So a buddy of mine is working on a 2015 Limited with a leaking X-REAS system. They want to delete it altogether and go with either Bils' or whatever is available from Toytec or the like. But.....once you replace the Struts & Shocks what needs to be done with the X-REAS system? Do you just remove it and trash it, lights? fault codes?
I know its been done but haven't seen anything on the entire process. Anyone got any insight.....and yes I did a search through past posts lol. Any help would be great.

On my 2008 sport edition I removed the xreas system. I threw away the two rear shocks and the front struts. You need new struts and rear shocks when removing an xreas system.

I did not knoew such newer trucks came with xreas? Are you mixing it up with the hydraulic sway bar system KDSS?

No lights or faults associated with xreas system, at least on my '03. Removed it several years ago and trashed the whole system. Replaced with Bil 4600's and FJ springs all around. Ride is nice, a little firmer than before, which I like, but my xreas had no gas charge in it when I removed it so it was probably not very firm at all!

Not to hijack your thread but I'm curious if you may know where, exactly, the leak is coming from. Is it the front strut itself, or is the leak from the XREAS fluid?

Removal is fairly easy and no mess when you disconnect from the 6 check valves. There's one by each shock and one in front of the two pumps on the sides of the frame. Where the connections are, loosen the largest nut with I believe a 1" open end wrench. Have a rag with you for the one to two drips that will be in the nut once disconnected.

This was on a 2010 LE.

I am not sure on how they'd do if reconnected the same way, most likely have air bubbles. Prob just going to trash mine.

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The XREAS is fully hydraulic and "analogue". No electronic components, sensors, etc. It does not interact with the ECU.

Whoops, forgot to include that part. No electronics on it, so no warning indicators.

Also, here's a PDF on its serviceability and where I got the diagram for the check valves: https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/...structions.pdf

Thanks for the help guys, I haven't put eyes on the vehicle myself but he said both front struts and both rear shocks were leaking. The customer also wants to do away with the system, so I was just trying to help him out. He isn't wanting to lift it so they are just going to try some OEM style NON XREAS struts and shocks.

I'm looking at Dobinson's twin tube shocks as a replacement for my xreas..when it leaks. So far mine is good and I like it.

Dobinsons Pair of Front Struts for Toyota FJ Cruiser 2010+ and 4Runner – Dobinsons Direct

a lot of people ditch the xreas for OEM (like what's stock on SR5). however I've read on this forum but can't find the thread that the coils and springs may need to be swapped out for ones that are meant for the OEM suspension. someone can perhaps verify this

as many have said here you can remove it, there's a good youtube video on it

How to Remove X-REAS From the 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner - YouTube

Don't follow this video, they disconnect at the banjo/union bolts, which as you can see makes a huge mess. Just about a foot up the hydraulic line on the shocks is the check valve that makes no mess and is where the Toyota service manual indicates to disconnect from. Also in the service manual the very first precaution is to never disconnect the union bolts, see below.

Seriously, I was prepared for a disaster and was super relieved when there was maybe one to two drips when I removed mine at the check valves. And routing the hard lines out from under the truck would've been a breeze if I didn't have sliders installed, but even still I finessed them out. Truck was on jack stands too, didn't need to be on a lift though that would make removal even easier.

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Found a video that shows how to remove using the check valves and how it doesn't leak.

X-REAS Suspension Delete From 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner - YouTube

I removed my system a bit backwards. Removed the banjos on each of the shocks and let them drain. I replaced the shocks first and drove around for a little while with the lines still in place. I watched the 4th gen video for removing the lines and did that this weekend. Everything went pretty easy except for accessing the rear check valves and mounting bolt. Those took a lot of patience, but I got them eventually.

Great respect for offering to help out your friend. An XREAS delete, to me anyway, is quite confusing relative to what to buy to replace it. I'm looking at the Dobinson's complete 4R suspension kit and there are so many extra parts that I do not know if I need (strut caps, diff drops, press-in UCA ball joints, etc.) Ugh!

Bummer you had to mess with the banjos, much much cleaner and easier to just disconnect from the check valves. At least it's out now though! If I remember right, the rear check valve mounting bracket I was able to get out using a 12mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet, but could only turn a couple clicks at a time lol, bit of a pain but not horrendously difficult.

If the Dobinson's kit is a complete set, wouldn't it have all the necessary components for mounting?

Re diff drop, only necessary if the truck will be lifted higher than 3", if not don't waste your time/money.

Does the "complete" kit come with UCA's? If not then I assume you're getting your own, which they should come with ball joints preinstalled already. Also, UCA's aren't affected by XREAS delete, just whatever your new setup would be and if it calls for UCA's to help prevent ball joint bind on droop.