Will there be a lift for X-REAS 4Runners?

[snap315]

Hi all,

I was deciding on whether to get the X-REAS system for the Limited 4Runner I'll be ordering and I wondered about lifting the vehicle.

I think we can all agree the 03 & 04 4Runners need a couple of inches lift to regain their "once proud offroad stance".



I then realized that many people who purchase 4Runners for their offroad capability will have chosen the Sport Model. Since that model comes standard with the X-REAS system I started wondering whether any of the upcoming lifts will allow you to maintain that excellent stability enhancing system.

Does anyone have any info on this?

I think it would be a shame to have to sacrifice the X-REAS in order to lift the trunk a couple of inches.

 

[Thai]

Well, if you lift your 4runner, then you will need longer shocks. This will not be compatible with XREAS or any standard OEM shocks.

In addition, lifting a vehicle with independent suspension can be a problem...rupture CV boots (front suspension) are more common than you think. You may have to lower the front diff to lift.

Have you considered just getting slightly taller tires?? This doesn't screw with driving dynamics nor your suspension components. And it's cheaper...easy to resale (if the time comes). The 4runner engines are strong enough to take on bigger tires without running out of steam.

Lifting a vehicle takes a lot of planning. Oh yeah, there are no good reliable lift kits for 4runners (both 3rd and 4th gen). OME lift kits are not made specifically for 4runners (yet)...many 3rd gen 4runner owners report uneven lifts with this kit.

Hope this helps.

 

[jharris2]

Check this out first: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16087&highlight=xreas

 

[03_4x4Runner]

On the plus side the cv joints already have an upward slant to them, so there could be a some lift that would make them just be level, so thats good

 

[snap315]

This seems strange to me since many of the people who purchase a 4Runner for it's offroad ability will buy either an SR5 or the Sport Edition. In fact I'd think that the SE is the more popular of the 2 for offroad use. Of course the SR5 is cheaper and if all you want is a "true" offroad rig that might be the way to go; but most also drive their 4Runners on pavement as well.

With this being the case, it doesn't make much sense to have a system on the SE that will need to be removed in order to lift the truck. More than a few of those same people who buy an SE for it's offroad ability will also want to lift it to improve it's offroad clearance.

It just seems strange to me that I'd have to remove one of the systems that gives a SE or Limited it's excellent handling characteristics.

 

[Good Times]

snap315:

the new 03's are actually very offroad capable in it's stock form. with or without the x-reas system it's very good. yes it did lose some height compared to the previous gen 4runners but it can still go pretty much the same place the previous 4runners. I can prove this by the use of my 4runner been there and done that. must say i'm very much impressed!!! if you don't believe me, just ask anyone that I've gone offroading with.

as for x-reas or not. that all just depends on what your intentions are. my intentions from the beginning was to lift and make it one crazy offroad vehicle. i knew that i was going to throw out the x-reas with some coilovers in the front and new shocks and coil in the rear. not only this, i'm planning on redoing alot of the suspension anyway so any toyota extras they had on would have been removed.

before i ramble on even more... you can technically lift w/ the x-reas system i think but with the use of spacers only though... good luck on trying to install it though (might be PITA).

ultimately if you're planning to do some heavy modding then don't bother with the x-reas (save the $$ for some real suspension parts). if you plan to keep it stock and just add bigger tires then x-reas is a good addition (this stuff really works).

anyway... just food for though

Lance