03 Sport V8 4x4 - Stick w XREAS or go Icon Stage 1 or other

[AndroT100]

Really like my 03 Sport V8 4x4...80k miles and owned since new.

XREAS front struts seeping a bit...still handles great and suspension is functioning normally. Can replace struts and rear shocks for about $2200. Icon Stage 1 would be about $3000.

I really like the handling with the XREAS. Any opinions/experience on difference of handling with Icon Stage 1 compared to XREAS? I'd like to keep my on-road at least as good as XREAS and gain some off-road extra ability.

Thank you!

 

[BostonJon]

also curious about this - I have the X-REAS and have one shock that is seeping a little

 

[bmorey]

I think most people on the forum would agree unanimously that getting rid of XREAS is your best move. XREAS is nice for on-road driving, but it limits you heavily with lift, and adjustability, and isn't the greatest off-road. Spring choice is the best way to retain the stock XREAS on-road driving manners. Also, these 4Runners came with some pretty beefy sway bars that do a big part in on-road driving confidence. Those sway bars will be part of the next suspension system too.

The Icon S1 system is your best choice in my opinion since it gives you the flexibility to adjust the front coilovers up to 3.5" of lift. I would calculate what extra weight you will be carrying on the front and in the rear of your 4Runner and choose your springs accordingly. (FYI, check the prices of the S1 Icon kit - looks like they're a lil cheaper than your post mentioned).

I have an '04 V8 4WD Sport Edition that had XREAS. I switched to Ironman 4x4 Nitro Shocks with performance load springs (extra payload capacity for rooftop tent, drawers and fridge system). I worked hard to match the weight I will be carrying with springs that will handle that weight. That ensured that I minimized my on-road body-roll, nose-dive under braking, and kept the truck riding as close to stock as I could.

 

[AndroT100]

Thank you!

Really helpful and I truly appreciate your reply and learning your experience, etc.

Regarding Icon cost...parts are shy of $2000, but I figure about $1000 for installation as I won't DIY this.

What is your opinion of the stock springs and the ones that come with the Stage 1? I don't expect, at least presently, to build-out with heavier bumpers, but could have a roof-top tent or pull an off-road capable trailer with sleeping/cooking facilities.

Thanks again!

I think most people on the forum would agree unanimously that getting rid of XREAS is your best move. XREAS is nice for on-road driving, but it limits you heavily with lift, and adjustability, and isn't the greatest off-road. Spring choice is the best way to retain the stock XREAS on-road driving manners. Also, these 4Runners came with some pretty beefy sway bars that do a big part in on-road driving confidence. Those sway bars will be part of the next suspension system too.

The Icon S1 system is your best choice in my opinion since it gives you the flexibility to adjust the front coilovers up to 3.5" of lift. I would calculate what extra weight you will be carrying on the front and in the rear of your 4Runner and choose your springs accordingly. (FYI, check the prices of the S1 Icon kit - looks like they're a lil cheaper than your post mentioned).

I have an '04 V8 4WD Sport Edition that had XREAS. I switched to Ironman 4x4 Nitro Shocks with performance load springs (extra payload capacity for rooftop tent, drawers and fridge system). I worked hard to match the weight I will be carrying with springs that will handle that weight. That ensured that I minimized my on-road body-roll, nose-dive under braking, and kept the truck riding as close to stock as I could.

 

[bmorey]

Thank you!

Really helpful and I truly appreciate your reply and learning your experience, etc.

Regarding Icon cost...parts are shy of $2000, but I figure about $1000 for installation as I won't DIY this.

What is your opinion of the stock springs and the ones that come with the Stage 1? I don't expect, at least presently, to build-out with heavier bumpers, but could have a roof-top tent or pull an off-road capable trailer with sleeping/cooking facilities.

Thanks again!

I would tell you that if you have an intermediate skillset and some decent tools (including a jack and 4 jack stands), this job is completely doable in the driveway (I did the removal XREAS and install of all 4 corners in about 6-8 hours.) Again, wrenching on my own rig is one of my favorite hobbies, but also it was incredible learning experience. Then the only additional cost you would have would be an alignment after! PS Harbor Freight tools can get this job done perfectly.

As for your question about the stock springs: definitely upgrade them to the Icon stuff. They're gonna be saggy and old (even though you only have 80k on the truck). If you're gonna be doin the suspension anyway, best to get all of it dialed in at once. The Icon springs should definitely cover you for the rooftop tent. And if you can pull the trailer you're referring to now, then it will be able to do it with the Icon springs even better.

Other things to pay attention to (given the age of our trucks) would be Upper and Lower control arm bushings. I just replaced the lower control arm bushings this weekend - mine were SHOT. I mean so so bad. Ball joints for upper and lower would be good to look at and check too.

If you do lift your 4Runner, I would consider UCAs with adjustability to retain the down travel of the suspension. SPC is a common brand for adjustable upper arms. This forum is full of info about UCAs and other components, just need some time to peruse and find what you have questions about.

BTW: I notice that you're from the Ojai area (hello fellow Central Coaster).

 

[AndroT100]

I would tell you that if you have an intermediate skillset and some decent tools (including a jack and 4 jack stands), this job is completely doable in the driveway (I did the removal XREAS and install of all 4 corners in about 6-8 hours.) Again, wrenching on my own rig is one of my favorite hobbies, but also it was incredible learning experience. Then the only additional cost you would have would be an alignment after! PS Harbor Freight tools can get this job done perfectly.

As for your question about the stock springs: definitely upgrade them to the Icon stuff. They're gonna be saggy and old (even though you only have 80k on the truck). If you're gonna be doin the suspension anyway, best to get all of it dialed in at once. The Icon springs should definitely cover you for the rooftop tent. And if you can pull the trailer you're referring to now, then it will be able to do it with the Icon springs even better.

Other things to pay attention to (given the age of our trucks) would be Upper and Lower control arm bushings. I just replaced the lower control arm bushings this weekend - mine were SHOT. I mean so so bad. Ball joints for upper and lower would be good to look at and check too.

If you do lift your 4Runner, I would consider UCAs with adjustability to retain the down travel of the suspension. SPC is a common brand for adjustable upper arms. This forum is full of info about UCAs and other components, just need some time to peruse and find what you have questions about.

BTW: I notice that you're from the Ojai area (hello fellow Central Coaster).

Thank you again! Great info and thank you for motivating for me to DIY!

I could do it myself...being a bit lazy! I also just had my bushings replaced. So that is good....I hadn't thought about the original coil springs and replacing them. True it is 18 years and 80K miles...could have some wear and it isn't so expensive for parts. Just have to decide exactly what I want to make this thing...keep close to stock but improved (minor lift), or go for a lift.

All the best!

 

[JONBOY345]

I would skip the Icons. Heard lots of bad stuff about the longevity of their stuff.

Look at Dobinson's stuff. If you're spending Icon money, you should be in the top end of Dobinson's gear with their MRA shocks. Way better bang for buck and will last a lot longer.

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" MRA Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009

 

[AndroT100]

I would skip the Icons. Heard lots of bad stuff about the longevity of their stuff.

Look at Dobinson's stuff. If you're spending Icon money, you should be in the top end of Dobinson's gear with their MRA shocks. Way better bang for buck and will last a lot longer.

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" MRA Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009

Thank you! I'm checking the Dobinson stuff out....looks impressive!

 

[AndroT100]

So.....now I'm thinking of just sticking with the XREAS...replacing the struts, shocks and coils with OEM stock parts.

For the amount and type of off-roading I do, stock form has been sufficient and I can do much more than I've tried...with the stock set-up. And...I really like the on-road handling and ride.

Might add just the Daystar 1" front level kit.....

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So.....now I'm thinking of just sticking with the XREAS...replacing the struts, shocks and coils with OEM stock parts.

For the amount and type of off-roading I do, stock form has been sufficient and I can do much more than I've tried...with the stock set-up. And...I really like the on-road handling and ride.

Might add just the Daystar 1" front level kit.....

If you do a moderate amount of off-roading I'd ditch the XREAS. It's not a bad system per say, but it was designed more with on-road performance in mind and to be frank; while it does a good job it's not worth the cost of replacement IMHO.

I would throw a set of Bilsteins at least on there if you're going to replace the shocks; they'll give you a bit better performance off-road than the factory shocks and you can adjust them for a minor amount of lift on the front shocks.

Hope that helps.

 

[AndroT100]

So...I worked with the service advisor at the dealership I've been going to for over two decades. Arranged a 32% reduction on the cost of the XREAS struts and shocks, and was going to replace coil springs at the same time. All OEM stock....The service advisor said I could replace these parts since the XREAS system is in decent shape, only some seepage from the front struts. He said that the lines and center pumps didn't need to be replaced. The technician would carefully use the check-valves when removing and replacing the struts and shocks....

So....an appointment was made. I took my 4Runner in. My normal advisor is out on medical leave and another advisor helped me check-in using the paperwork set-up by my normal advisor. All seems to be going well then....hours later I get a call and this other advisor tells me that they can't do the job unless I pay for replacement of the lines and center pumps. They won't do the job that my service advisor, that has been at the dealership for over two decades, set-up for me. And he's a knowledgeable advisor...

So....I go and pick-up my 4Runner....I'm at 80k miles and the XREAS is still working fine in spite of some seepage from the front struts. My advisor said it was a candidate to replace the four units....

FROM the TOYOTA Repair Manual:

SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM (REAS)
PRECAUTION
1. Precaution to handling the center unit and the shock absorber.
(a) Replacement of each unit is allowed if there is no oil leakage. But, in case of oil leakage from the system,
replace both the absorber and the center unit as a set.
(b) For replacement of the system, make it possible to replace a unit only at the first time and replace the
system as a set of delivery at the second time or later.
(c) When carrying each unit, be sure to hold the body of the unit and never hang the body by holding joint
parts or hoses.
Also, do not deforme metal tubes.
(d) Each unit should not be at a high temperature at the time of replacement.
(e) Since the shock absorber could be damaged by a sudden temperature change as being disconnected
from the center unit, be careful about its storage.
(f) Do not loosen the union bolt except the time of the disposal of each unit.
(g) Never loosen the absorber hoses and the flare nuts at the joint parts.

 

[firebirdguy]

So...I worked with the service advisor at the dealership I've been going to for over two decades. Arranged a 32% reduction on the cost of the XREAS struts and shocks, and was going to replace coil springs at the same time. All OEM stock....The service advisor said I could replace these parts since the XREAS system is in decent shape, only some seepage from the front struts. He said that the lines and center pumps didn't need to be replaced. The technician would carefully use the check-valves when removing and replacing the struts and shocks....

So....an appointment was made. I took my 4Runner in. My normal advisor is out on medical leave and another advisor helped me check-in using the paperwork set-up by my normal advisor. All seems to be going well then....hours later I get a call and this other advisor tells me that they can't do the job unless I pay for replacement of the lines and center pumps. They won't do the job that my service advisor, that has been at the dealership for over two decades, set-up for me. And he's a knowledgeable advisor...

So....I go and pick-up my 4Runner....I'm at 80k miles and the XREAS is still working fine in spite of some seepage from the front struts. My advisor said it was a candidate to replace the four units....

FROM the TOYOTA Repair Manual:

SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM (REAS)
PRECAUTION
1. Precaution to handling the center unit and the shock absorber.
(a) Replacement of each unit is allowed if there is no oil leakage. But, in case of oil leakage from the system,
replace both the absorber and the center unit as a set.
(b) For replacement of the system, make it possible to replace a unit only at the first time and replace the
system as a set of delivery at the second time or later.
(c) When carrying each unit, be sure to hold the body of the unit and never hang the body by holding joint
parts or hoses.
Also, do not deforme metal tubes.
(d) Each unit should not be at a high temperature at the time of replacement.
(e) Since the shock absorber could be damaged by a sudden temperature change as being disconnected
from the center unit, be careful about its storage.
(f) Do not loosen the union bolt except the time of the disposal of each unit.
(g) Never loosen the absorber hoses and the flare nuts at the joint parts.

The price of new xreas is ridiculous & not worth it... based on your comments about how much off roading you do & you want to keep a good street ride, i would strongly suggest looking at the KYB shocks front & rear. they are priced very good & have a lifetime warranty. about $100ea for the fronts & $50ea for the rears. also, these 4runners dont have struts, they are just coil over shocks in the front.

i have an 08 sport with 150k miles & the xreas wasnt leaking but was tired at those miles so i replaced with KYB's & love the ride, they are about 10% stiffer springs in the front & 10% firmer valving in the shocks so they will ride like or better than a new suspension, firm but still a nice ride & will add about 1" lift in the front over stock so it helps level the front more. & they come with new springs installed, easiest way to get new shocks & springs. best price i found was at rock auto & KYB usually has a rebate offer.

i dont think you need a all out off road set up like dobison etc based on what you said you use the 4runner for & the KYB will do decent off road, just not the extreme stuff some members on here do. for a total of about $300 the KYB really cant be beat & they are very easy to install & the xreas is easy to remove with some basic tools as mentioned above, or find a reputable smaller shop in your town to install them, dealerships are the most expensive place for any work.

 

[AndroT100]

The price of new xreas is ridiculous & not worth it... based on your comments about how much off roading you do & you want to keep a good street ride, i would strongly sugget looking at the KYB shocks front & rear. they are priced very good & have a lifetime warranty. about $100ea for the fronts & $50ea for the rears. also, these 4runners dont have struts, they are just coil over shocks in the front.

i have an 08 sport with 150k miles & the xreas wasnt leaking but was tired at those miles so i replaced with KYB's & love the ride, they are about 10% stiffer springs in the front & 10% firmer valving in the shocks so they will ride like or better than a new suspension, firm but still a nice ride & will add about 1" lift in the front over stock so it helps level the front more. & they come with new springs installed, easiest way to get new shocks & springs. best price i found was at rock auto & KYB usually has a rebate offer.

i dont think you need a all out off road set up like dobison etc based on what you said you use the 4runner for & the KYB will do decent off road, just not the extreme stuff some members on here do. for a total of about $300 the KYB really cant be beat & they are very easy to install & the xreas is easy to remove with some basic tools as mentioned above, or find a reputable smaller shop in your town to install them, dealerships are the most expensive place for any work.

Thank you!

Understood about coil-overs...the advisors have been calling them struts! This probably should be a red-flag.

So the KYBs keep the handling as good as the XREAS? Sporty? And still some cushion? I really like the ride of the XREAS. We always comment how comfortable it is and yet the runner stays pretty flat in the corners.

 

[firebirdguy]

Thank you!

Understood about coil-overs...the advisors have been calling them struts! This probably should be a red-flag.

So the KYBs keep the handling as good as the XREAS? Sporty? And still some cushion? I really like the ride of the XREAS. We always comment how comfortable it is and yet the runner stays pretty flat in the corners.

you're very welcome. just trying to keep things realistic for your stated needs & save you some $$.

the strut thing is just a pet peeve of mine, most people realize the difference & just use that term for some reason, but even some companies use it as a marketing thing for all vehicles, monroe calls them "quick struts" because they do sell a true complete strut for FWD vehicles.

i would say the KYB handling is 99% as good as the xreas but ive never driven a super low mile 4runner with it, only mine that was at 140k but was owned by a soccer mom & never abused or off roaded & one i test drove before mine that had 95K. the only small thing i noticed is on harder tight corners the xreas has less body sway but very little difference & most just change to poly sway bar bushing for low cost to cure that which i plan to do but its so hardly noticeable i havent worried about it for over a year. aside from that one thing the KYB's are as good or better than the average worn out xreas, & many people say at about 75K they are getting worn out regardless of leaking.

buy what you can afford but dont feel obligated to get something you dont need like expensive off road stuff or worry about the xreas, spend the $1500+ on other upgrades or another hobby! :wink2:

 

[AndroT100]

you're very welcome. just trying to keep things realistic for your stated needs & save you some $$.

the strut thing is just a pet peeve of mine, most people realize the difference & just use that term for some reason, but even some companies use it as a marketing thing for all vehicles, monroe calls them "quick struts" because they do sell a true complete strut for FWD vehicles.

i would say the KYB handling is 99% as good as the xreas but ive never driven a super low mile 4runner with it, only mine that was at 140k but was owned by a soccer mom & never abused or off roaded & one i test drove before mine that had 95K. the only small thing i noticed is on harder tight corners the xreas has less body sway but very little difference & most just change to poly sway bar bushing for low cost to cure that which i plan to do but its so hardly noticeable i havent worried about it for over a year. aside from that one thing the KYB's are as good or better than the average worn out xreas, & many people say at about 75K they are getting worn out regardless of leaking.

buy what you can afford but dont feel obligated to get something you dont need like expensive off road stuff or worry about the xreas, spend the $1500+ on other upgrades or another hobby! :wink2:

Many thanks for sharing your experiences and your sage advice! I like the ideas of not worrying about it and, having funds for other pursuits!

At the dealer, replacing the whole XREAS system and including replacing the coils was to be a total of $3815! Lots of choices that are less expensive. I included the coils as it seems prudent after 18 years...although only 80k miles.

All the best!

 

[alaskaman]

At 90K I replaced the XREAS with Bilstein 5100 all around To my surprise handling was tighter Still going strong at 170K. I noticed it the most around corners, XREAS is great but this is better.