Tia:
Things to consider:
Are you planning to use the 4runner for some basic/mild offroading trails? The reason why I ask is because although these new 4runners are very offroad capable, the decrease in the height of the vehicle has caused concern by members in the 4runner community. Which means that if you are planning to do some mild offroading, lifting the 4runner is crucial. If you are planning to lift, then that means replacing the shocks and springs. If you get the sport model, then the x-reas system will be removed (as the system is integrated into the shock assembly). If you get the sr5, then you just saved some cash.
To better describe the x-reas system in simple engine:
When you brake hard (i.e. slamming on it to stop) the front of the car will dip (i think everyone has some experience here... hehe). Well with the x-reas system installed, when the vehicle starts to show signs of dipping in the front, the x-reas system starts to adjust the shock firmness more to the front so that the vehicle will not dip as much as a non-xreas system vehicle. This means that when you slam on the brakes, ideally speaking, the vehicle will stay level.
pretty cool stuff. same applies to making hard left/right turns! anyway just to stay non-technical, that's one way to think about the x-reas system.
But since this system is imbedded into the shock itself, if you lift it, that means you'll be replacing the shock and that means your x-reas system will not be there anymore. Hence... waste of $$$.
Other things to consider: Are you planning to install mud terrain tires and not all terrain tires? unfortunately the sport model comes with 17" rims and there are no mud terrain tires for 17" yet. there are plenty of 16" tires selections though. I'm not sure if you'll be able to install 16" rims on the sport as the sport comes w/ larger brakes... that's something someone's gonna have to verify for all of us.
Other cool things about sport: has hood scoop (although it's not functioning
).
Hope all this helped. My take is that if you like the cladding and the hood scoop and don't plan to take it out on the trails alot, then I'd say go w/ the sport as the higher models do have a higher resale value...
But then again, so long as it's a toyota, I don't think we'll be compaining!
I got the sr5 for 1 reason: I love the outdoors which means I'll be out on the trails alot. Lifting the 4runner was crucial as the lack of height is a concern. The 17" rims, didn't work well with me as I was sure that I would get 16" rims and install some m/t tires. These two factors were key for me to help me decide on getting the sr5 model instead of the sports. The non functioning hood scoop wasn't all that as it was only looks. The cladding was okay as both models came with it anyway. Plus even though alot of people are not too fond of the cladding, I love it as it's helped me survive some the shrub/rocks from damaging the body itself!
saves lots in the long run! easier to clean too...
Good Luck
Lance
I didn't push it in the corners at all, but it did have some body lean.
