Best Replacement Shocks when removing the XREAS?

[zerowkul98]

Our '03 Sport Edition V8 has the original XREAS suspension system.

As far as I know, it's all still fully functional. Ive had the Toyota techs check it out in case it needs replacing every time it goes in for a service or oil change.

My question to you all is what is the BEST replacement for the 4Runners that are looking to replace the XREAS system (simply because replacing it with NEW XREAS system is just plain ridiculously expensive!).

Thanks!

 

[jayjaytuner]

bilstein 5100's. fj springs....

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

All depends on what you do with the 4runner. For a lot of off road, the FJ spring/Bilstein 5100 setup wouldn't do good at all compared to coilovers. However, mostly on road coilovers are overkill and the fj spring/5100 combo rocks.

 

[12guns]

I second the Bilstein 5100's and FJ coils. Hands down better ride than my stock springs w/ XREAS. And you can get the desired "level" look that helps the 4runners by raising the front end slightly. The FJ springs will help minimize the rear sag as well. Search for FJ springs or Bilstein and you'll find lots of reading on it.

 

[zerowkul98]

Cool.

I see from the Bilstein website, the shocks are about 140-150 bucks each, but how much for the springs? Did you go with OEM FJ Toyota Springs?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You can get the shocks for under $200 a pair. yes, we are using oem fj springs and they make a big difference. Price depends on what kind of deal you run across. I got mine free, others have paid up to $100 for the set.

 

[zerowkul98]

Free?!? How'd you do that??

And $100 for OEM springs? Dude, there aint much you can get at a Toyota Parts Desk for $100! Touch up paint....a couple wiper blade replacements...maybe a quart of non-synthetic oil...

 

[glock56534]

Free?!? How'd you do that??

And $100 for OEM springs? Dude, there aint much you can get at a Toyota Parts Desk for $100! Touch up paint....a couple wiper blade replacements...maybe a quart of non-synthetic oil...

Most people don't buy new OEM FJ springs. Many FJ owners replace their OEM suspension with an aftermarket suspension and then have no use for the shocks and coils. Some just want to free up space in their garage or get rid of them fairly cheap, others want to make a profit from the demand from us 4Runner owners.

Many 4Runner owners love what the FJ coils and/or shocks do for their 4Runner and it is probably the most inexpensive suspension mod that you can do.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sorry, should have clarified. You don't wanna price them new, it's outrageous as most OEM parts are. I priced them at one point and think it was over $500 new. FJ guys are pulling their suspensions to go aftermarket, and we're getting ours from them. If you're lucky, you can find a set with under 10k miles that are just as good as new. I was one of the first (that I'm aware of) to do the FJ swap. At the time, there was no demand, and the FJ guys just wanted to get rid of them, so finding them real cheap/free was easy. Now, the FJ swap is becoming very popular and the FJ guys have caught on, so they're asking way more for the parts. Best place to find them is Toyota FJ Cruiser Community, craigslist, ebay, or maybe a local FJ forum is you've got one (I know there's one in CA that always has some listed cheap).

 

[gm350reratliff]

Another vote for the Bilstein 5100/FJ spring combo.

 

[bigwebb83]

I noticed someone said that the fj/billstein combo wasn't good for offroad... Is this extreme off road or any offroad? My 4runner is 99% an onroad vehicle. But I do plan to take it through the mud every once in a while and maybe even some rocky trails.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Extreme, and that's for any normal shock or strut. If you're a hard core off roader you'll need coilovers, but for mild off road use the bilsteins are fine.

 

[Jerrydog]

Can you run the 5100's with the stock 4runner springs?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yes, no problems at all with OEM springs. Some have switched to the FJ OEM springs because they have some added benefits (less sag when towing, less nose dive, smoother ride) over the stock 4runner springs, but you don't have to switch.

 

[Champ306]

What is the life expendancy of the XREAS? I have 144K on mine and it still seems to be totally fine. I do like the way it handles. but wondered, there has to be a day when something gives out, and the big "now what"? I love Bilsteins, and dont mind messing with springs, but I dont want to give up sporty handling as there is not a straight road where I live. thanks!

 

[DocMT]

If you are looking to retain the soft stock ride that you had with your XREAS system, avoid the 5100s and the FJ springs. I recently rode in a 4Runner with that set-up and it had a much stiffer ride than my 4Runner with XREAS. The difference was night and day.

When my XREAS shocks need to be replaced, I'll probably buy a shock equivalent to the OEM shocks on the non-XREAS version of the Limited. There's no way I'm getting the 5100s after feeling how they make the 4Runner ride.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

There's no "life expectancy". Guys have had them last anywhere from 50k to 150k miles, it can go at any time. Examine the shocks for any type of leak as that's the easiest sign of them going out.

Yes, the 5100/FJ setup is "stiffer" but IMO it greatly improves the ride quality. It's not too stiff or harsh. I've rode in one with the swap and then got back into mine (143k miles on my stock XREAS) and as Doc said, it was night and day. Only difference is I liked the 5100's WAY better (I already have FJ springs, and those alone were a nice improvement). I'll be making the swap myself as soon as I can get some extra funds.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

There's no "life expectancy". Guys have had them last anywhere from 50k to 150k miles, it can go at any time. Examine the shocks for any type of leak as that's the easiest sign of them going out.

Yes, the 5100/FJ setup is "stiffer" but IMO it greatly improves the ride quality. It's not too stiff or harsh. I've rode in one with the swap and then got back into mine (143k miles on my stock XREAS) and as Doc said, it was night and day. Only difference is I liked the 5100's WAY better (I already have FJ springs, and those alone were a nice improvement). I'll be making the swap myself as soon as I can get some extra funds.

I am confused by the word ride quality. To me that means a nice smooth ride yet you say they are stiffer. Do you mean it corners better?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

What year FJ springs?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

With the stock suspension, it bottoms out easily. A stiffer suspension helps absorb these types of bumps and you don't feel it at all. You're right with my thoughts, smoother ride is better ride quality IMO. The 5100/FJ setup is undoubtedly smoother than my stock XREAS. Another member here has the 5100/FJ setup and is from the same town as me. I've met up with him on several occasions and rode with him, every time I can't help but notice how much smoother/nicer the ride is on his.

All springs (you want 4wd springs) all the same regardless of trim (base, trail teams, or trd) on all 07-09 FJ's. They are a direct swap, no modification need. The 2010 springs, based on what I've read here, are beefier and still a direct swap. I'm not sure if you get more lift with the 2010's or not, only one member that I'm aware of has done that swap. 2010 shocks require modification to fit, whereas the 07-09's don't. Lift amount varies depending on your drivetrain and engine, see last link in my sig for info on that.