I own a 2005 4r and I disconnected my XREAS lines up front while installing my 3" lift and loss some of the fluid. Now my ride seems a little bouncier up front when going over bumps. I've read some places that the whole system is shot (which I hope is not the case since I'm a college student with only a part time job) and others say I can add fluid and it will be just fine. If so, what kind of fluid is it and how do I go about adding it?

Time for some bili 5100

the system is supose to stay sealed, at this point the cheapest and best thing to do would be by some real shocks,

i just took of my xreas yesterday so far very happy

I was afraid that might be the answer. About how much would bilsteins cost me?im a college student with only a part time job so I don't exactly have a lot of funds lol

running a special right now, $309. you wont find them cheaper

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007-2009 Front & Rear Bilstein 5100 Ride Height Adjustable Shocks

Once those lines are open you are kinda screwed. Bilstein 5100 and call it a day.

Where did you disconnect the lines at? If you did it at the disconnect points you probably have not compromised the system and what you are feeling is a result of installing a spacer lift on a XREAS shock that may or may not be wearing/worn out already.

If you disconnected the lines AT the physical shock (which is what I am assuming you did as many people do not know about the disconnect points and just go for what looks easiest, no offense intended with that statement by the way) then you have compromised the system and it will more than likely need to be replaced. There is a procedure for refilling the XREAS system, but I have never done it, nor have I seen anyone at our dealership do it. I believe we may have the SST somewhere, but again we don't use it, nor do I know anyone that has used it. On top of all that, there is no bleeding procedure that I am aware of for the XREAS system and its related systems and thus any introduction of air into the system cannot be removed properly at a technican level; as far as I am aware of at this time.

In short, you've more than likely ruined the XREAS system due to improper removal/installation and it needs to be replaced. Unless you're very attached to the XREAS system (some people are for various reasons) I would highly recommend you go with the Bilstein 5100's as they are voted the most favored aftermarket shock upgrade for the 120 Platform by many owners. Another option is to buy used FJ Springs and Shocks, in either case the XREAS system needs to be removed from the vehicle.

I disconnected them at the shocks. Definitely gonna look into refilling if possible since that sounds the cheapest. If not, bilsteins it is

If you disconnected at the shocks you are done. Just write it off as a learning experience and order the bilstein. Sometimes you can get TJM golds for a great price.

http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-529-tj...d-edition.aspx

There's a reason why this thread is stickied

4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

56 pages and XREAS is covered in the second paragraph of the first post...

You misunderstood; for the 5th Gen KDSS (evolution/decendent of the XREAS system) there is a special service tool to refill their cross-linked shocks. I believe the tool can also be used for the XREAS system(I am not 100% as I, nor anyone at this dealership have ever replaced a set on a vehicle) but the FSM does not detail how to go about this. There is no way to bleed the XREAS system according to TIS; if you disconnected the union bolts at the shocks, you have let air into the system and will not be able to remove it and have permenently damaged the system as a result.

You need new shocks.

Just ordered the bilsteins through wnelax04sr5's link since that seems to be cheapest. Hopefully I'll still be able to get a few bucks for my xreas system somehow.

It's important to note that you don't have to buy a set of 4 Bilsteins at a cost of over $300. You can go with ANY shock you want to save money. The reason the guys here suggest Bilstein 5100s is because the fronts are adjustable so you can get a small amount of lift out of them and kill two birds with one stone. Since you already have a lift, it's kind of overkill to buy Bilsteins if you're on a tight budget. The Bilsteins ride exactly the same as stock XREAS.

I ended up going with Monroe shocks for the rear to save $$$$. I spent $174 for the front Bilsteins, then hit up my local auto parts store for the rear shocks at a big savings.

I'm no mechanic- but I believe the XREAS system is shot from what the other post members have stated. Scrap metal?

I personally wouldn't mismatch a set of shocks(nice and cheap), the rears arnt very expensive you are gona save what 20-40 bucks buying cheap gabrial or monro shock, not worth it.

$20-40 bucks PER shock is more like it. And the ride quality is exactly the same in most cases. There are just a few companies that make all the name brands. For example, Monroe and Rancho come from the same people. Unless you're racing through the desert on a weekly basis a good set of local auto parts store shocks will work just fine.

I just think it's funny how on this forum and also on the Jeep forums I'm a member of... when somebody comes in and says "I'm on a tight budget, help me pick some parts" the very first thing people do by default is tell the person to buy the most expensive option on the market. That's great advice right there.