[shahsmerdis]

Hi all,

Xreas system is on its way out. Looking at alternative options... this is a 100% stock system. Mom drives it as a daily driver on the road 90% of the time except for a small grave drive way, which really doesn't make difference. I've read probably ever xreas thread, or at least the first 10-20 on google.

1) so far I've gathered bill 5100's will be significantly harsher suspension. leaning to rule them out. Though I'm sure someone will still say to get them. There is no bilstein OE Replacement is there? This car will never tow.

2) Sticking with stock like suspension, I can go with KYB shocks This seems like ~220 dollars option. assuming I Don't change the springs.

3) After considering KYB, I saw toyota base shocks are only 300$. Has anyone just replaced xreas with the toyota 'base' shock? How did that turn out for you? I assume it should perform like the xreas shocks on normal strain paved road, but xreas will only shine in tight corners. Correct? I am highly considering this option. Since in all pratical purposes my mom will never corner harshly might not make a difference then? (Although I will if I drive it )

4) I wouldn't mind spending more $ On the XREAS system, just very afraid of it leaking 30 k miles later and throwing 1k down the drain.

Other questions: Has the cost of xreas shocks gone up as the car ages? I've seen old posts quote prices for far less than the prices im seeing on part stores now.

Most important question: I'm about to replace my 3rd gen 4runner with stock shocks/struts. Am I right to assume that once those shocks are replaced the riding quality on stock 3rd gen should be roughly similar if I put stock non xreas shocks in the 4th gen? or is this a false assumption? I never drove those cars new, but being in them, the 3rd gen rode more like a truck, the 4th gen was more of a sadan like feel.

I know this has been covered a few times, but its so hard to make a choice without test driving the replacement first. As I like to call it, ordering shoes online without trying them on first.


Thanks for your input, even if it is your second time saying it !

[Bossman]

You can check out some of my posts in these threads - they might help you decide on which replacement route to go. I went to the stock Toyota oem (SR5) set-up after my XREAS failed.

XREAs shot on 2008 Limited

XREAS shocks rusting badly

XREAS confusion

[deegaw11]

I've replaced my slightly leaking xreas recently with bilsteins 5100 and love it! The ride is a bit stiffer but still very comfortable and I prefer the stiffness over the boat feeling it had. The xreas does handle curves better but it was never meant to be driven like a sports car. My t4r never goes off road only sees city and highway. I don't regret one bit ditching the xreas at all.