Should I avoid X-REAS?
- Thread starter cgriffin1999
- Start date
Ridger
New member
I test drove an SR5 and a SE when I was looking and after driving the SE I put X-REAS as a must have for me. I loved the difference it made. Seemed so much tighter and was stiffer but not as in rough just firmer and seemed to take the bumps even better to me and was a more enjoyable ride.
I wanted the auto-leveling so I bought a Ltd (with X-REAS) and it drives very good, but I still think the SE drove just a tad better, likely because it didn't have the rear air-bags.
I wanted the auto-leveling so I bought a Ltd (with X-REAS) and it drives very good, but I still think the SE drove just a tad better, likely because it didn't have the rear air-bags.
I'm going to offer a different opinion from most it seems! I test-drove both, and specifically avoided the sport (and X-REAS) when I bought my rig. I actually didn't want the 17-inch rims or the tubular roof rack and steps, and DEFINITELY didn't want the spoiler (hard to get my skis on the rack with one of those and still raise the liftgate. But those weren't dealbreakers. but after test-driving both, I felt the ride on the SR5 may have been a bit cushier but still very controlled, and saw no need for the added complexity of the X-REAS and actually liked the ride more on the SR5. I knew it right away and I don't regret my decision in the slightest. Neither will you, I guarantee it, regardless of what you choose. I think the one thing that everyone on these forums can attest to is that the 4runner, despite minor gripes (and rarely a major gripe in a specific incident), is an AWESOME rig.
Cheers!
T4RUSAF
New member
The X-reas on my rig was nice when it was in. I never had any leaks while in and I paired it up with a revtek lift for about 40k miles. Only reason why I swapped it out was because I got ICON coilovers and piggy-backs in the rear.
Xreas rocks on a stock rig... no roll, very good. If you choose to lift you can only use spacer lifts which does change the performance of it but not by much. Either way, if you have an extended warranty it's covered anyways!
Xreas rocks on a stock rig... no roll, very good. If you choose to lift you can only use spacer lifts which does change the performance of it but not by much. Either way, if you have an extended warranty it's covered anyways!
You do realize that the rear spoiler is an option, right? Just because it's a Sport Edition doesn't mean it automatically comes with the rear spoiler. The hood scoop is standard on the Sport Edition, but not the rear spoiler.
BTW, I've never had any problems with my spoiler interfering with my skis.
It wasn't an option on the vehicles I saw in California when I was picking up my 'runner. And I'd be surprised if I didn't have bigger skis than you do. I'm 6'5"...
It's a regional thing. Most of the time you see Sport Editions with or without the rear spoiler. In my area, almost all of them have it. In other areas, most of them don't. But my point is that no 4th gen 4Runners come with the spoiler automatically. It's optional and you can see that on the window sticker.
I used to ski with 210s, but that was back before the days of parabolic skis. Now I ski on 185s, simply because it's silly to have such long skis when you're using parabolic skis.
Either way though, even the largest ski available will easily fit on the roof of a 4Runner without interfering with the rear spoiler when the rear hatch is open. It's really a non-issue.
I've also seen A/C as being optional on vehicle stickers, but it doesn't mean that most cars don't have it. As far as the Sport editions, in California I have seen exactly 0 without the rear spoiler.
No one even makes 210's anymore- When I teach on-snow my skis are 191's or 182's. my freeskis are 191.
Hopefully you're mounting your skis tip-backwards on your 4runner (more aerodynamic unless you have a "true" twin-tip). And nothing on the rack should ever go beyond the windshield trim (owner's manual). given this and the fact that I don't want to move the racking ALL the way to the front where it's noisiest, not having the rear spoiler allows me to put my skis nearly 4-5 inches back from where I would had I the spoiler on my vehicle.
kai920
New member
I bought my 05 Sport recently with 75k miles and Xreas is leaking. I knew it when I bought it. Very little seepage from all four shocks. You can see where the dirt sticks to the shocks, but its not bad. The ride is nice, minimal body roll, I like it a lot actually. Hoping I can find something similar to replace it when its time. Will not be going stock-way too expensive
liqourish
New member
Its suppose to last the life of your vehicle or so i remember reading. They are high pressurized mono shocks able to withstand a punch, but are delicate due to the rods that push the fluid to the opposite side. Its usually a problem FOR THOSE who GO OFFROAD and rocks/stumps are grabbing a hold or hammering the rods. Lexus has em but more advance and electronically control unlike the 4runner which works manually as the shocks compress and move the fluid around. Firm, sporty, i take it around the right corners going 30.
You can't buy a 4th gen 4Runner without A/C. It's standard equipment across all trim levels and there's no way to buy a 4Runner without it. On the other hand, you can buy a 4th gen 4Runner without a rear spoiler. It's NOT standard equipment across all trim levels and if you want it factory installed, then it has to be ordered as an option. That's all I'm saying. You keep saying that the Sport Editions automatically come with the rear spoiler and that's just not true. Sport Editions come with a hood scoop, but the rear spoiler is an option.
Yeah, 210's were back in the day (I've been skiing for 24 years now) and I'm happy with my shorter shaped skis now. I mount them tips back and they still don't go over the windshield. There's plenty room.
Like I said, it's a regional thing. I know there are parts of Texas where the rear spoilers on the 4th gen 4Runner are extremely rare (on all trim levels), but in my area most 4Runners have the rear spoiler.
I like the rear spoiler, so I was glad to see that most of the Sport Editions in my area had it already. I was lucky enough to find my 4Runner on the lot with the exact options and color I wanted.
