I just spent a good 9 hours disconnecting X-REAS and replacing it with new KYB Coilovers and G Shocks ($478.98 with tax from Shock Surplus). I'd like to share my experience:
My Limited's X-REAS has been leaking for at least two years and the ride and handling had continued to deteriorate to where I couldn't ignore it any longer. It has 130K on it. Nearly 1.5 hours of the 9 were spent trying to reach and disconnect the X-REAS 22 mm valves, and remove some lines. I planned to leave all of the hydraulic lines in place, but that didn't seem wise from the Control Absorber module, forward. I say this because once disconnected, the connector valve of the front lines would have been hanging and possibly banging against things. I did leave the two Controllers and the lines back to the rear shocks attached to the frame, because they still seemed securely connected frame.
Installation comments that come to mind:
- For the new rear shock top mount assembly, I reused the factory metal plate (black) that has a spike in it which goes into the frame mount hole to help hold the shock in place. See the pic below with shock on the ground, and the red line is where the frame mount would be.
- I didn't see much hydraulic fluid when unhooking X-REAS, but the 22 mm valves are said to be one way, so I'm sure that helps. However, I think the system was pretty drained because I didn't see much when unhooking lines from the Controller modules either. No matter what, prepare for a mess just in case.
- I did NOT remove the front sway bar to get the old coils out and new in, but it probably would have helped. The old and new struts passed through, but did take some finessing in and out. Being able to lower the Lower Control Arm (LCA) extensively is what made it all possible.
- I used a paint pen to mark the LCA alignment plates, but I still ended up moving a couple while pushing the LCA down for clearance. Expect to need an alignment, my camber and caster were off after install.
- A 14MM ratchet style wrench was wonderful for loosening and tightening the coilover top shock bolts. One that has a flex head would have been even better.
- The Car Care Nut on YouTube scared me a bit as a recent video from him noted that the 4R will sit up "really high" in the front if you put on even stock height coilovers meant for a non-Limited trim, on a Limited. More on that in my next point, but I want to point out that the KYB coilovers are different lengths, as the driver's side one is longer to help offset the gas tank weight (I guess). It shows that KYB is trying meet Toyota specs, and not just making both coilovers the same length.
- The measurement at my front wheel arches jumped from roughly 34.5 to 36.5. Per KYB, these will settle .5 to 1". The rears stayed at 36.75. So, despite the warning from TCCN, I went forward with the install, and I'm keeping the Limited's coils in case I ever want to use them again. See pic below for the new profile, and you can decide for yourselves.
The ride: No surprise, since the X-REAS was essentially failing, that the new ride is much better controlled in all aspects. I'm very happy that cornering is much flatter, and the front end no longer plunging into corners like before. I was worried that larger bumps might be jarring because it's a slightly firmer ride, but it's not drastically firmer. Also, the coils are not "broke in" yet. I have no regrets at this point.
It's safe to assume that an X-REAS at 100% would outperform conventionall KYB, but the difference doesn't come close to justifying the cost of having X-REAS rebuilt. I have just under $700 in this swap after paying for a professional alignment.
KYB Coils and Shocks:
1 SR4529 Front Left Strut & Spring (Driver side)
1 SR4528 Front Right Strut & Spring
2 349185 Rear Shocks
Videos I referenced in preparation for this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BdjttFvmV8&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZDCxH0s_bc&t=2396s
Pics next post:
Linear Mode
