tl;dr -> XREAS Shot, advice on new shocks/maybe a lift, to get?

Not so smart tome Below...

Urgh....2005 V8 4Runner with XREAS...

It's started to leak and the dealer says that quite a bit of fluid is gone hence the knocking sound I hear when going over ramps and such.

Other issues/symptoms he has described I don't see such as wandering on the roads etc. Whilst she certainly doesn't drive as good as a recent sequoia I've ridden in, it doesn't seem that bad to me or maybe I am used to it.

Anyways, dealer says $5,400, incl. tax, to replace the whole system or $2800 to "bypass" it and just stick in some Bilsteins.

Any recommendations on what get? Maybe a lift? (i.e. a second opinion maybe! :)

I fear that I may have caused some of the issues in the past by loading up the rear with tons of tiles for a bathroom remodel (well over 1300lbs worth) and other home projects. I've had her dealer-serviced since I got her in 2010 and have hit every service milestone, she runs like a dream otherwise.

Whilst everything works I am finding it hard to spend so much money on the car considering an XREAS replacement is quite probably a years worth of repayments on a newer used Tundra, which would make more sense for my projects.

Cheers

Mike

I had my XREAS system completely unhooked and capped off. The system is still ‘technically’ on my truck, but all of the lines are pinched, disconnected, and capped off. $2800 is OUTRAGEOUS. I paid about $300 for my set of 5100s all the way around. The install and XREAS system bypass was about $950. I got this done at my local dealer.

If your dealer is quoting you this, go to a nearby OHV shop (preferably one that has done an XREAS system bypass) and see what they say.

My 2 cents would be to get the set of 5100s all the way around, set the front shocks to the top perch, and get a 2 inch rear coil spacer so you’re leveled.

4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

XREAS Replacement Suggestions

XREAS Replacement

Best Replacement Shocks when removing the XREAS? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

replacing Xreas... - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Time to replace OEM struts and XREAS?

You dont have to replace it with XREAS, you can get any other suspension system that you like. Hundreds of brands, thousands of options.

@micosavo

I went with the OME BP-51 system. About 2 years and 25K on the truck with this suspension and I would not look back. The installed cost was near the upper estimate you received for the XREAS replacement.

Boort

I replaced my X-REAS with a factory TRD Offroad suspension and FJ rear springs for a grand total of $200. Post is linked in my sig & may be helpful as it describes how to remove X-REAS, and I am always happy to answer questions as best I can. Let us know what you end up doing.

Oh, and avoid that dealer.

I have an '03 V8 Ltd that had xreas. I removed that system two years ago ( it turned out it had no gas pressure in it) and installed Bilstein 4600's and new FJ springs all around, very happy with it although I do not off road.

I would say you will want new springs, especially in rear if you put 1300 lbs back there, only rated for like 200 lbs!

Any additional details regarding what you would like out of the suspension when all is said and done? Also, do you have a budget that your looking to stay within? More info will likely result in better responses....

One thing I would say is if I were you I would be looking at possible alternatives to the dealer you went to.

Micosavo, I was in your shoes about 1.5 years ago. I got great advice from this community and went with Bilstein 5100's all the way around. It works, it's cheap BUT, I wish I had spent more initially.
The labor to change it all cost me around $900 in NYC. Not including parts. What I wish I would have done is do a complete overhaul of the entire suspension. It would have cost a lot more but I find myself wishing the car handled and took bumps better. With individual shocks, there's no "communication" between wheels so you can find yourself bobbling around in the car sometimes.

You may want to go bigger, replace the coils, shocks, control arms and splurg on some shocks that are around $1000 or more. However, if none of that is worth it to you. Get the bilstein 5100s and be happy.

My xreas is still working, but I'm in the market to do a lift, looking for 3 inches. In doing so I think I'd like to get rid of the xreas. I've watched a few brief youtube videos and if you have basic mechanical skills it seems pretty easy and straight forward. The question then, as you know, is what to put in it's place! So many options and it's hard to make sense of it all! The mega threads on suspension systems are great, but they will make you go cross eyed and lead you down wild roads to dead ends!

Honestly it really comes down to your budget and your skill level. WHAT are you comfortable spending? You can get all new shocks/ coils and replace the XREAS yourself or have a mechanic do it. tons of videos out there if you're attempting to do it yourself. Other option is to buy take offs and if you look at all the links, you'll find that you can use 5th gen/ Tacoma/ FJ lightly used takeoffs. Find them on CL or FB and it'll work just fine. I had a warranty so I opt for FJ Trail Team coil and shocks to replace my 08' sport.

you just need to evaluate what you're comfortable with $$$$ and your personal skill and personal time. Then let that determine which way to go.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Currently I don't have too much of a budget, other family items are a higher priority. So am "babying" the 4Runner and using her as little as possible.

I don't do any offroad at all so am looking for the smoothest quietest ride possible. From all the links in the replies (thank you!), many folks are loving the FJ Springs/5100 Shocks combination.

There is a local trusty mechanic that my wife has used before on her Honda, so will give them a shout when the purse strings are loosened a bit this year!

Thank you all! Will send pics when all is done and said

@micosavo , I completely missed an important point but thankfully @rdruss didn't...springs aren't very expensive and assuming yours are original, do you want to spend money on shocks only to keep metal that has carried a 4500-lb vehicle for 15 years on the equivalent of 6 trips around the planet? No need to break the bank but in my case, after thinking it over, I didn't like the thought of investing time and money on the suspension then driving around wondering how much better the ride would be had I just installed springs. My fronts weren't even new but were 8 years "younger" (they're off a '15 Tacoma TRD Offroad) with 25K miles. Rear coils are from an '07 FJ, removed when the owner upgraded right after buying the truck and then gathering dust in his garage.

I went with 6112’s up front with JBA UCA’s and CVJ CV axles. Also jersey built hubs. Set the 6112’s in the middle ring. 5160’s and FC springs in the back. Did all the work myself. Super happy with the results. Better on and off road. 2004 Sport V8.

Derek V

Why cap it and leave it on? Just rip it all off and throw it in the trash where it belongs.

OP - stay faaaaaaar away from the dealer for anything except for the occasional part order. There’s a reason they’re called “stealerships.”

Get Eibach shocks & springs. Nicely made step-up alternative to 5100s made right here in So Cal.