Xreas wow what a difference

[jtsmooth]

i just switched out of an 04 limited to an 06 sport. I didnt realize what a differnce it makes in handling. Both are 6 cyls. styling is much nicer as well. although i once had an 81 mustang 4 cyl as a kid with a fake hood scoop. Not sure about that whole thing.

 

[Mark86]

The XREAS definitely does make a difference in handling. XREAS definitely makes it corner great for an SUV. Are there any other noticeable improvements on the 06? Also, what color sport did you get?

 

[Solice]

I've never driven a 4th gen without XREAS but I've heard a couple people on this forum say they couldn't feel much of a difference. I have driven my friends 01 (the whole reason I started looking at 4Runners) and there was a world of difference in handling! I know I would never own a 4Runner without it.

 

[a3fnqpjw]

Well i bought my runner before i even got to this page... i was gna go in and get a highlander, but instead came out with the runner. As i was looking through various window stickers i noticed the Xreas stndrd on the SE's. I asked the sales associate what it was and (apparently enough, he had no idea) he said it was used mainly in v8's for towing!(?) WHAT!! Now that i know what it really is, i really regret not having it!

 

[paulnohio]

I don't think you feel a difference in terms of ride quality or anything like that, but you should definitely feel a difference when going around a bend or turn. The 4Runner stays much more level and has much less body lead when taking an on-ramp or off-ramp, for example.

If you ever drove a non-XREAS 4Runner, you'd probably be shocked at how much it feels like your grandfather's old caddy. Not trying to diss the non-XREAS owners, but it's just such a big difference. I'm surprised that Toyota didn't make it standard on all 4Runners. Other than the extra cost, what's the real downside??

Really, the only downside is aftermarket accessories for lifting it. Of course, not alot of 4Runner owners will lift their runners, but, the Xreas makes it hard to do. I talked with Jason Demello today and he stated that he just put a lift on a 05' Sport with Xreas...he had to completely unbolt the Xreas system and take off all the shocks and hoses before he added the lift. So, if lifting is in your future, you may want a limited or sr5. Thats the only downside I see.

 

[paulnohio]

Yeah, that's probably true. Although it seems that there are plenty of people doing mild (3 inch) lifts with XREAS system in place.

But like you said, most owners will not lift their 4Runners. I'd bet that less than 1% of all 4th gen 4Runner owners will install any type of lift kit. Maybe even less than 1/2%.

I agree with you 100%. Realistically, the 4Runner in stock form can do just about anything you want it to. The only advantage of going higher is maybe some SERIOUS rock crawling (which I WILL NOT do with my beautiful babied 4Runner). Personally, if I want to rock crawl, I will buy an old landcruiser for a few thousand and give it he**. And, the 3 inch lift you are talking about is a spacer lift, which I AM NOT a big fan of. But, each to his/her own.

 

[coolpop]

I've never driven a 4th gen without XREAS but I've heard a couple people on this forum say they couldn't feel much of a difference.

Count me as one who couldn't feel much of a difference. I test drove one with XREAS and one without, and I didn't notice that big of a difference.

Got it anyway, though

 

[Gromulus]

X-REAS on Limited

Really, the only downside is aftermarket accessories for lifting it. Of course, not alot of 4Runner owners will lift their runners, but, the Xreas makes it hard to do. I talked with Jason Demello today and he stated that he just put a lift on a 05' Sport with Xreas...he had to completely unbolt the Xreas system and take off all the shocks and hoses before he added the lift. So, if lifting is in your future, you may want a limited or sr5. Thats the only downside I see.

X-REAS has always been an option on the Limited models since the 4th generation debuted in 2003. In my area it's hard to get a Limited without X-REAS.

 

[Fro-Runner]

A good pair of aftermarket coilovers will do almost as well as your proclaimed "X-RAGGY" system. Plus, the coilovers will be easier and less costly to replace after you put 100K, 150K, 200K or more on that 4Runner!

 

[RickyCRX]

I realize the XREAS suspension will be a lot more expensive to replace the shocks on, but if you do it at Toyota, you get a lifetime warranty on the replacements... That's reason enough to do that particular job at the dealer if you ever have a problem with the shock setup.

Ricky

 

[jtsmooth]

I would agree with those of you who state its all about the handling. Thats where my 04 Limited was different. It had signifigant roll on turns. In NJ we have many jughandles that you hit at 30 plus an hour and it would lean alot. This one behaves so much better.

 

[jtsmooth]

Someone asked about other changes. Since I am now in a sport, as oppossed to a limited, not all the other little things are there are any more. However, I have a Sienna limited for the family so the leather really was not needed here. here are some things I noticed.

The front nose clip is improved and looks more agressive. From the profile the fenders are more rounded but you would never notice a change otherwise. The rear is nothing really different other than the tail lights.

One thing that is annoying is the mileage reset button and placement. Before you could access it while driving as it is situated on the left. In the new runner it is in guage section. Not sure why they moved it. Another thing is the mini jack for an Ipod like device. Spring for the wire Toyota, for pete sake!

I am glad there is no double rear deck in this one. Wasn't sure what the point of it was on my 04. I am sure someone will tell me why, but to me, it didn't get moved once in 2 plus yeas.

Lastly, the tubes! I love them and they are less obtrusive to you when you get in or out. More importantly, Belgium blocks. Murdered one of my 04 running boards. Had to get it touched up and painted. Big fan of the tubes on the SE.

The hood Scoop is nice but come on, I had an 81 4 cylinder mustang and it leaked oil like a the exxon valdez. I am not sure who over in Japan thought american still like the fake cosmetics.
The hood scoop was fooling no one.

 

[paulnohio]

I think I am going to cut out the plastic insert on my hood scoop. Then, I am going to run a custom K&N FIPK from the hole in my hood scoop to my intake . That mod alone should get me 100 more horses:awais:. I love the look of the scoop and get LOTS of compliments on it. I personally wouldnt have it any other way.

 

[jtsmooth]

Thats true. I guess if hood sccops were for an actual purpose, I wouldn't have a problem with it. Its like the optional fins on the back of all the toyota trucks. Not sure how much additional handling it really contributes, but I sure like the look.

 

[jtsmooth]

Did not know that. Interesting. So, they don't give us a turbo diesel option in the states? Emissions? cost? At 2.59 a gallon for regular, they should.

 

[paulnohio]

Someone here actually removed the black plastic insert in their hoodscoop. I remember seeing pictures of it.

FYI, the hoodscoop is fully functional on the turbo deisel models sold overseas. It routes air through the intercooler.

Wow, now thats cool. Too bad they dont do that for the U.S. folks. But, now that you mention it, maybe sometime down the road (only had it 5 days now), I may cut the plastic out and make it look as though it serves a purpose. I wonder if having an opening there would actually help keep the engine cooler as fresh cool air would come in? Just a thought......