Sequoia TRD Pro Giveaway Build: Suspension and Unlocking More Power

Photography: Sam Du

  • The Turn 14 Distribution x SuperPro Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro giveaway build is underway and will debut at the 2024 SEMA Show.
  • Toyota TRD Pro models come well-equipped from the factory; however, this Sequoia build will improve performance further with high-quality aftermarket parts.
  • Following its unveiling at SEMA, Turn 14 Distribution customers will be able to win the Sequoia TRD Pro by purchasing products from featured brands.
  • In this second build article, RPM Garage finishes suspension upgrades from King Shocks and Firestone Airide, then increases horsepower and torque with aFe Power components.

In case you missed our last update, we’re doing big things at Turn 14 Distribution. For this year’s SEMA Show, we’ll be debuting two new project vehicles—the first is a 2024 Honda Civic Type R, and the second is this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro! What’s pretty damn cool about both builds is that we’ll be giving them away to two lucky Turn 14 Distribution customers as part of a new sales promotion program next year. All T14 customers will have the opportunity to accrue points and win either vehicle by purchasing products from featured brands. In the case of the Sequoia TRD Pro, ten companies are a part of the sales program, which include SuperPro, Hawk Performance, Weld Racing, Magnaflow, Mickey Thompson, aFe Power, Liqui Moly, Firestone Airide, Baja Designs, and Rally Armor.

SUSPENSION LIKE A PRO

Headlining our list of partners for the Sequoia TRD Pro is SuperPro, a world leader in manufacturing some of the best suspension components around. We installed their front upper and lower control arms as well as rear trailing arms. These heavy-duty upgrades are critical to withstand high-stress conditions and prepare our SUV for a substantial lift.

KING OF COILOVERS

The Sequoia already comes with a decent suspension from FOX tuned specifically for the TRD Pro. It’s a great setup for drivers who might hit some light trails a few times a year, but if we’re trying to tackle some tall rocks or run through the desert at high speed, a more advanced system is needed. If you ask most seasoned off-road guys, there’s no brand better to go with than King Shocks. King has a deep heritage in off-road racing and supporting winning trophy trucks. The technology from racing is carried over to their customer product line, and their parts are recommended by experts around the industry, including our installer RPM Garage.

For the Sequoia TRD Pro, we installed their coilovers which use 2.5” shock bodies. The shocks are much bigger than the factory, which gives more fluid capacity and less of a chance for them to overheat. They are also longer offering 30% more wheel travel. The remote-finned reservoirs are pretty sweet as they allow you to dial the compression in – typically softer for rough roads allowing for better comfort, and stiffer for street driving. According to Steve Lam at RPM Garage, King coilovers are better all-around than stock. “It’ll take potholes better. You’ll have less body roll. In braking, it won’t nosedive as much, and during acceleration, it won’t squat as much. These shocks can take a beating while riding smoother than factory.”

AIR SUPPORT

With the SuperPro components and King coilovers dialed in, we’re leaps and bounds better than where we were stock; however, we set out to build a Sequoia TRD Pro that doesn’t just excel in the mountains but serves the role of the ultimate family hauler. This is why we teamed up with Firestone Airide to add its airbag and compressor kit.

Not to be confused with a full air suspension setup, the Firestone kit is meant to be a supplement for the rear when towing. If you’ve ever seen a truck tow a car, boat or trailer, you’ll notice the back end tends to sag and dip due to the additional weight. The Firestone kit eliminates that sag which will prevent major wear and tear. With our Sequoia TRD Pro, it’s rated to haul more than 9,000 pounds, so it’d be a shame for us not to take full advantage of all its towing prowess.


OFFICIAL PARTNERS

OFFICIAL PARTNERS