I've always been a Ford guy and have built up a bunch of different platforms for prerunning, chasing, exploring and surfing around Baja (three F150'a, a couple of other Broncos, a ranger, two Expeditions, etc, etc). I'll post some links once I'm not deemed a "newb".
Anyways, after coming to my senses and realizing that I need a reliable, sensible all-around family vehicle for my wife, myself and our expectant daughter, I decided on the Sequoia platform.
I liked the size, cargo space, seating options and variations, and towing capability. And of course, the Toyota reliability. I spend a ton of time in Baja and I wanted something that would cover all my bases down there and around town. Being able to do some real deal off road miles without getting the s^&* kicked out of me while still being able to carry and lock up a large load of gear was imperative. I also didn't want to look like a derelict while driving around town (a spooled rear diff in the supermarket parking lot doesn't garner a whole lot of positive attention).
There were a couple of things that prolonged my purchase, however. I couldn't find one with low miles and when I did they'd usually be long gone by the time I could get to 'em. I also didn't like the lack of bolt-on aftermarket parts. However, I did my homework and realized that there were quite a few options for these rigs if you get a little creative, and indeed, they can be worthy off-road rigs.
With all that being said, I was able to find a clean platform not too far from home. It's a 2005 with just under 92k miles. Limited 4wd. Timing belt and water pump have been replaced already. Interior is immaculate, and it's got a fresh paint job (although good from far, but far from good).
I immediately ordered some Weathertech mats, installed an Aux input cord into the stock stereo and ordered new front speakers to replace the blown out ones that were in there before. I also ordered the metal replacement rear latch that I've learned can be such a nightmare.
Immediate Plans are:
-Front Suspension: King bolt-in extended travel coilover, Camburg upper arm, TC spindle gusset and Diff Drop
-Rear Suspension: OME 2862 Spring, King 2.5 reservoir shock, and aftermarket lower links and limit straps
- 285x 75x17 BFG KO2's on Method 701's (black)
-Sleeper LED light bar and pods front and rear
-Race radio
Future Plans:
- 2.5" bypass shock up front
-2" King bump in the rear
-onboard air
-full size spare
-custom " prerunner" style bumpers
-low profile roof rack
I think that with the upgrades it can be a reliable, versatile rig that can do a bit of everything and not be too flashy.
I posted in the suspension sub-forum, but I'm looking into shock options for the rear. It'd be amazing if one of the major shock companies would offer a specialized shock for the rear.
Here's a pic of the new girl in the driveway. I've got 3 1/2 months to try and get this build done before my first born arrives so I'm gonna try and be hasty with my progress.
More to come...
Anyways, after coming to my senses and realizing that I need a reliable, sensible all-around family vehicle for my wife, myself and our expectant daughter, I decided on the Sequoia platform.
I liked the size, cargo space, seating options and variations, and towing capability. And of course, the Toyota reliability. I spend a ton of time in Baja and I wanted something that would cover all my bases down there and around town. Being able to do some real deal off road miles without getting the s^&* kicked out of me while still being able to carry and lock up a large load of gear was imperative. I also didn't want to look like a derelict while driving around town (a spooled rear diff in the supermarket parking lot doesn't garner a whole lot of positive attention).
There were a couple of things that prolonged my purchase, however. I couldn't find one with low miles and when I did they'd usually be long gone by the time I could get to 'em. I also didn't like the lack of bolt-on aftermarket parts. However, I did my homework and realized that there were quite a few options for these rigs if you get a little creative, and indeed, they can be worthy off-road rigs.
With all that being said, I was able to find a clean platform not too far from home. It's a 2005 with just under 92k miles. Limited 4wd. Timing belt and water pump have been replaced already. Interior is immaculate, and it's got a fresh paint job (although good from far, but far from good).
I immediately ordered some Weathertech mats, installed an Aux input cord into the stock stereo and ordered new front speakers to replace the blown out ones that were in there before. I also ordered the metal replacement rear latch that I've learned can be such a nightmare.
Immediate Plans are:
-Front Suspension: King bolt-in extended travel coilover, Camburg upper arm, TC spindle gusset and Diff Drop
-Rear Suspension: OME 2862 Spring, King 2.5 reservoir shock, and aftermarket lower links and limit straps
- 285x 75x17 BFG KO2's on Method 701's (black)
-Sleeper LED light bar and pods front and rear
-Race radio
Future Plans:
- 2.5" bypass shock up front
-2" King bump in the rear
-onboard air
-full size spare
-custom " prerunner" style bumpers
-low profile roof rack
I think that with the upgrades it can be a reliable, versatile rig that can do a bit of everything and not be too flashy.
I posted in the suspension sub-forum, but I'm looking into shock options for the rear. It'd be amazing if one of the major shock companies would offer a specialized shock for the rear.
Here's a pic of the new girl in the driveway. I've got 3 1/2 months to try and get this build done before my first born arrives so I'm gonna try and be hasty with my progress.
More to come...