I will be replacing a XREAS system with a TRD suspension this weekend and wanted to revisit some of the information since it seems most threads result in dead ends. I'm fairly certain I can "figure it out" as I have good knowledge on suspension components as well as general knowledge on the removal through research and have also watched a few videos.

I just wanted to see if those that have first hand experience with it have any do's, dont's, or general tips for the job? Any specific tools that helped significantly?

Thanks,
J



PS: I made this post yesterday but due to the forum 'setback' I was unable to view any posts that were made on it. So I apologize if you've already commented before.

I did a fair amount of research into the removal procedure when I thought I was going to do the work myself.

As you mentioned it's fairly straight forward. A few years ago, I posted a few PDF pages from the Toyota Service Manual that showed the removal procedures. From memory a few things to consider:

1) Disconnect the lines at the union fitting not the shock itself. If you do that, you shouldn't lose more than a drop of fluid if any.

2) If you think you'll keep the shocks to resell or reinstall, the service manual says to disconnect the lines with all 4 wheels raised off the ground at once.

3) I left my lines in place and attached to the frame. If I ever decided to return the LE back to original when I sell, it would be easy to reconnect. Plus I don't have to worry about removing the lines w/o kinking them or having to store them in my garage for years to come.

4) If you're going to trash the shocks and lines, ignore all of the above and just hack away.

I am in the same position as you. I will be replacing my XREAS system on my LE within the next week with a Dobinson suspension. My front shocks are leaking so my XREAS system is basically done. However, even with that said, I would not be concerned with any future attempt to return the truck to OEM XREAS. I made many modifications to my LE and kept OEM pieces to return to stock at time of sale if desired. All shocks wear out eventually and the large expense and complication associated with the XREAS system is just not worth it. A normal suspension can be replaced several times over for the cost of XREAS.

My plan is to disconnect all the shocks at the check valves as described to minimize mess and get the new suspension on and truck drivable. Once the new suspension is on, I will remove the lines and accumulators as time allows. I will cut the lines or whatever to get system off without removing my sliders. I will drain lines of oil, empty shocks of oil by loosening the unions on the shock bodies (as directed by Toyota manual). Drain accumulators of oil and Then drill a hole in the accumulators, again per Toyota, to relieve the gas pressure. Then dispose of everything safely and enjoy new simplified suspension.

@cutty01 @matoolie

Thanks guys for the tips and input! Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

When you're done, please post your results and your own tips for others who come across this thread.

Will do. I'll try to take some pics too.

The only real tip worth mentioning is wrap the connections with a rag when you take them apart to catch oil, beyond that there’s nothing to it. It’s no different than replacing standard shocks besides disconnecting a hose to each one. The system is 100% mechanical so there’s no electronics to worry about. Very simple and straight forward. Not xreas related but a tip for doing suspension on 5th hens, disconnect wheel speed sensors. People have a tendency to damage the sensor or harnesses when they are under tension being pulled and stretched.