XREAS removal

[scott_tiller]

Hey everyone - I've got a limited and I'm looking at getting ride of the XREAS suspension.

I have read through tons of the suspension posts and found that I can put on the stock suspension from SR5, TRD offroad and it should bolt up after removing the old system.

But I didn't see anything about this....
If I put the OEM suspension on my limited, will it raise the front up a little bit, or will it still have the factory limited height in the front?

I'm trying to decide if I should do spacers at the same time in the front or let it settle and then decide how much lift I want. I don't really go offroad, it is
more for the looks.

Thanks

 

[Pedro367]

I believe the normal SR5/TRD OR suspension keeps stock height on the limited. If you think you may lift it later, I'd recommend just going to Bilstein 5100s set at the first clip at .85" in the front. If you want more later, you can raise them. They are a much better shock than the factory SR5/TRDOR shocks and very reasonably priced.

 

[Humble Leader]

you will still have a rake with whatever OEM suspension you put on. if you tow or carry heavier loads you will likely want some rake so you don't have the truck squatting. or you could go aftermarket and get some heavier duty springs and get rid of the rake and help reduce squatting, but unloaded ride quality will suffer

 

[rdruss]

I replaced my xreas with Bil4600/FJ springs and 1/2" spacer in front. Just the shocks/springs gave it a little lift, maybe .5-1" and the 1/2" spacer in front almost levels it. If I were to do over would go 5100's and not need the 1/2" spacer.

 

[MasterFoo]

Do it right the first time, you don't want to do it again. Buy once, cry once, as many have said. The Bilstein as recommended above are a great solution over factory. Going aftermarket will eliminate nose dive while braking. The driver behind you will thank you tremendously.

 

[gakattack]

Do it right the first time, you don't want to do it again. Buy once, cry once, as many have said. The Bilstein as recommended above are a great solution over factory. Going aftermarket will eliminate nose dive while braking. The driver behind you will thank you tremendously.

Coming from factory OR suspension to Pro Bilstein takeoffs, I agree with the nose dive 100%. Night and day difference.

 

[scott_tiller]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will hold off buying OEM suspension and start looking at the Bilstein setup.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Do it right the first time, you don't want to do it again. Buy once, cry once, as many have said. The Bilstein as recommended above are a great solution over factory. Going aftermarket will eliminate nose dive while braking. The driver behind you will thank you tremendously.

In that case, why buy the Limited? It’s a 4WD Truck based SUV dressed up as an urban crossover SUV.

 

[Humble Leader]

In that case, why buy the Linited? It’s a 4WD Truck based SUV dress up as an urban crossover SUV.

the AWD is a big selling feature for most snowy climates. up here I only ever see limiteds driving around. I think I've seen maybe one trail and one TRD PRO, and a handful of SR5s. most people don't want to be bothered with having to shift between 2HI and 4HI all the time, myself included. automatic climate and leather seats are also nice

 

[CutthroatSlam]

the AWD is a big selling feature for most snowy climates. up here I only ever see limiteds driving around. I think I've seen maybe one trail and one TRD PRO, and a handful of SR5s. most people don't want to be bothered with having to shift between 2HI and 4HI all the time, myself included. automatic climate and leather seats are also nice

Where is up here?

We live in Montana and the part time 4WD works awesome. We have a dog, so leather seats are out. Even without the dog, the leather doesn’t last and is definitely not on our list.

We have a TRD Off-road on order at the Toyota dealer in Missoula. They’ve called and begged us to take a Limited. They can’t get rid of the Limiteds. No one one wants the urbanized pos.

 

[stiles_s]

Where is up here?

We live in Montana and the part time 4WD works awesome. We have a dog, so leather seats are out. Even without the dog, the leather doesn’t last and is definitely not on our list.

We have a TRD Off-road on order at the Toyota dealer in Missoula. They’ve called and begged us to take a Limited. They can’t get rid of the Limiteds. No one one wants the urbanized pos.

I have owned both. Hope the hood scoop and shifting into 4high manually because you can perfectly sense when you are going to need it helps with the T levels [emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CutthroatSlam]

I have owned both. Hope the hood scoop and shifting into 4high manually because you can perfectly sense when you are going to need it helps with the T levels [emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ll ask my wife, it’s her car. She has a 2014 SR5 and the MANual 4WD has never been an issue for 322K miles.

 

[Humble Leader]

Where is up here?

We live in Montana and the part time 4WD works awesome. We have a dog, so leather seats are out. Even without the dog, the leather doesn’t last and is definitely not on our list.

We have a TRD Off-road on order at the Toyota dealer in Missoula. They’ve called and begged us to take a Limited. They can’t get rid of the Limiteds. No one one wants the urbanized pos.

the AWD system in the 4runner is the same system that's in the land cruiser, GX etc. it's a good system. I don't doubt the part time 4WD is good but for me it made the most sense to have AWD with the ability to create a true 4x4 if I need to

driving around in 4HI is not ideal when you're up on rural roads and highways that change from covered in snow from snow drifts to clean and dry, especially on corners. I encounter this all the time - you can only engage 4HI when going under 60mph, which also is a pain. this is a common driving condition for me from Nov to March.

they probably called you to take the limited because they found someone that will pay more than you for the TRD and they had a limited available

 

[Marvin_Rall]

Yes, installing the stock suspension from a SR5 or TRD Off-Road model on your Limited should raise the front of your vehicle slightly. The exact amount of raise would depend on various factors such as the condition of your current suspension and the exact parts used in the upgrade. However, on average, you can expect the front to be raised by about 1-2 inches.

If you're looking for a specific height for cosmetic purposes, you may want to consider installing spacers at the same time as the suspension upgrade. However, keep in mind that installing spacers can also affect the ride and handling characteristics of your vehicle. If you're not planning to take your vehicle off-road, you may want to stick with a moderate height increase and use spacers sparingly to avoid compromising the ride quality.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

the AWD system in the 4runner is the same system that's in the land cruiser, GX etc. it's a good system. I don't doubt the part time 4WD is good but for me it made the most sense to have AWD with the ability to create a true 4x4 if I need to

driving around in 4HI is not ideal when you're up on rural roads and highways that change from covered in snow from snow drifts to clean and dry, especially on corners. I encounter this all the time - you can only engage 4HI when going under 60mph, which also is a pain. this is a common driving condition for me from Nov to March.

they probably called you to take the limited because they found someone that will pay more than you for the TRD and they had a limited available

We’re not going 60 mph in snow or ice conditions.

Here’s a pic of an AWD Subaru that went off the road on the inside of the curve at the bottom of our Montana property. You can see what happened from their tire tracks. They came down the hill with too much speed to make the curve. They let off the gas and with the all wheels connected to the drivetrain, they started to slide. Then they got back on the gas and immediately shot into the ditch on the inside of the curve. This is what happens when people get in over their head because they believe their car has hero status with the AWD.

 

[Humble Leader]

We’re not going 60 mph in snow or ice conditions.

Here’s a pic of an AWD Subaru that went off the road on the inside of the curve at the bottom of our Montana property. You can see what happened from their tire tracks. They came down the hill with too much speed to make the curve. They let off the gas and with the all wheels connected to the drivetrain, they started to slide. Then they got back on the gas and immediately shot into the ditch on the inside of the curve. This is what happens when people get in over their head because they believe their car has hero status with the AWD.

were you and the pickup able to pull them out? the road looks pretty slick I'm guessing probably not

 

[aggrobot]

the AWD system in the 4runner is the same system that's in the land cruiser, GX etc. it's a good system. I don't doubt the part time 4WD is good but for me it made the most sense to have AWD with the ability to create a true 4x4 if I need to

I've been thinking about this a lot, digging up as much as I can on this system.
Toyota calls it full-time 4wd, and I believe this is very deliberate. Maybe you'll disagree, but hear me out. An AWD system sends power not only to each axel but each wheel via limited slip differentials/traction control of some kind. Our limited's have open diffs on each axel with the torsen t3 at the center, dynamically sending power to either axel (distribution ratios change). Having open diffs on each axel suggests to me our drive systems behave more like an sr5, or traditional 4wd in 4hi, than something like an asymmetric AWD system from suby or audi. Meaning power is still going to go to the wheel with the least traction. Ive encountered situations in which ATRAC has engaged while going around a snowy corner going faster than 5MPH, but it would be generous to say it helped me in my cornering. There is no question ATRAC can help in low traction situations at low speeds, but my own experience with it a higher speeds did not inspire confidence in atrac. Having said all that, our vehicles are essentially an sr5, or any other unlocked 4wd 4runner with the flexibility to be engaged at all times, in all conditions, for better and worse, and the torsen will send power to the axel with more grip, so its better than a kick in the pants. In summary, people who describe it as an AWD system may be somewhat overselling it. People espousing the benefits of their part time are ignoring that ours is pretty much the same with the flexibility of always being engaged (and adjust power to each axel). Thoughts?

We’re not going 60 mph in snow or ice conditions.

Here’s a pic of an AWD Subaru that went off the road on the inside of the curve at the bottom of our Montana property. You can see what happened from their tire tracks. They came down the hill with too much speed to make the curve. They let off the gas and with the all wheels connected to the drivetrain, they started to slide. Then they got back on the gas and immediately shot into the ditch on the inside of the curve. This is what happens when people get in over their head because they believe their car has hero status with the AWD.

Bad drivers gonna be bad drivers everywhere. I still blame them for over-confidence, not the vehicle for falsely enhancing confidence. In any case, your limited distaste is certainly noted, haha! I think theyre all great vehicles, and there's very little difference between them all. Important, but small differences. I hope you enjoy your new ride! I still love my limited, I think its every bit as incredible as the other 4rs, and maybe one day I'll even get you to do something that resembles an agreement

 

[aggrobot]

Where is up here?

We live in Montana and the part time 4WD works awesome. We have a dog, so leather seats are out. Even without the dog, the leather doesn’t last and is definitely not on our list.

We have a TRD Off-road on order at the Toyota dealer in Missoula. They’ve called and begged us to take a Limited. They can’t get rid of the Limiteds. No one one wants the urbanized pos.

Leather does require more maintenance, but will last much longer than cloth if cared for, dogs notwithstanding of course. They can ruin anything. With proper care, my assless chaps can be handed down to my children, and then to theirs.:cowboy:

 

[Humble Leader]

I've been thinking about this a lot, digging up as much as I can on this system.
Toyota calls it full-time 4wd, and I believe this is very deliberate. Maybe you'll disagree, but hear me out. An AWD system sends power not only to each axel but each wheel via limited slip differentials/traction control of some kind. Our limited's have open diffs on each axel with the torsen t3 at the center, dynamically sending power to either axel (distribution ratios change). Having open diffs on each axel suggests to me our drive systems behave more like an sr5, or traditional 4wd in 4hi, than something like an asymmetric AWD system from suby or audi. Meaning power is still going to go to the wheel with the least traction. Ive encountered situations in which ATRAC has engaged while going around a snowy corner going faster than 5MPH, but it would be generous to say it helped me in my cornering. There is no question ATRAC can help in low traction situations at low speeds, but my own experience with it a higher speeds did not inspire confidence in atrac. Having said all that, our vehicles are essentially an sr5, or any other unlocked 4wd 4runner with the flexibility to be engaged at all times, in all conditions, for better and worse, and the torsen will send power to the axel with more grip, so its better than a kick in the pants. In summary, people who describe it as an AWD system may be somewhat overselling it. People espousing the benefits of their part time are ignoring that ours is pretty much the same with the flexibility of always being engaged (and adjust power to each axel). Thoughts?

D

The 4runners AWD system is a true AWD meaning it can send (I think) as much as 60% of the power to the front if needed. It's rear biased I think 60/40 or 80/20 in normal driving. with AWD the computer will instantly move power where needed depending on traction. Without traction control, the wheel with the least traction will receive all the power in the front and rear, but that's why there's traction control. the computer is smart enough to know when there's wheel spin and can adjust on the fly. If you were to put the AWD 4runner on a roller test where one or opposite wheels were off the ground and be in AWD, it would roll off, I'm very confident of that. If you did that in 4HI with traction on, it would also roll off. 4LO disables traction control and you would likely be stuck in that same situation - but that's what ATRAC is for (which can only be used in 4LO - so were you in 4LO when using ATRAC or was the standard traction control kicking in?). ATRAC doesn't auto engage unless the button is pushed, only TRAC does. if you didn't hit the ATRAC button or weren't in 4LO, ATRAC wasn't on. ATRAC is a more aggressive TRAC and also won't moderate throttle like TRAC will. the wheel braking is also aggressive

4HI in the limited will distribute 50/50 power to front and rear all the time. and is equivalent of the SR5 in 4HI. AWD is more for higher speed, everyday driving but 4HI to me is tougher stuff, slower speed, offroading or very deep, heavy snow, towing a boat up the ramp etc. 4HI guarantees power at all times be sent to at least one front and one rear wheel. AWD would need to detect wheel spin before doing so. with that being said, the AWD system is a true AWD system. calling it an AWD system is not overselling by any means and it is not the same as being in 4HI in the SR5

there's a lot of confusion with what fulltime 4WD or AWD or 4x4 is in marketing materials. 4WD and 4x4 were always used to mean 5050 power to front and rear but auto makers seem to be using the terms interchangeably and it confuses people lol. yes technically, the AWD limited can send 5050 power to front and rear, just like a 4WD or 4x4, but it isn't locking that 5050 split all the time and that split varies

the toyota manual calls is full time 4WD which really is the AWD setting without locking the centre diff

 

[4Rums]

The 4runners AWD system is a true AWD meaning it can send (I think) as much as 60% of the power to the front if needed. It's rear biased I think 60/40 or 80/20 in normal driving. with AWD the computer will instantly move power where needed depending on traction.

the toyota manual calls is full time 4WD which really is the AWD setting without locking the centre diff

This is incorrect. The 4WD system in the 4Runner (5th gen limited, 4th gens, Land Cruisers) is purely mechanical, it is not "computer controlled". It uses a torsen differential and planetary gears with the transfer case to allow the front and rear differential to rotate at different speeds and with variable power to the front/rear axles. Land Cruisers, the Toyota flagship vehicle, have been manufactured using this type of Full time 4WD (not part time) for the last 33 years (since the J80 in 1990). The main reason for the part time 4WD in most 4Runners, is well, that it's cheaper make than the full time 4WD.

For those interested in the internals and the differences of the Toyota part-time 4wd and full-time 4wd, this video has a good breakdown of the two systems and the internal gearing. The full-time portion starts at around 19:40.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESm0PPBkAQQ&t=1187s