1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

‘14 Platinum Family Truckster

Discussion in 'Sequoia Builds' started by Bitzbp, Dec 30, 2022.

  1. Dec 30, 2022 at 5:56 PM
    #1
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    So after a long time following everyone’s builds quietly, I decided to join in, now that I have something to add to the forum. I appreciate following along on everyone’s builds and seeing them evolve.

    Quickly a little about myself, I worked as a tech in the automotive field growing up and then I worked for a Toyota dealer in the service department for 11 years progressing to a service manager when I eventually left the automotive field. I got to see the 2nd gen sequoia be released in showroom floors where, at the time I thought it was unnecessarily large as I was young and single and enjoyed driving my sports cars. Now with 3 kids, we outgrew our RAV4, Highlanders (had 2 of them), and still have the wife’s Sienna. I finally realized how perfect the Sequoia is. I always appreciated how reliable this generation sequoia was and early in ‘22 I finally picked up a ‘14 Platinum!! Been loving it ever since.

    Current mods:
    Method wheels w\ Ridge Grapplers
    OEM sport grill (comes painted)
    Painted handles and mirror caps
    Blacked out inside of headlights (aftermarket)
    Tinted tail lights ( may change this as I'm not totally loving them)
    TRD PRO suspension (not installed)
    Westcott Designs lift collar ( not installed)
    Tandem air bag spacer (still waiting)
    LED bulbs everywhere (need this as my night vision is terrible)
    Blackout badges (not installed)
    Misc things I forget

    Here is a picture of it stock one of the first days I had it:

    Here are a coup!e pics of how it sits today

    I still have a bunch of parts to install including the TRD Pro suspension and TRD sway bar and Im waiting on the Tandem air bag spacer to lift the truck but retain factory air bags.
     
    Thundra27, Kwe1982, NoRcptn and 10 others like this.
  2. Dec 31, 2022 at 4:39 AM
    #2
    farnsrocket

    farnsrocket New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2021
    Member:
    #59103
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2022
  3. Dec 31, 2022 at 4:40 AM
    #3
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2018
    Member:
    #14443
    Messages:
    56,117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Holden
    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    GR Corolla
    :drool::drool::drool::drool:

    Love me some modded sequoias!
     
  4. Dec 31, 2022 at 10:53 AM
    #4
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    Love your truck! Your truck is an inspiration for me during my build. For now I only got the rear TRD bar but may just grab the front. I read the front bar is the same size but solid so it should make a difference. I pushed the limit with tires and got 305/70/17 Ridge Grapplers. I removed the front mud flaps so far but it will rub the body mount when turned too much. I’m gonna try lifting it and see how it is, but it’s totally driveable and not sure I want to commit to the bmc. I have a couple other things on order so I’ll update as I install.
     
    farnsrocket[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Dec 31, 2022 at 11:29 AM
    #5
    farnsrocket

    farnsrocket New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2021
    Member:
    #59103
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks man! :drunk:
    Yeah front bar is an improvement.
    There's not much difference in our tire setups......are your rims +18 offset too? If they are 0 that could be the difference. Mine are +18 and I had no issues before I lifted it.
    [​IMG]
     
  6. Dec 31, 2022 at 1:48 PM
    #6
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    Yes they are 0 offset but they are also 17X8.5 which I think the 18’s are 18X9 +18. So there is a difference there as well
     
    farnsrocket[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Dec 31, 2022 at 2:18 PM
    #7
    farnsrocket

    farnsrocket New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2021
    Member:
    #59103
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    Yeah with 0 offset yours stick out 1.3” farther minus 1/4” give or take for your narrower rims.
     
  8. Jan 22, 2023 at 7:00 PM
    #8
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    So I've done a couple little things while I wait for better weather to do suspension

    I continued getting rid of the chrome. I ordered black "platinum" badges which seemed like an exact match for the OEM badges, and then I tried plastidip on the tail gate garnish and "5.7" badge. Came out pretty good and I probably will live with it for a while as opposed to ordering the overpriced OEM replacement.

    image2.jpg
    image4.jpg
    image3.jpg
    image6-2.jpg

    image0-6.jpg

    I changed the reverse and license plate bulbs to LED for a cleaner\brighter look.

    image1-2.jpg
    image0-5.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 22, 2023
    omgboost and farnsrocket like this.
  9. Jan 23, 2023 at 4:18 PM
    #9
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #10410
    Messages:
    4,590
    Gender:
    Male
    West Valley, Phoenix, Az.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Crewmax, 2013 Sequoia Limited
    Sequoia LED Headlights! D.T. L.T. headers, dual exh., BDX, S&B intake, 2018 seat skins.
    Nice work!
     
  10. Jan 24, 2023 at 5:33 AM
    #10
    S. Equoia

    S. Equoia New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2020
    Member:
    #56143
    Messages:
    136
    Gender:
    Male
    Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2015 Sequoia
    Looks good! Well done on the plastidip.
     
  11. Jan 29, 2023 at 5:42 PM
    #11
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    A couple small updates. I didn't want to buy new OEM tire sensors or move them from the factory wheels but I hate seeing the tire light on the dash. Cue the aftermarket tire sensors and display:

    image4-2.jpg

    The display fits in the location of a factory switch so I decided to move the "Tow\haul" button over to a blank spot near the rear window switch and mounted the tire display in its place. Looks pretty good and seems to function well. I like that I now know each tires pressure and location on the truck so if there is an issue its easier to identify.

    image3-2.jpg

    image2-2.jpg

    I also bypassed the factory TPMS system, the correct way (no cutting wires!). So there is no light on the dash!

    Lastly I replaced the noisy blower motor that had been annoying me since I purchased the truck a year ago. I debated going OEM, but honestly, working at Toyota this was a common problem so I figured to save some money and just buy one from RockAuto. So far so good and much quieter then the old one, but if I'm honest I still feel like its noisier then it should be but its been a while since I've heard a good OEM blower.

    image5.jpg

    image6.jpg
     
    omgboost and farnsrocket like this.
  12. Jan 29, 2023 at 7:08 PM
    #12
    farnsrocket

    farnsrocket New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2021
    Member:
    #59103
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    That’s a cool tire sensor set up, who makes it and how does it work?
     
  13. Jan 29, 2023 at 8:43 PM
    #13
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    I found it on Amazon, the sensors screw on and replace the valve stem caps. They are a little larger then I would like but they work well and beat having to break down the tire\wheel to install internal sensors and find someone good enough to balance heavy tires.
    https://www.amazon.com/HUAHAT-HuaHa...e2a-a37b-4d1b7571fa22&pd_rd_i=B071Z8BT46&th=1
     
    farnsrocket[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jan 29, 2023 at 8:51 PM
    #14
    Beau

    Beau De gustibus non est disputandum

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2019
    Member:
    #39640
    Messages:
    647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Beau
    Vehicle:
    2008 Sequoia with a 2022 style
    Where did you get the platinum badges? Nice truck! Thanks.
     
  15. Jan 30, 2023 at 5:12 AM
    #15
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    i got them from Ebay. Here is the link from the seller: Note, badges were great quality and seem OEM like but be careful, this is just for “one” badge, originally I thought it included both and had to go back to order another. Although they look/fit perfect, I’m not sure I would have jumped to buy them if I knew it would be $40 for both. I may have shopped around a bit more

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/194487990973
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #15
    omgboost likes this.
  16. Jan 30, 2023 at 3:49 PM
    #16
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Member:
    #10410
    Messages:
    4,590
    Gender:
    Male
    West Valley, Phoenix, Az.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Crewmax, 2013 Sequoia Limited
    Sequoia LED Headlights! D.T. L.T. headers, dual exh., BDX, S&B intake, 2018 seat skins.
    TPMS mod is cool!
     
  17. Jan 31, 2023 at 2:41 AM
    #17
    Beau

    Beau De gustibus non est disputandum

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2019
    Member:
    #39640
    Messages:
    647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Beau
    Vehicle:
    2008 Sequoia with a 2022 style
    Thanks!
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #17
  18. Feb 4, 2023 at 2:41 PM
    #18
    BrandonL812

    BrandonL812 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2018
    Member:
    #17783
    Messages:
    979
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brandon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Sequoia LTD
    Rx350 retrofitted, Morimoto Led fogs. interior and exterior leds swap. TRD drop in filter. Carbon filter delete. Led DRL panels. TRD Shift knob.
    Is that item specific to Toyota for the knockout switch plate? I didn’t see it for toyota, only nissan and honda.
     
  19. Feb 7, 2023 at 8:03 PM
    #19
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    So I went and double checked, the one I ordered was definitely for Toyota, not the Nissan one, but for some reason they aren’t offering that one as an option now….
     
    BrandonL812[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Feb 27, 2023 at 11:55 PM
    #20
    SBLongview

    SBLongview New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2023
    Member:
    #91830
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    byron
    Vehicle:
    '13 Sequoia Platinum
    Stock city…researching the build!
    Cool build. Enjoying watching this come together. I have a ‘13 that I’m building up right now thanks to all the inspo on the threads. I’ll post mine soon.
    In the meantime, any thoughts on tail lights? Any plans to do anything there? Doesn’t look like many options.
     
  21. Mar 9, 2023 at 10:54 AM
    #21
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    I would love if someone produced some tail light options. I did read there is a company that has them in the works but we will see. For the time being I smoked them and added LED reverse lights.
     
  22. Mar 9, 2023 at 11:35 AM
    #22
    Bitzbp

    Bitzbp [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2022
    Member:
    #89479
    Messages:
    12
    First Name:
    Brian
    So I added a few more things to the truck. I really want to do a full Baja style front bumper at some point but for now I installed a bull bar with light bar up front. I like how close to the bumper it can be positioned. Note* you will lose radar cruise with this bad (which I knew in advance, but barely used). I also added 2 recovery points where the tow hooks were.
    DCC68A63-654C-4A6B-B0FC-78EC79085890.jpg
    07EF36D3-340C-465F-A83C-A562E1265B7C.jpg

    I also added an inexpensive roof basket as we were going away and I wanted more storage space. I also bought a waterproof sac for the roof to put stuff in, in case in rained (which of course it did on our trip) worked great! I have to say I was really happy that at speeds 75mph and below I did not even hear the roof rack or tires. The hacked exhaust is another story…. Previous owner had an aftermarket muffler welded in which sounds great at idle and lower speeds but drones terribly at 70-75mph. I even tried to order the factory exhaust but it is on an insane back order with no production date.

    37F0BDA8-DBEB-474D-B414-208BDC95A886.jpg

    88113140-9FD8-46F0-A8FF-073D616FCCF5.jpg

    A couple other small things I need to install but I will find some time and try to post them up. So far this is the best truck I’ve ever had and I’m thoroughly enjoying taking long drives with the family. Can’t wait to do some light off roading in the spring.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top