'04 X-REAS Lift?

[4route]

There are not any problems with the xreas system/shocks off road. I have wheeled them HARD, and with no problems whatsoever. Also, I have been in contact with Randy at Revtek through the whole process and the ONLY reason they say it's not for xreas is because they have not had the chance to test it out on an xreas'd truck. Believe me, if this was not safe for the struts, I would not have done it. I put a lot of research into the xreas system, and into lifting our runners.

The Daystar kit, which DOES say that it is for the xreas system, for a long time said it was NOT. And, the Daystar kit lifts 2" in the rear, whereas the Revtek kit lifts 2.5" in the rear which settle to 2.25 or 2 ... therefore, the difference between height (between the two kits) is unnoticeable, and if Daystar endorses the 2.5" lift on our xreas'd trucks, then there is no real reason that the Revtek one would be any more damaging.

Again, I have wheeled this truck hard, and have had NO problems with the xreas or the struts/shocks. Plenty of people with this lift have also wheeled theirs hard and experienced no problems.

If you are that worried about .25" more than the Daystar kit being dangerous, then wait for Billy's mount relocation.

 

[4route]

Vortec -

Yes, any mod is going to void the warranty on that part unless it is a Toyota part, and/or installed by them. There are some dealerships in Austin which are installing the Revtek kit on our 4Runners ... yes, even with xreas.

If you lift your truck, then the warranty will be voided only on those parts that are effected by the lift.

Go over to yotatech and check out all the people with 4th gens who have lifted their trucks with xreas and who wheel hard. No one has had any problems. There has been a lot of time devoted to researching these things before installation. Randy has read my write-up, and even asked me for pictures for the site, knowing full well that I have xreas.

Really though, if you are concerned, wait for Billy's stuff to come out, then you won't have to be afraid. In the meantime, don't insult our intelligence, as we spent long hours researching and studying these systems before application ... and we do wheel hard in "true off road conditions" enough to know that the suspension is working great. I happened to love the suspension and xreas off road even more after the lift.

 

[Vortec4800]

Well I'm not really concerned that the lift will hurt anything, I'm confident that it will not do any damage and the off-roading capabilities will be heightened instead of lowered. I was just worried if my XREAS system breaks for some other reason, that I would just be left out to dry. But I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too...


Man I love cake...

 

[4route]

I like cake too.

I can't say this enough though - there are some great products rolling off the lines from Billy's Nitrous Enterprises for our 4th gens to allow us to lift 3-3.5" while still retaining stock shock position (with his relocated mount), so even though I have not heard of anyone experiencing any issues with the Revtek and xreas combo, there are products coming out (after some testing) that will take care of any concern you can think of. Just wait, you'll see.

People have been lifting the 03/04 Runners for months upon months, and no one has run into any problems even in the harshest off roading conditions.

I don't mean to push anyone into anything that they are not comfortable with, but I did just want you to know that so far, so good on all of this. I have not lost any of the xreas functionability.

 

[Run4Fun]

XREAS Lift

Not to beat the dead horse, or insult anyone's intelligence in their research of the Revtec lift or other kits, I believe I will wait until a lift is developed or adapted specifically to address the XREAS suspension system. It is clear that any lift or other modification not sanctioned or installed by Toyota or thier agent will void the warranty. It also appears that the lift kits discussed do not seem to have a detrimental effect to the XREAS system. In fact with the additional lift, may inhance it. However, and this is a big however, unsprung travel of the stock shocks are reduced by the amount of lift. If the Revtec system was designed for the XREAS system, you would not have to toss the shocks that come with the kit. Unless longer travel XREAS shocks are available with the kit or as someone mentioned, the mounting brackets are relocated in order to work with the stock shocks, then you will not realize the FULL potential of the trucks capability with a lift. Also, it seems like a pretty flimsey explination that Revtec has not yet had the time to test the lift kit on the XREAS system since the system has been out since 2003. While I understand that owners who have purchased this kit will defend it, I would like to hear from Revtec for thier viewpoint.

 

[RapidRunner]

Re: XREAS Lift

It is clear that any lift or other modification not sanctioned or installed by Toyota or thier agent will void the warranty.

I hear where you're coming from, dude, and I'm kinda thinking along the same lines, too -- but I want a lift now.

But, if you're really going to wait until Toyota says, "Put this lift on your 4Runner and we'll sanction it and not give you any warranty hassles" then you better just get used to the low ride you have now.

 

[Run4Fun]

Actually, I don't care if Toyota sanctions the lift or not. Or any other modification for that matter. This is a fact that we all live with. The point is do you want to install something on your truck that was not specifically designed or engineered for it? The idea I believe is to maximize the performance capibility of the vehicle. Not bootleg some performance accessories that the manufactuer will tell you later was not intended for use with your vehicle. This is just my own personal preference. Besides, I will need to wear down the existing rubber before I add the large BFG's anyway. Of course then I will still have to salvage the air pressure sensors to install in the new wheels. Oh what fun! The live axel leaf springs were a lot easier to deal with. All you needed was a kidney belt!

 

[4route]

Run4Fun, I was only telling you what I have heard during the process as far as why Revtek's lift is not XREAS-specific.

Regardless, Toyota will never cover the parts effected by a lift even if the lift kit is designated as being for xreas'd vehicles. The only case where I have heard of this happening is in Austin where some dealerships are installing the 3" Revtek kit on the Runners as a stock option. (even xreas'd ones)

Again, don't do the lift if you are concerned about it, but Toyota is never going to cover parts under warranty that have been modded with aftermarket applications unless those aftermarket parts are Toyota-specified.

When Billy's coils come out, I will be replacing the rear stock coil + Revtek spacer with his taller coils, and relocating the bottom shock mount to offset any decreased travel that would've been encountered otherwise. Similarly, I will be dropping the panhard bar with a bracket from Billy as soon as I receive it.

I would not go any higher than 2.5" in the rear with the xreas system present - as I believe this pushes the limits and if you go any higher without replacing the struts with longer ones, or relocating the bottom mount, you will be at risk of blowing the shock at full extension. However, I am not worried about the 2.5" which settles to closer to 2.25" as the Daystar kit (which is marketed specifically for xreas'd vehicles) lifts 2" in the rear.

Also, if you are concerned only about off road ability, then you would want to ditch the xreas all together and go for a lift better suited for those purposes like OME or Downey or whoever.

 

[Run4Fun]

Thank you for your comments. I agree with you 100%. It's too bad the 4Runner doesn't sit a little taller to begin with. I am curuious though about your lift. Did it stiffen up the suspension? And how is the highway ride now? Thanks again!

 

[4route]

I really had expected it to stiffen up the suspension, as a lot of people experience a harsher ride after modding the suspension components. But, as you'll hear from most of the 4th gen owners who have lifted their Runners, the ride is exactly the same as it was before the lift. The highway ride is uneffected, and off road it does just wonderfully. It isn't harsh at all ... but around the same time I tested it off road, I discovered that the dealership had my 32psi max. tires inflated to 56psi ... so I'm not sure. Overall though, even before fixing the tire pressure, the ride was great, and I couldn't tell a difference at all. I know it seems like it would make a difference, but whatever difference it made was unnoticeable, or improved it. That's just my experience though ... but I have read a lot of people whose experience is similar.

I don't think I'll run 285s under there because I've read too many bad stories about bigger tires ... and because even at 4.5" (settling to 4") in the front, you'd have to cut a lot off of the fender/bumper/etc.

Also ... I understand all that you've said and warned of here, and it is smart to be overly cautious when changing major things on your truck. Even though I haven't had any problems with it, I'll be relocating the bottom strut mount when I put in NE's 3-3.5" coils.

Better safe than sorry, so I encourage you to continue to wait until you feel confident about a certain product and its application to your 4Runner. I was concerned before I lifted mine as well, but the more I read, the less concerned I became, and I felt totally comfortable with the Revtek setup. Keep an eye out for Billy's products soon though ... he may have just the setup you're looking for.

He's already shipping some out to some stores that have wanted to carry his products.... and just keep watch over at:

www.nitrousenterprises.com

for when all his products come out in full production.

 

[Run4Fun]

Xreas lift

4-Route:

Thanks again for all the valuable information!

 

[4route]

Run4Fun,

Thanks for all of your insight!!

 

[Good Times]

First off... Bare with me as I didn't bother to read all the messages here but I did "SKIM" thru the messages.

This is what I got and I"ll voice some opinions:

XREAS or NON-XREAS, it doesn't matter which one you have it'll void the suspension portion of the warranty if you install parts that are NOT INSTALLED by a certified TOYOTA technician at THEIR DEALERSHIP. This means that if you install it yourself even though Toyota installs it as well, it will not be warrantied. The key behind this crap is because Toyota doesn't want to take liability on our own installs (makes sense.... but retarded...) anyway...

Next topic: xreas lifts.
You can lift it: Simply put, both xreas shocks and non xreas shock travel length are the same. Thus adding spacers to either setup will be the same. The only difference is one shock is xreas and the other is not. So this should rule out the "shock travel" issue. The spacer lift does not come w/ replacement shocks in the front (only the rear for the Revtek kit - Daystar kit doesn't even come w/ rear shocks). This means that you can add spacers on the stock coil/shock.

If you really want to lift your truck, you're just gonna have to take some risks. I highly doubt that you'll run into any problems on the suspension part as many 4runners (all gens) has been lifted with hardly any issues. If you feel unsecure, then it's best to wait until the warranty is up and then start the moddin!

Bottom line:
Spacers work for lifting and can do some mild offroading. But if you want better performing parts, get some new shocks and coils (the only way). Don't expect any shocks for awhile though as the front shocks are the key bottleneck (damn toyota changing the design...) You can get some coilovers once Downey/Donohoe/Sway-A-Way release their products. Expect that soon (I'm crossing fingers)

Happy moddin!

 

[RapidRunner]

Which spacers

I still haven't gotten around to lifting my 4Runner -- Sequoia's in the shop after getting whacked and I can't afford to be down one more vehicle...

Question is -- 3 inch Revtek ($439 including rear shocks I can't use) or 2 1/2 inch Daystar ($80).

When I look at it like that, Daystar seems like the obvious choice --- what am I missing?

 

[Good Times]

Don't forget that you can always sell the rear shocks on fleabay!

 

[RapidRunner]

To be completely honest, the money, in and of itself isn't really a big deal. But you know, 2 1/2 inches for 80 bucks versus 400 or more bucks for 3 inches. And, the 2 1/2 inch lift is officially "ok with XREAS" whereas the 3 inch _officially_ is not.

What I really want is some nice coilovers and new rears for a total of about 3 inches of lift. I'd be willing to pay a lot more if it were available -- and still allowed keeping my XREAS.

So, I'm kind of considering this a ~temporary solution. I'm hoping that within a year or so there will be something better. I guess I just can't buy into a spacer lift as being ok for _Real Wheeling_ -- granted, there are people doing it, but you know what I mean.

So, when you get right down to it, is 1/2 inch for 300+ bucks, which is intended to be a temporary solution anyway, worth it when it's not even officially "approved for XREAS"

Oh, I just can't decide.........

It's totally your choice. You just need to decide what's important to you.

Money was not an issue for me and it was worth 1/2".

.. stuff deleted ...

If you "really" wheel, then 1/2" can make a difference. If not, don't sweat it and save money.

 

[whitney8]

80 Bucks?

I have been looking, and I don't think there are any lifts available for a 4th Gen 4Runner for 80 bucks... Maybe at one time but not now...

RapidRunner-
If $$ isn't holding you back, why don't you go for the less expensive Daystar kit now, and then when a more comprehensive set up (like the one Tracy has been talking about) comes along, then go ahead and upgrade.

Just a thought.

I plan to do the Daystar sometime this summer.

 

[4route]

RapidRunner ...

If you're thinking of going with the NE kit that I was talking about, then you may as well wait as I believe they are almost ready to come out.

Again, just talk to Billy [email protected] and he'll fill you in.

 

[Good Times]

To be completely honest, the money, in and of itself isn't really a big deal. But you know, 2 1/2 inches for 80 bucks versus 400 or more bucks for 3 inches. And, the 2 1/2 inch lift is officially "ok with XREAS" whereas the 3 inch _officially_ is not.

What I really want is some nice coilovers and new rears for a total of about 3 inches of lift. I'd be willing to pay a lot more if it were available -- and still allowed keeping my XREAS.

So, I'm kind of considering this a ~temporary solution. I'm hoping that within a year or so there will be something better. I guess I just can't buy into a spacer lift as being ok for _Real Wheeling_ -- granted, there are people doing it, but you know what I mean.

So, when you get right down to it, is 1/2 inch for 300+ bucks, which is intended to be a temporary solution anyway, worth it when it's not even officially "approved for XREAS"

Oh, I just can't decide.........

You CAN NOT get coilovers w/ XREAS. The only viable option are spacer technology since you must retain your stock shocks (which are xreas shocks). Until the aftermarket community come up w/ xreas shocks that are longer (which I highly doubt that happening ever) you're pretty much SOL. Therefore, if you're planning to wait, you'll be missing out. Just get the spacers.

Btw, there are no "official" lift kits available for xreas. There are just members here that made the current lift kits that are out there fit on the xreas that's all.

This is the reason and only reason why I never bought a SPORTS trim since I knew XREAS was going to be a real big issue.

Good luck

EDIT:
Do keep in mind that when you do lift your 4runner more than what the norm is, you will have abnormal wear and tear on your ball joints (all of em). This applies to all kits out there.

 

[RapidRunner]

Re: 80 Bucks?

Maybe not 80 bucks, but this thread started out with a link to an Ebay auction that had a buy-it-now price of 80 bucks for the Daystar lift, and they have it listed again for the same price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33585&item=7908143351

Unless this isn't really what they claim it to be.

I guess I need to check into the one Tracy's talking about, but unless I'm mistaken it's still not a coil-over -- it's just another spacer with a shock mount relocator.

I have been looking, and I don't think there are any lifts available for a 4th Gen 4Runner for 80 bucks... Maybe at one time but not now...

RapidRunner-
I $$ isn't holding you back, why don't you go for the less expensive Daystar kit now, and then when a more comprehensive set up (like the one Tracy has been talking about) comes along, then go ahead and upgrade.

Just a thought.

I plan to do the Daystar sometime this summer.