agree to disagree. the bilsteins are an absolute driving upgrade to xreas. i won't even get into the quality of the shock body itself either. go bilstein. well done.
Best replacement shocks?
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
agree to disagree. the bilsteins are an absolute driving upgrade to xreas. i won't even get into the quality of the shock body itself either. go bilstein. well done.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
That looks great, exactly what I want!!! I'm guessing you're at ~1.5 inches of lift with that setup (am I close?). The second notch up on the shocks should be 1.75 inches of lift, so it'll be very close if I don't go with the FJC springs. Thanks for posting the pics.
ben550
New member
Bringing this back from the dead...
My XREAS system has reached the end of its long 163,000 mile life. Time to look for new shocks/struts/springs.
I do not have the time or desire to mess with the front struts and springs, so I am considering the KYB quick struts as a front with KYB shocks and Moog springs on the back.
More Information for KYB SR4131
I want to keep the stock height and close to stock ride feel. The only reason I am not considering bilstein 4600's is because I don't want to mess with the springs in the front, and I think the springs need to be replaced as well due to the mileage.
Thoughts? I never intend to lift this truck.
How did yours turn out did you go with KYB up front? How did they hold up?
Parker1938
Member
Im looking to do the same with the KYB quick strut. Any feedback from someone who's gone this route would be much appreciated.
ben550
New member
Wanted to drop an update. I did the swap. I removed the original XREAS system and installed new KYB struts/shocks with Moog springs in the rear. I used the KYB complete strut plus assembly More Information for KYB SR4131 for the front and paired the moog springs with the KYB rear shocks.
I could not be happier with the ride. It drives like a dream! I cant believe the difference in ride quality. I kept everything stock. My wife drove it and commented on how nice it drives now. It feels like a new truck.
I also recently did the sway bar bushings upgrade but changing the shocks was what really improved the ride. I wish I had done this swap earlier.
Hi Ben...looking to do the same thing to my 2003.
I see you went with the KYB SR4130/SR4131, for the front.
What exactly did you go with, for the rear?
Your help would be awesome!
UPDATE: Actually, I just found your info, in another thread. Thanks!
Here's the thread, for anyone looking for it, too... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/199146-xreas-replacement-whats-simplest-solution.html
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ben550
New member
Glad you found it. I knew I had posted it somewhere. I bought the parts and had my local shop do the swap for me. They said it was simple. I had wanted to try it myself but just didn't have the time to do all 4 corners in one shot... which is what you have to do since they are paired together. I have been very happy with the swap.
Ok...everything has been changed out...and rides great!!
Sits a little higher, due to the springs...and I like it a lot.
Also changed out both front wheel bearings, as one was starting to make noise.
Slapped some new sneakers on, too...that I had ordered last year.
This thing is like new now!!
But, looking to replace it soon. Looking to pickup an FJ Cruiser.
My son will probably end up with the 4Runner.
Thanks for the info...this was a great option to replace the XREAS system.
Sits a little higher, due to the springs...and I like it a lot.
Also changed out both front wheel bearings, as one was starting to make noise.
Slapped some new sneakers on, too...that I had ordered last year.
This thing is like new now!!
But, looking to replace it soon. Looking to pickup an FJ Cruiser.
My son will probably end up with the 4Runner.
Thanks for the info...this was a great option to replace the XREAS system.
Not sure exactly what it was before the change...and not exactly sure where you should measure from.
But, I measured from the ground up to the top opening of the wheel well (outside edge).
I came up with 35-1/8"H in front...and 35-3/8"H in rear. Does this make sense? So, 1/4" higher in the rear.
jamesewells
Member
When you order the KYB (or anything else, for that matter) is all of the installation hardware included, or must it be purchased separately? I'm thinking of having to take a sawzall to one of the bolts. Can't put it back together without new hardware. and, is the replacement hardware brand specific? Sorry if this is a dumb question...
didn't read the whole thread so if this has been covered please disregard.
For ride quality and budget concerned: Monroe OESpectrum are really nice when ditching X-REAS.
Bought mine from Rockauto, great price (currently a rebate too) simple bolt in, rides nicer than my jetta (1.5 drop on Koni Orange so not much of a surprise)
For ride quality and budget concerned: Monroe OESpectrum are really nice when ditching X-REAS.
Bought mine from Rockauto, great price (currently a rebate too) simple bolt in, rides nicer than my jetta (1.5 drop on Koni Orange so not much of a surprise)
