I think your buddy who did the wood work for the floor did a great job. If he had cut the wood to make a snug fit the plywood will squeak against the plastic of the vehicle and it will drive you crazy.
Awesome van. I interviewed the guys at journey's off-road at overland expo 2 years ago. I now have an awd sienna and plan to lift mine too. Those BFGs look great even with no lift.
you prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost my account password. I love any assistance you can give me!
@Dawson Matteo Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
The storage box on top - I don't know why other folks who use mini van conversions don't do this. It's a great place for so many items. Thanks for creating and sharing this great video!
As someone who already owns a newer minivan I'm thinking of buying one as a back up, the amount of these things still on the road a 300+k is astounding
sweet, I have a 2004 AWD Limited Sienna with 110,000 I was planning to sell, but no I'll probably keep it as a project car =) , ( I did put 245/50/18 on Lexus GS 350 18" wheels and it make the van drive way more stable, the offset and lug pattern is perfect )
Our 2009 fwd sienna rocks! No where that thing can't go my bike or skis can't take us. May I recommend studded snow tires if you hit the snow. Also if you have a box, get a full size spare tire. Week (days) saver in the right situation .
Lift kit is a 8 hour job. Around 700 bucks anywhere u have it done. I have a 2011 XLE AWD And about to install Journeys 3.5 but kudos to you for the inspiration to toughen up the mom Van's. The 4x4 snobs will scoff ..let em. These Van's are build on Toyotas SUV platform anyway. Lest they realize.
Yep...could never Afford a 'Sprinter' or Ram Promaster! Even Full size Cargo Vans aren't 'CHEAP'! i'm an 'occasional' Weekend Warrior...These Minivans are 'Realistic'& Within my Budget! i like that they're Already 'insulated' inside too! Great 'Start'..on you conversion! Carry On! Cheers Canada!
Is there a part 2 to this "series". I just saw your video on Dustin Klein's channel with the lift installed. I'm on Vancouver Island, BC and just bought a 2006 AWD Sienna. We have the Journeys Off Road lift kit for our Dodge Grand Caravan. Definitely going to get the 3.5" lift for the Sienna too. Did you install it yourself or have it done in a shop? Also, you didn't have any issues with 245/65/17 pre lift? I was only going to go 225/65/17, but now you have me thinking. Last question, do you have a link for the Blueridge net?
No part 2 yet. Hopedully in the next month, I just need to find some time. We installed the lift at a friends house that had a big car lift. I have a friend that did it in front of his house by himself so totally doable. 245/65/17 without the lift is really awesome. With those tires you honestly don't even need a lift. Net is the Blue Ridge Overland Toyota Land Cruiser / Lexus LX Attic. Fits perfect and is super secure. I am not sure what the weight capacity is but I feel like it could hold a lot of weight!
I’ve driven my 2010 Sienna on a long stretch of washboard and I could see the frame flexing pretty significantly near sliding doors. As much as I want to do JOR 3.5” lift, I’m worried frame flex could be a problem over time.
Be careful. I have a 2004 and have engine cradle rusted badly. New part is 1700. If you offroad check how sound your undercarriage is. Have fun. I plan to move into mine. Adventures await.
dude bro, your van is sick! i was debating between a sequoia and sienna, but gonna get a sienna for hang gliding and camping after watching this video.
I got the sienna, I got it almost 80% built out, I’m going to throw in some tires now, I don’t have a lift but I am scheduled in March at journeys in Scottsdale, but if I get the tires now have you had any problems with the 245/65?
I've been looking at the Siennas for the last few days after learning they come in a AWD. Plan on doing a camper conversion. Nice to know that the 245/65s fit without the lift. Any rubbing at all?
I realize this is an old thread... I just ordered these tires for my 2009 Sienna all-wheel drive. I'd love to get these on before I do a lift, but all my tire places in town say that they'll definitely rub as well as the folks at journeys off-road. Still going to try. Wonder if those are stock rims?
I actually filmed it but I have a prototype hitch rack on my van and they don't want me to reveal it yet. Maybe I'll edit it out and see if it still works.
Hi,... Great video... Did you upgrade your braking system and or are you going to do it when you put your journey kit on there... I'm still undecided if I'm going to actually put the journey kit or find another route to lift my van... However at this very current moment I need to make a decision on my breaking system... And it seems like no one's sharing what has worked or what has not worked... I'm pretty sure no one is keeping OEM rotors and pads after they put on these big tires and or lifts... Hmmm
Never heard of anyone upgrading their brakes after doing the JOR. If you poke around the forums one person upgraded rotors but it wasn't because of the lift or tires. I believe it took a lot of work and it was because he was hauling a trailer. JOR seems to be the most common and reliable lift.
Hello, saw your van up at Rocky Point the other day! The lift looks amazing. Just purchased a Journey offroad Sienna lift kit. Would your friend be willing to work on my van? Just let me know thanks!
Good stuff!! Making me want one man. Looking forward to seeing the rig around PDX sometime. As a Toyota enthusiast/owner I would personally go with less than a 3.5” lift if possible (not sure what other kits are out there). Once you go that high the ball joint and cv axel angles are pretty maxed out and you’ll end up having to replace both much sooner than if you do a more mild lift. That’s kinda the case with any vehicle but I’ve personally experienced these problems lifting a 1st gen Tundra and 4Runner. Replacing the CV and ball joints was a PITA haha, would have rather been riding. Whatever way you go this thing is rad!!!
Great point... This is why I'm still sitting back and watching.. When the journey kept first came out I was so excited... However... It is not looking good in the van community... It just ends up costing the owner so much more money with all the other parts they have to change because this just too much stress on them... I was on one forum and this guy was talking about using Highlander struts to lift his sienna... I asked him to please make a video on how he did this... This may be a great option for me... I never even wanted three and a half inches however the journey all in one kit seemed convenient... I only want a couple of inches taller... And I don't want to go too large on tires because the issues with that and or they don't even fit anyways...
Also I should point out that the stuff I've seen on the forums about people putting a lot more money in their vehicles because of the journey kit are mostly people that are not mechanically inclined... Which is my problem... I'm a better troubleshooter than I am a parts changer... And as soon as I feel something wobbling, vibrating, her mouse's hair move...😂🤣 I want to get out and investigate... So I think this lift will be more trouble than what it's worth for me in my sanity driving over the road alone...lol
You wrote this comment at the perfect time! 180K Just got back from a trip to Fernie, BC. I am not concerned at all. I think once we hit 300k things might start falling apart more often. These vans are built to last.
Are you going to do anymore van updates? I want to get a Sienna but most of the used ones have a ton of mileage and the price is still high. Do you have any recommendations?
I did. It's been lifted for a few months now. Love it. Handling is better. Probably because I put in the new shocks front and back plus the sway bar that came with the kit. 24MPG with rooftop box and my Lolo Rack. 100% would recommend but just note that depending on your veichle it can lead to CV issues.
@@BrokenandCoastal Thats good to hear, another youtuber with a lifted awd sienna said with his kayak and roofbox he gets 12 mpg, 15 without kayak and like 16.2 at 80mph on the highway but his friends FWD does over 20mpg. How did you measure yours? Hand or computer tripometer? Highway only or mixed?
@@shanet7511 Crazy. I recommend joining the Sienna AWD Facebook page. Basically, any question you have has already been answered by a ton of people. There must be something wrong with that person's van. Just measuring from the Van. I know it takes me a almost 3/4 or so to get from Portland to Ashland fully loaded with 2 people and 4 bikes. Thats about as scientific as I'll ever get. haha.
Great video! I've been considering the Journeys Offroad lift kit for my Sienna for a while. Are you still planning to make a video about that? I went ahead and subscribed. 👍
Yo! David Boerner here. Literally looked up 2004 Toyota Sienna as i'm trying to buy one (probably just gonna get FWD). Hell yeah! Questions: -how's the reliability been so far (and what mileage are you at)? -what kinda MPG you getting? -any issues with the tires so far? And have they affected your MPG?
The van has been solid. Just hit 150k like a month or so ago. I honestly don't know how to track MPG. I've only been driving for 3 years! The bigger tires rip! It just makes driving off road super comfortable and safe. I don't know if it affects MPG but you can definitely feel the weight of them. For me it's not a big deal. Besides the tires I've replaced an oxygen sensor and the rear struts myself. I'll be replacing the front ones as well when I put the lift kit on it. I love these vans.
Great questions... I was going to ask the same thing.. The larger the tire the worse the miles per gallon is going to be... So I was trying to avoid of going too large... Also I did not get a all-wheel drive because they have worse gas mileage too... And more things that will break when I'm on the road... So I also purchased my sienna with front wheel drive... Also I plan on driving on beaches... So I don't want all-wheel drive... This is why I kept going back and forth between getting a sienna and a 4Runner... I either want a true 4x4 or a 2WD... I'm still trying to figure out my brakes though... Has anybody upgraded their brakes and have good news or bad news... Lol
That thing will run forever. My dad put 400k on his
I think your buddy who did the wood work for the floor did a great job. If he had cut the wood to make a snug fit the plywood will squeak against the plastic of the vehicle and it will drive you crazy.
Awesome van. I interviewed the guys at journey's off-road at overland expo 2 years ago. I now have an awd sienna and plan to lift mine too. Those BFGs look great even with no lift.
you prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost my account password. I love any assistance you can give me!
@Nickolas Kaiser Instablaster :)
@Dawson Matteo Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Dawson Matteo it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much you saved my account !
@Nickolas Kaiser no problem xD
This is great! Nice seeing some alternatives to sprinters. Can't wait to see what you end up doing. Nice work.
The storage box on top - I don't know why other folks who use mini van conversions don't do this. It's a great place for so many items.
Thanks for creating and sharing this great video!
Wow that floor is very sweet!!! Can't wait to see what else you do with it.
Very nice van job! Lola rack looks really handy too, esp. for strange shapes that bikes come in these days.. but they still have handlebars and seats.
As someone who already owns a newer minivan I'm thinking of buying one as a back up, the amount of these things still on the road a 300+k is astounding
Love the back well. I too have a 2004 Sienna and have debated with totally removing seats.I think I'll do it!
sweet, I have a 2004 AWD Limited Sienna with 110,000 I was planning to sell, but no I'll probably keep it as a project car =) , ( I did put 245/50/18 on Lexus GS 350 18" wheels and it make the van drive way more stable, the offset and lug pattern is perfect )
Our 2009 fwd sienna rocks! No where that thing can't go my bike or skis can't take us. May I recommend studded snow tires if you hit the snow. Also if you have a box, get a full size spare tire. Week (days) saver in the right situation .
Still trying to figure out where to mount a spare
Thank you so much for uploading this video... great stuff!!
Lift kit is a 8 hour job. Around 700 bucks anywhere u have it done. I have a 2011 XLE AWD
And about to install Journeys 3.5 but kudos to you for the inspiration to toughen up the mom Van's. The 4x4 snobs will scoff ..let em. These Van's are build on Toyotas SUV platform anyway. Lest they realize.
Looks great. We have the same van we are getting ready to build out. I’d love to see any updates you have made to it since this video!
Yep...could never Afford a 'Sprinter' or Ram Promaster! Even Full size Cargo Vans aren't 'CHEAP'! i'm an 'occasional' Weekend Warrior...These Minivans are 'Realistic'& Within my Budget! i like that they're Already 'insulated' inside too! Great 'Start'..on you conversion! Carry On! Cheers Canada!
Thank you - I have one just like it in blue, they're great vans! Very helpful info 😊
Is there a part 2 to this "series". I just saw your video on Dustin Klein's channel with the lift installed. I'm on Vancouver Island, BC and just bought a 2006 AWD Sienna. We have the Journeys Off Road lift kit for our Dodge Grand Caravan. Definitely going to get the 3.5" lift for the Sienna too. Did you install it yourself or have it done in a shop? Also, you didn't have any issues with 245/65/17 pre lift? I was only going to go 225/65/17, but now you have me thinking. Last question, do you have a link for the Blueridge net?
No part 2 yet. Hopedully in the next month, I just need to find some time. We installed the lift at a friends house that had a big car lift. I have a friend that did it in front of his house by himself so totally doable. 245/65/17 without the lift is really awesome. With those tires you honestly don't even need a lift. Net is the Blue Ridge Overland Toyota Land Cruiser / Lexus LX Attic. Fits perfect and is super secure. I am not sure what the weight capacity is but I feel like it could hold a lot of weight!
@@BrokenandCoastal did you get any rub or need wheel spacers for those tires ??
Nice!! I'm with ya, Great Idea!!
Nice music, too.
I’ve driven my 2010 Sienna on a long stretch of washboard and I could see the frame flexing pretty significantly near sliding doors. As much as I want to do JOR 3.5” lift, I’m worried frame flex could be a problem over time.
@P C Oh thats interesting!
Be careful. I have a 2004 and have engine cradle rusted badly. New part is 1700. If you offroad check how sound your undercarriage is. Have fun. I plan to move into mine. Adventures await.
Super Smart!
dude bro, your van is sick! i was debating between a sequoia and sienna, but gonna get a sienna for hang gliding and camping after watching this video.
I was in a similar boat and the Sienna is just so nice for hauling stuff and camping. Hard to beat the sliding doors too.
I got the sienna, I got it almost 80% built out, I’m going to throw in some tires now, I don’t have a lift but I am scheduled in March at journeys in Scottsdale, but if I get the tires now have you had any problems with the 245/65?
@@HangingwithJoe no problems
How much Paul charge for the floor for someone else?
Out of curiosity, what effect on MPG did your tires and conversion have? Love the conversion you did...
I've been looking at the Siennas for the last few days after learning they come in a AWD. Plan on doing a camper conversion. Nice to know that the 245/65s fit without the lift. Any rubbing at all?
No rubbing on the 2nd gen AWD. 2WD might not.
I was just about to ask the same thing...
I realize this is an old thread...
I just ordered these tires for my 2009 Sienna all-wheel drive.
I'd love to get these on before I do a lift, but all my tire places in town say that they'll definitely rub as well as the folks at journeys off-road. Still going to try. Wonder if those are stock rims?
Please make another update with the lift kit on🥺
I actually filmed it but I have a prototype hitch rack on my van and they don't want me to reveal it yet. Maybe I'll edit it out and see if it still works.
Hi,...
Great video...
Did you upgrade your braking system and or are you going to do it when you put your journey kit on there...
I'm still undecided if I'm going to actually put the journey kit or find another route to lift my van...
However at this very current moment I need to make a decision on my breaking system...
And it seems like no one's sharing what has worked or what has not worked...
I'm pretty sure no one is keeping OEM rotors and pads after they put on these big tires and or lifts...
Hmmm
Never heard of anyone upgrading their brakes after doing the JOR. If you poke around the forums one person upgraded rotors but it wasn't because of the lift or tires. I believe it took a lot of work and it was because he was hauling a trailer. JOR seems to be the most common and reliable lift.
where is part 2
It's coming!
Hello, saw your van up at Rocky Point the other day! The lift looks amazing. Just purchased a Journey offroad Sienna lift kit. Would your friend be willing to work on my van? Just let me know thanks!
He did it as a favor. I know there are people that will do it in town as I am seeing more and more lifted Siennas here.
Good stuff!! Making me want one man. Looking forward to seeing the rig around PDX sometime.
As a Toyota enthusiast/owner I would personally go with less than a 3.5” lift if possible (not sure what other kits are out there). Once you go that high the ball joint and cv axel angles are pretty maxed out and you’ll end up having to replace both much sooner than if you do a more mild lift. That’s kinda the case with any vehicle but I’ve personally experienced these problems lifting a 1st gen Tundra and 4Runner. Replacing the CV and ball joints was a PITA haha, would have rather been riding. Whatever way you go this thing is rad!!!
Good to know because I really don't know much about cars. haha
Great point...
This is why I'm still sitting back and watching..
When the journey kept first came out I was so excited...
However...
It is not looking good in the van community...
It just ends up costing the owner so much more money with all the other parts they have to change because this just too much stress on them...
I was on one forum and this guy was talking about using Highlander struts to lift his sienna...
I asked him to please make a video on how he did this...
This may be a great option for me...
I never even wanted three and a half inches however the journey all in one kit seemed convenient...
I only want a couple of inches taller...
And I don't want to go too large on tires because the issues with that and or they don't even fit anyways...
Also I should point out that the stuff I've seen on the forums about people putting a lot more money in their vehicles because of the journey kit are mostly people that are not mechanically inclined...
Which is my problem...
I'm a better troubleshooter than I am a parts changer...
And as soon as I feel something wobbling, vibrating, her mouse's hair move...😂🤣 I want to get out and investigate...
So I think this lift will be more trouble than what it's worth for me in my sanity driving over the road alone...lol
Thanks for the vid! Do you have specs/plans for the floor?
I don't sorry!
Can you show some more outside footy of it, or vids of it ripping?
I'll try and get my wife to shoot some video next time we camp together.
Great video! Did you remove the trolleys that allow the middle seats to move or did you just build the floor on top of them?
very cool - how many miles did it have when you got it, and are you concerend with it being high (I'm assuming) mileage???
You wrote this comment at the perfect time! 180K Just got back from a trip to Fernie, BC. I am not concerned at all. I think once we hit 300k things might start falling apart more often. These vans are built to last.
Are you going to do anymore van updates? I want to get a Sienna but most of the used ones have a ton of mileage and the price is still high. Do you have any recommendations?
New video coming soon.
Nice!
Did you ever get it lifted? If so how did it effect handling/stability, ride quality and mpg?
I did. It's been lifted for a few months now. Love it. Handling is better. Probably because I put in the new shocks front and back plus the sway bar that came with the kit. 24MPG with rooftop box and my Lolo Rack. 100% would recommend but just note that depending on your veichle it can lead to CV issues.
@@BrokenandCoastal Thats good to hear, another youtuber with a lifted awd sienna said with his kayak and roofbox he gets 12 mpg, 15 without kayak and like 16.2 at 80mph on the highway but his friends FWD does over 20mpg.
How did you measure yours? Hand or computer tripometer? Highway only or mixed?
@@shanet7511 Crazy. I recommend joining the Sienna AWD Facebook page. Basically, any question you have has already been answered by a ton of people. There must be something wrong with that person's van. Just measuring from the Van. I know it takes me a almost 3/4 or so to get from Portland to Ashland fully loaded with 2 people and 4 bikes. Thats about as scientific as I'll ever get. haha.
Have you installed the JOR kit?
instagram.com/p/CJobBlIF2b3/?
Great video! I've been considering the Journeys Offroad lift kit for my Sienna for a while. Are you still planning to make a video about that? I went ahead and subscribed. 👍
Thanks. I am planning to do a follow up video with lift kit and camping set up.
@@BrokenandCoastal Awesome, looking forward to it!
Yo! David Boerner here. Literally looked up 2004 Toyota Sienna as i'm trying to buy one (probably just gonna get FWD). Hell yeah!
Questions:
-how's the reliability been so far (and what mileage are you at)?
-what kinda MPG you getting?
-any issues with the tires so far? And have they affected your MPG?
The van has been solid. Just hit 150k like a month or so ago. I honestly don't know how to track MPG. I've only been driving for 3 years! The bigger tires rip! It just makes driving off road super comfortable and safe. I don't know if it affects MPG but you can definitely feel the weight of them. For me it's not a big deal. Besides the tires I've replaced an oxygen sensor and the rear struts myself. I'll be replacing the front ones as well when I put the lift kit on it. I love these vans.
Great questions...
I was going to ask the same thing..
The larger the tire the worse the miles per gallon is going to be...
So I was trying to avoid of going too large...
Also I did not get a all-wheel drive because they have worse gas mileage too...
And more things that will break when I'm on the road...
So I also purchased my sienna with front wheel drive...
Also I plan on driving on beaches...
So I don't want all-wheel drive...
This is why I kept going back and forth between getting a sienna and a 4Runner...
I either want a true 4x4 or a 2WD...
I'm still trying to figure out my brakes though...
Has anybody upgraded their brakes and have good news or bad news... Lol
Sound like u are complaining about paul not flushing the floor to the sides😂
haha
Incomplete, where is the kitchen.
What ? You can’t afford a $50k sprinter ? Wow 🤩