Completed my conversion Wednesday.
I am super happy w/ the results. No more shimmy at low & hi speeds over mild bumps, no lane jumping on curves w/ road joints, rails the corners & very little body roll. Super smooth on hi speed straights.
I highly recommend the swaybar bushing & Bilstein route.
I took a stepwise approach to the conversion as I was unsure if I should replace the XREAS system instead of going Bilstein. In addition I was unsure if the XREAS shock were still in good shape. I had read a lot of comments about the 4600's being too harsh......not the case at all. They are firm but It rides really well over bumps of all types.
Car has 110k miles w/ mild offroad use in Colorado & Utah. No undercarriage rust. None of the shocks were leaking....but they were shot!
1st - Replaced the swaybar bushings last year. Low speed rear & front clunk was eliminated, but other symptoms remained.
The bushings are different diameters for the different 4th Gen models, so measure carefully before you purchase them. I put a lot of effort getting to the V8 Sport bushings.
Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 85140G Sway Bar Bushing: Automotive
Amazon.com: Whiteline W21105G Sway Bar Mount Bushing, Black: Automotive
2nd - 4 new Michelin Defender LTX M/S 265/65 R17 w/ new sensors
3rd - 4 new takeoff 5th Gen Toyota SR5 rims 17X7 w/+15mm offset
The original rims were Toyota 4th Gen 17X7.5 w/ +30mm offset These came original on the car.
4th - 4 new Bilstein 4600 shocks w/ 2 KYB top mounts for the front struts.
I disconnected each shock at the quick disconnect joint. I estimate a drop of fluid came out of each joint for those interested. I sealed off all 4 joints & left the central part of the XREAS system in place. I zip tied the front tubing to the frame on each side to eliminate any rattles. The rear are fixed & do not require zip ties.
#1 Shocks and Struts Superstore - Shockwarehouse.com
Total costs include a new spare tire/sensors/certificates from Discount Tire
Bushings 36.00
Tires 1500.00
Shocks & Mounts 424.00
Rims 300.00
2260.00