buying a new limited but have questions...

[Toffees]

Well we live in north Idaho but we’re moving to Arizona in the near future. We have 3 kids so a three row will be a must and leather seats.
I pretty much want a 2-3 inch lift. Nothing crazy I just am not a fan of the front bumper on the limiteds. I do like the TRD style one so later in time I’ll probably switch it out for one if it’s possible. We have a 2016 F-150 lariat and I know the 4Runner is kind of a dinosaur as of technology so the limited fits my needs better then the others.
And I know I can search but what’s xreas suspension?


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XREAS is a cross-linked suspension that ties together opposite shocks with what's basically a common reservoir. I think it's a nice upgrade on stock suspension, but you can only lift it with spacers if you want to keep it intact (spacer lifts don't get me interested, but some find this worthwhile). Otherwise, you're replacing the entire system when you lift it. If you can remove it you might find a taker, but it's apparently tricky to remove without breaking the lines. It's been in the 4th gen, so it's a known commodity, but it's expensive to replace so don't get it replaced. Lots to read on this, so search up.

I'm in my LE about 15 months now and love it; only complaint is the wheels, I like them but I'll be replacing these at some point with 17s or 18s that give more tire options.

 

[Toffees]

True, the premium versions have softex. Perhaps I'm a simpleton, but after 2 years owning my truck, I can't tell the difference. Also, cooled seats can be added after market.

IMO, there are four reasons to get a Limited.

1. Dual zone climate control. I don't believe this can be cost effectively added on due to all the in dash duct work and what not.

2. The exterior and interior style. If you love chrome and wood trim, this one's for you.

3. You want all of the accessories included. The limited is an expensive upgrade and unless you want it all, you can probably just add the few upgrades you want and have $ to spare.

4. Full-time 4wd. If you must have it on a 4Runner, the Limited is your only option. (thx [MENTION=119896]Jspark[/MENTION]ey)


I'm in no way against the limited, I'm just very particular about my ride and how I spend my $.

I think instead of listing the reasons, it's easier to identify the differences:

1) XREAS--significantly better suspension that stock, but not much value if you want to lift
2) FT4WD, with center differential
3) Leather
4) Accessories and creature comforts: smart key, JBL, seat vents/heat, remote start, auto headlights, sunroof, dual zone, exterior design, extra color choices (pearl, redwood)

 

[MinecraftGriefer]

Limited 4Runner has Blizzard Pearl paint and Redwood leather seats, looks amazing when combined together.

 

[phillyd2]

i have looked on here for a few days now and have not seen a build thread with a limited 5th gen that has been lifted. im going to sell my 2014 Focus St and put all that money down on a new limited.
anyways my question is when it comes to mods which i know there are a lot (previous 4runner owner) is the limited just not a desirable 4runner to build or what?
because that is my plan is to give it a decent lift and some minor exterior upgrades.

You need to look more better :thumb:

I went a bit further than most but all you really need are rear lockers and different tires to have the best of all worlds

 

[nb rob]

I would strongly consider a limited if someone else were driving my 4runner in the wintertime.

My "when to use 4x4" lecture has never been received well. And I'm pretty critical of a significant other using 4x4 on dry pavement. I guess it's a character flaw.

 

[nb rob]

oh, and there's some awesome limited builds on this forum.... and a recent rash of people that have removed xreas and added aftermarket shocks and coilovers

 

[flea1983]

oh, and there's some awesome limited builds on this forum.... and a recent rash of people that have removed xreas and added aftermarket shocks and coilovers

Agreed, off the top of my head there’s miguelon, bimrunner, and kromealt. I know i’m missing several also. I just ripped the xreas out of mine last week and put 5100’s on. Hopefully soon i’ll be getting skids, and that should be most all the major work. Currently not planning on adding bumpers.

 

[sleeper17]

Well thanks guys for all your input. It’s is much appreciated. I have been doing lots of research lately and YouTube watching. Hopefully when my car sells or I trade it in everything will work out. Who knows I might not even get a Limited, that’s just what I’m thinking about.


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[Toffees]

Well thanks guys for all your input. It’s is much appreciated. I have been doing lots of research lately and YouTube watching. Hopefully when my car sells or I trade it in everything will work out. Who knows I might not even get a Limited, that’s just what I’m thinking about.


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You may know more about suspension than me, but someone linked up the guy at Filthy Motorsports recently and what he says is all new to me and very helpful. It's basically an infomercial, but also a good place to learn (and will make you want to $$$ on Kings too) if you have an hour to spare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MsKf1lIYI0

 

[flyrv9]

I thought Limiteds came with the auto running boards as standard equipment. If they are an option, and you are going to install sliders anyway, don't get them and use the $ for something else. I would check that the electrical connections (if they are there) are well stowed and waterproof.

 

[Toffees]

I thought Limiteds came with the auto running boards as standard equipment. If they are an option, and you are going to install sliders anyway, don't get them and use the $ for something else. I would check that the electrical connections (if they are there) are well stowed and waterproof.

Definitely, no, although this may be region-specific. If you look hard enough you can find them with no running boards, but in Gulf States almost all have running boards installed.

 

[Bison4runner]

I bought my 2014 LE in Arlington, TX in March 2017 and it did not have the auto running boards. With my previous experience in Lincoln Navigators, I wanted to avoid them at all costs. I ended up selling the stock mounted running boards and bought the Iconic 3" tube running boards. My T4R was Toyota Certified Pre-Owned with less than 41K miles and significantly cheaper than buying one new.

In regards to the lift, I looked on this forum for months before I really was able to make a comfortable decision. My off-roading and trail riding is limited to hunting roads, lease roads, and occasionally some backroad red dirt muck here in Oklahoma. I figured without scrapping a perfectly working XREAS system, the Daystar spacer lift was plenty for my needs. The ground clearance of course is better, my tire options are significantly better, and it looks way better and more aggressive all around.

There are plenty of others mods available and a great opportunity to get creative. This forum is a huge resource and will help you a ton.

 

[Martyb]

I decided on the Limited mainly due to AWD and the interior Redwood leather w/heat and cool seats. I do like the seat memory, auto climate control and proximity key but they were nice to haves. What I disliked after months of driving it were the 20" rims and how harsh XREAS was. So, I swapped to used Trail rims/AT's and dumped XREAS for a used TRD Pro suspension. I have about 2k invested in parts and labor. Also removed the running boards for good. Now it soaks up bumps on and off road like it should, sits a bit higher and looks much better. At some point I may black out some chrome and upgrade to a more aggressive suspension and front bumper, but am very happy with the ride and look improvements so far.

 

[JSparky]

I decided on the Limited mainly due to AWD and the interior Redwood leather w/heat and cool seats. I do like the seat memory, auto climate control and proximity key but they were nice to haves. What I disliked after months of driving it were the 20" rims and how harsh XREAS was. So, I swapped to used Trail rims/AT's and dumped XREAS for a used TRD Pro suspension. I have about 2k invested in parts and labor. Also removed the running boards for good. Now it soaks up bumps on and off road like it should, sits a bit higher and looks much better. At some point I may black out some chrome and upgrade to a more aggressive suspension and front bumper, but am very happy with the ride and look improvements so far.

I agree on the factor 20 inch wheels, they don't help the ride at all.

 

[Norfolk4Runner]

I just purchased. Limited 7 passenger in Canada, and the running boards do not move, which is good. The only thing I find with them is that they don’t quite stick out far enough. When I try to get out, I will sometimes kick the side because I’m trying to find the running board to step off.

I thought I was the only one on the boards not sticking out far enough issue. It’s great for my wife’s small feet but I can’t seem to get a grip with the whole sole of the shoe. I wanted to see about getting them trail rated installed but it’s brand new so I’ll try to get used to it.

 

[Norfolk4Runner]

i have looked on here for a few days now and have not seen a build thread with a limited 5th gen that has been lifted. im going to sell my 2014 Focus St and put all that money down on a new limited.

anyways my question is when it comes to mods which i know there are a lot (previous 4runner owner) is the limited just not a desirable 4runner to build or what?

because that is my plan is to give it a decent lift and some minor exterior upgrades.

Just got the 2018 limited and we love it. I would recommend shelling out the money for the 3rd row or at least the slide out tray. It’s does ride a little smoother than the SR5. Overall, I wouldn’t try to lift the Limited as I would be afraid of loosing that soft ride of the factory suspension and the decreased MPG. But in the end it would look pretty cool to have a lifted luxury version of the truck.

 

[Edison_chen]

I thought I was the only one on the boards not sticking out far enough issue. It’s great for my wife’s small feet but I can’t seem to get a grip with the whole sole of the shoe. I wanted to see about getting them trail rated installed but it’s brand new so I’ll try to get used to it.

Getting in isn’t so bad because I can angle my feet first before climbing in. Gettting our is a lot harder because the running boards don’t stick out far enough. I’m not very tall and my wife is about 5 feet. In Canada our running boards are fixed. I don’t know if the Powered running boards stick out a bit more than the fixed ones.

 

[BettysNephew]

FWIW, I bought a new Limited earlier this year and couldn't be much happier. My previous ride was a 2015 Trail which I also really liked regarding everything but the color. It was black/black and my area can be somewhat dusty due to surrounding ag industry. It looked great for the 1/2 hour after the wash job. The new one is Blizzard Pearl/Redwood and does not show stuff near as much. I also really enjoy the upgrades in creature comfort. I must admit to liking the styling of the front of the other editions better than the LE but it isn't that big of an issue and if it really bugs me enough I will look into a change, but I really doubt that will happen. Take into consideration that I will soon be 69years old so my wants and needs in a vehicle may vary from yours.

 

[Toffees]

I decided on the Limited mainly due to AWD and the interior Redwood leather w/heat and cool seats. I do like the seat memory, auto climate control and proximity key but they were nice to haves. What I disliked after months of driving it were the 20" rims and how harsh XREAS was. So, I swapped to used Trail rims/AT's and dumped XREAS for a used TRD Pro suspension. I have about 2k invested in parts and labor. Also removed the running boards for good. Now it soaks up bumps on and off road like it should, sits a bit higher and looks much better. At some point I may black out some chrome and upgrade to a more aggressive suspension and front bumper, but am very happy with the ride and look improvements so far.

Did you swap wheels and tires and suspension at the same time? I agree on the harsh ride with the wheels and tires, but I quite like the XREAS--it's not squishy soft but it seems responsive to me.

Then again, maybe my last ride was just a turd and I have no frame of reference.

 

[flea1983]

Did you swap wheels and tires and suspension at the same time? I agree on the harsh ride with the wheels and tires, but I quite like the XREAS--it's not squishy soft but it seems responsive to me.

Then again, maybe my last ride was just a turd and I have no frame of reference.

I changed wheels and tires, but kept xreas for around 3-4 months. The ride improved some with the smaller wheels, even going from the geolanders to ko2’s.