Can XREAS only be installed by a dealership?

[pipspeak]

With leaky front struts on my XREAS (2004, 97K miles) it's time to ponder a replacement and one option I'm leaning toward is buying a used set off this forum and having it installed. My question is, can only a dealership install a new XREAS system (because of some sort of proprietary fittings/tools) or is it something another mechanic could do? Sadly, being apartment-bound (ie street parking) and having long ago sold all my tools it's not something I'll be doing myself, much as I'd love to.

The reason I want to stick with XREAS is that it's served me well with the least amount of body roll I've ever experienced on an SUV. I don't do a bunch of hardcore offroading (just light stuff) and have no intention of lifting and adjusting ride height at all, so it just makes sense to me to stick with what works. But only if I can get it installed at a reasonable price (in the NYC Metro or Northeast NJ areas).

I know it might also make sense to rip out XREAS and go with regular shocks, but in the million and one XREAS threads I've read mixed comments on how cornering/roll will be impacted and, TBH, if I can get an almost-new XREAS system for a few hundred bucks (which is what I've seen them going for here) then will it be any cheaper?

Any advice/suggestions appreciated.

 

[r32]

I'm about to remove my XREAS tomorrow. I'm in process right now of trying to figure out how to take it off without damaging any of the pieces but I doubt it's much good any more at 130k miles.

 

[pipspeak]

What are you replacing it with?

 

[RobD]

I took mine off. Granted, it was more than a little worn out. I went with Bilstein 6112s in front and 5160s in the rear. The thing corners very flat and rides fairly well, given the off-road nature of the shocks.

 

[r32]

What are you replacing it with?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...upgrade-new-shocks-coils-diff-oil-change.html