What have you done to your 1st Gen Sequoia today?

I figured it was time for a place to post all things Sequoia related; questions, pictures and BS.
There's a handful of us here with 1st gens, hopefully this thread is useful and it helps out some new members along the way.
Here's my kid/dog hauler! Cheers

 

One thing to keep an eye on, rear spring mounts.
Dirt collects in the lower spring seat and the top side of the upper mount. I only have minor surface rust but there is potential for more.
When upgrading my suspension, I greased both mounts to help prevent rust.

 

Yes, new parts. I like your Seqouia.

 

Thanks
New parts are always good, trying to keep this thing on the road for a long time.

 

I remember running into issues when I was swapping out the struts on my 1st gen for Bilsteins. I had no problems with the fronts but when I got to the back, just couldn’t unbolt the original struts. I don’t think I had the right tools. Put the rear wheels back on and took it to a local shop and had them swap the rears out. Ended it up selling it to my mechanic after I blew the engine @217k miles. He put a new engine in and has been using it as his commuter for over 2 years now. Other than that, only other issues I had was the VSC being very sensitive, a cracked thermostat housing, and replaced the rear hatch handle a couple of times.

 

Yeah, those rear shocks are not fun! I had to notch the old shock shafts with a grinder to have somewhere to grip and keep it from spinning.
Once in a while I get the annoying VSC issue but it's been a great vehicle over all.
I'm on my second rear hatch handle

 

Replaced all 4 sway bar links today, the OEM links were shot.
Extended length by SuspensionMaxx.

 

My buddy, on that trail last Sunday, literally separated his steering rack!!! Haha I thought he got new shiny bushings or something!!!

 

Wow! That ain't good, is he going back with oem?

 

. This was mine, purchased new in ‘04 for my 26th birthday and daily drove it for over 15 years. Front 2.5” lift with adjustable Bilsteins, rear 2” spacers. Magnaflow exhaust, TRD intake, slotted rotors, 1.5” spidertrax spacers, 22” forged 2-piece wheels, (2) 13.5” JL Audio subs, (3) PPI Art Series amps, (2) 1-Farad capacitors, Inifity Kappa components, drop down screen, Pioneer Nav/DVD, Morimoto HID projectors, and TRD leather/suede interior.

No Toyotas for almost 3 years now but I currently have a deposit on a ‘23 Sequoia TRD Pro so I may be going back.
I also have a deposit for a ‘22 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport. Originally placed it back in Jan of last year for a ‘21 but didn’t get an allocation so my dealer switched it to a ‘22 order and I’m still waiting without an allocation yet. If the Sequoia TRD Pro comes in first, I may take it and drive it until my Escalade comes in and then sell or trade in. Or, if I really like it, keep it and cancel the Escalade order. If the Escalade comes in first, not sure what I’m going to do but I can’t keep both of them. Wife wants a new SUV but doesn’t want a full-size, considering a Model Y or Audi Q4 E-Tron. It may also come down to what the market is like when the Sequoia arrives.

 

Looks great, I love those headlights.

The '23 Sequoia Pro looks awesome, I can't wait to see them in person.

 

Perfect. Just got first refusal on an '04 that's about to go up for sale. Never had an interest in something so large, so haven't been paying attention. Suddenly have a lot to learn. Perfect timing to start a Sequoia thread.

 

Best of luck on getting it! No doubt this thread will move slow but it's good to have ya on here.

 

Anyone know if the '04 V8 is the same 4.7l motor in the Tundra? Asking as the '04 is coming to 180k & I'm assuming it will need a timing belt job right off, but the owner thinks it has a timing chain in it.

 

Yep, same motor. I did the timing belt on mine 40k miles ago, no chain!

 

Current owner of the '04 Sequoia told me it needs a yaw sensor & the part is 'kinda pricey'. LOL. Looked it up at my local dealer (who I consider incompetent & thieves) - they want 1,000 to 1,200 for the part. That qualifies as pricey - lol. I know Toyota of Decatur had a major sale recently & sometimes offers free shipping, so I looked to see what their after the sale is over price for the Yaw Sensor is - 647 to 800 for the part.

Dunno, just wanted to share - shop your parts to make these olding rigs affordable to keep running.
I haven't looked up the repair yet, but I'll bet it's a couple of bolts & an electrical connector.

 

Interesting.. did it throw a code? Make sure you confirm the issue for a part that pricey.

 

It's throwing a light. I have to confirm if the code was read by the local dealer. Now I know they flat out lie, I wouldn't trust their diagnosis - they'll quote you the most expensive part it might be. But I don't know the diagnosis was done by them.

So far, only dinner party talk about the '04 with the owner. In depth convo comes when Momma is ready for her new ride, when she decides winter is over.

 

Any Sequoia owners want to chime in on my buying decision? Both Sequoias same price, 2 owners, clean, and mostly no issues (a few easily addressed items). First one is 2004 4wd 137k miles and second one is 2006 2wd 148k miles. Trying to decide between 4wd with 4 speed vs 2wd with 5 speed is tough. Opinions?

 

Yeah that's a tough one. I'd want the 5spd also but if you need 4wd then that's a big deal. Maybe hold out longer for an 05+ 4wd.

 

I'm a little biased but I would get the 04 4wd. No AIP, no sealed transmission.

 

That was kind of my thinking as well. I just found out thought that the 04 owner has done zero maintenance other than oil changes and brakes so that’s concerning. Acted like he didn’t know what a timing belt and diff oil are. People never cease to amaze me.

 

Wow, yeah if you don't need 4wd and the 06 has great service records, I would get that.

 

I don't have experience with the 4spd in these vehicles, but the 5 speed is smooth and been rock solid for me. The sealed part is a pain though. But I can't fairly compare them I guess.

4wd system on my sequoia is awesome, love the full time/locking center differential. Not sure when that started, but it's a great feature.

 

Yeah I would like to have 4wd because I’ve heard the system is great, but geez 137k and the diffs have never been changed that can’t be good. I realize everyone isn’t a mechanic, but damn what kind of person thinks all you have to do is change the oil and that’s it?

 

Yeah the center diff locker is sweet!
I don't have any experience with the 5 speed, but the 4 speed is butter smooth too. Lol

 

I'd second these reasons.
Even if the diff fluids haven't been changed, I'd feel comfortable that they are robust enough to handle the delay - listen for any obvious complaining from them.
But then it's likely the zerks have never been greased, which may be more of an issue - no grease wears stuff out fast.

Of the two, I'd think the '04 is more capable to do 'stuff', the '06 is probably the better mall crawler & I'd expect better gas mileage. So what'cha looking to do with it? Do you have winter?

 

Long tubes in an 01 I believe, it was interesting to see the similarities and differences.

 

Looks great! Bet it sounds good too

 

Started a Sequoia fix it thread, tossed up some you-tube videos.
1st Gen Sequoia fix it thread | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)