Advice on RAS swap to coils/Bilstein 5100s

[theory6]

Looking at swapping my XREAS/RAS out as they have started to fail... the RAS is completely done for that matter.

I was curious if someone in here could help with my decision as I've read most of the articles about this conversion and want to make sure I know what I'm getting before a big purchase.

I have a 2003 4runner limited V8 and these are the parts I'm planning on buying to replace the RAS/XREAS:

GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Complete Kit

2003 4Runner OME Rear Springs

Bilstein 5100 Shocks:
33-187174
24-239370

It's hard to find parts as I live on an island, so I think I have to order everything online. If anyone has any input I'd appreciate it. One I order I'll put together a how-to w/ pics for anyone else interested in doing it.

 

[slotoyo]

Didn't go with the rear coil set-up for mine but with the 3/2 boss lift kit from toytec it haven't had any real issues on island. Where in Oahu are you? Swap was easy just took some time doing by myself.

 

[theory6]

Stationed at joint base. Yeah trying to decide in lift or not as well. The 4Runner I picked up has a lot of frame rust, had to swap our steering gear box and a few other pieces because of rust... Another subject I'm researching. Haven't found any major holes in the frame though so that's a plus

 

[paraordnance]

Looking at swapping my XREAS/RAS out as they have started to fail... the RAS is completely done for that matter.

I was curious if someone in here could help with my decision as I've read most of the articles about this conversion and want to make sure I know what I'm getting before a big purchase.

I have a 2003 4runner limited V8 and these are the parts I'm planning on buying to replace the RAS/XREAS:

GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Complete Kit

2003 4Runner OME Rear Springs

Bilstein 5100 Shocks:
33-187174
24-239370

It's hard to find parts as I live on an island, so I think I have to order everything online. If anyone has any input I'd appreciate it. One I order I'll put together a how-to w/ pics for anyone else interested in doing it.

Hi. I ordered Toytec Ultimate kit and the exact same conversion GX470 kit from MetalTech 4x4 (the guys there are awesome to deal with!) and planning to swap it all out by next weekend. If you read up on X-REAS removal and RAS delete threads here and on toyota120, should be a smooth sailing. Besides shocks I think you still need a new coils if you remove airbags, at least at the rear. There is many choices to go with. FJ coils seems to be popular and cheapest. Are you re-using your front coil over assembly with new Bilsteins?

 

[theory6]

You know, I didn't even think of what to do in the front. I'd like to make it an easy swap, so I should probably go with pre assembled front coil overs. Any suggestions with what parts I've already listed?

Paraordnance- Now that I look at it, I may do something similar.... seems fairly easy and I would have had to order from several different sites in order to get what I wanted (some sites had back orders).

 

[slotoyo]

Stationed at joint base. Yeah trying to decide in lift or not as well. The 4Runner I picked up has a lot of frame rust, had to swap our steering gear box and a few other pieces because of rust... Another subject I'm researching. Haven't found any major holes in the frame though so that's a plus

Oh nice i work on base and live almost next to it. As for the fronts pre-assembled coilovers are something i usually prefer which is why i went with the Toytec kit but from reading http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html would be your best bet in deciding what would best suit you.

 

[ktoneitne]

I'd like to make it an easy swap, so I should probably go with pre assembled front coil overs.

 

[Bob J]

You might want to check with ARK_SWAMP_RIDER..... He converted his RAS but ended up changing back....

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/98403-a_s_rs-build-thread-19.html

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Front/rear shocks, rear coils, and the conversion kit should be everything you need. I'd go with the new front coils, assembling them isn't too difficult or as mentioned several vendors offer them assembled (Wheelers and Toytec are two I know offer this).

When I swapped mine originally the MT kit wasn't available, that's the only reason I used the fabricated brackets.I went back to air bags but not because of issues with the swap, just changed directions with my build.