Interested here as well..

 

For what it is worth, I'm in the midst of the following build:
Rear: Custom Coil Spring Specialist rear springs ($330 shipped) to add +1.5" height, +415lb carrying capacity
Front: Custom Traxda Spacer 1-1.25" ($130) depending on how front CV joints look while towing with new rear springs.

I used the rear air bags with 400lb tongue weight and was still dragging, so I opted for the custom springs. I'll post results once I get it all squared away.

 

Morning 22ranger,

Like many on this string I considered the journey lift but thought it was too radical, even though the feedback has been positive. The CSS 1 1/2“ progressive spring lift with the monroe shocks combination seems to be a good compromise . Has it addressed the negative extension bump issues.

I’ve spoken to cpsdds (older lift discussion) in the past. He went with the CSS 1 1/2“ lift for many of the same reasons as those in this posting. Using this solution he was able to travel 60k miles without any problems. His only issue was the negative travel bump when going over something like a speedbump too fast. He didn’t have any alignment, cv joint or excessive wear issues. This lift allowed him to venture out on many jeep trails

thx,
jim

 

First I would ask, what is your intended purpose for this?

 

I whitewater kayak and camp most weekends in the warmer months and I want to make a micro RV and river access vehicle that will also replace my 4Runner as a daily driver. So, mostly on-road driving with the ability to make it down and up poorly maintained dirt roads. I'm not expecting it to be as capable as the 4Runner, but I think a bit of ground clearance and AWD should be sufficient for my needs.

 

There's no reason the traxda necessitates more in the way of upgraded springs etc than the Journey kit. The Journey kit works on the same general principle as the Traxda, but also includes additional parts.

Here's the Journey parts -- and what the Traxda includes

• Two (2) Strut Extensions Traxda includes
• Two (2) Sway Bar Links
• Two (2) Camber Adjustment Bolts
• Two (2) Rear Axle Drop Brackets
• Two (2) Rear Coil Spring Spacers Traxda includes
• Two (2) Rear Bump Stop/Shock Extensions
• Two (2) Extended Rear Brake Lines
• Exhaust Offset W/ Clamps (certain models require simple tail pipe modification)

The Traxda basically works on the assumption that the 1-2" gain doesn't require the additional items (new sway bars, camber bolts, axle drop brackets, bump stop extensions).

In either case, if you're going to be loading it down with gear for camping/adventures, finding a way to eliminate rear sag will likely be necessary. If you're always loaded up with gear, then custom springs make sense. If you want to be able to maintain the same ride quality loaded or unloaded, then air bags make sense.

I went with the Journey kit after talking with a few mechanics and because I had good experience with their kits on Astros. My use case is similar and I have thus far (about 5k mi lifted) not been disappointed.

 

There's no reason the traxda necessitates more in the way of upgraded springs etc than the Journey kit. The Journey kit works on the same general principle as the Traxda, but also includes additional parts.

Here's the Journey parts -- and what the Traxda includes

• Two (2) Strut Extensions Traxda includes
• Two (2) Sway Bar Links
• Two (2) Camber Adjustment Bolts
• Two (2) Rear Axle Drop Brackets
• Two (2) Rear Coil Spring Spacers Traxda includes
• Two (2) Rear Bump Stop/Shock Extensions
• Two (2) Extended Rear Brake Lines
• Exhaust Offset W/ Clamps (certain models require simple tail pipe modification)

The Traxda basically works on the assumption that the 1-2" gain doesn't require the additional items (new sway bars, camber bolts, axle drop brackets, bump stop extensions).

In either case, if you're going to be loading it down with gear for camping/adventures, finding a way to eliminate rear sag will likely be necessary. If you're always loaded up with gear, then custom springs make sense. If you want to be able to maintain the same ride quality loaded or unloaded, then air bags make sense.

I went with the Journey kit after talking with a few mechanics and because I had good experience with their kits on Astros. My use case is similar and I have thus far (about 5k mi lifted) not been disappointed.

Thanks very much! Did you go with air bags, springs, or nuthin?

 

After months of internet combing, so far with the Journeys lift I've read about 3 people having front axle vibration and seal issues that may or may not lead to transmission issues/failure. Most cases were with higher mileage vehicles. Besides that, no other issues and most are pleased with it. Mike says most are getting between 3" and 3.5" out of the kit.

With the traxda lift I haven't heard much negative at all. Some people are experiencing rear shock top out issues that can be helped with spacers or as 22ranger did, solved with monroe 37301 rear shocks that are a tad longer. Due to the fact the amount of rear lift is closer to 2" there may be some alignment issues where the tire's rear negative camber turns to toe out. I have yet to hear if anyone has tried to resolve this with alignment shims. When I spoke with traxda about their kit even though they call it a 2/1 leveling kit everyone is getting either equal lift or more lift out of the rear then the front. Traxda says there is an inperfection in the sienna body that requires the rear spacer to be about that tall. A shorter one may be useable but they have yet to build/test one and have no desire to do so. I inquired about a shorter rear spacer because my van has low miles, and sits 3/4" ass high. I wanted to try and make my van more level and I am concerned about potential rear alignment issues. Traxda said they'd build a shorter rear spacer but cant gaurauntee it will work.

After much internet digging and jacking my van up with floor jacks I thinking 2" of lift is enough. My front axle angles went from 1 degree to 9 degrees. I wouldn't want to go anymore then that as the angles start to look really unnatural. Also I think that less alternation and added components is more relaible in the long run.

In terms of actual performance benefits I cant think of how the journeys kit is better then the traxda unless you need that extra 1" to 1.5".

Note: The same oversized tire will fit both lifts equally as the sienna's horizontal wheel well clearance in the front is the limitation. The larger or wider the tire the more it rubs the rear of the front wheel well...

My two cents...

 

After months of internet combing, so far with the Journeys lift I've read about 3 people having front axle vibration and seal issues that may or may not lead to transmission issues/failure. Most cases were with higher mileage vehicles. Besides that, no other issues and most are pleased with it. Mike says most are getting between 3" and 3.5" out of the kit.

With the traxda lift I haven't heard much negative at all. Some people are experiencing rear shock top out issues that can be helped with spacers or as 22ranger did, solved with monroe 37301 rear shocks that are a tad longer. Due to the fact the amount of rear lift is closer to 2" there may be some alignment issues where the tire's rear negative camber turns to toe out. I have yet to hear if anyone has tried to resolve this with alignment shims. When I spoke with traxda about their kit even though they call it a 2/1 leveling kit everyone is getting either equal lift or more lift out of the rear then the front. Traxda says there is an inperfection in the sienna body that requires the rear spacer to be about that tall. A shorter one may be useable but they have yet to build/test one and have no desire to do so. I inquired about a shorter rear spacer because my van has low miles, and sits 3/4" ass high. I wanted to try and make my van more level and I am concerned about potential rear alignment issues. Traxda said they'd build a shorter rear spacer but cant gaurauntee it will work.

After much internet digging and jacking my van up with floor jacks I thinking 2" of lift is enough. My front axle angles went from 1 degree to 9 degrees. I wouldn't want to go anymore then that as the angles start to look really unnatural. Also I think that less alternation and added components is more relaible in the long run.

In terms of actual performance benefits I cant think of how the journeys kit is better then the traxda unless you need that extra 1" to 1.5".

Note: The same oversized tire will fit both lifts equally as the sienna's horizontal wheel well clearance in the front is the limitation. The larger or wider the tire the more it rubs the rear of the front wheel well...

My two cents...

I of a similar mind, but wish there was a bit more evidence to go on in making the final call...love to get more input

 

i have traxda lift kit front and back with 235/75/17 tires, 1.5 inch spacers all around and everything is good. i actually buy it a second set of lift kit for back and i will try to mount that on bottom of the spring and see how is fitting. I also added a rear sway bar and after more than 25000 miles I am happy with all the moods witch work and compensate each others and all together

 

any pics? the biggest i've seen is 245/65/17, any rubbing? how much space to the lower spring bracket of the struts? e.g. : how much space left when you Put 235/70R16 tires on Sienna

 

Traxda says they ship alignment instructions with their kit. Does this mean that a typical alignment shop will not be able to align the Silver Beast without the instructions? I let Toyota align my Sienna, will they freak out when I arrive to their service center riding 2” higher? Will they need the instructions as well?

Not sure I need the 3.5” lift since I take it slow over forest service roads. Plus, the lower axle angles sound less of a hassle. Really do not want to install a lift kit and then have to start replacing suspension and axle parts and needing frequent alignments to save my tires.

 

I am now paying the price for the 3.5" lift on a older Sienna (2004). I just tore a brand new axle boot after 1800 miles. I'm considering swapping out the JOR for the Traxda to reduce the axle angle or just removing the JOR lift altogether and going back to square one.

I'd prefer to keep some lift as I do take it off road a bit and like the extra clearance, but I'm worried that even the axle angle with the Traxda could cause me problems.

Did you end up going with the Traxda? If so how did it go?

 

I've had the JOR lift for a few months now and like it EXCEPT for the loss of travel for the front struts. It's pretty easy to hit the bump stop on road imperfections. Coming down a hill at normal travel speeds and if the road flattens out a bit abruptly, you can hit the top mount with force. Not pleasant. Other than that, it's great. Love the extra clearance, no more scraping my hitch or anything underneath for my activities and great in deep snow!

 

I've noticed hitting the bump stop pretty good as well, in situations where it doesn't seem like I should have..

 

Yes, I just started a thread with the height results.

2015 AWD Traxda kit installation results

Traxda kit installed yesterday. Installer used flat washers to extend rear shocks, used the K90344 end links and SPC #81290 camber bolts. Height was measured to the closest 1/8” from ground through centerline of wheel to wheel well. Front and rear axles look pretty much horizontal to the ground...

www.siennachat.com

 

As I’m digging into this project I thought I’d replace the struts paired with the CSS springs. Any strut recommendations. I have a AWD 2013 LE Sienna (95k miles) . I plan to lift my sienna by 1.5” and increasing the rear spring rate by 250-300 lbs along with the monroe shocks
thx for the quick response
jim

 

I have a 2019 AWD w 20K miles and recently did my lift. I did a 2" traxda strut spacer up front and 1" taller, 15 percent stiffer CCS springs in the rear. CCS nailed it and was able to build exactly what I asked for. My van is now level at the trim height (same height from the ground to the top of the wheel wells). I purposely avoided using the rear traxda spacer because I didnt want the near 2" of lift most are getting. My theory with only lifting the rear 1" is for a couple of reasons. First, by doing 1" of lift I am able to use the stock rear shocks with spacers (3 5/8" washers) and so far I'm not having any top out issues. I prefer the OEM shocks as they are stiffer and offer more dampening then the monroe 37301. Second reason was to avoid rear alignment or tire wear issues. The rear tires of the sienna are set up stock with negative camber. The more you lift the rear of the sienna, the more the negative camber turns to positive toe or toe in. After getting my aligntment done post lift, everything was still in spec to toyotas alignment allowances.

When I do front struts down the road Im definitely going to consider using the front stock AWD springs with SE front struts. I like the idea of the sportier dampening to help control the front of the lifted sienna. Im not sure if the SE Struts have the extension and stroke length as the AWD struts. If someone knows that answer please let us know...

 

I have a 2019 AWD w 20K miles and recently did my lift. I did a 2" traxda strut spacer up front and 1" taller, 15 percent stiffer CCS springs in the rear. CCS nailed it and was able to build exactly what I asked for. My van is now level at the trim height (same height from the ground to the top of the wheel wells). I purposely avoided using the rear traxda spacer because I didnt want the near 2" of lift most are getting. My theory with only lifting the rear 1" is for a couple of reasons. First, by doing 1" of lift I am able to use the stock rear shocks with spacers (3 5/8" washers) and so far I'm not having any top out issues. I prefer the OEM shocks as they are stiffer and offer more dampening then the monroe 37301. Second reason was to avoid rear alignment or tire wear issues. The rear tires of the sienna are set up stock with negative camber. The more you lift the rear of the sienna, the more the negative camber turns to positive toe or toe in. After getting my aligntment done post lift, everything was still in spec to toyotas alignment allowances.

When I do front struts down the road Im definitely going to consider using the front stock AWD springs with SE front struts. I like the idea of the sportier dampening to help control the front of the lifted sienna. Im not sure if the SE Struts have the extension and stroke length as the AWD struts. If someone knows that answer please let us know...

Any suspension, cv joint issues, usual noises or mysterious bumps. I agree, a lift In moderation is probably/may be best. I assume the washers are placed on top of the shock and not under the nut.

I’d second any feedback regarding the se shocks. As the highlander shares many of the sienna components. Has anyone used or researched highlander struts shocks on the Sienna, or is that a bridge too far

 

I used the Traxda supplied shock washers alos, no problems to report at this point. This weekend I am heading to one of our National Forests and will report back if I feel the shocks topping out.

 

morning,

Any news to report from your National Forests offroad adventures. Unexpected noises, shocks bottoming out, steering or suspension issues
th
jim

 

Oldwolf great news on your field test. What components did you use for your lift

 

Other than the Traxda kit - the only extra parts were-
2x MOOG K90344 Stabilizer Bar Link
1x Specialty Products Company 81290 EZ Cam XR 17mm Adjuster Bolt - Pair

The installer was able to use the shock spacers so I did not have to install the longer Monroe shock absorbers (yet). I haven't felt them topping out so far, but if they do I will know what to do.

Results:
Left Front +2.5
Right Front +2.375
Left Rear +2.175
Right Rear + 1.925

 

the number that you put in there,what kind a number is that?alignment camber number or something else? Try to resolve my alignment issue specifically camber because it's register around -2.6°. So try looking for answers here. TIA

 

Olewolf,

Great report. i talked with Greg at traxda regarding and comparing the various lifting options. Surprisingly he said the issue wasn’t the front end lift the challenge was the rear. He stays away from our forum as he thought it was too much noise, but I’m sure he listens. I do plan to summarize our experiences and forward them to him. If he responds I’ll update the group. He also said that the Sienna and Odyssey lifts were their most popular orders

Olewolf, what were your reasons for using the additional parts.

As i have 90k on my van. I’m going to mirror your efforts but will include the replacement of struts, axles, cv joints and rear shocks (monroe). I’m opting to increase the length (1”) and spring rate of the rear springs instead of using the traxda rear lift.

thx again for your thoughtful replies. They help and inform me and I’m sure the group enormously

 

The OEM camber bolts did not allow for enough adjustment and the installer said the replacement bolts allowed him to bring the alignment into specifications.
The new crosslinks are 2" longer than OEM which compensates for the 2" gained in lift. Otherwise the sway bar will be offset 2" from normal.
The installer reviewed the Traxda website and videos and said the kit was one of the better designed ones he has seen. He liked that they talked about suspension geometry considerations. He has seen imported kits that are not safe and will not install them.

 

When my Traxda lift was installed, shop had to dial up for some Highlander links. But nothing about needing camber bolts.

Is this a one-or-other thing?

 

No, my installer was not able to adjust the camber in spec w/o the new camber bolts.

 

Rfk,
i thought the megan racing bar only worked with the fwd sienna. Was it a bolt on or did it require some tweaking. End result, was it worth it ?

 

Its a strut tower bar, fits behind the wiper cowling. Bolted right on, no surprises. Sway bars are FWD only.

I got it sub-$100 on eBay, so why not? But I had it installed same time as lift + spacers, so hard to isolate its impact. But steering certainly felt no worse, and wife complained that it was "too tight". So there you go...

 

Last question to the group. I have two long trips planned for this year if we’re allowed across the Canadian border. One taking that Dalton hwy to the Arctic circle and two a trip to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and off course wondering the American West. I frequently rack up 20k+ miles. Would the potentially compromising lift give you pause when taking long road trips. The Dalton Hwy is very isolated road. Not all asphalt, a lot of hardpack. I have no intention of doing serious offroad, only access to areas (forest roads and BLM land) that would benefit from the traxda lift. In the end, It is a car, not a tacoma. I understand its limitations

 

I would have no concerns whatsoever taking my stock height FWD gen2 Sienna on both the Dalton and Trans-Lab highways. Only thing I would change is to switch to a more rugged A/T tire with exact matching spare.

-Mike

 

Thx Mike my thoughts as well, still not sure about a lifted AWD sienna though. With care and a shovel you can go many places with a stock height sienna. I see more 4x4 trucks than I can count stranded on the road in a Minnesota snow /ice storm. I’d love to lift mine a bit, stranded in the boonies of Alaska or the dalton hwy is the noise that rumbles in my head though. I updated to falken AT 235 60 tires, no rubbing. Their a marvel in a Minnesota snow storm, i can climb snowy steep hills where crossovers struggle with relative ease. I gained just short of 3/4” in height and they ride like a dream, lost some MPG though. Now, a good skid plate that would be great. I added a full size tire mounted to a Wilco tire carrier, not cheap but very well made

Anyone in the group truck the Dalton HWY

 

Thx Mike my thoughts as well, still not sure about a lifted AWD sienna though.

I have lost track as to why you have concerns about a lifted AWD. Would you please re-explain?
Thanks.

 

You have to go with what makes you the most comfortable. If you don't a little voice will nag at you throughout your whole trip.
I know the fear of being stranded somewhere. For me it is with a flat tire, dead battery, fuel pump failure, serpentine belt, etc. So I have slowly been gathering the stuff I need to mitigate my concerns. A decent 12V air compressor, tire repair kit, jump starter, jumper cables. I always carry a decent tool kit with me. Probably should carry a spare serpentine belt come to think of it. If my fuel pump goes out, well, I am just screwed. Axles, if that is your concern, are rarely catastrophic failures in my experience. My assumption is that I can make it to a repair shop if a critical component begins failing. Mike's pause could have been his time to consider the question. Maybe he wouldn't want to take any van through the Canadian outback. Another fear I have is locking my keys in the van. So many worries.

 

Tires. My dad and I had great luck with Uniroyal Laredo's in our 4x4 Blazers. I had good a experience with Michelin Defenders in a 4x4 Explorer of mine. The Defenders are pricey but the Laredo's are less than the Falkens I think.

 

My issue with the Journey’s lift is there are numerous reported CV joint failures and/or serious driveline vibrations with the 3.5” lift. I believe that much lift is too much for the minivan. The Traxda 1.5” lift worries me a lot less.

My other point was that a lift is completely unnecessary for the Dalton and Trans-Lab highways.

-Mike

 

Mike, Point taken. As the journey lift has become more common, i too have read about some the issues as well. A lot of people think the vibrations will work themselves out, not the way it works.

Back in the day, I did some foolish off road adventures with a ford freestar, not an elegantly designed van by any means. With care you can do a lot. I think your right about the Dalton hwy as well, I’ve seen several YouTube videos of people driving it with decidedly less robust vehicles. I can say the falken tires worked, their taller than stock, a lot better bite and about 5lbs lighter. I’m Finally off the journey quest, the traxda option or taller springs is still an option. I continue to regularly check the forum for updates.

thx Mike your voice is helpful, as are the rest.

great forum and perspectives