Disconnecting XREAS for suspension lift install

[HCWatson997]

I may be putting my lift in by myself instead of with my roommate like I planned on...dude is kinda flaking out on me. I’m pretty busy so would there be a problem with disconnecting the XREAS lines and just replacing the rear shocks and springs, then possibly drive two miles slow back to campus, then to that spot again the next day to do the fronts? I know the ride will be absolute crap for that short time but I’m on limited options here:tsk:

 

[SunPilot]

I may be putting my lift in by myself instead of with my roommate like I planned on...dude is kinda flaking out on me. I’m pretty busy so would there be a problem with disconnecting the XREAS lines and just replacing the rear shocks and springs, then possibly drive two miles slow back to campus, then to that spot again the next day to do the fronts? I know the ride will be absolute crap for that short time but I’m on limited options here:tsk:

The XREAS system is a cross connected system between a front shock and opposite rear shock. If you take the back shocks off, the fluid will most probably be pushed out from the front shocks, rendering them useless, and making a mess with fluid all over the place. I do believe there are check valves in the lines though, which may limit the escape of fluid. The system is under pressure, so be careful when loosening connections.

Just be careful if you have to drive it that way!. I removed mine all at the same time when I did my suspension upgrade, but that doesn't seem like an option for you.

 

[Bossman]

Some links with some additional information on the system:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-x-reas-shocks.cfm

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

 

[Elan750]

I drove 60 miles like that

it'l feel like an old cadillac and bouncy because you will essentually have no front shocks, just bouncing on springs.

Keep in mind to stay slow because you really want to avoid hard braking.

 

[HCWatson997]

The XREAS system is a cross connected system between a front shock and opposite rear shock. If you take the back shocks off, the fluid will most probably be pushed out from the front shocks, rendering them useless, and making a mess with fluid all over the place. I do believe there are check valves in the lines though, which may limit the escape of fluid. The system is under pressure, so be careful when loosening connections.

Just be careful if you have to drive it that way!. I removed mine all at the same time when I did my suspension upgrade, but that doesn't seem like an option for you.

I knew about the cross connections which I knew would kill the pressure, I just wasn’t sure how safe it would be

 

[tstevens]

Do your best to get the shocks drained before you put weight on them. Driving around and compressing them with a big hole in the body will spray fluid everywhere.

 

[TowMeOut]

Read some of the other posts. You can do exactly what you describe and be just fine. Crack the line at the right spot and the valve in the connector closes off so you'll have a shock hooked just to the "accumulator". It will still dampen just not as well and you of course don't get the whole Xreas crosslinked effect in the corners. I drove around for a day or two that way while swapping my system with no ill effects.