X-REAS questions of potential new buyer

[davemac]

Hello,
I'm close to buying V6 Ltd, and note that most on the lots do not have the x-reas option.
1. How much does the X-reas option effect the handling of the vehicle?
2. What is the effect of X-Reas with regards to towing?

Thanks, in advance, for the insight.

 

[sharp4runr]

XREAS reduces the "roll" of the vehicle when going through a corner, it's almost like the truck is more planted. The best way to experience it is to take a spirited test drive of a XREAS and Non-XREAS equipped 4runner back to back. I'll wager you'll notice a difference...

I'm not sure about how it affects towing as I don't tow.

 

[boston_kevin]

XREAS should not affect towing at all since the shocks are diagonally linked (instead of side-to-side). Limited's havea rear air-leveling which is for towing which allows you to drop or raise the back of the vehicle 2-3 inches with the touch of a button from the driver's seat.

 

[davemac]

XREAS should not affect towing at all since the shocks are diagonally linked (instead of side-to-side). Limited's havea rear air-leveling which is for towing which allows you to drop or raise the back of the vehicle 2-3 inches with the touch of a button from the driver's seat.

Thanks. Do you know if the "air leveling" comes is both V6 & V8 Limiteds?

 

[boston_kevin]

According to Toyota, it is available with either V6 or V8, but not available with 3rd row seat option. You may have to shop around for this feature though.

 

[pipspeak]

I'd normally say "get the Xreas" but I've read a couple of worrying threads about the system dying around 70K miles and it's expensive to replace (althogh you can just replace with non-Xreas shocks).

The difference between X and non-X models was fairly evident when I took both for a test drive, however. I found a quiet stetch of wide road and went round in circles at increasing speeds. The truck with Xreas felt solid, the one without felt like it would roll at lower speeds.

With Xreas I have the confidence to take corners faster than most chicken-shit drivers of sedans.

 

[Uneek]

Thanks. Do you know if the "air leveling" comes is both V6 & V8 Limiteds?

The auto leveling rear air suspension is only available on the V8 Limited model. You must have X-REAS to get this option on the V8 Limited. The V6 and V8 Limiteds can be optioned with X-REAS only.

 

[boston_kevin]

Good catch Uneek! The Air Leveling system is only on the V8 limited with XREAS.

You can add air bags to the rear suspension (many people have done that).

Even better, save some money up front by ordering an SR5 and add a OME lift or a Donahoe coilover system. Of course, then you need bigger tires and other mods to go with it, which might cost a little more