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Greg wrote me back today and said he's never seen such a little weld on a shock. He asked if I would send him the shocks and the brackets, and he would take care of me. Upstanding company and very cool of him!
Yep, he replied to my question about the add-on kit. Same as Highlander links, and no problems means no worries re: no rear extenders.
 
The extenders are supposed to increase the shock length to compensate for the rear lift height. This should prevent the shock from topping out when hitting holes or dips in the road. Personally, I think going with the Monroe OESpectrum, is a better option. They measure out at a solid 1" longer than the KYB's (see pic below).
View attachment 59802
I’m pretty ignorant re: suspension geometry...

So possible complication in front is need for shorter (Highlander) links, but factory struts OK? My lift needed those links.

But rear factory shocks risk topping out, hence longer shocks or extenders on stock length? So far we’re OK on original shocks.
 
I’m pretty ignorant re: suspension geometry...

So possible complication in front is need for shorter (Highlander) links, but factory struts OK? My lift needed those links.

But rear factory shocks risk topping out, hence longer shocks or extenders on stock length? So far we’re OK on original shocks.
You are correct. The kit I bought came with the new sway bar links. I put on new KYB (factory) shocks and I think the mechanic may have done something a little wrong (although he swears he followed the instructions thoroughly). If you're having no rear shock problems, then that's awesome. Maybe get the Monroe OESpectrum shocks when you need to replace them and that should improve the overall travel of the suspension.
 
You are correct. The kit I bought came with the new sway bar links. I put on new KYB (factory) shocks and I think the mechanic may have done something a little wrong (although he swears he followed the instructions thoroughly). If you're having no rear shock problems, then that's awesome. Maybe get the Monroe OESpectrum shocks when you need to replace them and that should improve the overall travel of the suspension.
OK thanks for confirming. Yep, noted for when new shocks needed.
 
The extenders are supposed to increase the shock length to compensate for the rear lift height. This should prevent the shock from topping out when hitting holes or dips in the road. Personally, I think going with the Monroe OESpectrum, is a better option. They measure out at a solid 1" longer than the KYB's (see pic below).
View attachment 59802
Also, the shocks incorporate the bottom out feature with jounce cushions for the rear suspension. It is very important to limit the up travel and that is what the shocks do. Regards to the Traxda rear shock extensions the design is not good for a Sienna rear suspension design. The lower shock mount rotates as the rear axle beam cycles up and down. That rotation will lead to the aforementioned shock failure if using a shock extension like the Traxda. This type of extension would work just fine on a "live" solid axle as they move vertically will very little rotation. Longer shocks with as thick of a spacer on the top stud is what I would do. Or, get some shock extensions from Journey’s Offroad.
 
Had it installed today. No shock extensions used. Looks good. Had quick struts replaced and the new rear shock as well. Not sure if they used any spacers, or if this is just how it looks normally...
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Following up in this thread as well, vehicle drives great. Did not use the shock extensions, but put in new shocks. Drives great in snow, appreciate the extra clearance. Will report if anything changes. 2012 AWD with Traxda.
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Got a response from Traxda today. As follows:

If we did not turn them 90 degrees, then they would pivot on the bolt also, making a double jointed connection.
We began doing the brackets like this for the GM 1500 platform in 2004, and 18 years later it is still a good solution.
If its not a problem on 1 ton Ram and Ford, I don't think it will be a problem on a minivan.
Bushings are designed to flex, its what they do.
Cheers
Greg
Got a response from Traxda today. As follows:

If we did not turn them 90 degrees, then they would pivot on the bolt also, making a double jointed connection.
We began doing the brackets like this for the GM 1500 platform in 2004, and 18 years later it is still a good solution.
If its not a problem on 1 ton Ram and Ford, I don't think it will be a problem on a minivan.
Bushings are designed to flex, its what they do.
Cheers
Greg
We can offer an alternative product that doesn't have this problem. A fully functional extension adapter kit. We tested the shock extenders on a Gen 3 Sienna for 11 months in all kinds of conditions and under heavy load. Everything worked fine and we didn't experience any problems.

Here's some images:

 
Here are some recent updates completed with the Traxda 2" lift. Changed wheels out to 17" wheels (Black Rhino Arches) after the tire shop destroyed two of the stock wheels on their machine. Replaced Yokohama G015 tires that wore out too fast with Falken Wildpeak A/T3Ws and added a Yakima Offgrid roof basket. (And a TRD emblem just for fun : )

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Hi 2015 AWD XLE, in Canada. We would like the Traxda lift installed mainly for snow clearance!
100K km, I see mention of extra struts and CV??
What do we need to get done at this service if we buy Traxda and please the short list of parts is it just lift kit# 906025 and not damage my van (wheelchair user ,and I love my Sienna!) Have to use a mechanic not DIY.
Spoke with our garage - hes very hesitant and said it will change geometry and doesnt think we should do it? Anything to reassure him?
Thank you
 
Hi 2015 AWD XLE, in Canada. We would like the Traxda lift installed mainly for snow clearance!
100K km, I see mention of extra struts and CV??
What do we need to get done at this service if we buy Traxda and please the short list of parts is it just lift kit# 906025 and not damage my van (wheelchair user ,and I love my Sienna!) Have to use a mechanic not DIY.
Spoke with our garage - hes very hesitant and said it will change geometry and doesnt think we should do it? Anything to reassure him?
Thank you
The shock extensions are trash, my brand new kyb shock snapped off (one of them). i'm going to have to go without the rear shock extensions and see what happens. i hit a small bump going 35mph with 7 people in my van.
 
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