Best Replacement Shocks when removing the XREAS?

[DocMT]

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?

XREAS is designed to corner flatter (less body lean) around curves/turns because the shocks are hydraulically cross linked. That's the whole idea of XREAS in the first place--it allows the vehicle to corner flatter without having a stiff/firm ride. And that's what I love about it.

The 5100s & FJ springs make the ride more harsh (firmer) than the stock XREAS setup. I don't like a firm ride on my SUV...I'd rather keep it soft and comfortable. I'll keep the firmer ride for my car, which is designed for performance, not comfort.

That's why I'll switch over to the Limited shocks when my XREAS shocks need to be replaced. I'll lose the flatter cornering, but I'll retain the nice stock ride quality.

 

[DocMT]

With the stock suspension, it bottoms out easily..

I don't think I've ever once bottomed out my stock suspension. There's a lot of suspension travel on our 4Runners and you'd have to have extremely soft springs to bottom out the suspension. Either that, or you have to hit something very hard to bottom out. That's never once happened to me in the 7 years I've owned my 4th gen. Maybe your springs were shot if you were bottoming out.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Plenty of guys here will agree with me on the improved ride after the swap. I think you're the only one I've seen describe it as harsh. To me all the small bumps on the road are no longer felt which makes for a smoother ride. Things like speed bumps are much better than with the stock xreas.

 

[12guns]

I agree w/ arkswamprider on this one. He's right on. I drove my 05' Sport for nearly a year w/ the stock Xreas, then swapped to Bilstein's w/ FJ coils.
I've said it before somewhere, but the FJ springs are the key for the better ride-although the 5100's may help some. I compare them to my dad's F-150 Lariat which is smooooth as silk. The FJ springs seem to have more "cush" for the first inch or so of compression, then they get firmer. So like was just said, they ARE smoother for daily driving and only get "harsh" on large speed bumps or extremely rough roads. I will never go back to the stock coils. Even my wife says it's smoother w/ the new settup, and she doesn't notice much! Just my opinion, but I think there are plenty that have done the swap that will agree.

 

[sgvnut]

Does anybody have any experience on how this 5100/fj combo compares to the 3" OME springs and struts combo?

 

[DocMT]

Plenty of guys here will agree with me on the improved ride after the swap. I think you're the only one I've seen describe it as harsh. To me all the small bumps on the road are no longer felt which makes for a smoother ride. Things like speed bumps are much better than with the stock xreas.

The ride is more harsh when it comes to riding over bumps/holes or any other impacts. A stiffer spring will always result in a harsher ride. The only exception to that is a progressive rate spring, but we're not talking about that here.

I prefer the soft ride of the stock setup over the firmer ride of the 5100s & FJ springs. That's all I'm saying. When I got back into my 4Runner, it felt like I was going from a sports car to a Caddy in terms of ride quality.

 

[4Runner8]

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!

lots of ppl say that a full OME kit handles better then the stock XREAS. kit comes in at around 800 bucks and it will lift and level your runner nicely

 

[CXS]

I'm a fan of OME and will be installing my OME shocks in place of the X-REAS on Friday. With 115k on it I think it'll go right in the trash. I already have the OME springs so spent just under $500 for the shocks.

 

[Champ306]

thanks for the input. I will look at OME. I would want a 2.5/1.5 lift in any event as I would like to change tires to 255/75-17's any way.

 

[4Runner8]

thanks for the input. I will look at OME. I would want a 2.5/1.5 lift in any event as I would like to change tires to 255/75-17's any way.

sounds like OME would be perfect for ya then :wink2:

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[CXS]

I highly recomend Cruiser Outfitters, talk to Kurt - best customer service out there.

Cruiser Outfitters

 

[waw9667]

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!

I am getting ready to disconnect the XREAS and go with the Bilstein 5100/FJ spring combo. Would you recommend the FJ spring all the way around or just in the rear? Also, can anyone recommend a link to where I could purchase this equipment?

 

[CXS]

I did mine at about 120K and now have the OME springs & shocks which I really like. I'm apparently in the minority but know too many people that have had bad experiences with Bilstein's so-called warranty . I really like my ride and handling but I like a stiff ride and drive off-road a lot so that's my primary consideration. The change after removing the X-REAS was dramatic and much improved.

 

[hkollie1]

Doing the swap at 135K, can I use my daystar spacers?

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the experience and advice

I have ordered some FJ springs from a good dude on the FJ site.
I was going to put in the Bilsteins 5100's

When I tear off my XREAS can I re-use my Daystar 1.5 lift spacers??

I put in the Daystar lift on front and rear with Lance about 5 yrs ago and have loved it.

Kevin

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Use the bilsteins for lift on the front, but you can use a rear spacer for lift. You can use a front spacer, no sense in it though because you can lift with the shocks.

 

[Whitebeauty]

i was gonna say something but i see u got Ark on here.. thats pretty much all the 411 u need he knows, hes been through a few sets himself figuring it out... he'll tell ya

 

[Dkon82]

Can anyone explain what the difference in ride quality would be between the OME springs vs. the FJ's (assuming a similar stiffness was chosen and both with the 5100s). They both seem to be top picks. What are their pros and cons in comparison to one another?
Thanks!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Ome is much more stiff. I prefer this, others may not. I like the ome because I have way less body roll and nose dive. The omes are nice because they provide more lift and can handle extra weight like bumpers ave such. I think overall ride quality the 5100/fj setup is better. I switched from that to omes, don't regret it at all though. I'm very picky though, and the benefits listed above outweigh a stiffer ride imo. The rideis definitely stiffer, but still not harsh.

 

[Dkon82]

Thanks ARK for the comparison. That was exactly what I was looking for in an answer!!

 

[4RunnERD]

I have read a lot of people say that the ride quality with FJ springs and Bilsteins is better than the stock XREAS, but how about cornering and body roll? I love how level my Sport stays will making sharp turns and exiting long sweeping off ramps.