2011 struts replacement

[Ozzy4runner]

Hello everyone. I recently purchased a used 2011 t4r limited with 86000 miles. After taking it to my regular mechanic he let me know that the struts were leaking. I address the dealer about this and they didn't hesitated to replace them free of charge. Started to worry after a promise job of two days became a week. So after different excuses on why the job was taking so long started doing my research and realize that my t4r was equipped with the most loved and most hated x-reas suspension. After getting the truck back on Friday noticed the ride was not smooth at all. Took it back to my mechanic Monday and was told that whoever did the swap didn't have an idea what they were doing. The oil lines were completely drain and there's no way to fix unless I replace the whole system or decide to get rid of the x-reas and go with regular struts. I'm not crazy about going thru this whole ordeal the next time I have to replace the struts. So my question will be what struts you guys recommend that can come close the ride of the existing x-reas. I only drive on highways and the not so smooth streets of LA. Want something comparable if not better to stock. I noticed a lot of you recommend the bilstein 5100 series. But haven't seen a topic here for a 5th gen with this type of problem so soon. Any help is appreciated.

 

[transworldmoto]

My stock trail suspension rode extremely comfortably for a stock suspension. I have KDSS but thats mainly just the sway bars. I replaced it after ~2000 miles with an icon setup and I have my entire stock setup in the classifieds for sale for $450 if you decide to go that route! (Shame less plug, sorry)

 

[sandcrawler]

Hello everyone. I recently purchased a used 2011 t4r limited with 86000 miles. After taking it to my regular mechanic he let me know that the struts were leaking. I address the dealer about this and they didn't hesitated to replace them free of charge. Started to worry after a promise job of two days became a week. So after different excuses on why the job was taking so long started doing my research and realize that my t4r was equipped with the most loved and most hated x-reas suspension. After getting the truck back on Friday noticed the ride was not smooth at all. Took it back to my mechanic Monday and was told that whoever did the swap didn't have an idea what they were doing. The oil lines were completely drain and there's no way to fix unless I replace the whole system or decide to get rid of the x-reas and go with regular struts. I'm not crazy about going thru this whole ordeal the next time I have to replace the struts. So my question will be what struts you guys recommend that can come close the ride of the existing x-reas. I only drive on highways and the not so smooth streets of LA. Want something comparable if not better to stock. I noticed a lot of you recommend the bilstein 5100 series. But haven't seen a topic here for a 5th gen with this type of problem so soon. Any help is appreciated.

did you buy from a Toyota dealer? very recently? if so, then this one is "easy": take it back and demand they repair the XREAS system properly. make a stink. XREAS repairs are very expensive so maybe as an alternative/compromise you can work something out with them where they buy/install an aftermarket setup of your choosing.

 

[Jhalko]

Seems like the dealer sold it leaking, they should fix it. If you dont want to deal with the system the bilsteins should give you a nice ride. I have different springs but there may be a few folks that put in bilsteins and kept factory springs. An aftermarket setup will be cheaper than buying a whole new xreas setup, keep in mind you have to replace front and rear.

 

[Jeremy556]

They are shocks, not struts. 4runner has double wishbone suspension in the front and 4 link with panhard bar rear suspension.

Sounds like you purchased and had it serviced at a non-Toyota dealer? Unless they are willing to fix it correctly, I'd just put in a set of Bilstein 5100s and call it good.

 

[Ozzy4runner]

No I purchased it from a mom and papa dealer. The truck is out of warranty from Toyota and since this guys already try once and fail I don't want them to compromise the truck anymore. It was one of those sold as is with a 30 day warranty for mechanical issues. Got the truck for 25 out the door and for that price I can't find anything else here in so cal. Specially a limited. The truck is in great shape in and out. The only issue was the shocks. So i rather invest in it myself since Im planning on keeping the truck for a long time. I'm absolutely in love with it. But I'm thinking x-reas will keep giving me problems in the future and I rather walk away from it now.

 

[diverscale]

I do not understand how your mechanic could have emptied the system from oil. The lines are supposed to have anti leak as you disconnect them, and the rest of the system should stay full when you disconnect the shock.

And then the lines furnished with the new shock, or any part of the system should be already factory-filled with oil. Per service manual.

 

[bhaze70]

Similar issue here....2011 4Runner with 125,000. Dealer service dept says shocks are leaking and they wanted $5,000 for replacement. But last visit told me he could put a different type of strut on for $1,800. Trying to decide if it will be noticeable to go with their cheaper quote (supposedly they have put them on three other 4Runners) or if I should just try somewhere else like Midas.

 

[Jeremy556]

Similar issue here....2011 4Runner with 125,000. Dealer service dept says shocks are leaking and they wanted $5,000 for replacement. But last visit told me he could put a different type of strut on for $1,800. Trying to decide if it will be noticeable to go with their cheaper quote (supposedly they have put them on three other 4Runners) or if I should just try somewhere else like Midas.

Bilstein 5100s for $450, any shop can install them in a couple hours

 

[DougR]

... or if I should just try somewhere else like Midas.

Midas installs the lowest quality Chinese import shocks they can find for $1000+ and offers a lifetime warranty. Your 4Runner will wallow like a drunken sow and you will not be happy.

I have Bilstein shocks installed and I'm very pleased with that brand.

Try this Google search, "off road performance shop, Hacienda heights , ca" and look over the Yelp reviews in the first hit. You'll find shops such as R&N Complete Auto Repair which has 5/5 star reviews. Then, Google the shop name and read the Google reviews ... R&N Complete Auto Repair has 4.8/5 star reviews on Google. Cal a few shops with excellent reviews and ask if they install Bilstein products.

 

[SilverTEP]

Tons of Off Road and SR5 shocks on Craigslist and Facebook market place for cheap. Hell I have 2 sets sitting in my garage. I'm sure people are willing to give them out for like $150, just to free up some space.

 

[RedSled]

No I purchased it from a mom and papa dealer. The truck is out of warranty from Toyota and since this guys already try once and fail I don't want them to compromise the truck anymore. It was one of those sold as is with a 30 day warranty for mechanical issues. Got the truck for 25 out the door and for that price I can't find anything else here in so cal. Specially a limited. The truck is in great shape in and out. The only issue was the shocks. So i rather invest in it myself since Im planning on keeping the truck for a long time. I'm absolutely in love with it. But I'm thinking x-reas will keep giving me problems in the future and I rather walk away from it now.

I have a complete set off my 2017 SR5 with about 1000 miles on them front & rear shocks and UCA’s looking for $450.00