I was thinking about lifting my 2004 4Runner and have the opportunity to be a test vehicle for a 3" coilover suspension lift. However, I do have the X-REAS suspension set-up and was wondering if anyone has replaced their existing X-REAS suspension in order to lift their vehicle. If so, were there any notable differences? What would I be losing/gaining? Can someone please help me weigh out the pros and cons?

Thank you very much for all your help guys!

Wow!!! you are actually going to replace it. I don't know of anybody thats replaced, but alot of people have lifted there XREAS rigs including myself. I guess coildovers are worth the $1100 lost you'll take on the XREAS. Who is doing the coilovers?

hehe...I wouldn't mind ADDING xreas to my vehicle, but...

Fabtech is the one constructing the lift kit and they have decided to test fit their 3" Performance System on the 4th Gen 4Runner. The setup will include a set of Fox Racing Shocks.

So your in SD too? When you get it done, I'd love to stop by and check it out....

you will lose the xreas. bottom line.

are you getting the coilovers for free?

I actually live in Las Vegas, but I'm originally from SoCal, so I go back and forth a lot.

Yeah, I think so. That's why I'm trying to figure if the savings is worth it. Plus, I'm not really sure how will this affect my waranty. I have navi and stuff and I just don't want to find it malfunctioning, bring it to the dealer and have them say "Well, looks like you changed your suspension, so your waranty's void -- you're just SOL." Does anybody know for a fact what kind of impact a lift will have on your waranty?

Well your warranty on all of suspension and anything that the change will impact is gone if the dealer wants too. That would include axles, diff's, transfer case, driveshaft. They could also void the warranty on the transmission by saying the lift caused stress on the drive train and caused any transmission problem you might have. I'm sure you will be running larger wheels and tires so it will screwup the odometer unless it is corrected, also stress the driveline and void that warranty. I'm not saying the Dealer/Toyota will void anything, I'm just saying they can and they don't have to prove anything since you are the one that modified the vehicle. Now they can't void the warranty on items the lift did not impact, Nav system, engine, stereo, etc. Seems to me like a lot of possible downside for 3 inches, but I know a lot of women that persued me everywhere I went, just because of that "extra" 3 inches beyond the norm. (sorry I could not help myself) :bouncy2:

Ahh... fabtech... just down the street from me GOod to see that they're in the mix of things. As for what you'll need to do:

XREAS will have to go unfortunately. Sorry to say but all the $$ you spent on getting one pretty much made it go out the door. You really can't replace the system as it's a cross integrated system between the front and rear (diag). You lose 100% of the xreas system in exchange for the regular shock and coil setup that everyone has (sr5 and non xreas limited 4runners). The diff is that you'll have more lateral roll movement since the xreas was developed for that reason alone (one of many). There body roll will be more evident at stop and go along w/ turns. Yes we all have swaybars but that only goes so far w/ the weight of the truck. Bottom line, it's 3" of lift.

I sincerely hope that you do have 4wd as if this is not the case they might develop a kit that will not fit w/ the 4wd. PM if this concerns ya.

The only warranty that will go out the window would be the suspension along w/ the xreas system. I highly doubt they'll void the tranny and other drivetrain items as that's rare but there are some pita dealers that might try. I took my lifted 4runner into Longo and they didn't even care. They were more interested in the lift than anything else Just hit up some nice dealers and you won't have any problems. My warranty is still 100% so I know I'm in good hands.

If you really want to retain your xreas system, the only option available is getting a spacer lift using Daystar or Revtek. I know it kinda sux but at the current stage, that's the only option available. But if you are willing to remove the xreas then go ahead and get the free coilovers. I figure you should be able to get it for free since you are becoming their guinnea pig... good luck!

Also on a similar note, if you plan to eventually sell your 4runner, you'll definitely want to retain that xreas for a higher resale value.

Good luck and if you have any other q's regarding being a test subject, let me know as I'm in the process w/ other vendors on developing items for the 4th gen too!

As with most aftermarket stuff, the dealer has to PROVE that the lift cause the problem. However, i am sure that your CV joints and some front suspension parts warranty will go out the window once you lift it.

Let's say you lift your 4runner and put bigger tires. If your axle breaks, then Toyota may blame the bigger tires for overstressing the axle gearing. Or if your tranny breaks, then Toyota can blame your big tires too for same reason. It's not impossible to see this coming from Toyota. Of course, you can defend yourself by hiring independent mechanics/lawyers, but it will cost you!

Goodtimes, your dealer may be interested in your lift now...but when problems arise involving warranty work, i doubt that they will be so kind/enthusiastic.

Lifting = losing XREAS.

Good luck.

Also, here is a good article on aftermarket stuff and warranty:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...&threadid=3149

Hope this helps.

If you have a great relationship w/ your stealer then they will be able to work with you and determining if it voids warranty. The high likelihood is that anything related to the lift will get voided. It all depends on who you talk to and deal with. I know a stealer here locally in the LA area that has done warranty work on quite a few vehicles that have been "heavily" modified. The Service Manager just happens to be a toyota nut that loves to lift his truck and take it places so... hehehe (shhhh).

Anyway, lifting does not always mean you lose xreas. you can use the spacer lift and still retain xreas but if you plan to install coilovers or any other lift that requires replacing the shocks then you will indeed lose xreas.

Btw back on the warranty crap, you can always take your truck in w/o the large tires too (pain in the rear) if you are concerned about overdue stress on the vehicles. As for CV angles due to the lift, need not worry as the angles are much less than the previous gen (our front diff sits lower compared to the 3rd gen that even w/ 3" of lift, the axles are almost still level!!!).

None the less, good luck

I asked this in another thread but didn't get a solid response. It sounds like X-REAS is strictly a mechanical system (shocks, etc...) without electronics that can be removed. Does this mean it can be added (for $$$) as a mod? I don't want to mod/affect the vehicle electonics if I don't have to (bigger $$$).

You can definitely add XREAS to your sr5 4runner but it'll cost ALOT. Expect it be ALOT and I mean ALOT. (4 figures quite possibly?)

I concur, the system is not worth adding it after the fact. I'd much rather spend the money on a s/c or some meaty shoes. Maybe even sliders or a bumper the Goodtimes.