Are these xreas shocks gone?

[shahsmerdis]

Some thoughts:

If the shocks are not leaking, then they should be ok. Having that said, those shocks are in terrible shape but don't appear to be leaking. Yet. Give it time, it will. You should be shopping shocks (or the alternative and have them replaced. I did.)

Many replace the XREAS with Billys. I had billys (5100) on my Grand Cherokee and loved them for about a week. The ride was very stiff, but the handling was great. Maybe I'm getting old, but the ride was becoming jarring. YET, on the forum (jeepsunlimited), everyone thought they were the second coming. So, shop wisely on what shock you want to get. Do some research before you commit.

Things to remember on XREAS: They are crossed linked and if you replace one, you have to replace the one that is across from it as well. AND it can only be replaced once. A second replacement requires a replacement of the whole system.

Thanks for this post!

So just to summarize and just to be absolutely sure what my decisions are. (Pardon my ignorance, I'm indecisive and new to this). Note these are for a daily driver who drives slowly. Probably in all honest won't notice the difference any option we choose, even if there are no shocks =P. If I get better/similar performance by doing more research I'd be happy!

1) if i don't see any liquid around the shocks, then they aren't leaking and most likely OK but due to all the rust on these shocks are probably on its last life?

2) If i want to swap out to standard shocks, I can keep the existing springs, and just swap out with standard shock (B 5100's for example) for say 300-400$ and be done with it.

3) an additional aftermarket swap of coils will give me better offroad performance. the car is 90% on the road. our drive way is dirt road, but that is for only 1000 feet, and if its a little shakey that really won't make difference.

4) for first time replacement I can just swap out the XREAS shocks without touching the system. (Still expensive)

5) What I have gathered, based on 10+ threads, What is considered better performance in comparison to XREAS is subjective. Everyone has a opinion on what is truly better than XREAS shocks can only be determined by actually trying it out and seeing what you like an don't like. this is not practical. Again, daily driver that isn't too keen on performance, once every few months I drive the car and push the V8 .

After writing this post, I think I answered my own question and I think the cheapest reliable solution is the best. But please let me know if i can have a cake and eat it too (Speaking of cake, I'm going to go have some)

Thanks

 

[shahsmerdis]

Hey guys,

Just to confirm,

If im reading the manual correctly, to swap out all xreas shocks you can just remove disconnect the xreas system between the two check valves, put in the new xreas shock and be good to go right? providing there are no leaks?

Thanks.

 

[ChaosStarter]

Hey guys,

Just to confirm,

If im reading the manual correctly, to swap out all xreas shocks you can just remove disconnect the xreas system between the two check valves, put in the new xreas shock and be good to go right? providing there are no leaks?

Thanks.

Correct.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Correct.

Thanks! based on that seems like its a straight forward swap! Going to have shop evaluate the shocks in next weekend. and see what they say

the suspension has harsher on bumpy roads lately, of what I'm reading, this is typical of xreas? Or just typical of 10 year old shocks. Are there any other ways to check the suspension?

Ill show him posts from people's write ups of swaps and see if he can do it.

 

[pjbrownva]

Hey guys,

Just to confirm,

If im reading the manual correctly, to swap out all xreas shocks you can just remove disconnect the xreas system between the two check valves, put in the new xreas shock and be good to go right? providing there are no leaks?

Thanks.

Can I piggy back with just one question.

I just learned that my left front xreas shock IS leaking fluid.

Does that mean that I basically have two options:

1) Replace left front xreas, right rear xreas, AND the gas chamber part that connects them

or

2) Ditch xreas all together and replace all 4 shocks with something else?

I've spent a few hours reading threads here and on some related forums, and I'm still a little unclear...

I think this question is appropriate here (rather than a hi-jack), because it can help further clarify the issue for me and for others down the line re: the larger issue of what are your options if you have an xreas failure.

-Phil

 

[CookieRoe]

1) Replace left front xreas, right rear xreas, AND the gas chamber part that connects them
or
2) Ditch xreas all together and replace all 4 shocks with something else?

-Phil

1) No, just replace 2 shocks, not the middle hydraulic pump (you call "gas chamber). The middle HP must be replaced one its corresponding shocks has been replaced once.
2) completely discard the entire system.