thinking bout getting a 4th gen
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BigNuge
New member
Actually, the common opinion is that the XREAS is a good system for on road performance. However, it is very expensive to repair/replace.
If mine had less miles and wasn't all soft & worn out I would had just done a spacer lift.
Are you going to be doing any off-roading with the 4Runner? If so, then it will be a question of how many miles the truck has when you buy it and how worn the system is.
If you pick up a 100k+ mile truck then you will need to replace the shocks anyway! It makes no matter if the truck has XREAS at that point (other than having to remove the lines & reservoirs if you want to).
Good luck!
If mine had less miles and wasn't all soft & worn out I would had just done a spacer lift.
Are you going to be doing any off-roading with the 4Runner? If so, then it will be a question of how many miles the truck has when you buy it and how worn the system is.
If you pick up a 100k+ mile truck then you will need to replace the shocks anyway! It makes no matter if the truck has XREAS at that point (other than having to remove the lines & reservoirs if you want to).
Good luck!
OzarkRunner
New member
X-REAS was standard on the sport editions and optional on the limiteds. BigNuge hit the pro / con well; my 2008 sport has ~75k miles and I will be replacing my system with different coils and shocks before too long.
Mudyrunner
Member
Step one is read this.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...-considering-buying-4th-gen-massive-post.html
Then read this.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html
Depnends on models and year you want. But id say get the V-8 as its just better when you need 9it its there.
2005 or newer has the more popular LED tail lights and Grill that is easier to MOD.
Just my 2 cents.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...-considering-buying-4th-gen-massive-post.html
Then read this.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html
Depnends on models and year you want. But id say get the V-8 as its just better when you need 9it its there.
2005 or newer has the more popular LED tail lights and Grill that is easier to MOD.
Just my 2 cents.
Atlanta_man
New member
my 2005 has regular bulbs in the tails
I think the 03-05 had the regular rear tails (unfortunately). The 06-09 get the nice LED tails.
BigNuge
New member
+1 for this, 06+ for LED tails.
I would like to do this mod sometime (as soon as I find an 06+ owner who wants to sell them)...
alaskaman
Senior Member
The Sport Edition has advantages even though it does have the XREAS suspension which IMHO make it a clear winner over the SR5 especially in colder climates.
Bigger brakes, 17" wheels standard, warming outside mirrors, and the sport roof bars which adapt to many accessories. I think those items and others are worth the cost of eventually replacing XREAS.
Also bear in mind that we don't hear from people who are still running strong with the system. I bet there are many with high miles and rolling? In any case the Sport model is set up for a more aggressive profile which I like as well. That's my .02.
Bigger brakes, 17" wheels standard, warming outside mirrors, and the sport roof bars which adapt to many accessories. I think those items and others are worth the cost of eventually replacing XREAS.
Also bear in mind that we don't hear from people who are still running strong with the system. I bet there are many with high miles and rolling? In any case the Sport model is set up for a more aggressive profile which I like as well. That's my .02.
I just purchased a 4th gen in March (2005 limited). I absolutely love it, and can't say enough. It currently has 115k miles on it, so I did a full timing belt service and all that comes with it.
Mine originally came with the X-reas system. I was told that the right front shock was leaking slightly when toyota inspected the vehicle while doing the timing belt. They wanted $650 to do the front shocks alone (about 1,050 for all four). Instead, I went ahead and purchased the bilstein 5100s and installed them myself last week. Even if I had somebody else install them, the total for all four shocks would have come in right around $700 (quoted, not absolute).
My assessment, as some have already stated, is that at such a high mileage, you would likely be looking for new shocks regardless of the system on the car right now. They seem to last about 90-120k miles, maybe longer depending on the type of driving from what I've read. Mine lasted 115k, possibly another 10k if I wanted to push them.
I will say that the X-reas system was a great system, and felt really good for an SUV. And I mean really good for road driving. I've switched to the bilsteins and I love them for their performance. But it's not quite as smooth of a ride. So I depends on what you want out of them.
TL;DR I got a 4th gen with the X-reas, loved them, but replaced them with Bilstein 5100's only because it was cheaper.
Mudyrunner
Member
Sorry 2006 and up is the newer LED style that everybody swaps in. My bad.
blakjack23
New member
FWIW...I have 145k on my XREAS system and its still running strong. Mostly highway for me, only very light off roading (although I might try some local off roading trails next year).
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
This, I had an 03 sport with the X-REAS and it was just too stiff and hard on my back, especially the further that the system started to wear out. I traded it in on an 08 SR5 and the shocks and suspension is soft and great for road driving
