Disconnect X-RAES without leaking fluid?

[emelianenkov]

Yesterday I tried to install my daystar spacer lift and was SO CLOSE to sliding out the strut up front. I couldn't slide it out the extra 1/4" because my X-RAES hose was in the way. This is frustrating me so much! I'm SO close to getting my spacers in, but I don't feel comfortable about disconnecting my X-RAES. Can anyone tell me how to disconnect it without ruining my suspension system??

I'm also thinking of waiting for it to leak/fail and just buying Bilsteins. It's already pretty far along on the path to failure I suspect...

Please, any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!
-Alex

 

[M1911]

I could be wrong, but my understanding is that you can't disconnect the XREAS system without ruining it. If you disconnect a hose you compromise the system. I think your only alternatives are to leave it place and work around it or take it off and replace all four shocks.

 

[emelianenkov]

My understanding is that you can't disconnect the XREAS system without ruining it. If you disconnect a hose you compromise the system.

That's what I was afraid of. :redbrick:

This is driving me insane!!

Thanks for the input though!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've heard it can be done, although I never found it to be necessary. I've done a couple spacer installs and never had to disconnect the lines. For info on disconnecting, see this thread.
Disconnecting XREAS? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[BlackWorksInc]

There are junction points along the frame with valves built into the connections. They're designed to safely disconnect the system from itself. Those are going to be your best best to reduce air let into the system and maintain performance of the XREAS system.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84725-zombie-truck-2-0-mpav-build-4.html I took some pictures of what they look like.

 

[emelianenkov]

There are junction points along the frame with valves built into the connections. They're designed to safely disconnect the system from itself. Those are going to be your best best to reduce air let into the system and maintain performance of the XREAS system.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84725-zombie-truck-2-0-mpav-build-4.html I took some pictures of what they look like.

Thank you sir, much obliged! :hatsoff:

 

[emelianenkov]

I've heard it can be done, although I never found it to be necessary. I've done a couple spacer installs and never had to disconnect the lines. For info on disconnecting, see this thread.
Disconnecting XREAS? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Thanks for the link, I appreciate it!

 

[emelianenkov]

I've decided to sell my daystar kit and then buy Bilstein 5100's! My shocks are rusting already, no sense spacer lifting those, only to have a leak sometime down the road. Might as well recoup money where I can!

 

[2UZ]

I'd start dealing with some of that rust too.

 

[BCfish]

Yeah I was gonna say you should just junk those X Reas shocks if they are that rusty you'd be pulling them out real soon if you hadn't. IMHO

 

[M1911]

Thanks for correcting me guys.

 

[OHP]

Why can't you get the spacers in without disconnecting XREAS? I thought the daystar lift could be installed with it connected. This worries me because I am just about to order the kit and definately don't want to disconnect the xreas.

 

[emelianenkov]

Why can't you get the spacers in without disconnecting XREAS? I thought the daystar lift could be installed with it connected. This worries me because I am just about to order the kit and definately don't want to disconnect the xreas.

I don't know, but the X-RAES hose was preventing me from moving the bottom of the shock so I could slide the strut assembly out. It was annoying. I just gave up. I'm gunna pull out the system because it's getting really rusty anyway.

It should work for you! I think the kit I have is really old. It has a two part front spacer and stuff...

It's just not worth my time to struggle with the spacers when I will need to replace the shocks relatively soon anyway.

 

[emelianenkov]

Yeah I was gonna say you should just junk those X Reas shocks if they are that rusty you'd be pulling them out real soon if you hadn't. IMHO

I have loads of rust inhibitor and I'm saving money for bilsteins

 

[BCfish]

I have loads of rust inhibitor and I'm saving money for bilsteins

I hear what you are saying I will be spending time this summer under my 4R doing the same granted it's not bad yet but I'd rather deal with it before it gets worse..The Billsteins are worth saving for one of the best mods that I have done yet..

 

[emelianenkov]

I hear what you are saying I will be spending time this summer under my 4R doing the same granted it's not bad yet but I'd rather deal with it before it gets worse..The Billsteins are worth saving for one of the best mods that I have done yet..

I have soooooooooooooooooooo much rust on my undercarriage!

As far as the Bilsteins:

Do you have more or less body roll? I drove my Dad's 05 Limited V6 while mine was in the shop. When taking an exit off the highway for example, I noticed that my normal 45-50mph ramp speed I do comfortably in my SE, gave me the strong feeling that I was going to roll my Dad's truck.... Not fun!

I don't want that much body roll if I ditch XRAES. I want similar or better handling with the new shocks.

Thanks in advance!
Alex

 

[M1911]

I've got a bunch of rust on my undercarriage as well.

I don't have the Bilsteins -- I've still got the XREAS on mine -- but with 115k miles, I suspect they are overdue for replacement. It is my understanding that stiffer shocks do not reduce roll in turns. I believe that the options to reduce roll in turns include:

- installing install stiffer springs
- installing stiffer anti-sway bars
- installing stiffer anti-sway bar bushings

Of course stiffer sway bars or bushings will reduce articulation offroad. That is why KDSS is so good -- it reduces sway but without reducing articulation.

 

[cangler]

im so grateful i live in the south where I don't have to put up with that rust!

 

[emelianenkov]

I've got a bunch of rust on my undercarriage as well.

I don't have the Bilsteins -- I've still got the XREAS on mine -- but with 115k miles, I suspect they are overdue for replacement. It is my understanding that stiffer shocks do not reduce roll in turns. I believe that the options to reduce roll in turns include:

- installing install stiffer springs
- installing stiffer anti-sway bars
- installing stiffer anti-sway bar bushings

Of course stiffer sway bars or bushings will reduce articulation offroad. That is why KDSS is so good -- it reduces sway but without reducing articulation.

Noted.

I'll probably throw some FJ springs on as well to get more height and a slightly stiffer ride

 

[zimdba]

Noted.

I'll probably throw some FJ springs on as well to get more height and a slightly stiffer ride

What's your end goal? Off-road capability? On-road capability? Looks?

I'm in the same boat as M1911 in that I have 100K on the clock and thinking my suspension is on borrowed time. However, it's 99% street and I drive it aggressively. I would hate to give up it's on-road ability.