Limited vs Loading-up an SR5

[M1911]

Can the SR5 suspension be tuned to be comparable to XREAS?

I'm not aware of anything aftermarket that is similar to XREAS, which crosslinks the shock absorbers. XREAS reduces lean in corners.

The typical upgrades people do to 4Runner suspensions are a lift, which allows them to fit larger tires (thus giving more ground clearance). A lift is going to increase the amount of lean in turns (all other things being equal, which they aren't).

The traditional way to reduce lean is to put on a larger anti-sway bar. I don't know if larger anti-sway bars are available for the 4Runner. A thicker anti-sway bar will reduce articulation offroad. Another approach is to replace the rubber sway bar bushings with solid bushings. Solid bushings are most likely available, but this will also reduce articulation, and give you more things that you need to grease.

If I were you, I'd pony up the money for a Limited. But then I own a 4th gen Limited with XREAS, so I'm biased.

 

[SgnDen]

I'm not aware of anything aftermarket that is similar to XREAS, which crosslinks the shock absorbers. XREAS reduces lean in corners.

The typical upgrades people do to 4Runner suspensions are a lift, which allows them to fit larger tires (thus giving more ground clearance). A lift is going to increase the amount of lean in turns (all other things being equal, which they aren't).

The traditional way to reduce lean is to put on a larger anti-sway bar. I don't know if larger anti-sway bars are available for the 4Runner. A thicker anti-sway bar will reduce articulation offroad. Another approach is to replace the rubber sway bar bushings with solid bushings. Solid bushings are most likely available, but this will also reduce articulation, and give you more things that you need to grease.

If I were you, I'd pony up the money for a Limited. But then I own a 4th gen Limited with XREAS, so I'm biased.

Thanks M1911! Which reminds me, I need clean my 1911's...

Does XREAS hurt the off-road capability in any severe way? Again, I am not looking to do anything close to what once did but certainly want to be able to handle moderate stuff here in the Rockies (I know, somewhat subjective question here). Basically nasty fire-roads and some serious steeps up/down...no bogs, boulders, or serious off-camber action.

 

[Bay33saw]

I'm like M1911, I am biased towards the LE as I own one.

For me and that is someone that hates things going wrong or taking apart anything I am quite happy with the LE as it comes from the factory.
Sure you could buy a SR5 and custom the poop out of it, but in my limited experience nothing really goes back together as well the second time, plus you might run into the problem with your local dealership saying "well we can't fix that as you have put a custom "Flemgh Flange" in place of the stock "Flutten Fluger" or something like that.

Have you test drove either? Trust me the LE drives a lot better than the SR 5 TO ME, I'm not saying it's any better or worse, I just liked the ride better, sure the skinny tires are ugly but the wheels I personally like, the stereo is fine IMHO but I'm no stereophile, I love the Bluetooth and although I don't use the Nav much I like the whole system. I never really gave much thought to the keyless entry but after having it for 3 months now I love it, and once I get my first oil change I am going to ask the dealership to program the key fob to open all the windows when I press the "Unlock" button.

Go with what you like, either way you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you post pictures when you do buy it.

Have fun

 

[Curt Sauve]

Thanks M1911! Which reminds me, I need clean my 1911's...

Does XREAS hurt the off-road capability in any severe way? Again, I am not looking to do anything close to what once did but certainly want to be able to handle moderate stuff here in the Rockies (I know, somewhat subjective question here). Basically nasty fire-roads and some serious steeps up/down...no bogs, boulders, or serious off-camber action.

You'll be just fine with a LTD, just pull the front airdam off and throw on a set of FJ Cruiser steelies and set of BFG AT's in the winter and you're good to go. The AWD and XREAS is a great combo for towing, for a midsized V6 SUV, it is a beast. I love mine.

 

[SgnDen]

I'm like M1911, I am biased towards the LE as I own one.

For me and that is someone that hates things going wrong or taking apart anything I am quite happy with the LE as it comes from the factory.
Sure you could buy a SR5 and custom the poop out of it, but in my limited experience nothing really goes back together as well the second time, plus you might run into the problem with your local dealership saying "well we can't fix that as you have put a custom "Flemgh Flange" in place of the stock "Flutten Fluger" or something like that.

Have you test drove either? Trust me the LE drives a lot better than the SR 5 TO ME, I'm not saying it's any better or worse, I just liked the ride better, sure the skinny tires are ugly but the wheels I personally like, the stereo is fine IMHO but I'm no stereophile, I love the Bluetooth and although I don't use the Nav much I like the whole system. I never really gave much thought to the keyless entry but after having it for 3 months now I love it, and once I get my first oil change I am going to ask the dealership to program the key fob to open all the windows when I press the "Unlock" button.

Go with what you like, either way you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you post pictures when you do buy it.

Have fun

I have driven the Trail and the SR5 as I started all of this wanting a Trail only.

I would def like the keyless and 100% need bluetooth as I am used to it in my car (along with Heads-up display...but never mind that).

We'll see.

 

[Bay33saw]

I have driven the Trail and the SR5 as I started all of this wanting a Trail only.

I would def like the keyless and 100% need bluetooth as I am used to it in my car (along with Heads-up display...but never mind that).

We'll see.

I thought you wanted a LE or loaded SR5

 

[SgnDen]

I thought you wanted a LE or loaded SR5

I do. Was just saying I STARTED out in this whole thing wanting TE.

 

[Ttn333]

Get the Limited. No lift is going to compare well to the xreas on daily drivability. Lift will give you a higher and stiffer ride. Great for offroad, but well, stiff for regular everyday family driving. Xreas will be much more comfortable for your daily driving needs.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

I went with the Limited for the full time 4WD and the factory JBL system (didn't feel like messing with after market, and it sounds pretty good to me but YMMV). I've diven Subarus my entire life and I live in an area that gets incredibly mixed winter conditions (even by the hour).

98% of driving I do is going to be on-road so the Ltd made the most sense for me. I'll end up buying a set of 17" wheels at some point for my occasional jaunts up forest service roads and fire trails.

 

[4BYTOY]

I've owned 4 4Runners and 5 LC's over the years (including 3 FJ40's doing heavy-duty back country stuff). These days (aka "old and fat"), I am looking more for the perfect blend of capability, looks, and comfort.

SgnDen - I think your background is similar to mine as I have owned a variety of 4WD trucks both Toyota and Ford, a couple of 4Runners, and a few fullsize Broncos (instead of FJ40's). I would love to have an FJ40 also but that is another thread.

As you have stated, your "needs" for a vehicle have changed over the years - from rugged 4wheeling to a more relaxed style of wheeling. My needs have also changed over the years to the same as you have described.

I also thought about the Trail, however I went with the Limited. This last winter I became a big fan of the full time 4WD.

As you can tell from my avitar, I spend plenty of time in the mountains during the winter. I really like my fullsize Bronco and its part time 4WD, but I love the 4Runner, its fulltime 4WD, and its automatic tranny for driving icy mountain roads.

Now I realize we are comparing two different types of vehicles, my main point is that I felt more secure with the 4Runner and its full time 4WD. I felt I had great control and traction with the full time system.

I'm glad I purchased the Limited ... and the first purchase I made after buying the Limited was a set of 17" ProComp wheels and ditched the 20's.

Whatever your choice is the 5th Gen 4Runner is a great vehicle.

Cheers
4BYTOY

 

[Quentin]

I just want to comment on the above. In my experience the Entune NAV (actual navigation, not stereo) is much much better than the optional "upgraded" navigation system. I have experience with the optional Nav in an older Gx470 and a brand new Highlander. The Entune Nav is much more accurate.

I would agree with you if you are speaking about the "Stereo/Speaker" system though. The JBL will sound better than the stock speakers that come with the Entune.

Interesting. Good to hear about the Entune nav. The Prius v I ordered has it but I haven't really had a chance to mess around with it.

 

[Corbet]

I had the same decision for my wife. We will be pulling the trigger later this year. She will be coming out of a Subaru and the full time system is the only way to go in snow country IMO. For her the lack of dual climate is a definite deal breaker on her end for the SR5. So at least both of us agree on the LTD.

Those are the two big things to consider IMO. As neither is easy to retrofit into the SR5. A nicer NAV system or suspension can go into either. Leather, lockers, etc.. I've never pushed on the Xreas to form a hard opinion but matters not. It comes out for the lift anyway.

 

[philsey]

FWIW, here are the things that I still do not like about my loaded SR5:

- Red radio display, and the red info display. I always wear polorized sunglasses, and the friggin' display is near impossible to read.

- Brake dive / mushy / bouncy front end. Even after Bilsteins and premium P-rated tires, it is better but still present, and annoys me. Firmer springs are probably the answer, but I haven't troubled. It's like a rattle to me, a constant annoyance that really does no harm.

- The steering. Hard to describe, but after a couple alignments, caster set at 4*, it still has this vagueness sensation which requires constant micro correction. It does not have a strong on-center feel. My Svc Mgr wants to look at it - maybe there's hope.

I have a feeling that what I want is a BP LE with TRD wheels... hmmm, wonder what 2013 will bring?

 

[M1911]

Does XREAS hurt the off-road capability in any severe way? Again, I am not looking to do anything close to what once did but certainly want to be able to handle moderate stuff here in the Rockies (I know, somewhat subjective question here). Basically nasty fire-roads and some serious steeps up/down...no bogs, boulders, or serious off-camber action.

It is fine for that. You won't have quite the articulation of a TE with KDSS.

 

[Curt Sauve]

It is fine for that. You won't have quite the articulation of a TE with KDSS.

KDSS gives you more articulation?

 

[phillyd2]

Does XREAS hurt the off-road capability in any severe way?

No. Not at all.

Your biggest issue taking a Limited off road compared to a TE will be clearances from the front skirt, rockers and running boards (if you have them). The other big off road advantage is the rear lockers. Of course all this can be modified :naughty:

If most of your time is spend on road you will love the XREAS system. For me, full time 4WD along with all the bells & whistles led me to the Limited.....then I sort of made a left turn.....

 

[SgnDen]

SgnDen - I think your background is similar to mine as I have owned a variety of 4WD trucks both Toyota and Ford, a couple of 4Runners, and a few fullsize Broncos (instead of FJ40's). I would love to have an FJ40 also but that is another thread.

As you have stated, your "needs" for a vehicle have changed over the years - from rugged 4wheeling to a more relaxed style of wheeling. My needs have also changed over the years to the same as you have described.

I also thought about the Trail, however I went with the Limited. This last winter I became a big fan of the full time 4WD.

As you can tell from my avitar, I spend plenty of time in the mountains during the winter. I really like my fullsize Bronco and its part time 4WD, but I love the 4Runner, its fulltime 4WD, and its automatic tranny for driving icy mountain roads.

Now I realize we are comparing two different types of vehicles, my main point is that I felt more secure with the 4Runner and its full time 4WD. I felt I had great control and traction with the full time system.

I'm glad I purchased the Limited ... and the first purchase I made after buying the Limited was a set of 17" ProComp wheels and ditched the 20's.

Whatever your choice is the 5th Gen 4Runner is a great vehicle.

Cheers
4BYTOY

Thanks man...appreciate the commentary.

I drove all three models yesterday afternoon. Huge difference from SR5 to LE ride-wise. Not as much noticeable between TE and LE on the mean streets of I-25 (what has happened to our state? ugh).

Anyway - The biggest things I need to get over (fix) are those horrible looking wheels, crap narrow tires, running boards, and chrome door handles and trim. I need to figure-out what it's going to cost me to remedy all of that to get it looking as I'd like...hate to be superficial like that...but it's the truth...it matters to me.

I'll search the forum as I assume there are threads about ditching those LE wheels, where to sell them, and replacing the chrome with color-matched stuff.

Enjoy this weekend. Amazing out there this morning!

 

[SgnDen]

SgnDen - I think your background is similar to mine as I have owned a variety of 4WD trucks both Toyota and Ford, a couple of 4Runners, and a few fullsize Broncos (instead of FJ40's). I would love to have an FJ40 also but that is another thread.

I'm glad I purchased the Limited ... and the first purchase I made after buying the Limited was a set of 17" ProComp wheels and ditched the 20's.

Whatever your choice is the 5th Gen 4Runner is a great vehicle.

Cheers
4BYTOY

Hey 4BYTOY, have you worked with a dealer you think is good anywhere along the Front Range?

Thanks!

 

[4BYTOY]

Hey 4BYTOY, have you worked with a dealer you think is good anywhere along the Front Range?

Thanks!

SgnDen -This has been my experience. I visited dealerships in both Ft. Collins and Greeley and left both dealerships without buying. I then headed south to Denver. I made a stop in Longmont, actually Fredrick at the dealer (Stapp) and ended up with a deal I felt was great.

I realize that everyone's buying experience is different even from the same dealership. Some curse Stapp, I felt I got a great deal as they offered me about $6000 more for my 2002 4Runner. Yes, the price on all the 4Runners I looked at were within a few hundred dollars of each other.

I purchased a Blizzard Pearl with black interior and navigation. Still happy with the deal I got and love the 4Runner.

Good Luck with your purchase!

Side Note: I ordered my ProComp wheels from 4 Wheel Parts in Denver. With my new wheels loaded, my next stop was Discount Tire, they gave me a decent deal on 17" tires. I then used the forum to find a buyer in Boulder for my 20" wheels.


Hope you find a good deal!

Cheers
4BYTOY

 

[M1911]

KDSS gives you more articulation?

KDSS allows you to have stiff anti-sway bars, but it automatically unlocks the sway bars when needed offroad. So yes, it does give you more articulation, and gives you better handling on the road than an SR5 or non-KDSS TE. It isn't clear to me how the KDSS compares with XREAS on the road. KDSS should have more articulation offroad than XREAS or SR5/TE non-KDSS.