4th Gen XREAS Springs Question

[Flyingbread1]

Thank you guys for being here. I have read so many threads here that my head is spinning. I cannot believe how useless the Toyota dealerships have been in my area regarding XREAS :redbrick:. They will only replace with original factory XREAS, what a bunch of garbage. Most of the shops around here as well have to do some research, very few will even touch it, even the main 4x4 shop doesn't want to touch it. If I hear Strutmasters replacement suspension one more time I am going to scream:gun5:. Ok, rant over thanks for reading.

I have an amazing 2006 SE with XREAS and need new shocks after 140000 miles, probably needed since 120000 :target:. I am ditching the XREAS and have no plans to lift since I am an older guy now. The only question I can't seem to find the answer for is if I can keep my original coils/springs and what that would mean for my ride. Did they use different springs in the XREAS setup or are they the same as in the Limited? I have narrowed my replacement shocks down to either Bilstein HD's or OEM shocks for the 2006 limited for budget reasons. I will also look to upgrade my front sway bar bushings to poly as was recommended here. Any help regarding the springs would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pc1p]

Hey Flyingbread - I'm in the same boat as your for the most part. My 04 V8 Sport w/XREAS has worn and lightly (for now) leaking rear shocks.

To my knowledge, the springs between the XREAS and non-XREAS suspension are NOT different, the only difference in P/N's I see are for wheel-drive and engine configurations.

I will be replacing mine with Bilstein 5100's when it cools down here in Phoenix. I'll also be grabbing a set of MOOG FJ Springs to help give a bit more lift without being a true lift kit (mine is only 2WD and I mainly do desert rides and dirt roads)... just enough to fit some 265/70's underneath.

BTW, Toytec has a set of 5100's for $399 or less - which is about as cheap as AutoZone replacement shocks.

 

[OzarkRunner]

You should check out this thread, if you already haven't.
You certainly can keep the original springs and just change the shocks, but you might be slightly disappointed in the ride without updating your coils. In March, I swapped out my XREAS with 5100s (front set a 0.0" lift) and also put new Moog 4Runner coils in the front. I like the look (removes some of the rake, but not all), but am now wanting to also get new coils in the rear. It's not a bad ride, but I want just a little lift in the rear so that I can move the front shocks up to 0.85" of lift.

 

[Sporin]

I was just looking at RockAuto and you can get complete Moog FJC front strut/coil/mount assemblies ready to drop in for about $100 each. New coils and shocks for the rear are around the same.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1433267,parttype,15174

So let's say $400ish for all new FJ suspension to replace an old 4Runner Xreas. Am I understanding all if that correctly?

My 150k mile Xreas is definitely feign tired and I'd love to replace it with just a bit if lift over stock/new height. Mild off-roading, mostly road.

 

[Bossman]

My X-Reas failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km (or 85,750 miles). There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

In discussing options with my Toyota mechanic, he strongly advised not replacing the failed system with a new X-Reas system (cost prohibitive for one thing!).

I really didn't have the option (i.e., time!) of shopping around for shocks, so we installed the standard Toyota SR5 shocks. The coils were not changed.

Note: I have the Rear Air Suspension (RAS) with height control.

When my mechanic removed the X-Reas system, he left the lines on my 4Runner. He must have drained and sealed or capped off the lines somehow, because I have had no leaks from the failed system.

 

[ben550]

My X-Reas failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km (or 85,750 miles). There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

In discussing options with my Toyota mechanic, he strongly advised not replacing the failed system with a new X-Reas system (cost prohibitive for one thing!).

I really didn't have the option (i.e., time!) of shopping around for shocks, so we installed the standard Toyota SR5 shocks. The coils were not changed.

Note: I have the Rear Air Suspension (RAS) with height control.

When my mechanic removed the X-Reas system, he left the lines on my 4Runner. He must have drained and sealed or capped off the lines somehow, because I have had no leaks from the failed system.

I'd love to try that. I used to steer clear of SE's because of the xreas suspension but now id be willing to swap it out if/when it started leaking. The standard SR5 shocks would definitely be sufficient for me but the 5100s would be cool too.

 

[Flyingbread1]

My X-Reas failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km (or 85,750 miles). There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

In discussing options with my Toyota mechanic, he strongly advised not replacing the failed system with a new X-Reas system (cost prohibitive for one thing!).

I really didn't have the option (i.e., time!) of shopping around for shocks, so we installed the standard Toyota SR5 shocks. The coils were not changed.

Note: I have the Rear Air Suspension (RAS) with height control.

When my mechanic removed the X-Reas system, he left the lines on my 4Runner. He must have drained and sealed or capped off the lines somehow, because I have had no leaks from the failed system.

How was the ride with that setup? The MOOG strut assemblies look appealing too but there aren't any reviews of those that I can find.

 

[Flyingbread1]

I was just looking at RockAuto and you can get complete Moog FJC front strut/coil/mount assemblies ready to drop in for about $100 each. New coils and shocks for the rear are around the same.

2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly

So let's say $400ish for all new FJ suspension to replace an old 4Runner Xreas. Am I understanding all if that correctly?

My 150k mile Xreas is definitely feign tired and I'd love to replace it with just a bit if lift over stock/new height. Mild off-roading, mostly road.

This looks appealing and keep install cost down a bit. Have you found anyone using this setup?

 

[Bossman]

How was the ride with that setup? The MOOG strut assemblies look appealing too but there aren't any reviews of those that I can find.

The X-Reas being a cross-linked, closed system was definitely innovative as a suspension system for this heavy SUV. From my recollection, the system handled just fine. But the inability to properly repair/service components of the system is a huge drawback. If one shock leaks, you pretty much have to replace the entire system :O

As for the ride with the standard SR5 shocks, I can't say I noticed much of a difference. That is, the X-Reas did not completely outperform what the standard SR5 shocks are doing for me now.

Mainly city/highway driving, with a few dirt roads now and then. Ride comfort seems just fine to me.

 

[Flyingbread1]

You should check out this thread, if you already haven't.
You certainly can keep the original springs and just change the shocks, but you might be slightly disappointed in the ride without updating your coils. In March, I swapped out my XREAS with 5100s (front set a 0.0" lift) and also put new Moog 4Runner coils in the front. I like the look (removes some of the rake, but not all), but am now wanting to also get new coils in the rear. It's not a bad ride, but I want just a little lift in the rear so that I can move the front shocks up to 0.85" of lift.

How many miles were on your original springs? I am trying to figure out if it's worth getting new springs now since most of my cost is going to be in labor. Although the easier the better for my install since everyone is a bit concerned with the XREAS. I am actually considering a guy who posted his services on craigslist for the install but he will only install the assembled front struts which makes the Moogs a nice option.

 

[Sporin]

This looks appealing and keep install cost down a bit. Have you found anyone using this setup?

I have to dig through the stickied thread still.

 

[Flyingbread1]

As luck would have it someone posted set of front struts and rear shocks from a 2014 Tacoma TRD 4x4 in my local craigslist for $50.00 so I picked them up. I just read a thread that talks about the Tacoma suspension swap and at that price I am going to go for it. I'll need to change out the lower bushing on the rear shocks since they'll be going from a leaf spring Tacoma to my 2006 4R. I'll also need to pick up some rear springs from an FJ to match the lift that the Tacoma struts will give me. I've been reading a few positive reviews for the Moog rears. Sorry to abandon the original purpose for my post.

Rear: 81081 (sold as a pair; $42.97)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-81081

 

[Sporin]

This looks appealing and keep install cost down a bit. Have you found anyone using this setup?

From the Tacoma suspension swap thread, relevant to this discussion...

Moogs rear FJ coils won't fit into the groove on the axle. I should know because I took em off after I bought it and after I googled a little more and there was other members with the same problem. So I ended up with oem FJ coils. If I had to do it again I would skip the rear FJ because there was negligible difference in height and ride. Better to get rear spacers and set the Tacoma/ FJ front coils @1.75 for level look or stay with stock rears with Tacoma/FJ front set @.85 for a level look. I am currently @FJ rears with spacers and Taco coils on front [email protected]. Gives me a stock rake look which is better for loading cargos and headlight issues as the front lift a bit with cargo in the rear. Good luck!!

Sounds like new shocks, stock springs and a spacer is what's needed for the rear. Even cheaper!

Starting to think this is the budget way to go for me when the time comes to pull the Xreas.

 

[Cygan1008]

I have don't the Xreas to TRD Tacoma swap. The MOOG Fj Springs will need about 1/2" cut off of the end of the bottom to seat correctly or you could go with the moog 4runner coils which from what I have seen seem to fit better. The TRD Bilstien Tacoma suspension is a nice ride and handles very well. Front is direct swap and like stated above the rear just needs a bushing change, which is cake.

 

[Flyingbread1]

I have don't the Xreas to TRD Tacoma swap. The MOOG Fj Springs will need about 1/2" cut off of the end of the bottom to seat correctly or you could go with the moog 4runner coils which from what I have seen seem to fit better. The TRD Bilstien Tacoma suspension is a nice ride and handles very well. Front is direct swap and like stated above the rear just needs a bushing change, which is cake.

How much lift did you get in the front with the Tacoma TRD setup. I just picked up a set from a 2014 that will be installed next week. I am going with some OEM FJ rear springs paired with the rear Tacoma shocks. Can't wait to get rid of the shot XREAS.

 

[Cygan1008]

I don't have an exact because I had a Daystar lift before the tacoma swap with the toytec spacer I have now but you should see 1-1.5"

 

[TowMeOut]

Shock Hardware??

Hey folks,
Well, I just sourced some Tacoma TRD bits for an "upgrade" to my tired X-REAS system. Unfortunately, the previous owner wasn't quite as careful as I would have liked when boxing up the takeoff parts. I'm missing a rubber bushing from one of the rear shocks and all the hardware (washers, nut) from a front unit. Does anyone know if the mounting hardware from the stock Xreas units is the same size/shape as what I'll need on the Tacoma parts??

I already pressed out the bottom bushings from the rear units and have the new poly bushings on order. I went ahead and ordered new KYB top mounts for the front (just in case) so I think I'm covered up there except for the nut. I'm going to be a guinea pig and went with the AcDelco FJ rear springs. I couldn't pass up a good looking pair off Ebay for $35.

Except for the grunt work I'm hoping to have all the bits and pieces together by next weekend....of course the wife has a trip planned out of town so my project will wait.

 

[Bob22222]

As luck would have it someone posted set of front struts and rear shocks from a 2014 Tacoma TRD 4x4 in my local craigslist for $50.00 so I picked them up. I just read a thread that talks about the Tacoma suspension swap and at that price I am going to go for it. I'll need to change out the lower bushing on the rear shocks since they'll be going from a leaf spring Tacoma to my 2006 4R. I'll also need to pick up some rear springs from an FJ to match the lift that the Tacoma struts will give me. I've been reading a few positive reviews for the Moog rears. Sorry to abandon the original purpose for my post.

Rear: 81081 (sold as a pair; $42.97)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-81081

Your sport hopefully is a V6.

 

[StevenBMe]

Xreas Replacement

Hi, I'm a Newb to all of this I replaced my Xreas system with a Bilstien Shocks,bought new tires BFG KO2's 275x70x17 looks awesome but rides like crap. The tires feels too hard to me going over bumps at high speeds but may just be over inflated. They also seem to sway with imperfections in the road more then my stock tires did. I'm also experiencing pulling to the left when braking which appeared when I made the changes. Someone told me I should have also changed the coils as well but being a Newb I didn't know I needed to do that.

1. Removed Xreas System 2.Installed Bilstien 5100 3. installed BFG 275x70x17 can anyone tell me what I'm missing for better ride stability and comfort.

2007 Sports V8

 

[Bluesky 07]

Hi, I'm a Newb to all of this I replaced my Xreas system with a Bilstien Shocks,bought new tires BFG KO2's 275x70x17 looks awesome but rides like crap. The tires feels too hard to me going over bumps at high speeds but may just be over inflated. They also seem to sway with imperfections in the road more then my stock tires did. I'm also experiencing pulling to the left when braking which appeared when I made the changes. Someone told me I should have also changed the coils as well but being a Newb I didn't know I needed to do that.

1. Removed Xreas System 2.Installed Bilstien 5100 3. installed BFG 275x70x17 can anyone tell me what I'm missing for better ride stability and comfort.

2007 Sports V8

I can't comment on your 4Runner but what I learned while researching suspensions was that the springs are the primary component in determining the ride.

So considering that, my reasoning when I replaced my '07 Sport's X-REAS in December 2018 was that while they last a long time, my coils were 12 years old and at 149K, had carried 4500 lbs of SUV the equivalent of 6 times around the world. That's a good run. I also had one rear that was sagging so that kind of made the decision for me but either way, I was getting the coils too. Oh, and I knew I would always wonder how much better the ride would have been had I replaced the springs too. The setup I went with has been an absolutely golden upgrade.

So I agree with the someone who said that changing your springs along with everything else would have been a good choice.

Happy to answer any specific questions either here or in PMs.