this is a good thread. I wanted to drop this video here to add to it. I think this is one of the best xreas removal videos (there aren't many) that I have seen. I still have my xreas but a time will come when it needs to be replaced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BdjttFvmV8

That is tje video I have saved for future replacement.

I finally drove it on the real road (80km/h) and in a mall area with lots of speed bump. I will say the new 4600 is for sure better than a leaked X-REAS. I don't remember the old days when my X-REAS was new. But I just ride (as passenger) my friends new 4runner (2022 limited with X-REAS) few weeks ago, I didn't feel any advantage compare to 4600.

So, my personal conclusion is to replace with normal shocks like 4600 or better is the way to go. You don't need to worry about any loss at all. I don't even know why Toyota keep X-REAS system. It is not worth.

Understand. I would mechanically cap it off.

Added a 1" Cornfed spacer to the springs in the back and swapped out the shocks for 5100's Friday night and then did the front Saturday morning. Did the full 2.5" level on the front so the rear is only about 1" higher now (38 in the rear and 37 up front). I've got two floor jacks and the bottle jack so I was able to do it by myself. Didn't have to unhook any brake lines and the sway bars didn't have to be disconnected. Dropped it off at Toyota this morning, will get an alignment first thing tomorrow. Just have temporary clamps on the lines after removing the x-reas shocks, that'll be a cleanup project for next weekend along with lubing up the auto running boards.

Pics when done? Of side view and of course ride report..Braking too, see how much nose dive went away

Before

After


Will report back on the ride when I pick it back up

Thanks for the helpful thread. I also have a 5th gen 4Runner Limited with XREAS suspension. Only thing I can add is that its probably a good idea to replace the top bearing assembly with a new one when replacing the front shocks.

Still working on sorting the alignment. I work from home and hadn't had a chance to do much driving on the freeway. Did about 400 miles traversing Michigan last weekend and got a good feel for the new setup. Steering wheel can be slightly off center while i'm tracking straight, front wants to wander a little bit at 75 but isn't pulling. Steering feels a little lighter but not darty. Had an alignment done at the dealership 8/21. Called them yesterday and told them I never got a spec sheet after, they couldn't find one. Took it back in today and put it back up, camber at .6/.5 L/R, caster 1.4/1.7, toe .05/.05. Tech said they couldn't do anything with the caster as the cam bolts were froze and i'd need a new control arm (12ish hours at $150per). Going to a non-Toyota local shop on Saturday for a second look. I was able to break the cam bolts loose to lower the arm when i was putting the new shocks in, there's almost NO corrosion for an 8 year old truck that's lived in MI it's whole life. Does that make sense to you guys? Dude said they'd literally need a torch to cut shit out.

driver looking back, driver lookind forward, passenger looking back, passenger forward for reference.

Well that will be my last visit to Page Toyota. Steering feel is back to where it was before the lift, less babysitting on the freeway. As expected that's about as far as they can go with stock UCA's, said there was still a little left in the driver side but the passenger side was maxxed. End to that project. Now to start saving for some new rubber and a set of UCA's.