I have a 2008 Limited with XREAS and rear air suspension, with both appearing to work fine.

I am purchasing 275/65-18 Duratracs and want an inexpensive 3” lift.

Understanding that I can adjust the rear air suspension to give me 3” for free (no real off-roading for me), I am focusing on the front.

Here's what I believe are my best options, but please weigh in!

1. Install the Daystar 2.5” spacer lift in front and keep XREAS intact; or

2. Replace front and back XREAS struts with Bilstein 5100 struts because I know XREAS connects front and back struts. I assume the Bilstein will give me the 2.5” lift in front - correct?

The Daystar 2.5 is about $100 and Bilsteins will cost almost $400, but I’m wondering if labor may be cheaper. Also thinking only a matter of time before XREAS needs to be scrapped and better to pay the labor for Bilsteins once.

Am I missing any other options?

Thanks!

BB

Reading that 5100 rides stiffer than stock, which I do not want.

If it's strictly cost that you're basing your decision off of, the Daystar will be much cheaper labor-wise (only affecting the fronts, no XREAS removal, not touching the rears).

That said, paired with the correct springs, the 5100s will future-proof things for you. I pulled the XREAS off my '08 LTD last month and the shocks were OK but the springs were shot. Made a huge difference and rides perfectly.

Depending on your ultimate use/goals for the truck, the Daystar is likely only a stop-gap measure. I'll be swapping out coils on mine once I get a front bumper/sliders/tires, but already have the 5100s ready to go.

Hope that helps

The XREAS being was shot, was the reason the seller of my truck wanted to get rid of it. I swapped it out soon after i bought it. In your case theres no real need to replace what isnt broken. I know you can add spacers to XREAS but i think its limited to 2"s b/c of the XREAS line length/anchor points. Going over 2-2.25"s could require UCAs in order to retain front end suspension geometry though... Someone will correct me if im incorrect.

I went from the daystar to the 5100's when my stock shock started leaking. on road, i've not noticed to much difference in ride between the two. BOTH are stiffer than stock SR5 suspension, in a good way. I paired the 5100's with 5th gen coils. I'd go with the 5100's, if you have >100k on your existing suspension.

This. I'd go with the 5100s.

My 5100s are certainly stiffer than the xreas, but I feel like it handles corners so much better while still retaining comfort.

I got the daystar 2.5 lift. This is my first SUV and lift and would do a regular suspension lift next time. Not that the result was bad, but a little firmer ride wouldn't be too bad and I'd rather have the full travel that a proper lift would give.