2005 V8 210K Exhaust+Suspension Replacement

[albanian4r]

Hello there,

I have had my 4Runner for four years and have done all of the work at the dealership but it's getting expensive. They told me $5k+ to replace the XREAS suspension but to include other suspension components too. I have 210k miles on it, I also need to replace my exhaust system since it broke right at the end of the muffler. I have 3 questions:

1. Is the suspension worth fixing for that price, or what are the alternatives? I do like the X-REAS suspension a lot though, it's very smooth and it feels like I'm driving a sedan.

2. I want to change the whole exhaust system, I am talking about all the way up from the headers to the exhaust tip. I also have the P1442 code and P1445 code probably because of the exhaust.

3. Or should I just sell the car? I think if I replace these things I can still get many more miles on it, but would ~$7k-9k be worth spending on it or should I just sell this one and buy a newer 4Runner V8 or a Lexus GX470?

 

[jbssfelix]

Hello there,

I have had my 4Runner for four years and have done all of the work at the dealership but it's getting expensive. They told me $5k+ to replace the XREAS suspension but to include other suspension components too. I have 210k miles on it, I also need to replace my exhaust system since it broke right at the end of the muffler. I have 3 questions:

1. Is the suspension worth fixing for that price, or what are the alternatives? I do like the X-REAS suspension a lot though, it's very smooth and it feels like I'm driving a sedan.

2. I want to change the whole exhaust system, I am talking about all the way up from the headers to the exhaust tip. I also have the P1442 code and P1445 code probably because of the exhaust.

3. Or should I just sell the car? I think if I replace these things I can still get many more miles on it, but would ~$7k-9k be worth spending on it or should I just sell this one and buy a newer 4Runner V8 or a Lexus GX470?

Can't speak to #2, but it's much much cheaper to just ditch the X-REAS and go aftermarket. Did a Bilstein setup for about $7-800 + labor, and it rides much better than the X-REAS ever did. So, save $ and also upgrade...win/win.

 

[albanian4r]

what is the best suspension I can get? and I want to have it done at the mechanic, I need to find someone that's knowledgeable in the DC area. I don't like taking my car to any mechanic.

 

[hgill]

XREAS Replacement Suggestions

Above is a link to a whole thread about x-reas replacement.

I replaced my x-reas with bilstein shocks and dobinson springs. I initially ran the bilsteins with stock springs, but finally got some dobinson springs last year. I have been quite happy with the setup. It raised the truck a bit in the front and back and helped level it.

Exhaust - I wish you were local. I have a mint condition exhaust (was barely on my truck for 2 months) that I have wrapped up and stored in the garage that I need to sell. I had purchased it new from Toyota and had it on the truck, but then found a trd exhaust and went that route.

 

[Karnivor707]

I purchased a 2005 v8 4runner sport edition with x-reas and 220k miles. I had similar condition, old sloopy suspension, and also opted for a better exhaust system. I had all maintenance done by a good mechanic I found on Facebook marketplace. All work was done for fraction of price of dealership.

I opted to replace the x-read with bilstein 6112/5160 and ome springs, add icon UCA’s, (approx $2000) and Gibson elite dual tip black cat exhaust ($480), also had spark plugs, coil packs, and smog air pump replaced. ($350)

Labor for everything was about $1500 from my mechanic, and was a lot of work separate days and a great deal for both of us.

 

[RL Lemke]

1) I trashed the silly X-Reas suspension right after the purchase because I wanted so much more. I went with Donahoe, now Icon, and am quite happy with it. The dealer closest to my office installs Icon, with a tech who specializes in lifted suspensions. I have a 3" lift, and extended range with the front and rear wheels. So, dump the OE and get some good suspension. Even lifted, I fly around corners without being tippy.

2) Exhaust? Just replace what is needed at any good muffler shop.

3) Replace? Well, the GX470 sells cheap compared to the 4Runner, so if you really want to trust how someone else maintained their engine, go for it.

I now have 363,000 miles on my V8 4Runner, which I purchased new, and maintain at dealerships. Few here have been over mountains, through deserts, through blizzards, towed trailers, through creeks and floods, like I have. My 4Runner works off-road almost daily as part of my job. A well built vehicle which I rely on.

 

[WOLVERINE]

If you want the stock feel for a fraction of the cost, ditch Xreas and go with KYB all around - $311 bucks shipped with Rock Auto - this is for all 4 shocks, rear springs, and front coil-overs pre-assembled. Labor will be 2-4 hrs. You can have a total replaced suspension setup for under $800 (KYB is one of the OEM part manufactures that Toyota uses - shocks, hood and hatch struts, etc. - much like Denso & Aisin)

As others have mentioned, you can simply repair the exhaust or get aftermarket for a fraction of the cost of a new OEM setup.

The key to longevity of this platform lies within the engineering of the engine and transmission - coupled with quality parts and regular maintenance - not the exhaust and not the suspension - meaning, feel free to use non OEM parts for the exhaust and suspension.

I've had several different 2UZ platforms - if you don't want a stiffer/sportier ride - go with KYB.

 

[Hapeacres]

I would definitely buy a Lexus GX740 over spending another 7K! If you do keep it, I love the Gibson cat back stainless exhaust.