2004 4runner struts/shocks question

[brennanjr]

I have a 2004 toyota 2wd 4runner sport edition with the v6 engine. The car has 100K miles on it and appears to be very well maintained. I recently purchases new tires and then had an alignment done on the vehicle. During the alignment I was told I needed to replace the front and rear struts and shocks. He told me that the car has hydraulic struts or shocks (not sure which) and that it would cost $1,100 for the job. Question I have is what is the difference between Hydraulic vs. gas and is this a do it yourself job?

 

[Dawg4Runner]

I have a 2004 toyota 2wd 4runner sport edition with the v6 engine. The car has 100K miles on it and appears to be very well maintained. I recently purchases new tires and then had an alignment done on the vehicle. During the alignment I was told I needed to replace the front and rear struts and shocks. He told me that the car has hydraulic struts or shocks (not sure which) and that it would cost $1,100 for the job. Question I have is what is the difference between Hydraulic vs. gas and is this a do it yourself job?

What he's probably talking about is the Xreas system. It's a pressurized hydraulic system that diagonally cross links the shocks. It's a sealed, non serviceable system so when they are worn out or leak, there's no repairing, just replacing. And you have to replace the entire system, hydraulic lines and all. At the crazy cost of the OEM Xreas system, you're better off replacing all four shocks with some Bilsteins. Here are some links to some good explanations of the Xreas system. BTW, you'll probably get faster responses if you post your questions in the 4th Gen section of the forum.

2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/94005-xreas-question.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...superchargers-more/1076-xreas-suspension.html