03 Limited with XREAS and RAS - need advice on replacement options

[Neumonic]

After 207,000 miles it is time to replace my XREAS suspension with aftermarket components, I want to keep my RAS in place though. Can I install Bilstein 5100's front and rear with new springs and keep the RAS in place?

Searched like crazy, was unable to find an answer specific to my question.

Thanks,
John

 

[Neumonic]

Something is rattling in the front suspension, would like to get a handle on this so I can order up what I need!

 

[Red]

rear air suspension is air bags in place of rear coil springs so you'd have to remove the RAS and xreas systems completely and replace with coil springs and shocks.

you'd also need the spring seats from a sport edition because the seats for the air bags are different from the ones for the coils.

if you use the search function on this forum you'll find a few threads detailing the conversion of air bags to coils. it isn't that complicated just a couple extra parts to swap out.

 

[Neumonic]

Thanks for the info Red

I was really hoping to keep the RAS, thought there might be a chance I could just put shocks in place of the XREAS shocks but doesn't sound like that's the case. I will search for airbag RAS conversion and go from there.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You can swap the shocks, just can't install rear coils and keep RAS. If you keep the RAS, you'll need stock length rear shocks. The rear Bilstein HDs are the same specs as the 5100s, just stock length. So, I'd suggest 5100s front and the HDs rear.

 

[Neumonic]

You can swap the shocks, just can't install rear coils and keep RAS. If you keep the RAS, you'll need stock length rear shocks. The rear Bilstein HDs are the same specs as the 5100s, just stock length. So, I'd suggest 5100s front and the HDs rear.

Thanks ARK!

Just finished reading a bunch of your build threads and was considering sending you a PM, I appreciate the recommendation and will order up that exact shock setup. I was going to go with the Moog springs up front (V8 4 runner) thinking they would be a compliment to the Billy 5100's, let me know if you think there is a better match for the combo?

Cheers!

John

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks ARK!

Just finished reading a bunch of your build threads and was considering sending you a PM, I appreciate the recommendation and will order up that exact shock setup. I was going to go with the Moog springs up front (V8 4 runner) thinking they would be a compliment to the Billy 5100's, let me know if you think there is a better match for the combo?

Cheers!

John

That would be a good setup IMO for overall use. The Moog coils are a little taller than the stock coils and also slightly stiffer. They should be a good match for the 5100s.

 

[Pathfinder5243]

I also have the XREAS system and was thinking about swapping everything with the ToyTec 3″ Lift Kit Bilstein 5100 Coilovers.

I don't think I'll have any issues other than ripping out the hydronic system.

 

[Neumonic]

That would be a good setup IMO for overall use. The Moog coils are a little taller than the stock coils and also slightly stiffer. They should be a good match for the 5100s.

Thanks to your thread showing the different springs and their dimensions I thought that combo might be a good fit for my 4runner and what I use it for. I didn't Know what to do regarding the rear so I really appreciate th HD shock recommendation and you letting me know I could keep the stock RAS in place!

Thanks for your countless contributions to the 4 Runner community!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, ARK!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks to your thread showing the different springs and their dimensions I thought that combo might be a good fit for my 4runner and what I use it for. I didn't Know what to do regarding the rear so I really appreciate th HD shock recommendation and you letting me know I could keep the stock RAS in place!

Thanks for your countless contributions to the 4 Runner community!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, ARK!

Same to you! Good luck with the swap.

 

[anotherrunner83]

if i recall correctly, you could adjust the tabs for the sensors for the RAS and add a little lift to the rear. if you end up being nose high, you may look into this.

 

[Neumonic]

Also read about that as well, Justin. I will be mindful of that when I decide which setting to use when installing the 5100's up front, having to adjust they rear higher makes the ride more firm back there if I remember correctly. My back sits up pretty high as it is but that could be partly due to the front XREAS shocks and springs having over 207,000 miles on them lol

Ordered the 5100's for the front and the Billy HD shocks for the rear along with the Moog front coil springs, replacing some front end pieces while I am at it (upper and lower ball joints, front sway bar bushings and end links) doing reman CV's on both sides as well.

Plan on talking everything once all parts are in and confirmed correct.

 

[SHagood]

Also read about that as well, Justin. I will be mindful of that when I decide which setting to use when installing the 5100's up front, having to adjust they rear higher makes the ride more firm back there if I remember correctly. My back sits up pretty high as it is but that could be partly due to the front XREAS shocks and springs having over 207,000 miles on them lol

Ordered the 5100's for the front and the Billy HD shocks for the rear along with the Moog front coil springs, replacing some front end pieces while I am at it (upper and lower ball joints, front sway bar bushings and end links) doing reman CV's on both sides as well.

Plan on talking everything once all parts are in and confirmed correct.

Do you have any update on this transition? I have an '08 Urban Runner with 142k and XREAS still engaged and only have the Toytec coil spacers. I'm fairly uneducated with suspension systems and I'm trying to read up and educate myself on this topic since I have XREAS and would rather no replace unless it fails. Any advice/suggestion would be awesome!

 

[Bossman]

[MENTION=173809]SHagood[/MENTION] here are some links/thread to help you better understand X-REAS:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/135278-xreas-life-expectancy.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/83446-replacing-xreas.html

 

[SHagood]

[MENTION=173809]SHagood[/MENTION] here are some links/thread to help you better understand X-REAS:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/135278-xreas-life-expectancy.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/83446-replacing-xreas.html

Perfect, thank you sir!

 

[grave]

Do you have any update on this transition? I have an '08 Urban Runner with 142k and XREAS still engaged

this is about the time it generally starts to fail. when you're ready to replace it just rip it out and get new shocks all around. you don't have to replace the springs but the XREAS replacement cost is outrageous and there is no repairing it or replacing worn parts. all or nothing with that shit.