One of the many things that is so great about you and your channel is that you have that rare commodity (especially on YT Overland Travel) of the common sense approach of/for the everyday people who can't/won't pay gazillions of $ to go camp somewhere! You specifically find great alternatives for your viewers, the majority of which we would never know of without your help! Very many thanks for how you do what you do.
I have a 2016 FWD Sienna. My car is about 50,000 miles and is in excellent condition. Fitted this lift kit, changed wheel tires and cost a lot of money. However, my steering wheel wobbled so much that I couldn't shake it even though I took a lot of money to do the 2nd wheel balance for the 2nd alignment. I've been calling Journeys Offroad, but it's safe for 10 out of 100 to do this. They also say something that can be done if the mission is bad. That is not at all. I think I should sell the experiment. The kit is 700$ and the installation cost is also 300$ or more. I've spent over $2,000 now and have to pull the kit off again. For months I lived in pain and hell.
@@Chris-j4k3y Sorry to hear man. I've spent the past year SLOWLY transforming a Gen 2 Sienna into an "Adventure Van." Took out the seats. Created a comfy sleeping interior. Limo tinted the back windows for privacy. Got a divider curtain behind the front seats. It's a hobby. The one thing I swore is "do NOT decrease its reliability, safety, comfort." After all, it's a Van. Not a 4Runner or Land Cruiser. And it's a TOYOTA. I trust Toyota engineers know what they are doing. Each vehicle is "purpose built." The last thing I want to do is mess with their build. Toyota is a multi-billion dollar company. Journeys is less than 10 guys in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere Kanas. 🤣 And none of them are Japanese. They're not engineers. They're like ants in comparison. So Hard NO to trusting Journeys (or any other company) over Toyota Engineers when it comes to changing a Toyota's build purpose. This is the same company who gave us the Lexus LS 400! I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way. I am glad you shared your story. It further reinforces to the rest of us what NOT to do. I don't need extra ground clearance. It's a SIENNA. So long as I'm not rock climbing, I can and DO go off road, FWD, with zero problems with factory wheels, OE size tires, factory ride height. It's still higher than a Camry. Even though a Sienna IS mechanically the SAME as a Camry. That's a good thing! 👍🏼
I would really like it if Toyota would put a van on the Tacoma platform but this video has me looking at the Sienna again and checking Craigslist for Astros.
Go Van Life. I once considered a minivan for our road travels but decided to go a different route. I think it's cool these options exist now and make accessibility to the outdoors affordable.
@@mixflip well at the time I drove a Hyundai Elantra hatchback and while you wouldn't think of that as an "overland" vehicle" it made it up many dirt roads and packed up a lot of camping supplies. For more offroad capabilities I used my diesel F250 and got further up in the mtns. Of course now we have the Gen 5 4runner and can go almost anywhere. Obviously the Hyundai was not an off roader but it got great gas mileage on hwy so set the cruise and go. We packed that car up to the max and made it work. It saw plenty of dirt roads but had its limitations and I think its space and limitations is in part why we went w/the 4runner. Hey the whole point is to get out there so don't let your lack of the right vehicle stop you.
The 2nd Gen Sienna's are arguably the best minivan ever made. I have had our 06 from brand new and drove from MI to Miami and back without a fear at all that it would not make it back in December 19.
@@sentry8992 around 200,000, my wife drives it mostly and I have not looked at it in a while. I live in the rust belt and there is no rust at all on the body
AWD is not necessary if you're not in snow. No one is gonna do serious OFF ROAD with a lifted minivan either. For that, you need true 4x4 with locking diffs. All you need is extra ground clearance. Which is why they make the lift kit. Keep it simple and get the FWD. You have 1,000 lbs of engine weight pushing down on the front wheels. So you're gonna get all the traction you need. Dirt bikes go everywhere with power to only ONE wheel. Here you have TWO wheels pulling you... that are weighted. It's like putting sandbags in the back of the bed on RWD trucks for traction. People have been doing it for 100 years, because it works. FWD Sienna is the ballz. Esp lifted. No sandbags required. Engine weight does the same trick. And none of those AWD parts to burn out and break... costly to repair. Keep it simple. Enjoy more!
Thank you. I went with a front wheel drive 2010 XLE limited with 72,000 miles, it was expensive but it’s really clean and thanks for the vote of confidence for front wheel drive as I do live in a snowy environment in the winter.
Journeys got me hooked 'cus i love Toyotas and Chevys. I have a Sienna now and I always loved the Chevy Astro Vans. The Astro Panel or Cargo van is sick.
I was considering a Toyota Sienna, and found the lift kit by accident. After watching this video, Ill be getting a TS and this lift kit. My Weekend Winnebago is coming!
Bad ass stuff brother, good looking out on the video. I am doing a two wheel drive surf van currently. 2007 Chevy Expess and am for sure going to be looking at there website for my bumper and rack needs. Also looks like I can build out a few 4x4s as well. Very Cool!!!
@@mixflip finally pulled the trigger and picking up my "new" 2004 awd with 150k...just getting broke in🤣😂. Already went to journey's site and sent some questions to them👍
Dude I enjoyed the Expo and enjoyed all the high dollar stuff but i also love DIY and realistic normal people's budget stuff... I had fun but am really disappointed that i didnt get to meet you. Your videos are always top notch and NOBODY does better Sema or Expo vids. 👍🏼
I bought a 2015 awd rav4 then two years later bought a 2004 4wd sequoia for the 8 passenger seating. Now I have two vehicles when that sienna could have done it all.
We have an 04 Sienna Standard Rebuild @ 80 thousand miles 3.3 VVT V6 January will be 5 yrs of traveling and being a moving van , New Suspension /Shocks CV joint New Rotors pads . She's great on cruising mileage, Strong Engine Best 6 grand Truck ever; Now) it has only 120 K miles quite and dependable,last thing I hauled was a Queen Size Mattress , Plan on Camping starting Springtime
I'm happy with my J.O.R 5 inch kit. Now planning to gear up to 4.10 and lift it to a total of 8 or 9 with some 32 x11.50. It is a 2wd and i never got stuck.. that's the good thing about the LS on these astros.
I wish I would have seen this video a couple of days ago! I just bought my first soccer mom van. If I knew there was a Toyota Sienna lift kit I would have been all over it!
@@goclunker the cv angle 0:41 doesn't look too bad. my sidekicks was way worse and those hubs were stuck locked most of the time. but yeah, 3.5" lift is a bit much but keep in mind with 10 years on this van the stock springs have sagged a bit so it isn't a true 3.5 inch lift but more of a 3inch maybe.
The goal of the lift is not to go 4 wheeling with it like a Jeep. You’d ruin it. Overlanding is different. Your just trying to give it lift to get places (gently) that you couldn’t get to with out the lift. For example: I train hunting dogs and I like my 06 Sienna AWD. When I train dogs it’s out in the country on beaten, crappy paths and roads. Also when I take my dogs hunting to Montana, South or North Dakota and Maine that 3 1/2 inches of lift is essential on some of those roads. I’m not intentionally pushing the limits of my van, just trying to get places a bit easier. That said, I am worried about CV issues on the front. None so far and no steering wheel shaking but time will tell.
@@DavidLaburglier Every single kg you put on a car eats away 1 horse power (or something like that, its a rule of thumb). To compensate for that you will press the gas more to drive normally. Just the bigger wheels and extra weight will put your gas mileage up. Then add to that the lack of aerodynamics and the design of the car not meant to be high. I wouldn't be too afraid of gas mileage doing this. I'd be afraid for my CV joints (powertrains are aligned for factory height, if you modify this you put more stress on your joints not meant to be going full power on a un-leveled joint, jacking up your car or truck will be making your joints un-level, all the time, unless you go the expensive "lift" route which is called body-lift and only applicable on body-on-frame trucks, not unibodies.), my tip-over center of gravity and my overall performance just to get over a few bumps few times a year going camping. I went in the deepest natural reserve last summer with a fully loaded mazda 2 stock with bald tires and 2 kayaks strapped on top. Everybody else had a big pick-up or 4x4. Was funny. Sure it was touchy and it was literally like a rally at some point for 2 hours with me telling my gf which angles and lines to take not to pop tires or scrape the underside but it was oh so do-able and a fun learning adventure for her. We did the same kind of trip with my fusion sport 3.5 awd which is extremely low and I wasn't even slowing down much. You really don't need a high clearance if you know how to drive. But you will REALLY loose a lot of handling, gas mileage and safety jacking up a mini-van. And let's be honest here, unless you own land far out without road access, or plan on illegally entering people's properties, you don't need a buggy. LOL. I was thinking of turning my fusion into a buggy type and it would be absolutely bad ass but honestly... just get a pick-up or 4runner/xterra if you want to have the best of both worlds. Unless you need a big platform for a camper, than by all means, go for it. That's the idea. Grab one of those big school bus type american box trucks and make it a cool ass getaway camper for cheap. The engine power and 4x4 alone will get you anywhere you are allowed to go.
Awesome video!!!! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for....AND MORE! Plans on getting a Mitsubishi Delica just went out the window...JOR's kits are very reasonably priced and much more practical (lots of used Siennas and Astros here in Hawaii) and affordable for me....eliminates the shipping costs for an entire vehicle from the mainland US! I can use the savings to style out the inside! Thanks mixflip for the informational and entertaining vid.
I always thought it was strange that there were no RVs in Hawaii when I lived there. If I moved back I'd build up a Sienna AWD and camp all over the island lol.
Had Journeys do the lift on my '08 Sienna this past Tuesday. In by 8 out by 3! Great family to work with. Quality workmanship. Made the 400 mile return trip home. The Toyota handled as if it were stock height. No decrease in fuel economy. Now I need to get some appropriate tires for the lift!
Don't buy one yet until they straighten out the design flaws, or better yet pursue the Delica (that is what I should have done). One of the technicians that installed mine (Sienna AWD) talked to the company during the install after running into several design flaws and was informed an improved version was in the works.
and not to break anybody's rice bowl, but when we first moved to Utah, we went car camping , now called overlanding, in my 1969 VW fastback coupe with a tent, and coleman stove, coleman cat heater for those high desert nights, a spare tire and some tools. We even rescued a couple who had a lifted 4wd pickup, but were stranded because they had no lug wrench. the old vdub had a low enough first gear we could crawl over small obstacles. never stuck!
I got the 3.5 lift for 2011 sienna XLE AWD leather loaded DVD moonroof. Cool but if you aren't installing yourself...it'll run you about 8 Bill's and up for install. Between 8 and 10 hours of labor. With it... you will be nearly oneoff and find that anyone installing it, will have said this is the first mini van I ever lifted. People dont realize there hasn't been many AWD minivans EVER MADE ..You will have the 4wd snobs chompin at the bit. But they dont make the rules for overland culture, I live in Jeep Willys overland country, Toledo, ohio and I aim to make a statement, maybe Jeep needs a minivan
I love siennas. Just hard to sell over 150k even if in great shape. They last forever but people lose points driving a mini van. I'd say if you could put this kit on, your wife would be happy to drive it!
My question is I understand that the sienna is a unibody design but the components that are for sale seem to be body type lift or am I incorrect? I only say this because there's no suspension component when he presented the parts
how about installing the kit, how much does that cost? does the van bounce or break slower on regular roads? how much lower gas mileage? my 09 sienna gets 17.1 mpg combined says display
I have 30K+ miles on my lifted 2005 Sienna AWD. I am completely satisfied with the JOR kit. I had my favorite mechanic install it, JOR answered the few questions that he had. I have had no problems at all with the lit kit. If JOR develops a true 4X4 for the AWD Sienna I am on it.
I don't know about you guys but when I see a real capable low budget off road rig, I see a real outlander/survivalist. And That puts them on notch 25 of the respect ladder compared to anybody with a trail badge or brand on their car payment. I feel much safer knowing about normal wear and tear then all this electronics / solenoid / ecm/pcm/cvt "lifetime fluids" non-sense. You know why they call those locked fluid boxes "life-time". It's because they dont want that car to outlive it, not because its eternal. lol
Great idea but are there any long term issues with the altered suspension bushings ,ball joints and all others links and arms connected the suspension will affected. Is this a Toyota approved kit? If the Toyota selling or endorsed the kit its different. Anything happens in your rear or front brakes let's say, they will blame the suspension modifications create pressure and stress. And what about a difference handling, steering or breaking?
Exactly my thoughts. The stock suspension is designed for paved roads. And i suspect that it would actually weaken things to throw strut spacers on there
The kit creates a wobble that doesn’t go away. And they were pretty rude to me when I was trying to put it together.......don’t call them on the weekends it doesn’t make them happy even though they tell you in the directions to call if you need help
This guy mentioned that after-market CV axels are the cause of the wobble and that OEM parts were needed to do the job correctly. ua-cam.com/video/ldrQJ82t6N0/v-deo.html
@@sherekhan53 I need to replace my passenger side front axle and I’m only gonna do it with OEM Toyota part however they are backordered not sure when it will arrive
I need a new car and have been wanting to do something like this for a long time but don't have too much cash (college student). Stumbled upon this kit today and really want to do it now! Anyone know if a 2002-2005ish Sienna with 200k miles is any good? Obviously prior maintenance is best, but anything I should look out for if purchasing one around this milage? $4k is what my budget is. Thanks!
You should be fine. I bought an 05 with 200k, now 240k and still great. Make sure timing belt has been replaced and you should be good. I have 2 and them. But one you won’t be disappointed.
Hi 👋 new sub awesome video like the price range on the vehicles shown I have a 2003 Chevy suburban LT would love to convert it to a overland vehicle and camping setup it’s very nice condition need your input on ideas if you can send me a link on someone who has done this conversion I would be great full thanks for sharing and I really love ya video content it’s really good and informative 👍
The AWD Sienna has no room for a spare. As a result it uses run flat tires. Brian's tires are obviously not run flats. Does Brian carry a spare? If so, where does he store it?
Hey, So when i was driving it as a daily I kept it in the rear compartment. One of the guys at Adventure Trailer made a custom mount to put on the rear and we are looking at some options for tire storage on the 2nd and 3rd gen Sienna.
@@jeffkopher3468 , It's not that easy! In a mini van, space can be an issue. If you're living out of your van you'll have your bed and all your other gear stored in the area behind the driver and passenger. Finding a place for a spare tire could be a problem.
If only they had a kit like this for a 96-00 grand caravan... got one for free that runs great and would be a fun camping vehicle, but no way to lift it without screwing up the ride and suspension.
One of the many things that is so great about you and your channel is that you have that rare commodity (especially on YT Overland Travel) of the common sense approach of/for the everyday people who can't/won't pay gazillions of $ to go camp somewhere!
You specifically find great alternatives for your viewers, the majority of which we would never know of without your help!
Very many thanks for how you do what you do.
Thanks for watching. You rock!!!!
@@mixflip Yeah, have watched, liked and shared lots of your videos, and I agree with person above: good stuff for regular people! Thanks, man! 👍😎
I have a 2016 FWD Sienna. My car is about 50,000 miles and is in excellent condition. Fitted this lift kit, changed wheel tires and cost a lot of money. However, my steering wheel wobbled so much that I couldn't shake it even though I took a lot of money to do the 2nd wheel balance for the 2nd alignment. I've been calling Journeys Offroad, but it's safe for 10 out of 100 to do this. They also say something that can be done if the mission is bad. That is not at all. I think I should sell the experiment. The kit is 700$ and the installation cost is also 300$ or more. I've spent over $2,000 now and have to pull the kit off again. For months I lived in pain and hell.
@@Chris-j4k3y Sorry to hear man. I've spent the past year SLOWLY transforming a Gen 2 Sienna into an "Adventure Van."
Took out the seats. Created a comfy sleeping interior. Limo tinted the back windows for privacy. Got a divider curtain behind the front seats. It's a hobby.
The one thing I swore is "do NOT decrease its reliability, safety, comfort."
After all, it's a Van. Not a 4Runner or Land Cruiser.
And it's a TOYOTA. I trust Toyota engineers know what they are doing. Each vehicle is "purpose built." The last thing I want to do is mess with their build.
Toyota is a multi-billion dollar company. Journeys is less than 10 guys in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere Kanas. 🤣 And none of them are Japanese. They're not engineers. They're like ants in comparison.
So Hard NO to trusting Journeys (or any other company) over Toyota Engineers when it comes to changing a Toyota's build purpose.
This is the same company who gave us the Lexus LS 400!
I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way. I am glad you shared your story. It further reinforces to the rest of us what NOT to do.
I don't need extra ground clearance. It's a SIENNA. So long as I'm not rock climbing, I can and DO go off road, FWD, with zero problems with factory wheels, OE size tires, factory ride height.
It's still higher than a Camry. Even though a Sienna IS mechanically the SAME as a Camry. That's a good thing! 👍🏼
Toyotas are bulletproof, without exception; thanks for a reliable, affordable, self-contained options for consideration.
Thanks for watching
I would really like it if Toyota would put a van on the Tacoma platform but this video has me looking at the Sienna again and checking Craigslist for Astros.
I'm on craigslist too. I'm moving to snow country and already have a need for an awd vehicle.
I've seen alot over overload videos the past week.. you make the best videos . This channel for overland is 2nd to none ...
Thanks for watching
Loving that white astro van, I could stick some solar panels on top and load it up with ham radio gear as well as a place to sleep!
I can already see that white van as my mobile office and hotel.
Holy crap!!!! The solid axle astro!!! Frickin awesome!
@6:30 it's a shame they don't have a kit for the Toyota sienna all-wheel-drive minivan when it comes to the 4x4 lo hi and two wheel drive
Something for everyone. Great upload.
Dan, and others, My install was about $750.00, I had oter work done at te same time. Frank's Import Service in Concord CA did the install.
Go Van Life. I once considered a minivan for our road travels but decided to go a different route. I think it's cool these options exist now and make accessibility to the outdoors affordable.
What route did you go?
@@mixflip well at the time I drove a Hyundai Elantra hatchback and while you wouldn't think of that as an "overland" vehicle" it made it up many dirt roads and packed up a lot of camping supplies. For more offroad capabilities I used my diesel F250 and got further up in the mtns. Of course now we have the Gen 5 4runner and can go almost anywhere. Obviously the Hyundai was not an off roader but it got great gas mileage on hwy so set the cruise and go. We packed that car up to the max and made it work. It saw plenty of dirt roads but had its limitations and I think its space and limitations is in part why we went w/the 4runner. Hey the whole point is to get out there so don't let your lack of the right vehicle stop you.
That is actually so awesome, you could do so much with that room, love it
I agree. I now own an awd sienna
The 2nd Gen Sienna's are arguably the best minivan ever made. I have had our 06 from brand new and drove from MI to Miami and back without a fear at all that it would not make it back in December 19.
@@sentry8992 around 200,000, my wife drives it mostly and I have not looked at it in a while. I live in the rust belt and there is no rust at all on the body
I literally bought an Astro and ordered this kit after seeing this.
My family own a mini van! I’m looking around for the info ! Ty for making this video !
Thanks for watching
I don't know how I ended up here but I have zero regrets. Great stuff man.
Thanks for watching
AWD is not necessary if you're not in snow.
No one is gonna do serious OFF ROAD with a lifted minivan either. For that, you need true 4x4 with locking diffs.
All you need is extra ground clearance. Which is why they make the lift kit.
Keep it simple and get the FWD. You have 1,000 lbs of engine weight pushing down on the front wheels. So you're gonna get all the traction you need.
Dirt bikes go everywhere with power to only ONE wheel. Here you have TWO wheels pulling you... that are weighted.
It's like putting sandbags in the back of the bed on RWD trucks for traction. People have been doing it for 100 years, because it works.
FWD Sienna is the ballz. Esp lifted. No sandbags required. Engine weight does the same trick. And none of those AWD parts to burn out and break... costly to repair.
Keep it simple. Enjoy more!
Thank you. I went with a front wheel drive 2010 XLE limited with 72,000 miles, it was expensive but it’s really clean and thanks for the vote of confidence for front wheel drive as I do live in a snowy environment in the winter.
I love when people do stuff for the eveyday person!! Awesome vids
Me too. Im saving up for a truck....but for now I camp in a 2008 Hyundai Tucson 2wd lol. I could use a sienna mini van with a lift kit.
That's awesome. Thanks for the vid, keep up the good work.
I’m digging these vans! Damn, such a great $$ too. For around $7,500 you can drive away with a screamer of a 4X4 van!! Thanks MixFlip!
Journeys got me hooked 'cus i love Toyotas and Chevys. I have a Sienna now and I always loved the Chevy Astro Vans. The Astro Panel or Cargo van is sick.
Thanks for watching
I was considering a Toyota Sienna, and found the lift kit by accident. After watching this video, Ill be getting a TS and this lift kit. My Weekend Winnebago is coming!
Thanks for watching
I was slightly embarrassed when we got rid of our expedition for the ‘15 sienna but wanted that reliability. Wanna do this!
I sold my truck to buy another truck....but ended up buying an awd sienna.
This is just what I want for my 2008 sienna!
Bad ass stuff brother, good looking out on the video. I am doing a two wheel drive surf van currently. 2007 Chevy Expess and am for sure going to be looking at there website for my bumper and rack needs. Also looks like I can build out a few 4x4s as well. Very Cool!!!
Thanks for making this. Looking at a diy sienna camper & want to lift it for snow/beach access. Exactly what I was looking for 👍
Thanks for watching
@@mixflip finally pulled the trigger and picking up my "new" 2004 awd with 150k...just getting broke in🤣😂. Already went to journey's site and sent some questions to them👍
A 1965 Vista Cruiser with 4x4 would be the ultimate overlander IMO.
Damn that astro is amazing
I'm in the process of getting an old Sienna. This is great news!
I recently bought an awd sienna. Good luck buddy.
Dude I enjoyed the Expo and enjoyed all the high dollar stuff but i also love DIY and realistic normal people's budget stuff... I had fun but am really disappointed that i didnt get to meet you. Your videos are always top notch and NOBODY does better Sema or Expo vids. 👍🏼
Thanks for watching
I bought a 2015 awd rav4 then two years later bought a 2004 4wd sequoia for the 8 passenger seating. Now I have two vehicles when that sienna could have done it all.
We have an 04 Sienna
Standard Rebuild @ 80 thousand miles 3.3 VVT V6
January will be 5 yrs of traveling and being a moving van , New Suspension /Shocks CV joint New Rotors pads .
She's great on cruising
mileage, Strong Engine
Best 6 grand Truck ever; Now) it has only 120 K miles quite and dependable,last thing I hauled was a Queen Size Mattress , Plan on Camping starting Springtime
I've already turned my Sienna into an RV. It's on my Channel if you're interested in how I did mine.
I'm happy with my J.O.R 5 inch kit. Now planning to gear up to 4.10 and lift it to a total of 8 or 9 with some 32 x11.50. It is a 2wd and i never got stuck.. that's the good thing about the LS on these astros.
I wish I would have seen this video a couple of days ago! I just bought my first soccer mom van. If I knew there was a Toyota Sienna lift kit I would have been all over it!
Well there is.
Is there any video of that lifted sienna in action? I would love to see how it actually does in overlanding, mud sand, ruts etc.
Probably not well. At that height without a subframe drop, its must have horrid cv wobble
@@goclunker wondering the same, but at about 3:55 he mentioned a differential drop, so *maybe* that helps a lot.
@@arithmetik absolutely it does, but wobble usually comes from front CVs, the rears don’t really care about angles
@@goclunker the cv angle 0:41 doesn't look too bad. my sidekicks was way worse and those hubs were stuck locked most of the time. but yeah, 3.5" lift is a bit much but keep in mind with 10 years on this van the stock springs have sagged a bit so it isn't a true 3.5 inch lift but more of a 3inch maybe.
The goal of the lift is not to go 4 wheeling with it like a Jeep. You’d ruin it. Overlanding is different. Your just trying to give it lift to get places (gently) that you couldn’t get to with out the lift. For example: I train hunting dogs and I like my 06 Sienna AWD. When I train dogs it’s out in the country on beaten, crappy paths and roads. Also when I take my dogs hunting to Montana, South or North Dakota and Maine that 3 1/2 inches of lift is essential on some of those roads. I’m not intentionally pushing the limits of my van, just trying to get places a bit easier. That said, I am worried about CV issues on the front. None so far and no steering wheel shaking but time will tell.
I just did this to my 2006 sienna. It's awesome
hey Jamie, 2006 Sienna owner here also (fwd tho). Do you have before and after MPG numbers for yours?
@@DavidLaburglier lmfao if gas milage is a big concern get a prius buddy
@@DavidLaburglier Every single kg you put on a car eats away 1 horse power (or something like that, its a rule of thumb). To compensate for that you will press the gas more to drive normally. Just the bigger wheels and extra weight will put your gas mileage up. Then add to that the lack of aerodynamics and the design of the car not meant to be high. I wouldn't be too afraid of gas mileage doing this. I'd be afraid for my CV joints (powertrains are aligned for factory height, if you modify this you put more stress on your joints not meant to be going full power on a un-leveled joint, jacking up your car or truck will be making your joints un-level, all the time, unless you go the expensive "lift" route which is called body-lift and only applicable on body-on-frame trucks, not unibodies.), my tip-over center of gravity and my overall performance just to get over a few bumps few times a year going camping. I went in the deepest natural reserve last summer with a fully loaded mazda 2 stock with bald tires and 2 kayaks strapped on top. Everybody else had a big pick-up or 4x4. Was funny. Sure it was touchy and it was literally like a rally at some point for 2 hours with me telling my gf which angles and lines to take not to pop tires or scrape the underside but it was oh so do-able and a fun learning adventure for her. We did the same kind of trip with my fusion sport 3.5 awd which is extremely low and I wasn't even slowing down much. You really don't need a high clearance if you know how to drive. But you will REALLY loose a lot of handling, gas mileage and safety jacking up a mini-van. And let's be honest here, unless you own land far out without road access, or plan on illegally entering people's properties, you don't need a buggy. LOL. I was thinking of turning my fusion into a buggy type and it would be absolutely bad ass but honestly... just get a pick-up or 4runner/xterra if you want to have the best of both worlds. Unless you need a big platform for a camper, than by all means, go for it. That's the idea. Grab one of those big school bus type american box trucks and make it a cool ass getaway camper for cheap. The engine power and 4x4 alone will get you anywhere you are allowed to go.
@@PatTheRiot thanks for insightful reply. Just looking for real-world MPG numbers.
I’m doing my 06 Sienna AWD right now. It’ll be done by the weekend. What kind size tires and what kind of tires are your running?
Awesome video!!!! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for....AND MORE! Plans on getting a Mitsubishi Delica just went out the window...JOR's kits are very reasonably priced and much more practical (lots of used Siennas and Astros here in Hawaii) and affordable for me....eliminates the shipping costs for an entire vehicle from the mainland US! I can use the savings to style out the inside! Thanks mixflip for the informational and entertaining vid.
I always thought it was strange that there were no RVs in Hawaii when I lived there. If I moved back I'd build up a Sienna AWD and camp all over the island lol.
Had Journeys do the lift on my '08 Sienna this past Tuesday.
In by 8 out by 3! Great family to work with. Quality workmanship.
Made the 400 mile return trip home. The Toyota handled as if it were stock height.
No decrease in fuel economy.
Now I need to get some appropriate tires for the lift!
Don't buy one yet until they straighten out the design flaws, or better yet pursue the Delica (that is what I should have done). One of the technicians that installed mine (Sienna AWD) talked to the company during the install after running into several design flaws and was informed an improved version was in the works.
Totally saving up for this.
and not to break anybody's rice bowl, but when we first moved to Utah, we went car camping , now called overlanding, in my 1969 VW fastback coupe with a tent, and coleman stove, coleman cat heater for those high desert nights, a spare tire and some tools. We even rescued a couple who had a lifted 4wd pickup, but were stranded because they had no lug wrench. the old vdub had a low enough first gear we could crawl over small obstacles. never stuck!
Hahahaha look at the type of roads we used to have, and they drove them in model t's.
ahhh the nasty fasty.. i want one. my first car was a 71 squareback.
Great Find @Mixflip. That was a Gem of a booth.
Thanks...I love the over the top vehicles but these blue collar builds need the exposure more in my opinion.
@@mixflip agreed brother.
How does it not have cv axle shake with that angle?
Ordering mine for sienna. Love the outback
Nice
@9:38 you can buy that bed at Walmart it's 3in memory foam and it's washable as well not the foam but the cover is
Shhhh! You're helping to drive the price of Sienna's up. Verrry cool.
Lol
Just installed your lift kit on the sienna van......gen two, how do I I get rid of the cv axel wobble every time I I give it gas. It’s got it bad.
Just found one for $3K in Denver, going to do exactly this!
Lucky man. Good luck. Cant wait to hear how it turns out.
I love the toyota Sienna, I'm gonna do the same thing
You def provided us with some cool stuff! Now I want an Astro van.
Me too!
AWESOME ! now you’re talking . ( I used to own one so I’m biased lol )
I now own an awd sienna!!!!
Yea man alright Journeys, right on man take care good content man
Thanks for watching
i have an 06' sienna, and i wanna do the same thing lol
I got the 3.5 lift for 2011 sienna XLE AWD leather loaded DVD moonroof. Cool but if you aren't installing yourself...it'll run you about 8 Bill's and up for install. Between 8 and 10 hours of labor. With it... you will be nearly oneoff and find that anyone installing it, will have said this is the first mini van I ever lifted. People dont realize there hasn't been many AWD minivans EVER MADE ..You will have the 4wd snobs chompin at the bit. But they dont make the rules for overland culture, I live in Jeep Willys overland country, Toledo, ohio and I aim to make a statement, maybe Jeep needs a minivan
How is the ride on and off-road? Wobbly? Mushy corners?
Thanks for this video. Life changer
Thanks for watching
I love siennas. Just hard to sell over 150k even if in great shape. They last forever but people lose points driving a mini van. I'd say if you could put this kit on, your wife would be happy to drive it!
What kinda points we losing man? Just live
sienna hybrid awd 2021 for torque, woot woot, and that one guy does pop top conversions. camper conversion, dreaming.
Happen to have a link for the poptop conversion guy? Thx.
Good stuff love affordable!
I second that? Love the affordable life
awesome . great job.
Say thanks!
That SAS Astro was pretty cool. Too bad JOR never produced the kit.
Oh no crap they didn't!?? Man I was just getting real excited..
My question is I understand that the sienna is a unibody design but the components that are for sale seem to be body type lift or am I incorrect? I only say this because there's no suspension component when he presented the parts
It’s basically a spacer lift. The round parts mount on top of your front struts and rear springs.
I just bought an 05 Sienna, unfortunately it wasn’t t AWD, but I couldn’t pass up the deal, $3k with 150k miles from an old lady.
I bought a 2020 for $11k with high mileage.
a minivan is super incognito too
Krr-Azee Kool Real-World Mini-'Venturevan Builds! (Subbed! Thanks Bruh!)
Thanks for watching
how about installing the kit, how much does that cost? does the van bounce or break slower on regular roads? how much lower gas mileage? my 09 sienna gets 17.1 mpg combined says display
I have 30K+ miles on my lifted 2005 Sienna AWD. I am completely satisfied with the JOR kit. I had my favorite mechanic install it, JOR answered the few questions that he had. I have had no problems at all with the lit kit. If JOR develops a true 4X4 for the AWD Sienna I am on it.
how much was the install?
is it wobbly?
@@elioth7795 No it isn't wobbly. I don't try to keep up with Corvettes on paved roads, but I leave them in the dust on rutted dirt roads.
I don't know about you guys but when I see a real capable low budget off road rig, I see a real outlander/survivalist. And That puts them on notch 25 of the respect ladder compared to anybody with a trail badge or brand on their car payment. I feel much safer knowing about normal wear and tear then all this electronics / solenoid / ecm/pcm/cvt "lifetime fluids" non-sense. You know why they call those locked fluid boxes "life-time". It's because they dont want that car to outlive it, not because its eternal. lol
Can you spell the name of the lift kits?
Journeys off road
Good information. Thank you.
What’s the total clearance from stock before and after the lift w/ tire?
how much was the cost of the 3.5 inch lift etc.- what are the issues with lifting and how much is lost when stopping and grabbing the road ?
Great ideas
I'm convinced minivans (especially awd) are superior to compact trucks
They are 100% imo
What kind of tires are those. I have a 2011 lifted 3.5. Curious about tire brand
They should be BF KO2
I never knew there Qasim a 4×4 sienna. If only knew of this, I'd buy this instead. I got am honda odyssey
Great idea but are there any long term issues with the altered suspension bushings ,ball joints and all others links and arms connected the suspension will affected. Is this a Toyota approved kit? If the Toyota selling or endorsed the kit its different. Anything happens in your rear or front brakes let's say, they will blame the suspension modifications create pressure and stress. And what about a difference handling, steering or breaking?
I'm waiting for a reply to this as well
Exactly my thoughts. The stock suspension is designed for paved roads. And i suspect that it would actually weaken things to throw strut spacers on there
I trying to get 2016 awd Sienna.
Is this lift up kit for front and rear? How high it can go?
Cheers from South Korea. Great video
I believe it goes up to 3.5 inches.
Front and rear
Curious what I would need for this look for a 05 srt AWD dodge caliber
I want to life my 2017 Toyota sienna fwd, please give more info on the life kits and install
Random thought while running; what if you lifted an AWD Sienna for van camping-I knew it couldn’t be an original thought!! Great job
Throw a jackery 1000 watt powrrbank and a portable potty and you are good to go
What's the lift size??? 3 inch lift???
It's a Journey Off Road lift kit
3.5 inch lift kit.
How big of a tire can you put on with that lift
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
Is there a conversion kit for a 97?
What type of Garage would install this kit and how much would they charge? Suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks
@@johnwhatley thanks
What kind of AC & heat they use on the Toyota Sienna?
@@grantkopman8435 Thank you for clarifying that!
Can the modified vans tow much?
3500lbs slightly less for the AWD version
Minivan conversions are sweet. The Toyota’s are super reliable too. I have 200k on my Camry.
I need the sienna kit for a car. Where can I order one of those?
Adding a Journeys 3in lift to my 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan in about a month.
I wonder what i could do with a Sienna
Alot
The kit creates a wobble that doesn’t go away. And they were pretty rude to me when I was trying to put it together.......don’t call them on the weekends it doesn’t make them happy even though they tell you in the directions to call if you need help
Interesting.....THANKS!
This guy mentioned that after-market CV axels are the cause of the wobble and that OEM parts were needed to do the job correctly.
ua-cam.com/video/ldrQJ82t6N0/v-deo.html
Good to know thanks
@@sherekhan53 I need to replace my passenger side front axle and I’m only gonna do it with OEM Toyota part however they are backordered not sure when it will arrive
I need a new car and have been wanting to do something like this for a long time but don't have too much cash (college student). Stumbled upon this kit today and really want to do it now! Anyone know if a 2002-2005ish Sienna with 200k miles is any good? Obviously prior maintenance is best, but anything I should look out for if purchasing one around this milage? $4k is what my budget is. Thanks!
You should be fine. I bought an 05 with 200k, now 240k and still great. Make sure timing belt has been replaced and you should be good. I have 2 and them. But one you won’t be disappointed.
What is the mileage???
240k
I think he means MPG.
With this wheels gas mileage like in truck 14/gallon
on to my next search '4x4 minivan'
Hi 👋 new sub awesome video like the price range on the vehicles shown I have a 2003 Chevy suburban LT would love to convert it to a overland vehicle and camping setup it’s very nice condition need your input on ideas if you can send me a link on someone who has done this conversion I would be great full thanks for sharing and I really love ya video content it’s really good and informative 👍
Anyone put fender flares on their Sienna?
They would probably interfere with the sliding doors.
Nice content... keep bringing on the stuff us regular people can afford. Love it!!! 🤙🏽
Blue collar offroad!
The AWD Sienna has no room for a spare. As a result it uses run flat tires. Brian's tires are obviously not run flats. Does Brian carry a spare? If so, where does he store it?
Hey, So when i was driving it as a daily I kept it in the rear compartment. One of the guys at Adventure Trailer made a custom mount to put on the rear and we are looking at some options for tire storage on the 2nd and 3rd gen Sienna.
It's a van! Put it anywhere....
@@jeffkopher3468 , It's not that easy! In a mini van, space can be an issue. If you're living out of your van you'll have your bed and all your other gear stored in the area behind the driver and passenger. Finding a place for a spare tire could be a problem.
Wilco off road makes a fantastic tire carrier that plugs into a 2 inch trailer hitch. I put a hitch on my sienna at my local Uhaul.
@@briancollins2782 do 30in wheels fit under the 2014 sienna awd
Ayos pare! 👍
Toyotas are made to be loyal to their masters , like german Shepards .
If only they had a kit like this for a 96-00 grand caravan... got one for free that runs great and would be a fun camping vehicle, but no way to lift it without screwing up the ride and suspension.
Try tema4x4. They shipped me a 40mm lift from Russia for my PRIUS
They do: www.journeysoffroad.com/dodgegvlift.html
@@MarcillaSmith that's awesome...our Prius ground clearance sucks.
@@stephenwgreen78 if you check out the forums at Prius chat, someone is offering an improved kit made of aluminum now