04 4Runner X-REAS 4 Wheel Suspension Conversion Kit

[Dergibog]

Anyone used this kit with good results? My mechanic says the cross-linked system is failing but I really don't see a problem (yet).

Looking at inexpensive options because I just need it to last a couple more years for son in college. Already has 200k.

2003-2011 Toyota 4Runner X-REAS 4 Wheel Suspension Conversion Kit (TR14F) - Strutmasters

Not looking for lift or stock performance just want to remove the cross-linked system and replace it with something conventional/ affordable.

Thanks!

 

[Inv4drZm]

That kit you link to is for the 4Runners with rear air bags instead of coil springs. It converts them over to coil springs.

The XREAS system can be converted over to a standard non-linked system just as easily as replacing the shocks with regular ones, and throwing away all the extra hydraulic connection lines. Most people go with Bilstein 5100 shocks which are pretty cheap. Every single shock that will fit a 2003-2009 4Runner will bolt on to your truck and replace the XREAS shocks.

 

[rdruss]

yep, did my '03 w/XREAS 2 years ago: Bilstiens 4600's and FJ springs, very happy. look at my garage.

 

[grave]

oh look, another XREAS thread.. do a simple google search and you will see one million threads beating this subject to death, just as the last 200K miles have done to your system.

 

[blackjackck]

Anyone used this kit with good results? My mechanic says the cross-linked system is failing but I really don't see a problem (yet).

Looking at inexpensive options because I just need it to last a couple more years for son in college. Already has 200k.

2003-2011 Toyota 4Runner X-REAS 4 Wheel Suspension Conversion Kit (TR14F) - Strutmasters

Not looking for lift or stock performance just want to remove the cross-linked system and replace it with something conventional/ affordable.

Thanks!

I got a NEW OEM XREAS system sitting in my garage I'll sell you if interested. Still in the boxes.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Anyone used this kit with good results? My mechanic says the cross-linked system is failing but I really don't see a problem (yet).

Looking at inexpensive options because I just need it to last a couple more years for son in college. Already has 200k.

2003-2011 Toyota 4Runner X-REAS 4 Wheel Suspension Conversion Kit (TR14F) - Strutmasters

Not looking for lift or stock performance just want to remove the cross-linked system and replace it with something conventional/ affordable.

Thanks!

Check out the “X-REAS Delete...” post linked in my sig. It may be helpful. Ended up a massive upgrade for $200 total.

 

[pnwcruiser]

Ya, the X-REAS is junk. I replaced it once with OE X-REAS for a lot of $$$ then had to replace it again and just went with Old Man Emu springs and shocks. You can disconnect the X-REAS and replace the shocks with Bilstein, Monroe, etc. and be fine. Just depends on how you want the valving to be for the response in ride. Old Man Emu springs and shocks give a slight lift.

 

[Dergibog]

oh look, another XREAS thread.. do a simple google search and you will see one million threads beating this subject to death, just as the last 200K miles have done to your system.

I figured I'd get one of these. I have had a lot of stock Toyota 4x4s in my life. I am not into mods so I don't really know much about them or even what questions to ask. Appreciate all the comments.
I really don't see a problem with the way the truck sits or handles but our mechanic says the system is failing.

 

[Dergibog]

yep, did my '03 w/XREAS 2 years ago: Bilstiens 4600's and FJ springs, very happy. look at my garage.

Did you pick up the FJ Springs new or used? I have read a lot of folks saying they like that setup.

Thanks!

 

[Dergibog]

That kit you link to is for the 4Runners with rear air bags instead of coil springs. It converts them over to coil springs.

The XREAS system can be converted over to a standard non-linked system just as easily as replacing the shocks with regular ones, and throwing away all the extra hydraulic connection lines. Most people go with Bilstein 5100 shocks which are pretty cheap. Every single shock that will fit a 2003-2009 4Runner will bolt on to your truck and replace the XREAS shocks.

Yeah! That system description wasn't enough for me to go on. Also wasn't aware there was ever a 4Runner with rear air bags.

Thanks!

 

[Dergibog]

still looks nice, sits nice, rides and handles well but system is leaking.

 

[jrm]

For about the same

or a bit more you could get some bilstein 4600s and MOOG replacement springs. improved ride

 

[Rodtheviking]

KYB Strut-plus (yes, I know 4runners don't have struts)and the matching rear shocks.. done.

SR4131 and SR4130 for the front and 344410 for the rear.

 

[grave]

I figured I'd get one of these. I have had a lot of stock Toyota 4x4s in my life. I am not into mods so I don't really know much about them or even what questions to ask. Appreciate all the comments.
I really don't see a problem with the way the truck sits or handles but our mechanic says the system is failing.

Google “4th gen 4runner XREAS” and you’ll have every answer to every question you don’t know to ask. Or just replace it with Eibach shock & springs and be done with it.

 

[Dergibog]

Got a new, basically stock height, suspension installed on the 4Runner today. I could not be more pleased with the result. After 200,000 miles the old cross-linked hydraulic suspension (XREAS) had near complete failure. The result is a much healthier looking stance, slight lift, much better ride and handling. Work was done by TORC Motorsports in Omaha, Ne. I got the Bilstein adjustable front coil-overs and asked them to crank up the front a bit for a more level, healthier look. Gained ~3/4" in back and ~2" in front. Very impressed with the TORC staff.

I like a stock look more than most but just a little something subtle makes it stand out from the crowd.

Sincere thanks to everyone for all their input.

 

[sport2004]

Got a new, basically stock height, suspension installed on the 4Runner today. I could not be more pleased with the result. After 200,000 miles the old cross-linked hydraulic suspension (XREAS) had near complete failure. The result is a much healthier looking stance, slight lift, much better ride and handling. Work was done by TORC Motorsports in Omaha, Ne. I got the Bilstein adjustable front coil-overs and asked them to crank up the front a bit for a more level, healthier look. Gained ~3/4" in back and ~2" in front. Very impressed with the TORC staff.

I like a stock look more than most but just a little something subtle makes it stand out from the crowd.

Sincere thanks to everyone for all their input.

sweet

 

[firebirdguy]

Got a new, basically stock height, suspension installed on the 4Runner today. I could not be more pleased with the result. After 200,000 miles the old cross-linked hydraulic suspension (XREAS) had near complete failure. The result is a much healthier looking stance, slight lift, much better ride and handling. Work was done by TORC Motorsports in Omaha, Ne. I got the Bilstein adjustable front coil-overs and asked them to crank up the front a bit for a more level, healthier look. Gained ~3/4" in back and ~2" in front. Very impressed with the TORC staff.

I like a stock look more than most but just a little something subtle makes it stand out from the crowd.

Sincere thanks to everyone for all their input.

looks good! sounds like you got the 5100 fronts that are adjustable. do you recall what part# the rear shocks were? & did you change the springs too or just re-use your original springs? what setting did they use for the fronts?

 

[Dergibog]

Yes. 5100 adjustable. I don't have the part number for the rear shock it's a stock height Bilstein shock. I replaced front and rear springs as well with stock height springs and replaced both front upper strut mounts. The 5100 is set to the second position up from the bottom. The bottom being stock height. The second position levels the rig nicely. The reason I think I got more than 1" of lift in front is simply due to the old suspension being completely worn out.
Had a full alignment done after suspension install and it tracks better than ever.

 

[firebirdguy]

Yes. 5100 adjustable. I don't have the part number for the rear shock it's a stock height Bilstein shock. I replaced front and rear springs as well with stock height springs and replaced both front upper strut mounts. The 5100 is set to the second position up from the bottom. The bottom being stock height. The second position levels the rig nicely. The reason I think I got more than 1" of lift in front is simply due to the old suspension being completely worn out.
Had a full alignment done after suspension install and it tracks better than ever.

thanks for the fast reply. were the springs just stock 4runner replacements like moog etc? or special OME or other upgraded brands?

how does it ride compared to stock? (early in it life not after the stock shocks were shot) some with the 5100 say its a stiff rough ride on city streets, some like them. i realize its personal opinion, just curious what your opinion is on city streets & highways.

 

[Dergibog]

It's a little stiffer. More like my 2015 Tacoma TRD Off-Road but still better than the truck. I actually like the ride and handling better. It's my college student son's car and we have only had it since 159,000 miles. I don't know what it was like new and haven't driven another 4th gen 4Runner that wasn't already modified. The springs are just stock replacements. Nothing special.