Can i keep RAS with FJ up front/billie5100s?

[cloh09]

Can i keep my rear air suspension, replace the front springs with fj, and install bilstein 5100s all around?

I really like the air suspension. It keeps the runner nice and level. Whether I have a car full of people or firewood, it stays at the right height.

I don't see any reason why I can't keep it, unless it is integrated into the xreas, which I don't think is the case. The xreas will be ripped out and trashed as it is leaking.

I know that I won't have any lift in the rear, so with the fj springs and billies set at .85, I think it'll work out nicely.

Thanks in advance. I cannot find an answer anywhere on this forum.

 

[kevinpt]

i dont think its connected to xreas but dont quote me on that. i think another cool idea if it could be done is to convert to rear springs and have air bags inside them using the stock system. i dont know how the ras works but if i had it i would swap it out

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yes it will work, I ran that setup for a while. I'd use the Bilstein HDs on the rear though. The 5100s are longer than stock and could cause issues with the bags. The only difference between the HDs and 5100s is length (and color).

 

[kevinpt]

Yes it will work, I ran that setup for a while. I'd use the Bilstein HDs on the rear though. The 5100s are longer than stock and could cause issues with the bags. The only difference between the HDs and 5100s is length (and color).

how could the shocks cause problems when the shocks are not the thing you want to be your limiting factor with down travel

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

how could the shocks cause problems when the shocks are not the thing you want to be your limiting factor with down travel

The rear shocks do limit the down travel. Shocks that are too long can cause issues with the bags. Same goes for the standard coil spring suspension, shocks that are too long can cause the coil to pop out of the mount. There are bump stops to limit up travel, but shocks limit down travel on the rear.

 

[cloh09]

Yes it will work, I ran that setup for a while. I'd use the Bilstein HDs on the rear though. The 5100s are longer than stock and could cause issues with the bags. The only difference between the HDs and 5100s is length (and color).

Thank you sir. Good thing I asked before I bought them.

What made you get rid of the air bags in the end? Just curious if you wanted to replace them for more lift, or if you had to replace them due to failure? I'd rather not replace them if I don't have to.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thank you sir. Good thing I asked before I bought them.

What made you get rid of the air bags in the end? Just curious if you wanted to replace them for more lift, or if you had to replace them due to failure? I'd rather not replace them if I don't have to.

I replaced them for more lift. I am doing more towing now and less off road, so I've swapped back to the OEM air system. Still working great, love the functionality.

 

[kevinpt]

I replaced them for more lift. I am doing more towing now and less off road, so I've swapped back to the OEM air system. Still working great, love the functionality.

where is the compressor located?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

where is the compressor located?

It's tucked in under the rear bumper on the drivers side, right behind the tire.

 

[wpc]

Yes it will work, I ran that setup for a while. I'd use the Bilstein HDs on the rear though. The 5100s are longer than stock and could cause issues with the bags. The only difference between the HDs and 5100s is length (and color).

I've read the 5100 are stock length..wifes 03 v8 has xreas and ras. Can I go with 5100's on all 4 corners at lowest setting and keep ras? I want to keep the ras.

 

[Neumonic]

Like the OP, I took Ark's advice and kept the RAS and installed the Bilstein HD's in the back. The rear 5100's are not adjustable...I went with the .85 setting on the 5100's up front and paired them with Moog springs, the ride is very good.

 

[cloh09]

+1 years

This thread came back after over a year!
Well, after a year of this set-up, everything still works great. With my set-up, the truck has about 1/2 inch more clearance in the back between top of tires and wheel well than the front. This is not enough rake for the stock running boards to look right. They will look like its higher in the front than the back, so I left them off. Smaller girls always have fun getting in.
The HD shocks in the back have worked great coupled with the stock RAS, and the 5100s with Moog springs are OK up front.
The only thing I wish I did was keep the stock springs up front. The Moog springs are much stiffer, and I can't even fit a finger between the coils. They make the ride a little harsher, but it's not bad enough to rip everything apart again to put the old springs back.

 

[JSeligman2828]

This thread came back after over a year!
Well, after a year of this set-up, everything still works great. With my set-up, the truck has about 1/2 inch more clearance in the back between top of tires and wheel well than the front. This is not enough rake for the stock running boards to look right. They will look like its higher in the front than the back, so I left them off. Smaller girls always have fun getting in.
The HD shocks in the back have worked great coupled with the stock RAS, and the 5100s with Moog springs are OK up front.
The only thing I wish I did was keep the stock springs up front. The Moog springs are much stiffer, and I can't even fit a finger between the coils. They make the ride a little harsher, but it's not bad enough to rip everything apart again to put the old springs back.

Hey Cloh, i was literally google searching your exact question and would love your input after all this time...

I am getting a 05 Limited. I'm not 100% sure if it has xreas (if it does i'll disregard this until the time comes) if it doesn't I was thinking this:

Billstein 5100 front, (what kind of shocks?)

and keep the RAS and the stock shocks in the back.. Does that work?

I thought getting billsteins in the back would mess up the RAS.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[vr4z06gt]

Hey Cloh, i was literally google searching your exact question and would love your input after all this time...

I am getting a 05 Limited. I'm not 100% sure if it has xreas (if it does i'll disregard this until the time comes) if it doesn't I was thinking this:

Billstein 5100 front, (what kind of shocks?)

and keep the RAS and the stock shocks in the back.. Does that work?

I thought getting billsteins in the back would mess up the RAS.

Any help is appreciated!

If you have RAS you have X-REAS.

 

[cloh09]

Hey Cloh, i was literally google searching your exact question and would love your input after all this time...

I am getting a 05 Limited. I'm not 100% sure if it has xreas (if it does i'll disregard this until the time comes) if it doesn't I was thinking this:

Billstein 5100 front, (what kind of shocks?)

and keep the RAS and the stock shocks in the back.. Does that work?

I thought getting billsteins in the back would mess up the RAS.

Any help is appreciated!

Bilstein 5100 are the shocks. You can keep the stock springs for the front and the air bags in the back. I was recommended to use bilstein 4600 shocks for the back because of the air bags. I was told The 5100s in the back can over-extend the air bags. You can adjust the air bags to gain a little lift in the back. Gotta look that one up tho.
For the front, the 1.75 setting is needed for tires my size(275/65/18)(276/70/17). I don't think a lesser setting would allow them to fit. .85 setting might look better, at least in my opinion. The back is basically level with the front (ground to top of fender) but looks back pitched because of the lines of te runner with the 1.75 setting. The .85 setting would work with 265/70/17, but won't fit 275/70/17 tires. You will have to trim the mud flaps and push the inner liner forward to eliminate rubbing.
If you change the shocks up front, you cannot keep the xreas shocks in the back, as they are connected to the fronts. Once you take the xreas out, there's no going back so be sure you are ready to complete the job(front and back).
Hope this answers your questions and sorry for the delay on the response. I've been working like a dog lately.