X-REAS removed and Rancho replaced

BACK STORY- 03' V8 Sport, work vehicle, 55K + miles, not abused but not "babied" either......seems that recently, the ride has been getting mushy, especially compared to newer 4R's....noticed the bottoming out feeling going over speed bumps and such so.....

THE PROBLEM- Pay $1500+ for Toyota OEM parts for the XREAS (not including labor) or swap out the XREAS with aftermarket and spend less than $900 installed.

MY SOLUTION: Dictated by my wallet so out with the old and in with the RANCHO. Basically, got new front springs from Toyota and new front end (adjustable) suspension components and rear shocks by Rancho.

THE SWAP: Maui OffRoad removed the Xreas system on the vehicle (Is till got the parts in the boxes) and replaced the front with Rancho RS9000 Adjustable shocks, and replaced the rears with Rancho RSX Series (Im not sure of the exact part number, however)

My 2 WEEK EVALUATION: The first thing I noticed was that it seemed softer...better than before the install but not as firm as stock. As for going over speed bumps, the front bounces more than stock I'd say but better than before the swap. I also noticed that theres' a noticeable bounce from the front during highway driving.

Going over the "uku"-million potholes we have here in Hawaii, the ride is alot better now and it can take the good sized potholes now again without rattling everything in the rear or jarring my teeth loose.

The installer set the ride setting at "5", adjustable from 1-9 with 9 being the firmest so I feel I will have to "harden" the ride a little later and will repost to let you all know!

As far as BODY ROLL, I have driven my 4R as much as before on turnpikes, corners, etc and feel good in saying that body roll feels similar to what it was stock. I've noticed no decrease in handling on turns and fast corners... so far Im satisfied.

OVERALL: for the cost, Im pleased, I will be changing the ride setting (firmness) on the fronts and hopefully I will be happier.so for now I'll leave it as "its a-ight!":dancin:
Its a good replacement for any of you with the same problems as me who dont wannt get ripped by the Dealers.

I'll post pics a little later.....Peace!

Anyone wanna buy a used XREAS System? Cheap! :

55k and 3 years...

:sadwave: XREAS


Did you have Toyota take a look at the XREAS? It seems a bit soon for the stock system to go. But it can happen.

As I mentioned, the 4R was a work vehicle and was driven hard over some pretty s$%@ty road surfaces, up and over curbs, amybe about 2% minor Off road...... Considering the amount of use, I was very happy with the performance......

Besides, by the time the ride started to get "weak", I was waaaaayyyy past the Factory Warranty

It sounds like your XREAS system got average use. Modern suspension systems should last way longer than 55,000 miles, especially ones costing $1500. Sorry to hear you felt that it needed replacing.

I wonder who has the highest mileage on their XREAS system?

UPDATE on Shocks Adjustment

Front shocks settings at 7 of 9 clicks and front end is TIGHT!!
Much firmer and more responsive feel during freeway driving and smooth roads.

Turning/cornering was also good, felt better then setting 5. Got the 4R up to 45/50 on the turnpike on ramp today....no bodyroll!

I will keep this setting for another week then dial it down to 6 and see if it makes a notceable difference but so far, "Daddy Like!"
:bigok:

The only thing I've noticed is the rear shock is firm but it feels like the rear end is too light, like a pickup truck. When I used to hit potholes and bumps with the X-REAS (in its better days) it felt solid like the rear end was "heavier" somehow.

The load in the cargo area has not changed so Im thinking the X-REAS system kind of dampened things in the rear as well. Oh well....still cant complain.

More updates to follow.....

great update.. thanks-

im not too knowledgable in this area.. how is the rancho different than the bilstein ome setup?

Re: UPDATE on Shocks Adjustment

Coralkillah said:

Front shocks settings at 7 of 9 clicks and front end is TIGHT!!
Much firmer and more responsive feel during freeway driving and smooth roads.

Turning/cornering was also good, felt better then setting 5. Got the 4R up to 45/50 on the turnpike on ramp today....no bodyroll!

I will keep this setting for another week then dial it down to 6 and see if it makes a notceable difference but so far, "Daddy Like!"
:bigok:

The only thing I've noticed is the rear shock is firm but it feels like the rear end is too light, like a pickup truck. When I used to hit potholes and bumps with the X-REAS (in its better days) it felt solid like the rear end was "heavier" somehow.

The load in the cargo area has not changed so Im thinking the X-REAS system kind of dampened things in the rear as well. Oh well....still cant complain.

More updates to follow.....

Click to expand...

Why did you only opt for the adjustable shooks in the front?

MnRunr -- Sorry, I have no idea what the difference is between the Bilsteins, honestly, one of my friends (and also someone here on the Forums-Big Ups to you, but I forgot who you are!) had told me that Rancho had stock replacements and that it was a good brand.

I had been checking and emailing companies informing them of the X-REAS and what they had to replace and everyone locally said there was nothing available for the SPORT and all companies emailed either replied the same or never replied at all.

RANCHO, however, advised me to check their RS line but it didn't list any Toyota 4R's so I just went to Maui Off Road in Aiea (Oahu, HI) and told em I needed a replacement..........which brings me to my reply to...

Spider5 -- I had no idea that I could have chosen the adjustable shocks on the rear. When I went in to M.O.R., and explained what I had and the "probelm" the guys kinda looked at me and said, "yeah...OK........" and then told me to drop it off in a week while he checked on what he could get.

The way it was explained to me later was like I could only get a certain model on the fronts and rears...if I had known better (or known to ask more questions) I would definitely have opted for the adjustables on the rears too! Peace gang!

Thanks for the reply. :beer: Though it might be a mechanical reason but it doesn't sound like it.

Re: UPDATE on Shocks Adjustment

Coralkillah said:

Front shocks settings at 7 of 9 clicks and front end is TIGHT!!
Much firmer and more responsive feel during freeway driving and smooth roads.

The only thing I've noticed is the rear shock is firm but it feels like the rear end is too light, like a pickup truck. When I used to hit potholes and bumps with the X-REAS (in its better days) it felt solid like the rear end was "heavier" somehow.

The load in the cargo area has not changed so Im thinking the X-REAS system kind of dampened things in the rear as well. Oh well....still cant complain.

More updates to follow.....

Click to expand...

Glad to hear this is working for you. Any part #'s for future reference?
Not sure if you are going back to the retailer but can you find out if adjustables are available for the rear? Does Rancho have any kind of satisfaction warranty that you could trade the rears in on?

Kmvreter -- Still gotta go back and check on Part Numbers....Forgot to do that when I picked it up.....Also would like to check with Rancho to see about the "satisfaction Guarantee", swapping the rear Non-Adjustable for Adjustable's would really make a difference in my opinion...Will have to check and repost later!