04 limited with XREAS suspension refresh? - hitch hauling a motorcycle

[B.E. Coyote]

So...

I'm needing to use a hitch hauler to haul a 375 pound motorcycle around quite a bit. The rack weighs 60 pounds.

I plan to at least add some air bags.

I have no particular complaints with the ride but I'm guessing the suspension being 16 years old and having 155k on it is quite tired. I also wonder about the xreas system failing far from home.

If I replace it, it will be non XREAS and if I replace I might add an inch or two of lift.

Thoughts? I won't be wheeling it or doing anything crazy.

 

[DoctorPopcorn]

I've been doing some lift research for my '05 V8 Sport with XREAS with 240K, too. I've got experience with 3+ inches of lift on my 3rd gen, but want something mild for the pavement princess.

Wheeler's Off-road has a sale on their front T1 coils ($144), and rear T12 coils ($143), ending TODAY. From what I've read from the nice folks on here, should net a nice 1.5-2" on the 4th gens, depending on V6 or V8, and you'll likely still have the stock rake, especially with the V8. This of course depends on which struts you end up going with. I'll probably just end up getting Bilstein 5100s again, from the decent experience with my 3rd gen, the price, and the fronts are adjustable. Ideally, I'd get Old Man Emus, as I've helped put two sets of those in (FJC, and another 3rd gen), and their hardware setup is so much better than Bilstein's.

Here's one of the threads: Who's running wheeler's T1 and T12 coils?

Uninstalling the XREAS seems simple enough if you've got wrenching experience, but I'm sure it'll be an extra PITA for a 15 year MN truck like mine. It's always worth the blood, sweat, and tears though.

Again, I don't have first-hand experience with this setup yet, but from what I've read, folks seem to like them for a mild 4th gen susy lift, so I'll let other folks chime in.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Thanks DR. I will look into those options. Probably load everything up and try just air bags first. See how it does.

 

[DoctorPopcorn]

Yeah, you bet. I'm looking for something where I can minimize the supporting mods and keep the stock UCAs, hopefully. Leaking original CVs is probably a given for me at 240K miles.

You should be just fine with bags, at just under 450 lbs tongue weight. I was looking for beefier rear springs to tow my 7,500 lb travel trailer, but will likely go the bag route with that, too. I don't want to sacrifice everyday ride quality on the dad mobile.

If you think of it and pull the trigger on anything, please update and let me know how you like it. I might be holding out for Black Friday or 2021 Tax sales.

 

[keithyota]

I haul 255lb motorcycle on a platform on back no problems so far. just installed KYB's but have no experience with the XREAS as came off before I got it. They ride ok. Handling continue to be a challenge, have caster issues...but that's without hauling anything.

I'm going to add air bags for added support but wasn't too bad without it.

 

[DoctorPopcorn]

I haul 255lb motorcycle on a platform on back no problems so far. just installed KYB's but have no experience with the XREAS as came off before I got it. They ride ok. Handling continue to be a challenge, have caster issues...but that's without hauling anything.

I'm going to add air bags for added support but wasn't too bad without it.

Keith, I was researching different struts the other day, too, and looking for KYB Monomaxes, as I put them in my '97 K2500 and they were fantastic, and more affordable than the Billy 5100s I have in my 3rd gen, but it looks like they don't have Monomax options for the 4th gens. Surprised they'd give you an issue. Do you have stock suspension or lifted? And did you take it to a shop that does good alignments?