about to buy xreas, and/or air suspension?

[weberic3]

Hi (another noob question),
I'm about to buy a used 2003-2006 4runner, kind of whatever i can get my hands on for a good price.

But i've been reading about the Xreas system and also the rear air suspension.
While I know i probably won't be using the vehicle for serious off roading, i'd still like to get the best system out there (or most reliable).

So, are there any major issues with either option and/or recommendations about any of them?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Eric

 

[dylanc]

Xreas is good for street handling, and most people like it. However, if you plan on lifting your 4runner, your options will be limited. You will save money to not get xreas, and you can then use that money to get a nice coilover setup that outperforms xreas. Just a thought - it all depends on what kind of performance you are looking for and if you want to lift or stay stock (you can still use spacer lift with xreas). There are also other upgrades you can do like aftermarket bushings to improve the street performance of a non-xreas 4runner. But for the record, stock non-xreas handles great as is!

The air suspension for the rear is cool, but its only needed if you plan on towing really heavy things or loading really heavy stuff in the back. This is why I believe it is only an option for the V8's, as the type of loads that would need the air lift would be over the the v6's ability.

 

[Falls]

If I had to pick between the 2 it would be rear air suspension. I have XREAS and it's nice both on/off road . I would rather have the air suspension since I pull a trailer around and have loads in the back at times.

 

[weberic3]

hey, thanks for the info guys! Both seem like a great option but certainly not a necessity. Do either of you know about common issues with either option (will i have to be concerned about added cost/time with either of the two)?

thanks again!

 

[Falls]

hey, thanks for the info guys! Both seem like a great option but certainly not a necessity. Do either of you know about common issues with either option (will i have to be concerned about added cost/time with either of the two)?

thanks again!

I can not comment on any issue's of the rear air suspension since I do not have it. The Xreas system is nice , but IMO not a must have , the SR5 owners have no complaints on their handling. From what I have read here Xreas will last a long time and the shock a very durable.

You are limited with lift or leveling options with Xreas though. Many have also removed there Xreas to put different shocks and springs on .

I honestly have to drive one with and without to see if the difference is significant. Been so long I cant remember.

 

[Uneek]

If you're going for rear air suspension, your only choice is a V8 Limited only. Rear air suspension is not available on any other trim. It also comes standard with X-REAS (cannot have just rear air suspension only).

X-REAS comes standard on the Sport Edition and is optional on the Limited for both V6 and V8 4Runners. (It's possible to have X-REAS without the rear air suspension on the V8 Limited.)

I don't have first hand experience with X-REAS or rear air suspension with X-REAS system. From what I've read and recall on the forum, some X-REAS systems have developed leaks around 70k miles or so, though maybe one or two reported a possible leak as low as 30k. It is also possible to remove X-REAS completely and go to a regular shocks setup. Several members with Sport Editions have removed X-REAS and upgraded their shocks when they lifted their 4Runners. HB4x4 is of one of those members.

Rear air suspension, usually involves the sensor going bad resulting in the 4Runner being stuck at a certain height, which some have successfully cleaned out and got it functioning properly again. The other is compressor going out.

Rear air suspension is great if you're going to tow. Used in conjunction with the nav with backup cam, hooking up a trailer is very easy.

If I have to put a number on it, I would guess under 15 for X-REAS issues and less than seven for rear air suspension. Rear air suspension is very rare.

As with any more advance systems, it could have problems, but I wouldn't let a problem stop me from getting the option if I want or need it.

Good luck in your search for the perfect 4Runner.

 

[rook]

If I had to do it over again, I would avoid XREAS. From most posts I've read, Id avoid rear air sus. as well. The main reason is the expense involved in repairing either system and the limitations they have. I'd look for a Limited without XREAS or air and that will be an ideal used vehicle.

 

[weberic3]

Well thanks to all for the great advice!! I feel much more informed about these systems (couldn't find much when i searched the forums). It seems like these two serve specific purposes but with most advanced features they can just be another thing to go wrong. For our use, it appears that we don't need either option but i guess it won't keep me from making a purchase should all else be perfect. Thanks so much! Wish us luck, we'll be buying just before the new year... any sellers out there?