Need BOUNCY 07 Limited Suspension Advice (w/ XREAS and RAS system)

NCSU T4Rltd

NCSU T4Rltd

New member
Hey guys, im new to the forum with very little knowledge when it comes to suspension. I have read the great stickies found in this forum with complied information on the FAQ's regarding suspension setups, yet I still find myself searching a bit more information.

I have an 07 Limited V8 4x4 with about 115k miles. Based off the stickie by ARK, I have the XREAS as well as the RAS since I have the height indicator on the dash with the controls on the center console. I am at a current situation where I need to replace the rear suspension as it has gone incredibly soft and the ride quality is super bouncey. I have also noticed a sag in the rear when parked next to another T4R.

My question for this thread is what setup would be cost effective with having the opportunity to minimally lift and level my truck to eliminate rake? I like the look of the daystar spacer lift/level kit

  • Is it possible to ditch the XREAS and RAS system and go a different route since i never use it?
  • Do i need springs and shocks in the rear if I ditch the XREAS and RAS system?
  • Should I replace only the rear and go with the daystar spacer kit?
  • FJ Swap?
  • Blisten 5100? Rear only? Front and Rear?

Basically im asking for advice on what you would do in my situation with a minimal budget? Thanks for all the suggestions and help!
 
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I also have an 07 but the V6 and have been trolling this forum for a while. I have a sport with XREAS but not the RAS. My answers to your questions are from what I've gathered from countless hours of reading here and on the net; this forum is a wealth of info. Here is also a thread explaining XREAS: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/54365-what-xreas-exactly.html

  • If you ditch the XREAS/RAS, it's all or nothing. You would have to convert to regular shocks and can leave in the stock springs in front only, the rear springs and isolators will have to be swapped. Or obviously go with all new springs and shocks or coilovers.
  • You will need shocks only if you ditch the XREAS/RAS and remain stock height, the stock springs can remain in front only, rears must go.
  • You can't swap only the rear, both shocks, springs and isolators must be swapped. Either way, the Daystar kit will work both with and or without XREAS. More info here: How To: Convert RAS to Coils - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
  • FJ swap will work with XREAS leaving the stock shocks in place but you will lose the RAS.
  • If you switch to Bilstein, it must be all around, the XREAS is all or nothing.
Options:

You can go with a Toytec Leveling Kit and leave XREAS in place but if you think your sagging in the back, I would probable swap the entire system with new shocks. Toytec offers 3" and 2 1/2" kits:
3" lift / leveling kit for FJ & 4Runner

Daystar offers only 2 1/2" kits:
Daystar? - Driven by Design

If you go the FJ route, all the info you need is here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/78803-compiled-fj-springs-lift-info-4th-gen.html
And here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

There are also install videos here:
Daystar: Daystar (Spacer) installation on 4Runner with XREAS - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Toytec front: http://www.toyteclifts.com/images/stories/pdf_files/05up.spacerinstall.pdf
Toytec rear: http://www.toyteclifts.com/images/stories/pdf_files/03runner07fjrearspacer.pdf

Hope this helps!
 
NCSU T4Rltd said:
Hey guys, im new to the forum with very little knowledge when it comes to suspension. I have read the great stickies found in this forum with complied information on the FAQ's regarding suspension setups, yet I still find myself searching a bit more information.

I have an 07 Limited V8 4x4 with about 115k miles. Based off the stickie by ARK, I have the XREAS as well as the RAS since I have the height indicator on the dash with the controls on the center console. I am at a current situation where I need to replace the rear suspension as it has gone incredibly soft and the ride quality is super bouncey. I have also noticed a sag in the rear when parked next to another T4R.

My question for this thread is what setup would be cost effective with having the opportunity to minimally lift and level my truck to eliminate rake? I like the look of the daystar spacer lift/level kit

  • Is it possible to ditch the XREAS and RAS system and go a different route since i never use it?
  • Do i need springs and shocks in the rear if I ditch the XREAS and RAS system?
  • Should I replace only the rear and go with the daystar spacer kit?
  • FJ Swap?
  • Blisten 5100? Rear only? Front and Rear?

Basically im asking for advice on what you would do in my situation with a minimal budget? Thanks for all the suggestions and help!
Click to expand...

[MENTION=107379]JimmydaGreek[/MENTION] explained it very well. I just scrapped my X-REAS, and it is an all or nothing thing. The reason is the shocks are connected by a hydraulic line, brake hose. Basically the right front is connected to the left rear and vise versa. What this does is help in cornering on the road.
I put the Bilstein 5100's on mine, used the stock springs that are on the truck, and bought a Daystar rear 1.5" lift for $35. My original system was literally toast, there wasn't even any fluid left in the shocks. The Billy's are awesome man! Such and improvement!
Now, I don't know about the RAS cause mine does not have it and I haven't researched it, but somebody will chime in shortly I am sure. That thread Jimmy pointed you to should have the info on it there.
Of course you can use different brand, change coils, and many other options as well, but as stated the shocks themselves are all or nothing only situation until you get rid of that X-REAS system.
 
Since you have xreas, you can't replace only the front or only the rear shocks, all for will have to be done at the same time. 5100s are a good option. You will need to decide what to do with the RAS. It could just need adjusting ( PDF showing how to do this is in the FAQ thread). If you keep RAS, a normal spacer lift will not work on the rear. If you want to replace it, you will need to find a set of coil springs (options are discussed in the FAQ thread). This part details the swap to coils.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/120196-how-convert-ras-coils.htmll

If I were doing it again, I'd use Metal Techs conversion kit. You can try finding the bump stops used and save some money.
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-791-gx470-rear-coil-conversion-complete-kit.aspx
Lexus GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Kit
 
Thanks guys for your help. So I take it I should ditch the RAS and swap over to coils. To do that, I need to buy that rear coil conversion kit? I will begin my search for a full set of FJ springs and shocks. If anyone knows of any for sell, please let me know. I found this on our classified ads and id like for someone to look at and tell me if this is a possible option for me with the pros and cons of this set up?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...-fj-cruiser-shocks-struts-$125-denver-co.html

thanks again for everyones help
 
NCSU T4Rltd said:
Thanks guys for your help. So I take it I should ditch the RAS and swap over to coils. To do that, I need to buy that rear coil conversion kit? I will begin my search for a full set of FJ springs and shocks. If anyone knows of any for sell, please let me know. I found this on our classified ads and id like for someone to look at and tell me if this is a possible option for me with the pros and cons of this set up?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...-fj-cruiser-shocks-struts-$125-denver-co.html

thanks again for everyones help
Click to expand...

You could try working with the RAS to try to find the issue, something is wrong because it shouldn't be that way. This is not an easy thing to do, and issues typically are very costly to repair. So, easiest option would be swapping to coils. You can make your own brackets like I did, but for only $60 I'd much rather have the Metal Tech kit. The main cost is the bump stops, and you'll need those either way.

The shocks/coils in the link you gave would work. The only benefit would be you could swap out the RAS for factory coils. From a performance level, it's the same as a stock non-xreas 4runner. Whether that's good or bad depends on what your end goal is.
 
Whatup from Raleigh!

Anyway, good advice has already been given, but allow me to add to it.

Bouncy = shocks are blown.

In my experience, almost all used shocks are also blown, unless they were new take-offs in the case of someone buying their truck, driving a couple thousand miles or less, and swapping them for a lift. I looked at the ad and the shocks look new enough to buy the "2000-mile" story...

That said, before I would spend $125 on used shocks, I'd drop $400 on new 5100s. It's a bad feeling when buying a set of used shocks, spending all afternoon putting them on, or even worse paying to have them installed, then finding out you still have the bounce, or a bounce and a clunk. That only happened to me once and I was miserable with my car until I got it fixed.

Anyway, I have the bounce too, but no XREAS so let us know how your swap works out.
 
My end goal is to swap the air bags with coils. From the little research ive done, Id like to go with the FJC setup and a spacer lift in the both front and rear to level the truck out.

ARK you sent me two links to two conversion kits, whats the difference in the $60 one and the $250 one? Does the more expensive one include the bump stops? (im kinda clueless to what the bump stops look like and purpose, sorry :/ )

Ive also been in contact with a guy on an FJC forum selling all a full FJC setup for 150 obo. They came off a 07 4x4 FJC at around 120K daily driven, never offroad. Its a local pick up for me so I think I should buy these instead of waiting around and paying more for shipping, and go with the conversion kit. Any final opinions?
 
Ive also been in contact with another guy on an FJC forum selling a set of f&r shocks and only rear spring for $100 shipped to Raleigh. These came off a 4x4 FJ around 74K. Id have to search around for just some front springs.

Any advice on the better option?
 
NCSU T4Rltd said:
My end goal is to swap the air bags with coils. From the little research ive done, Id like to go with the FJC setup and a spacer lift in the both front and rear to level the truck out.

ARK you sent me two links to two conversion kits, whats the difference in the $60 one and the $250 one? Does the more expensive one include the bump stops? (im kinda clueless to what the bump stops look like and purpose, sorry :/ )

Ive also been in contact with a guy on an FJC forum selling all a full FJC setup for 150 obo. They came off a 07 4x4 FJC at around 120K daily driven, never offroad. Its a local pick up for me so I think I should buy these instead of waiting around and paying more for shipping, and go with the conversion kit. Any final opinions?
Click to expand...

You're correct, the $250 one includes the bump stops, the $60 doesn't. I found the bump stops used for ~$25 IIRC. New, they are very expensive. Their purpose is to limit up travel so that you do not over compress the coil spring. The bump stop is the black piece sitting inside the coil in this pic:



I wouldn't buy a used suspension with over 50-60k miles personally. 120k miles is pushing the life of the shocks. The coils could be used, but I'd probably hold out for a lower mileage set or consider aftermarket shocks/coils. It will cost more, but you are getting new parts instead of used.
 
Thanks for the info on the bump stops,

How do you feel about the second option with the 4 shocks and rear coils at 74k for $100.

Not trying to sound like a tightwad but just trying to find the quickest bang for my buck.
 
NCSU T4Rltd said:
Thanks for the info on the bump stops,

How do you feel about the second option with the 4 shocks and rear coils at 74k for $100.

Not trying to sound like a tightwad but just trying to find the quickest bang for my buck.
Click to expand...

By far the best bang for the buck is going to be new shocks for $400...

I promise that those are blown at that mileage, and bouncy. I've bought used shocks at 40k and 60k respectively ( saw mileage on the odometer) and both were blown.

However, if you're leaning towards chancing it, go ahead, I understand where you are coming from and it's a lesson you sometimes have to learn on your own.

Subbed for ride height after fj spring swap, I'd like to see it I person when you're done!
 
Okay guys, I just scored a full set of gently used FJ shocks and springs. I also just ordered the cornfed 2/1 leveling kit for a lil added lift. Both are on its way in the mail.

Now, on to the conversion kit. ARK, I was reading one of your posts that said the rear bump stops were not required, but a preferred choice. Is this the case?

Also, Ark provided me with a great write up for converting RAS to coils. Now that im planning to put in the FJ setup with the Cornfed 2/1 kit, does anyone have any experience with this install that can provide me with a full write up with everything me and my neighbor will need to know?

And with the install of the FJ setup and confed 2/1, I am losing XREAS as well as RAS correct?
 
t-man said:
Down south motorsports sells the billys $330 out the door. That's where I bought mine.
Click to expand...

Boom. Reputation added... Thanks brah! Just ordered, hopefully they aren't on backorder.

Now I just need to dig up that Moog vs. OEM FJ coil thread. :hat:
 
NCSU T4Rltd said:
Okay guys, I just scored a full set of gently used FJ shocks and springs. I also just ordered the cornfed 2/1 leveling kit for a lil added lift. Both are on its way in the mail.

Now, on to the conversion kit. ARK, I was reading one of your posts that said the rear bump stops were not required, but a preferred choice. Is this the case?

Also, Ark provided me with a great write up for converting RAS to coils. Now that im planning to put in the FJ setup with the Cornfed 2/1 kit, does anyone have any experience with this install that can provide me with a full write up with everything me and my neighbor will need to know?

And with the install of the FJ setup and confed 2/1, I am losing XREAS as well as RAS correct?
Click to expand...

Could you get by without the bump stops? I think so. There are other bump stops located outside of the coils that should help limit over-compression. Also, by running the spacer on the rear, you will limit metal to metal contact.

The Cornfed spacer is designed to fit on top of the bump stop. That said, it should work sitting on top of the coil. I would just suggest checking to make sure it can't fall out when the rear is at full droop.

There are several helpful links in the suspension FAQ regarding the install. Check those out if you haven't already. You are correct, with the install of this you will loose XREAS and the RAS.
 
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