The XREAS in my 2003 4Runner SE V8 4x4 was leaking. I looked at just replacing it and as we know, the cost is exorbitant. After much reading and recommendations here and elsewhere, I decided to have the XREAS removed and install a Dobinsons set-up front and rear. Now after a couple thousand miles and three months, I finally get to report on the switch.

The result is fantastic! I don't miss the XREAS at all. I venture to write that how my 4Runner performs now, is how Toyota should have designed it in the first place. The ride is fantastic, it handles well and I went for about a 1.5" lift around which allowed me to install 265/70 R17s without any resulting rubbing (Cooper Discoverer AT3 4Ss...great tires! Quiet, sticky on-road, and great off-road). On road is smooth, comfortable with great handling. Off-road is controlled, with corrugation, etc. handled with aplomb. My 4Runner drives as if new! And it's great to have the extra bit of ground clearance.

Mike at Exit Offroad supplied the Dobinson set-up and was great to work with. He understood what I was going for and specified the best combination of Dobinson components. He also set-them-up to be ready for installation.

Art, whose company is Alpha Off-road located in Santa Clarita, CA, did the install. Perfection! Art and his team go above and beyond and do flawless work. I highly recommend them for anyone wanting experts in the field and wanting an excellent job done on their vehicle.

Here are the Dobinsons components acquired and installed:

The 1" to 3.5" IMS Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner
Dobinsons C59-296 Front Lifted Coil Springs (Height set by Exit Offroad per customer specifications)
Dobinsons IMS59-50220 Monotube IFP Front Struts
Dobinsons C59-599 Real Coil Springs
Dobinsons IMS59-50705 Monotube IFP Rear Shocks
SC59-001 Mounts and Strut Assembly Bundle

Got the Front and Rear Lean Correction Spacers, but we didn't install them. I do have a bit of lean, but it doesn't seem any different than original...so I'm good with it.

Components were received in about 2 weeks from ordering. Install took a couple of days.

I am very happy with my 4Runner! Looking forward to many more miles of adventuring both on and off-road.

Attached Images

 

Thanks for the post!

When comparing the new setup to the prior XREAS - are your impressions the same when trying to compare to a functional, non-leaking (or only minimally weeping) XREAS?

I think the XREAS is pretty good, but can understand that it would be totally different if not functioning correctly.

About how much were parts + labor (if you don't mind telling)

Edit: also good to hear about other options than the usual Bilsteins

My sense is that it handles just as well as the XREAS, but at first I did notice the bit higher center of gravity. Now that I've driven it for some time, its become a non-issue and I do drive spiritedly.

The Dobinsons components were $1725. This was just prior to a Dobinsons price-increase. Removal of the XREAS and installation of the new components including mounting/balancing the new tires (5) and alignment was $1250.

I have to write again....this is a great option! The performance, ride, etc. have all been great thus far. And from what I've read, Dobinsons have a great track-record for reliability.