I was thinking the side skirts could be replaced an aluminum (or stainless) pipe that is notched and cut to fit into the OEM location, but would add some protection to the side and double as a rock-slider of sorts if you scraped a curb. The effect would look something like the mock running boards that are on the new beetle.


As for more ground clearance, I am still looking for the thread about possibly using Toyota Echo springs, but I don't know if that will offer more height. I guess you could always use spring spacers or just use taller tires. However, I would not go any higher than 1" without a through retest of the box's geometry and safety systems.

As for a roof rack, I agree. I think a permanent mount (screwed into the roof) design would look much cleaner and be more functional.
JC Whitney sells a lot of areo-designed racks that I think would fit nicely, such as this one...
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...X/appId-433965

 

I was in that thread, and it kind of petered out for lack of data. I think I'll have to scrounge a set of Echo springs to find out if they will fit. The point of my quest was improved ride, not height, and I doubt that the Echo springs will raise ride height. You could raise things with spacers, but keep in mind that you you will leave less rebound for the struts and shocks so things will get dicy very fast if you go more than an inch.

George

 

I agree. I would be happy with just softer springs that kept the OEM height.
I am currently using slightly wider and taller snow tires that add 1/2" more ground clearance. The box still handles great!
:D

 

What's the size?

How about some Yokohama MT14 rally tires:





George

 

Sweet!!!


For the winter I am running 195/60R15 Bridgestone Blizack WS-50.
They have tons of traction and make the box corner and ride a lot better.
The speedo is only off by about 2 MPH.
So... I wonder how tall a tire you can go?
:?:

 

Good to hear the box handles well in the snow. I put 4 snow tires on it so I guess I'll be in good shape when it finally snows out here in Jersey. Regarding the SUV question: I've been hauling everything imagineable in my box. Just had a stove in it not too long ago. I haul all our recycleables to the dump in it once a month too. At 34 mpg not too shabby!

 

The box handles excellent in the snow. The "VSC" Vehicle Stability Control, is amazing!
If you start to skid it will automatically activate the breaks on 1 to 3 wheels and cut the throttle slightly to help you go the right way. I have purposefully tried to get it so slide and it won't... not unless you pull the emergency break. Then ... weeeee! Donuts!
:D

Also, I agree. The xB offers more "utility" than many of todays SUV's at a fraction of the cost.
My xB has more cargo capacity than my Buddy's new 2WD Ford Escape, which cost a lot more. And I still have better traction in the snow!

 

The xB is head and shoulders above everything for back seat knee room. My buddy has a 2003 Suburban and I was not impressed with his back seat room and the egress was crap for my size 11s...not what I would have expected in such a large vehicle. :?

 

Any updates? I started a new thread regarding the "SUV potential" of xBs after not finding anything using the search engine (thanks to RPMxB for pointing this thread out!).

 

Here's our xB SUVed out almost as far as it could go in the Tobacco Roots Mountains in Montana last August (ironic, eh, Missoula Tim?!?):

(Click for bigger image.)
Our 17" rims w/low-profile performance tires had been stolen in Cali before we left, so we were back on the 15" wheels w/60 sidewall. But it ended up being a blessing for this trip b/c we never could have driven in on the dirt roads to get to our camp site without popping the tires. No way.

Also, glad we didn't lower the car, for the exact same reason.

Although now that we're back the freaking 3" wheel gap is killing me every time I look at it!

(p.s. Camping trip cut short by torrential downpour and lack of submersible pontoon outrigger or hydrofoil option for xB...c'mon already, TRD!!)

 

We spent the last 7 years crossing the country in a Astro Van and sometimes a 4 Runner BMX racing. For the last two years I ran all kinds of vehicles through my head as to what would be ideal. The XB ! As soon as I saw one I knew one day that it would be the perfect rig. I picked one up a couple of months ago and am totally happy with it. Great milage and tons of room for gear etc. They are just so versatile. And cool besides. I'm putting some S Tech's on this weekend, and when the snows going to fly next fall I'll put the stockers back on. All these people that are tiring of them and selling them, I just don't get it ? If your idea of being on the cutting edge of customizing and being noticed is by having the latest car out there, but now they are every where, then just maybe you don't have the talent to cut it............your missing the boat. Just a little ranting on my part.......

 

I hope you're kidding. If all that was true, someone out there would have already made a Toyota Echo into a "category killer" rallycar...

And a CAI is going to give you less than 10 HP. More like 4 in most cases...

 

Sorry... got a bit to high on the new car smell I guess.
*sigh*
Oh well, at least we can still dream!

 

just don't do anything that will raise our insurance on Xb!!!