4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[mtncrawler]

Well..it's done. That was easy..on me..not the pocketbook.:lmao::lmao:

Toytec Ultimate 3" Kit with LR UCA's.

Some of the before shots:


Side



Kind of tough to see, but that dark line in the back is the low point of the oil pan skid plate. I was careful to keep the scale vertical and in the same position for both shots.


Front


Then after..:naughty::naughty:


Side


Not quite from the same distance, but you get the idea. Mission accomplished! It's all of 2.5" added for sure.


Front


The Business

So as you already guessed, I had it installed locally. I applaud all you folks who do it yourself (as I do often on other projects) but I just didn't have the time this go around. Would have loved the learning experience though.

A couple of notes:
1) The ride so far is fantastic! Instead of the front drooping down now, it feels like the hood is more "in my face", which makes sense after leveling.

2) I'm a little concerned on the "levelness" from the rear. I measure under the wheel well and there is a full inch of difference from L to R. Same if I measure to the similar points on rear bumper. Anyone else see this after install? Measured BEFORE the lift - it was around 1/2" diff, so is that just body on chassis error - nothing I can do about it? From the rear, visually, it mostly looks level, but maybe I'm willing into place,:lmao: Really it doesn't look that bad. Any comments here might help me decide on bringing it back in for a another look. I even chose to move it to another pavement location to be sure there was no influencing tarmac factors.

3) Those are 265/60R18 Nitto Crossteks on the std Limited rims. They look a little small now. Believe me, I'll search, but any suggestions on tires (maybe even rims, so I can just keep the stocker setup whole) are appreciated!

4) I had them stick to the 2.5" setting from Toytec. As you can see from the pics, it added that for sure. I wonder if the OEM suspension was a little soft/settled (changed over time) more than new OEM setup - because it sure seems like it added more than the 2.5". Maybe others are smarter on this, but if Toytec designed there system, from a nominal, new setup - maybe going to their kit really boosted mine by a tad more, than 2.5?

Thanks to ARK and others here in answering my nooooooob questions and concerns before setting off on this path.

More to come...maybe a build thread?

Mike

 

[Desert Fox]

Mike,
This looks real good. I bet you feel the lift when you get in now. I am planning on the same setup on mine after the XREAS fail. Good to see it installed on 4Runner.

I have Daystar and it is a little lower on the driver side but it looks pretty level, nothing concerning for me.


You will feel more comfortable going down the trails now

 

[08t4rlimited]

I told them about xreas on the phone but then they asked what make and model I have...I should have done more...they are being good and people make mistakes..that's fine (kind of with me. Should I pay 700 for xreas or where is my money better spent??

 

[08t4rlimited]

I love the left and tires loos...just need some suspension...

 

[08t4rlimited]

 

[DannyLlama]

Long Term effect of lift - XREAS

To all who have XREAX and have done a lift while keeping the stock suspension.

What is the long term effect of installing a lift, in regards to springs/struts wearing out quicker or not riding as well.

I did try to read through the previous posts but did not find a long term review.

Thanks

 

[Desert Fox]

I told them about xreas on the phone but then they asked what make and model I have...I should have done more...they are being good and people make mistakes..that's fine (kind of with me. Should I pay 700 for xreas or where is my money better spent??

I dont plan to replace my XREAS with another set of XREAS. I am going with a coilover setup.
XREAS provide good stability and are better for on the road but I want something more suited for the trails.

I guess you need to look at how you plan on driving, that should give you a direction

good luck

 

[Desert Fox]

To all who have XREAX and have done a lift while keeping the stock suspension.

What is the long term effect of installing a lift, in regards to springs/struts wearing out quicker or not riding as well.

I did try to read through the previous posts but did not find a long term review.

Thanks

I have a Daystar lift for about a year now. There were 158000 miles on the suspension before I put on the Daystar spacer lift. Now I have 165000.

I have not noticed any wear.

I did have to replace the passenger side axel because it was leaking. Funny thing is it was not leaking before I took it to Toyota dealer for something. Then the mechanic brought me back to show me the leak. I cant prove he did it but it was not leaking before I went there.

 

[08t4rlimited]

I dont plan to replace my XREAS with another set of XREAS. I am going with a coilover setup.
XREAS provide good stability and are better for on the road but I want something more suited for the trails.

I guess you need to look at how you plan on driving, that should give you a direction

good luck

I moving to northern N Dakota...and drive 2 hours to works. I want to drive off road but that will be 20percent of total use.

 

[Desert Fox]

Is the shop capable of installing XREAS?

It is more then bolting on 2 controllers, lines and 4 shocks. The system gets pressurized at some point. I dont know when or how or with what equipment.
They may be making your decision easier.

 

[08t4rlimited]

Is the shop capable of installing XREAS?

It is more then bolting on 2 controllers, lines and 4 shocks. The system gets pressurized at some point. I dont know when or how or with what equipment.
They may be making your decision easier.

Good point, I have no idea...they just said they will replace the system and it is 698 in parts...They are a very reputable shop..but obviously not
Familiar with xreas

 

[mtncrawler]

Mike,
This looks real good. I bet you feel the lift when you get in now. I am planning on the same setup on mine after the XREAS fail. Good to see it installed on 4Runner.

I have Daystar and it is a little lower on the driver side but it looks pretty level, nothing concerning for me.


You will feel more comfortable going down the trails now

Thanks DF!

Yep, that's what I was looking for - a little more GC for those trails/mountain passes. GL on your eventual conversion!

Mike

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Ok new day more problems, another shop installed the lift but disconnected xreas!!!

They are going to all labor for free and parts at wholesale...

So would u just go back to xreas? Or something else now that I has free labor and wholsale pricing. Xreas will cost me 700 for everything.

Any better ideas?

Ok, so you brought your 4runner into a shop to do a spacer install. Your XREAS system was working perfectly when you drove it in. They accepted the job and then someone disconnected the XREAS system at the wrong connection point and released all the gas pressure out of the system. I don't see where you are responsible for paying for wholesale on a new XREAS system. It was working fine when you drove it in. That's great that they are offering to do the labor for free but I dont see where you should pay anything for a working XREAS system.

Having said that, I was never a fan of XREAS to begin with. It's definitely better then a stock 4runner without it. But still not great. Rather then pay 700 for a new XREAS system and spacers. If theres room for you to spend a little extra change, replace the entire system with a Toytec Ultimate 3" lift package.

This system will let you set your front height exactly where you want it. Not where the spacers decide. Plus you'll be running pure suspension and no spacers. If you do go with the toytec kit, don't bother ordering the differential drop kit, you won't need it on a 4th Gen.

Replacing the entire system with aftermarket will also save them time in labor. Removal and replacement of the XREAS controller and corresponding lines will be a nightmare for them. If you look at the the way the lines snake through the frame and criss cross from one side to the other you'll understand.

Good luck and post pics in the lift thread when you get it all straightened out.

 

[08t4rlimited]

Ok so I got my truck back with the new XREAS. The receipt shows 4 new absorbers. They were from the local Toyota dealership....

The truck does not seem to handle as well...however the last time I drove it it has highway tires on it and no lift...

Wouldn't they need to replace more than just the shocks....

 

[Desert Fox]

Do you know if the shocks are still charged?
It may be worth taking it to a Toyota dealer (provided you can trust one) and ask them to check it

 

[08t4rlimited]

Do you know if the shocks are still charged?
It may be worth taking it to a Toyota dealer (provided you can trust one) and ask them to check it

That I don't know...my impression of xreas is that it is a completely sealed setup...didn't think they could just buy xreas shocks and attach them...

 

[Desert Fox]

That I don't know...my impression of xreas is that it is a completely sealed setup...didn't think they could just buy xreas shocks and attach them...

The system is sealed. Guess you could tell if the lines and controllers are new or not.

There are close off valves in the system. I don't really know how this system is built to say if it gets charged after installed or before

 

[Dawg4Runner]

When they released the pressure in the lines, that included the pressure in controllers. In other words, the entire system was shot. They needed to replace everything, not just 4 shocks. By installing 4 new pressurized shocks onto depressurized controllers, they just blew 4 brand new shocks.

The only way to disassemble the system while retaining the pressure is to disconnect at the points where there are check valves. When disconnecting at the proper location, you should only lose one drop of oil (if any) at each connection.

Disconnecting XREAS

If memory serves correctly, MSRP on controllers, 299.00 each, rear shocks, 180.00 each and front shocks 140 each.

 

[08t4rlimited]

I found this in a Toyota document, not sure if it applies to me....

Precautions for Replacing X-REAS Parts —
Before removing or reinstalling a component, make sure that the front or rear shock absorber to which the component is connected is in the fully extended state.

An individual component may be replaced only when the system is repaired for the first time, provided that there is no oil leakage. During the second and subsequent repairs, the entire system (consisting of front shock absorbers, rear shock absorbers, center control absorbers, and tube assemblies) must be replaced as a unit, because of the likelihood of oil leakage from the joints.
For details, refer see the 2003 4Runner Repair Manual (Pub. No. RM1001U).

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Been on vacation for the last week and a half, haven't been able to check in/post lately. I'll try to catch all questions, if I miss something it's not intentional.

For 07-10 FJ's. Specifies on bottom of page--->Pro Comp Suspension Lift Systems - Toyota FJ Cruiser - Pro Comp K5074B - Truck Customizers

The shocks changed in 2012...so it's hard to say for certain. The 2010+ shocks can be modified to fit. I'd personally look into more proven options. If you're set on this, it *should* work.

Well..it's done. That was easy..on me..not the pocketbook.:lmao::lmao:

Toytec Ultimate 3" Kit with LR UCA's.

So as you already guessed, I had it installed locally. I applaud all you folks who do it yourself (as I do often on other projects) but I just didn't have the time this go around. Would have loved the learning experience though.

A couple of notes:
1) The ride so far is fantastic! Instead of the front drooping down now, it feels like the hood is more "in my face", which makes sense after leveling.

2) I'm a little concerned on the "levelness" from the rear. I measure under the wheel well and there is a full inch of difference from L to R. Same if I measure to the similar points on rear bumper. Anyone else see this after install? Measured BEFORE the lift - it was around 1/2" diff, so is that just body on chassis error - nothing I can do about it? From the rear, visually, it mostly looks level, but maybe I'm willing into place,:lmao: Really it doesn't look that bad. Any comments here might help me decide on bringing it back in for a another look. I even chose to move it to another pavement location to be sure there was no influencing tarmac factors.

3) Those are 265/60R18 Nitto Crossteks on the std Limited rims. They look a little small now. Believe me, I'll search, but any suggestions on tires (maybe even rims, so I can just keep the stocker setup whole) are appreciated!

4) I had them stick to the 2.5" setting from Toytec. As you can see from the pics, it added that for sure. I wonder if the OEM suspension was a little soft/settled (changed over time) more than new OEM setup - because it sure seems like it added more than the 2.5". Maybe others are smarter on this, but if Toytec designed there system, from a nominal, new setup - maybe going to their kit really boosted mine by a tad more, than 2.5?

Thanks to ARK and others here in answering my nooooooob questions and concerns before setting off on this path.

More to come...maybe a build thread?

Mike

Looks great Mike! Glad to hear the ride quality is good as well. It's pretty common for the driver side to be 1/2" to 1" lower than the passenger side. The rear driver side is quite a bit heavier due to the gas tank, battery, etc. I'd guess when you measured and had 1/2" it was low on gas, and now has a full tank. Just a guess there. Here's a thread discussing the issue and how people have handled it.
rear spacers? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I'm personally a huge fan of the stock 18's, I wouldn't ditch them. As for tires, there's not enough info to make a solid suggestion. Tons of great options, all depends on how you plan to use it. I really like the 275/65/18 size with that amount of lift.

There are tons of factors that can determine height, so their preset 2.5" is most likely never going to be exact. A v6 will get more lift than a v8 because it's lighter in the front. Same for a 2x4 vs a 4x4.

I told them about xreas on the phone but then they asked what make and model I have...I should have done more...they are being good and people make mistakes..that's fine (kind of with me. Should I pay 700 for xreas or where is my money better spent??

Even if you didn't mention xreas, I still see it as their fault. Since you did, I'd say the shop is most definitely at fault and should cover 100% of the repair cost.

To all who have XREAX and have done a lift while keeping the stock suspension.

What is the long term effect of installing a lift, in regards to springs/struts wearing out quicker or not riding as well.

I did try to read through the previous posts but did not find a long term review.

Thanks

I've not heard of any ill effects. Technically it does add stress but it really doesn't seem like it's a significant amount. I didn't keep my xreas long enough to comment from personal experience.

Ok so I got my truck back with the new XREAS. The receipt shows 4 new absorbers. They were from the local Toyota dealership....

The truck does not seem to handle as well...however the last time I drove it it has highway tires on it and no lift...

Wouldn't they need to replace more than just the shocks....

That I don't know...my impression of xreas is that it is a completely sealed setup...didn't think they could just buy xreas shocks and attach them...

When they released the pressure in the lines, that included the pressure in controllers. In other words, the entire system was shot. They needed to replace everything, not just 4 shocks. By installing 4 new pressurized shocks onto depressurized controllers, they just blew 4 brand new shocks.

The only way to disassemble the system while retaining the pressure is to disconnect at the points where there are check valves. When disconnecting at the proper location, you should only lose one drop of oil (if any) at each connection.

Disconnecting XREAS

If memory serves correctly, MSRP on controllers, 299.00 each, rear shocks, 180.00 each and front shocks 140 each.

Agree 100% with Dawg4Runner. I'm not an expert on the XREAS system so I could be wrong, but they should have replace the controllers also. I would highly suggest involving a Toyota tech at this point. If your not into major off roading, XREAS + a spacer lift is adequate and worth the fight. IMO they should be responsible for getting it fixed right, even if that means picking up the bill to have a dealer perform the repair.

There's not a ton of info on replacing the system that I've seen, as with most shops. I'm afraid that the shop just ruined the brand new XREAS shocks. I think you'd probably need proof from Toyota that they were incorrect in the repair procedure to prove to the shop they're wrong.