5th Gen Limited X-REAS Leak - Options?

[CA417PC]

So my 5th Gen X-REAS is leaking. My runner is a 2012 with 80,000 miles.
I called the dealership, and definitely don't want to replace my current setup.

I've read through several threads and saw that most people recommend the Bilstein 5100s. My question is, do the Limited and SR5 share springs?

I drive mostly on the road, but do take monthly trips to mild off-road areas for Scouts. I don't think I want to lift my 4Runner, but I also don't want to spend money twice to get it fixed right.

Should I replace my springs? I never noticed severe nosediving, but I've only driven with the X-REAS.
I have considered the OME suspension, but I just want something that will offer a good ride and last a long time.

Thanks for the help!

 

[DannyLlama]

I'm replacing my suspension soon if you are interested in a lightly used set.
The dealer just replaced mine 2 or 3 months ago, under warranty.

Do you have an extended warranty by any chance? Also what "stage" is the leak, you may have some time to make a decision. It's usually a slow leak unless you put a hole through one of the lines.

 

[CA417PC]

It's a slow leak, coming past the seals. I'm not in a huge rush, I just want to make sure I fix it right.

I think for future's sake I'd rather just get rid of the XREAS, unless there is a compelling reason to keep it. It sounds like a lot of people have issues with it, of course those without problems probably aren't looking at these threads....

 

[DannyLlama]

They aren't the most robust. Mine have been replaced under warranty a few times. Though, I haven't seen too many complaints. I have heard of people not replacing their shocks (xreas) until over 100k, mostly on the 4th gen. Check the 4th gen section for more XREAS info since they've had them on there much longer.

 

[Jhalko]

I'd just get the bilsteins and call it good.

 

[TravelWest01]

You won't miss it. Put some decent shocks, like the Billsteins and don't look back.

 

[CA417PC]

Thanks for the help.
You guys rock....as usual.
I've been lurking on this forum for years, I don't know why I didn't join sooner.

 

[diverscale]

I'll be honest, I loved the X-REAS system. Nice ride, could drive any decent speed without huge body roll. Would have used it untill it was due for a change.

But when I looked at the system under the truck, and in the maintenance manual, I thought to myself that this thing will be a REAL pain to service once due.

X-REAS is a 6 shocks system, with 2 of the shocks being under the truck, totally in contact with corrosive elements. My 2 central shock ''quick disconnect'' fittings were already totally corroded/rusted beyond repair after only 3 winters.

If your system is leaking, you also have to service (change) the 2 central shocks since they are also losing oil through the leak since all the shocks, including the central shocks, are a interconnected hydraulic system.

Now, do I think bilstein shocks will give you this nice high-speed-car-like-ride? No. At the end of this looooong curve, you will have as much body roll as a non-X-REAS truck. This is my theory though, I have not tried a 4runner with bilstein shocks. Also, available stiffer springs (which could reduce body roll), AFAIK, will also give you a lift, hurting the road handling at high speed. But to be honest, I would totally give up X-REAS for easier maintenance, and better quality suspension overall, and accept a bit more body-roll at higher speed, since -it's a truck-.

I have not searched on this, but a OME set of springs with bilstein shocks seems veeeeeery interresting, much cheaper, and much easier

 

[CA417PC]

I have not searched on this, but a OME set of springs with bilstein shocks seems veeeeeery interresting, much cheaper, and much easier

I have been considering the OME setup. I don't necessarily want a lift, but the OME springs/shocks have long been known for their excellent ride on the previous ten 4Runners. I haven't seen much feedback for the 5th gen however.

I am also worried about the possibility of nose-diving after changing to the Bilsteins.

It sucks, because I just bought new tires yesterday, and if I lift I might need bigger ones.

 

[perkdog258]

I am at 60K on my 2011 and I feel you here. I have often wondered what I would do if the XREAs died. I know some of the guys on here rave about the ICON setup being better than stock.

As for the tire part...I know it is hard but try to remember if you end up with a little lift you do not HAVE to get new rims and tires. It just looks better if you do. :behindsofa:

I do feel ya though. If I got a lift I would want to change to 17's and get some nice AT tires on the 4rnr. I think it would cause me a lot of endless nights of sleep leaving them stock so I do understand the worry here.

Did the dealer give you a quote to fix the stock setup? I have read some guys get ridiculous quotes to fix the system when they want to go back to stock. Either way would love to know how you make out since I will be in the same boat in a few years thanks to all the salt up here.

 

[phillyd2]

Replaced (ripped out and tosses) my XREAS pretty early in the process but for mainly pavement driving I really liked them. From what I remember it’s a closed system that would be costly to repair – your dealer can confirm / deny.

If replacing then Bilstein 5100 are a logical choice. Even if you don’t want a lift you may want to consider leveling it out some. I was also a big fan of the SAW 1.5” rear coils but that would give you a slight lift – less of an issue if you do want to level it out. Keeping the OEM springs would not be an issue if they are still in good shape.

If you were happy with XREAS then I’m pretty sure you would find the OME suspension too harsh in comparison.

 

[TravelWest01]

I have been considering the OME setup. I don't necessarily want a lift, but the OME springs/shocks have long been known for their excellent ride on the previous ten 4Runners. I haven't seen much feedback for the 5th gen however.

I am also worried about the possibility of nose-diving after changing to the Bilsteins.

It sucks, because I just bought new tires yesterday, and if I lift I might need bigger ones.

That's the danger of this forum- now you are thinking about doing a lift! The OME lift is great, but it is designed for off-road use. I had been bottoming out my stock suspension on the dirt roads in Johnson valley and with OME I just cruise. For me, any trade off for a harsher ride on-road is no big deal. I did go with heavy duty coils because of ARB bumper and so I could haul all my stuff camping. This minimizes roll, but of course isn't the best when going over a speed bump at low speed. Bottom line, OME good, but remember it is designed for off-road use.

 

[CookieRoe]

my two cents

Now, do I think bilstein shocks will give you this nice high-speed-car-like-ride? No. At the end of this looooong curve, you will have as much body roll as a non-X-REAS truck.

I have not searched on this, but a OME set of springs with bilstein shocks seems veeeeeery interresting, much cheaper, and much easier

My XREAS took a dump on me last year. I was faced with replacing all 4 shocks or getting OEM "regular" shocks. I loved how it handles on the highway and the flatter cornering it provides. Too bad they don't last very long. On 4th gens, they go about 100-150K miles before "going on strike permanently". Anyway, I decided to replace with another XREAS. It was pricey, but I am happy. When these shock eventually die, I might even purchase a new XREAS system and install it with a friend (and save some bucks and drink some beers).

I had Bilsteins on my Grand Cherokee after the original ones failed state inspection. I love them for about week. My wife hated the very hard ride and it became annoying to me. Especially in a Jeep when having a stiff ride exasperates the rattles in the interior. Maybe I'm going old, I dunno, but I like the soft ride one the highway and the "stiff" cornering.

 

[diverscale]

When these shock eventually die, I might even purchase a new XREAS system and install it with a friend (and save some bucks and drink some beers).

You will also have to replace the 2 center dampers, since they will also have lost oil in the leaking process. This is where the job get shitty. Totally doable, but lets say I would make it less complicated by also buying the hydraulic lines/fittings (the lines are pre-filled)

 

[CA417PC]

Once again, thanks to everyone for the input.

Further research has me seriously considering the Fox coilovers.
I think it would give me more options in the future.
I wouldn't mind a stiffer ride, the 5th gen LTD doesn't feel like a truck compared to my 3rd gens. I really liked the way those felt.

 

[CookieRoe]

You will also have to replace the 2 center dampers, since they will also have lost oil in the leaking process. This is where the job get shitty. Totally doable, but lets say I would make it less complicated by also buying the hydraulic lines/fittings (the lines are pre-filled)

Yep, thats what I meant when I said system. Including the lines , 4
Shocks, 2 "center shocks" and other necessary hardware. Pretty sure there are instructions on how to properly install them without leaking fluid. I'm in the extreme minority on this issue unless of course I can find shocks that perform like the xreas do.

 

[diverscale]

Yep, thats what I meant when I said system. Including the lines , 4
Shocks, 2 "center shocks" and other necessary hardware. Pretty sure there are instructions on how to properly install them without leaking fluid. I'm in the extreme minority on this issue unless of course I can find shocks that perform like the xreas do.

All the lines and the shocks are equipped with quick disconnect that do not leak when disconnected or while connecting them fortunatly!

 

[CookieRoe]

All the lines and the shocks are equipped with quick disconnect that do not leak when disconnected or while connecting them fortunatly!

Really? That's a pleasant surprise. I always wondered how to installed a system that is in many pieces and not leak a drop.

 

[rigtec]

​

"I'll be honest, I loved the X-REAS system. Nice ride, could drive any decent speed without huge body roll..."

"I have been considering the OME setup. I don't necessarily want a lift, but the OME springs/shocks have long been known for their excellent ride..".

"I am at 60K on my 2011 and I feel you here. I have often wondered..."

Gentlemen...

I've made it a point to quote all of your names because your thoughts, projection, and 'Points Of View' are so well developed on this subject that I thought it only proper to acknowledge and document them; for this I say... Thank you so much!

My feeling towards X-REAS are much the same. I can remember having this same conversation with myself a couple of years ago when it occured to me... "whatever will I do if/when my shocks start to leak...?" I really love the way the 'Limited Edition' handles on-road; particularly at highway speeds e.g., 75, 85, 90 mph ...and on curves! This is where the slightly oversized '275/55 R20' Good*Year Eagle LS-2 start to engage with the combination of x-reas components, and that's where a far more sophisticated road management dynamic begins to work!

PS: "I wish 'Bilstein' or 'ICON' would develop a product like X-REAS; just a little bit more rugged and less expensive!" Thanks for your ideas folks, you've been very helpful!"

Greg

 

[mattr]

Once again, thanks to everyone for the input.

Further research has me seriously considering the Fox coilovers.
I think it would give me more options in the future.
I wouldn't mind a stiffer ride, the 5th gen LTD doesn't feel like a truck compared to my 3rd gens. I really liked the way those felt.

There aren't a lot of guys running the Fox setup here in comparison to the Icons, but coming from X-REAS I have been really happy with the Fox system. I did the DSC adjusters mostly because I was worried about ending up with a ride that was either too hard or soft and then regretting the move from X-REAS. I've been able to dial in the on-road ride I wanted exactly and when I do go offroad I adjust things a few clicks and it really smooths out the washboard roads. Like all opinions, suspension stuff is really subjective when it comes to ride feel.