Hi. I recently purchased a 2005 V6 4X4 Sports Edition 4Runner and wanted to lift it a little for off road use. Current mileage is 134K. The 4Runner will be used mostly on paved road with some occasional off road for hunting purposes only. Been reading, researching, and planning to go with either

1) FJ coil springs with existing XREAS
Daystar Lift Kit 2.5/1.5

2) FJ coil springs with adjustable Bilsteins 5100

I do like the XREAS for paved road especially during twisty roads. It tends to hug the road well and doesn't feel like a SUV. From that aspect I like the XREAS. However, once I take it off road, the suspension is a bit soft and lacking. Option 1 above is the least expensive and will retain the XREAS for on road use. I've heard a lot of positive response with this option. I have also heard positive review with option 2 as well. I have a few lingering questions and would like your inputs to help me decide on the options above.

I am particular interested in your experience going from stock XREAS to Bilsteins 5100 with FJ coil springs.
- During cornering on pave roads, do you get as close to the XREAS in regard to rolling tendency?
-With Bilsteins/FJ springs, how much firmer is it? Is it more off road capable?

Removing XREAS and going to the bilstein with the FJ springs and Daystar 2.5 lift was a huge noticeable improvement in handling on the street. I don't really off-road the truck so I can't help you there. You might also do the sway bar bushing and maybe upgrade the swaybar itself.

I recently swapped my Toytec/FJ Spring/XREAS setup for FJ springs/Bilstein 5100(highest setting)/rear daystar 1.5" spacer. Honestly, my rig performs better now in all conditions than with XREAS, ride may be a bit firmer and body roll is significantly less. I had 80k on the clock when I made the trade.

Thanks for the responses. I end up getting both the Daystar lift and the Bilstein 5100 since I got a good deal for the Bilstein ($305 shipped). I will first do the Daystar lift with FJ coil and XREAS first and see how that feels. Later on when the XREAS is no longer adequate, I will swap over to the Bilstein.

You will quickly notice how short those rear XREAS shocks are.

@cmoua - Any updates on how this turned out?

2000: I like the current setup with FJ coils and XREAS. It's a bit firmer than with stock coils and I like the XREAS for twisty roads. It's not that great for off road though. If I do more off roading I'll switch over to the Bilstein but for now it meets my current needs.

+1 on that.

After I put the Daystar on my xreas it felt like the rear shocks were maxing out on everything. If you have the Bilsteins I would say do the instal with those the first time and be done with it. You will not regret it. I went from xreas to tacoma trd bilsteins and springs, in corners it feels just as planted as the xreas but it isn't as jarring when you hit a bump. It was a total improvement.

Wow just realized this is over a year old. Oh well maybe it will help someone searching.