Ive been searching for a 4th gen 4Runner for a while. Was looking at limited's but have come across a clean used Sport Edition. I am looking at V8 4X4. It will need to tow a ski boat around 3500-4000 lbs with trailer and loaded up. I just found out about the x-REAS system on all the Sport Editions and saw some information that made me concerned as far as potential repairs to the system...especially that it would have to go back to the dealer to get fixed. I have also read in the past that Sport Editions do well towing with larger disc brakes? Just wondering if any can inform me as to whether thx-REAS system is a plus or minus. I understand what it does and am OK with that. My concern is a having a big repair bill down the road for something I may not need. Are the advantages of the system worth it as far a s safety? The 4Runner has 87000 miles on it. Also, any other differences that I may not be aware of as far as towing between the 2 trim levels, or even the SR5 for that.
Sport with X-REAS vs Limited
- Thread starter Cumby
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
You need to search in the future. Plenty of information on this forum.
The Xreas system can leak. It is expensive to replace at the dealer but plenty of us on here that have some mechanical aptitude have had no problem replacing it with traditional shocks found on the sr5 model. Ride and handling weren't changed a lot.
As far as safety, I'm not sure what your thoughts are here. The system supposedly limits body roll due to the diagonal linked shocks, but I didn't think much of the system after I replaced it with bilstein 5100 and FJ Shocks.
The Xreas system can leak. It is expensive to replace at the dealer but plenty of us on here that have some mechanical aptitude have had no problem replacing it with traditional shocks found on the sr5 model. Ride and handling weren't changed a lot.
As far as safety, I'm not sure what your thoughts are here. The system supposedly limits body roll due to the diagonal linked shocks, but I didn't think much of the system after I replaced it with bilstein 5100 and FJ Shocks.
dwulffusa
New member
I have a 2005 Sport Edition (bought new in 2005) with 136,000miles on original shocks and springs and to me it still handles confidentently and better than anything else in its class. I just went through a bad experience buying a 2008 Limited with XREAS and only 50,000miles and the shocks were done. I eventually returned it yesterday after much frustration and time spent in the shop and happy to still have the 2005. Any older car is a gamble, low mileage does not guarantee a mechanically fresh vehicle so I learned.
I wouldn't be scared of XREAS. When you test drive it,take it on the highway, throw it into corners, brake hard. If it all feels fine to you, its probably fine. If the shocks fail, as others have said, there are many threads here devoted to different options of changing out the shocks and springs which are more affordable than the XREAS shocks alone.
If I start my search again for another 4th gen, it will be for a 2008/2009 Sport Edition. Its a really nice blend of Toyota truck, sporty look, towing and off road capability, and on road manners. Good luck.
I wouldn't be scared of XREAS. When you test drive it,take it on the highway, throw it into corners, brake hard. If it all feels fine to you, its probably fine. If the shocks fail, as others have said, there are many threads here devoted to different options of changing out the shocks and springs which are more affordable than the XREAS shocks alone.
If I start my search again for another 4th gen, it will be for a 2008/2009 Sport Edition. Its a really nice blend of Toyota truck, sporty look, towing and off road capability, and on road manners. Good luck.
Last edited:
Bossman
Senior Member
I'm not sure what year of 4Runner you are looking at, but the SR5 and Limited trim levels for a 2008 are both listed as 5,000 pound towing capacity (with standard, factory-installed receiver hitch).
Sorry, thought I mentioned that. The SE I'm looking at is an 05. I've been searching 05-09's. My understanding is the towing capacity is 7000lbs for the 4.7 V8. Are you saying the it's the factory hitch limiting it to 5000? The factory installed hitch is not a weight distribution hitch?
kevinpt
Senior Member
there is a v6 hitch and a v8 hitch. v8 also has aux trans cooler
Drak
New member
I think with XREAS, look at it as just one part of the suspension system, not focusing on it and it alone separate from the rest of the system. The more I started to understand the 4Runners' suspension as a whole/big picture, the less XREAS condition had an impact on me.
Mine (2003/100K Sport) is working fine with no leaks and no complaints.
However, I've had vehicles with better handling. It's nice, but it's not fantastic after 100K, and since I bought mine I've been researching a lot of build threads here and am already planning it's removal and replacement. I'm not in a big hurry to do it, but I am ready and up-to-date on my options.
What I'm saying is the condition of the XREAS in your chosen car shouldn't be a dealbreaker either way.
You are in exactly the right place tho, read the threads on this forum, all the info you need is right here.
Mine (2003/100K Sport) is working fine with no leaks and no complaints.
However, I've had vehicles with better handling. It's nice, but it's not fantastic after 100K, and since I bought mine I've been researching a lot of build threads here and am already planning it's removal and replacement. I'm not in a big hurry to do it, but I am ready and up-to-date on my options.
What I'm saying is the condition of the XREAS in your chosen car shouldn't be a dealbreaker either way.
You are in exactly the right place tho, read the threads on this forum, all the info you need is right here.
Ive read so many different things on the hitches and towing capacity and thought I understood, but it seems to be getting more confusing. So, different factory hitch for the V8 with a 7000 lb capacity or does the hitch need to be upgraded from factory one to get to 7000 lbs? Cant find what "properly equipped" means?
dadigab
New member
"Properly equipped" means a class IV weight distributing hitch setup (complete with trunnion bars) and sway control, aux trans cooler and brake controller. regardless of engine. You will have less pulling power in the hills but it will pull with V6.
Heads up '08's and '09's you can turn off most "nanny" traction controls. Earlier years you can't. If that helps.
Heads up '08's and '09's you can turn off most "nanny" traction controls. Earlier years you can't. If that helps.
Did the V8 4x4s have the weight distribution hitch as an option?
WDH term is getting muddy in this thread.
The v6 has a cross member mounted hitch that is designed to handle less weight and not designed for use with weight distribution systems (WDH).
The v8 comes with a frame mounted hitch which is stronger and can handle the forces generated by a weight distribution system (WDH).
WDH = a hitch setup like BlueOx SwayPro, Reese CamLock, Anderson, etc..these are commonly used to control sway and shift weight forward on the vehicle. These DO NOT come with the truck from Toyota.
The v6 has a cross member mounted hitch that is designed to handle less weight and not designed for use with weight distribution systems (WDH).
The v8 comes with a frame mounted hitch which is stronger and can handle the forces generated by a weight distribution system (WDH).
WDH = a hitch setup like BlueOx SwayPro, Reese CamLock, Anderson, etc..these are commonly used to control sway and shift weight forward on the vehicle. These DO NOT come with the truck from Toyota.
Ahhhh, now I know why I'm getting confused. So is there a max towing capacity for the V8 4x4 without a WD set up?
preacher35
New member
The Sport Edition is much better than the LIMITED IMHO. I do not understand what the problem is. Get the V8 Sport Edition and do not look back! XREAS typically begins to leak around 110k-130k miles. When it does, just swap it out with standard shocks. DONE. Nobody replaces XREAS as it is too cost prohibitive. Regardless, most domestic SUV shocks go out at around 70k-80k so you're getting a much better deal anyway.
