Is it independent or some other type. Just out of curiosity.

Claude

All 4Runners have a live axle rear. No 4Runner has ever had an independent rear suspension...at least not yet. I'm dreading the day that happens.

Also the Limited model may have the optional load levelling system in place of conventional springs. If it has the option you can easily compensate for loads and adjust the rear height somewhat. It sounds better than it is... I wouldn't turn it down but I wouldn't seek it out either. If you tow a lot there's some good aftermarket load levelling too (for very reasonable $$$).

I have an '03 so i don't know if it's different from the '06-'09. All i know is my 4Runner has shocks back there with springs. Also, the shocks are equipped with X-REAS. Hope this answers your curiosity.

Coil springs over a live axle. Surprising thing is that due to a lot of technology and geometry, the Limited rides BETTER than it IRS cousin the Pathfinder.

And thanks to it's standard XREAS, the Sport Edition rides even better than Limiteds that don't have XREAS. And it handles quite a bit better with the XREAS system too! I love the suspension damping and the ride & handling of my Sport Edition.

But in all honesty, the IRS in the Pathfinder does ride better over broken pavement, especially around a bumpy corner. That should be obvious to anyone who understands the difference between a live axle and an Independent Rear Suspension system.

All Sport Editions have X-REAS.

V6 Limiteds may have optional X-REAS.

V8 Limiteds may have the optional X-REAS, or the optional rear air suspension with X-REAS (if it has rear air suspension, it has X-REAS). The height adjustment button is located on the center console by between the seat heater switches and DAC.

But all 4Runners have live rear axles.

Thanks for the information guys. Mind does have the height adjustment. I have been told that for towing a rear independent suspension is much better. Is this true and is why. I find that on a daily basis the 4Runner is one of the most comfortable SUV's I have ever owned.

Thanks,

Claude

Who told you IRS (indep rear suspension) is better for towing?


Solid axles are usually considered superior for towing. Devices like you auto height adjustment are more commonplace and help tremendously with a live axle. Live axles tend to be stronger and don't have a CV related weaknesses.


IRS's, when loaded squat, wear the inside of the tires etc. I guess with a prefect setup and light trailer you could make some arguement that an IRS vehicle might ride a hair better and turn better lap times at your favorite track. The difference in ride quality is near '0' IMHO, especially with a little tunge weight on the live axle vehicle. The lap time with a trailer thing... That's for you to decide if lap times are important...


My Dad has a Ridgeline (IRS). I have towed his boat and his utlity trailer (with varying loads) some. The ride handling is ok but no better than my T4R when towing. I actually prefer my T4R over his Ridgeline for towing, I just wish my interior was as spacious