'04 Sport suspension comparison

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flcoasterguy

New member
I am contemplating buying either an '04 4Runner Sport or Limited. I currently own a 1997 4Runner Limited and, though I have been very happy with it overall, I have not enjoyed the suspension on it (it's a very rough ride, even after the rear suspension recall).

Last weekend I rented an '04 SR5 and really enjoyed the ride on a long-distance trip. I have decided that I mostly want the Sport version, but I'm concerned that it has a rougher ride because of the sport suspension than the Limited. Does anyone know if the rides are really that different in the two?

I live in a rural part of Florida and the roads to my house are not the smoothest, so I'd like to have the most comfortable ride possible when going over bumps or through potholes.

Hopefully I've explained myself OK and I appreciate in advance any info anyone can provide. Thanks!

Mike
 
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From what I last remember the Limited comes w/ the standard suspension w/ the option of the XREAS and Rear Height Air Suspension (for towing - load leveling).

Anyway, the SPORT comes w/ XREAS standard which is pretty good for cornering but from what I have read, it's really hard to tell the difference between the two trim types.

I think you can't go wrong with either one :) If you plan to stay stock, I'd say go w/ the Limited w/ all the goodies as the resale value will be higher.

Good luck
 
The Sport with the Xreas suspension is the way you want to go. It is designed for what you are talking about. Smooth taut ride. Take one for a ride you can tell the difference on a rough road. That is what I did and why I bought the Sport.
 
Every time sombody rides in my Sport, they can't get over how well it rides. It is mostly people that have Explorers and Tahoes. The Xreas suspension is great when going around curves, as the truck doesn't feel top-heavy like in the older models. I would suggest going to your dealership and asking them to let you take a Sport for the day. Most of them will let you do that if it means they will make a sale. No matter which model you go with, you will love this truck.
 
We traded an Explorer for the 4Runner Sport Edition we have now. We could tell a huge difference between the two. The SR5 drove great also, but we liked the SE.
 
GARunner said:
We traded an Explorer for the 4Runner Sport Edition we have now. We could tell a huge difference between the two. The SR5 drove great also, but we liked the SE.
Click to expand...

Hey GARunner- I sent you a PM regarding your truck... let me know! Thanks! :)
 
I have an 04 Limited with the X-REAS and I couldn't be happier. I test drove both the standard suspension and X-REAS over various road conditions and really couldn't tell any difference in ride quality. Where I was able to tell the difference was in cornering and over road swells - it seemed like the X-REAS reduced the bobbing motions and was tighter in the corners.

I'd agree with the consensus, X-REAS is the way to go.
 
03 sr5 ride

My 03 SR5 2WD came w/ 16 alloy. It rides great but handling is a little mushy. For looks, I changed to 17 ltd alloy. The ride becomes more harsh but the handling improves drastically. Since my 4 runner is mainly used for hwy travel and road trips. I changed back to 16 in set because I prefer the smoother ride quality for long distance travel.

Even though the diff in wheel size is only 1 in, the ride comfort is significantly different. There is a noticible difference between the two sizes. If the ride quality is important, try to test drive the car on the surfaces that you mostly travel that way you can pick the right combination. Just my 2 cents. :)
 
When I was looking at vehicles, the SE with the XREAS was one of the smoothest. That is one reason why I chose the SE over the Limited and SR5. The Limited though does have it for a reasonable option........ I say SE, because you get bigger brakes also..............
 
Test drove both the SR5 and Sport. I did not see a difference on smooth roads, but when the roads got rough, it handled great. The major difference is on cornering. It still does not corner like a sports car or sedan, but there is a lot less bodyroll. Does not feel like a huge SUV around the corners.
 
I can tell a big difference when I drive my SE compared to my father's 2000 explorer, my sister's Xterra, and my in-law's Tundra (I know it's a truck). I also test drove the MDX as well as the XC90 and even though the ride was a bit more stiff, I liked the SE better.

I am not going to go nuts and say it handles like my Integra GS-R, but it is great for an SUV.
 
Are you going to get a 4x2 or 4x4? V6 or V8? As mentioned the suspensions are pretty much the same apart from XREAS and Load leveling. So drive a XREAS and non XREAS and see which you like best, I bet the XREAS. Also if you plan on wheeling and modifying the 4R it will probably be easier to go non XREAS, but if you stay stock XREAS is the way to go.

I got mine because of it's exceptional comfort on road for a true SUV, which can still do off road duty. It has a nice soft ride and is quiet. So you will be very happy either way.

I got the limited because I like the luxuries in it, Homelink, Leather, Power seats, etc, etc. You can order some those extra on the SE, but it is probably not worth it.
 
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