awesome thread, just catching up on your build, very very cool.

Just needs a good 3" up and some sliders, not to mention some skid plates as well. Luckily I learned to weld recently so I'm almost ready to start monster garaging it up and hopefully save a bit of money on skid plates. I really like the sliders where the mounts are welded on but still removable for repairs, very smart.

 

nice article, great truck. can't wait to see what it will look like in black

 

Having some fun on the backside of Lake Crowley. Testing out the limited articulation of independent suspension. The grade was 8%, 4WD Lo, no A-Trac engaged, center diff lock off, traction control off, stability off. I'm actually surprised I made it up without A-Trac. I am clearly on 2 wheels which should have stopped me with open diffs. There were other parts of the trail that I had to engage A-Trac which is a cool feature.

 

Cool vid!

I've yet to engage a-trac yet, have had tires about 4ft off the ground. Also been a teeter totter a few times. Something that's happened to me twice is the engine stalling, has this ever happened to you? Most recent time I had two wheels off the ground going up hill, 4 lo and electronics off and I tried giving her more power and she shut off on me. Figured the system shut down to prevent damage, I had 3 quarters of a tank so I don't think lack of fuel was the problem. She started right up after, but left me wondering.

 

Cool vid!

I've yet to engage a-trac yet, have had tires about 4ft off the ground. Also been a teeter totter a few times. Something that's happened to me twice is the engine stalling, has this ever happened to you? Most recent time I had two wheels off the ground going up hill, 4 lo and electronics off and I tried giving her more power and she shut off on me. Figured the system shut down to prevent damage, I had 3 quarters of a tank so I don't think lack of fuel was the problem. She started right up after, but left me wondering.

I've never bogged the engine or had it shut off. Are you sure that all the nannies were turned off. The only thing I know of that cuts throttle is the Traction Control/Stability Management. And even then it's only supposed to reduce output not shut the engine off. I can't imagine it being anything in the fuel delivery system, i.e. fuel pump, or pressure regulator.

 

I've never bogged the engine or had it shut off. Are you sure that all the nannies were turned off. The only thing I know of that cuts throttle is the Traction Control/Stability Management. And even then it's only supposed to reduce output not shut the engine off. I can't imagine it being anything in the fuel delivery system, i.e. fuel pump, or pressure regulator.

About 99.99% sure that everything was off. Only reason that lack of fuel came to mind is because the front end driver’s side came off the ground rather quickly and we were on an incline. When I tried to give her power the engine was dead, she did start right back up again so I guess it has nothing to do with the fuel system.

 

Having some fun on the backside of Lake Crowley. Testing out the limited articulation of independent suspension. The grade was 8%, 4WD Lo, no A-Trac engaged, center diff lock off, traction control off, stability off. I'm actually surprised I made it up without A-Trac. I am clearly on 2 wheels which should have stopped me with open diffs. There were other parts of the trail that I had to engage A-Trac which is a cool feature.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc6Tl7u7zsQ

cool video.

I have a 2013 Sequoia Limited 4WD and still pretty confused about the A TRAC. Is the A TRAC is same as Auto LSD ? If not how to engage and dis-engage A-TRAC. I tried using the VSC switch for a second or 3 second hold down and all it shuffles between VSC, TRAC and AUTO LSD.

or did i get totally wrong about the A-TRAC ?

 

Sounds like nannies, I think Toyota keeps some level of nannies on all the time. Might have been roll sensor. It cut gas you're on a hill not enough power to keep tires turning so it just stalls out.

 

Sounds like nannies, I think Toyota keeps some level of nannies on all the time. Might have been roll sensor. It cut gas you're on a hill not enough power to keep tires turning so it just stalls out.

Makes sense, it worries me that this might happen when on a steep decline. If the vehicle shuts off going down a crazy hill the results could be dangerous.

 

Just curious, were you in 4-lo? If so I would think you were right and all the nannies should be off.

 

Just curious, were you in 4-lo? If so I would think you were right and all the nannies should be off.

Yep, I was in 4-lo. Made sure that everything was off before starting the climb.