So when you replace the front shocks/assembly with the Bilstein 5100 series, do you have to reuse the stock 4R springs or can you get the 5100 with preassembled shock/stock springs. And I'm not talking about a hi performance off-roading replacement assembly which is all I could find on their website. Why would you replace the shocks with not knowing if the springs are bad/weak.
Fixing XREAS suspension
- Thread starter ryanmp
- Start date
Thanks for the reply(interesting, I see 094's post was just deleted). Seems to me I did measure the distance between the 2 points mentioned in the service manual to check if the front springs were sagging and if memory serves correct they were good on both sides.
I'm guessing it must be either the xreas shocks that have a problem or maybe the control absorbers, but one or the other is causing a harsh ride which doesn't seem to want to cushion any kind of bumps. At first I thought it maybe was my tires were getting old and hard so I replaced them. It is somewhat better but not 100% that's for sure. Last time I had it up I never saw any leaking of any kind from the shocks or the rest of the system. Just don't know.
I'm guessing it must be either the xreas shocks that have a problem or maybe the control absorbers, but one or the other is causing a harsh ride which doesn't seem to want to cushion any kind of bumps. At first I thought it maybe was my tires were getting old and hard so I replaced them. It is somewhat better but not 100% that's for sure. Last time I had it up I never saw any leaking of any kind from the shocks or the rest of the system. Just don't know.
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You do not HAVE to reuse the stock 4R springs when replacing the shocks. However many do and thats ok. Some folks choose to replace the stock springs with aftermarket springs for a verity of reasons. Some examples: When adding heavy accessories such as aftermarket bumpers and/or winches, or when a firmer/softer ride is desired. NOTE: The springs carry the weight of the body and chassis, the shocks resist suspension movement by absorbing dynamic energy and dissipating it as thermal energy.
Springs are NOT considered a ware item. Short of severe corrosion or damage, springs are considered good for the life of the vehicle. Moreover, there is nothing in the Toyota maintained schedule or service manual regarding regular spring replacement.
I wouldn't have any problem reusing the original springs as I'd like to keep it as stock as I can.
Is there any reason why everyone chooses the Bilstein shocks over the stock OEM shocks, of course going from a xreas system to standard shocks. Are they better quality or cheaper or provide a more xreas type performance over a stock non-xreas shock. I just did a quick check on pricing and it looks like the Bilsteins are more expensive, both front and rear.
Is there any reason why everyone chooses the Bilstein shocks over the stock OEM shocks, of course going from a xreas system to standard shocks. Are they better quality or cheaper or provide a more xreas type performance over a stock non-xreas shock. I just did a quick check on pricing and it looks like the Bilsteins are more expensive, both front and rear.
I am not sure I understand your question. Do you wish to remove your XREAS shocks and install a Toyota brand, conventional, non XREAS shock? If so, many 4Runner owners opt for the Bilstein HD or Bilstein 5100 shocks for the driver of a 4Runner with X-REAS is used to an upgraded suspension and replacing the factory shocks with high quality performance shocks ensures that the vehicle's handling and road holding will be improved.
I am unable to confirm or deny the same holds true for the Toyota brand, conventional, non XREAS shock.
Source: https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/...eas-shocks.cfm
The Bilstein 4600 Heavy Duty (HD) B6 series shock has the same internals of the Bilstein 5100 series shock given the same application. The difference between the two series is the 5100 shocks allow for adjustable ride height (front shocks only). The 5100 shocks DO RIDE FIRMER than stock, The 5100s are valved slightly firmer in case of bigger wheels and tires (+unsprung weight), or added offroad equipment. The rear 5100 shock is slightly longer than the 4600 and may have slightly less travel at stock height. Moreover the 4600 is painted yellow with a blue boot whereas the 5100 has a zinc plated finish and a black boot.
NOTE: both series have sub modals specific to the intended application. It would behoove you to visit Bilstein’s website enter your vehicle’s year make and model for the correct modal for the fit and valving is specific for each application. Shock Warehouse and Shocksurplus have some good intel as well. See links in post #48
Source, Bilstein customer service, Shock Warehouse, shocksurplus.com
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CookieRoe
Senior Member
be wary of the bilsteins IF you don't want a hard ride. I had billys on my Jeep years ago and loved them for about a week. The handling was great, but too firm for me. 99% of the jeep forum (much like this one) loved and swore by them. My XREAS shocks were replaced a few years ago, but I did plan on replacing the whole system when it eventually goes (was going to install them with a mechanic friend). I'm still open to getting a shock (other than OEM) that is top notch, but doesn't stiffen the ride. The stock SR5 shocks I've heard were not great (can't remember where I saw that). I too, don't care to raise my 4R.
Well you're right there, I'm not looking for a harsh/hard ride. So what other brand of shock is quality built and has a smooth controlled ride? I guess that's probably the $10,000 question. Interesting that you heard the stock SR5 shocks aren't that good.
Well if you find something that works for you please let me know. I probably won't be looking into changing them until next spring/summer.
Well if you find something that works for you please let me know. I probably won't be looking into changing them until next spring/summer.
I replaced the worn stock shocks on a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Bilsiein 4600 HD shocks once. I did not experience a harsh ride. I did however notice the body roll in corners was minimized significantly. Of course the Grand Cherokee is a unibody and our T4Rs are body on frame.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
Yup, the Jeep I mentioned was a 97 Grand Cherokee Limited. Cornered awesome after the billys were installed, but the ride was harsh. At least it was to me. Interesting point about it being a unibody and our rigs BOF, I never thought about that. Goddamn Jeep, almost 9 years later and I'm still glad I got rid of it.
@WTS: if I find a shock that meets our requirements (high quality shock, good ride/stiff corner, but not floaty), I'll be sure to follow up on this thread.
EDIT: after looking/reading through other forums and videos, it appears that the 4600 is the way to go. The 5100 is stiffer and is for those who lift their rigs. Off putting are the yellow/blue assemblies, yuk. BUT, if they do what I ask of them, I'll just get a can of black spray paint and find a black shock absorber boot, LOL.
@WTS: if I find a shock that meets our requirements (high quality shock, good ride/stiff corner, but not floaty), I'll be sure to follow up on this thread.
EDIT: after looking/reading through other forums and videos, it appears that the 4600 is the way to go. The 5100 is stiffer and is for those who lift their rigs. Off putting are the yellow/blue assemblies, yuk. BUT, if they do what I ask of them, I'll just get a can of black spray paint and find a black shock absorber boot, LOL.
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chaz
New member
kyb might be another choice, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/199146-xreas-replacement-whats-simplest-solution.html
Rob, was your xreas suspension still good when you replaced it and did you like the ride then? OR was it shot for along time and now you like the new Bilsteins. Isn't the combo you put in supposed to be the stiffest setup as far as Bilsteins go? Rob, I just noticed that you're in Calgary too, I live in Shawnee Slopes/Evergreen. Where did you get your suspension installed at.
Cookieroe, yes let me know what you end up with too.
094Runner, I'm guessing the unibody would be the softer ride just because of the more flexing within the body structure compared to the 4R's rigid frame.
Either way it would seem the overwhelming favorites are the Bilsteins. As for the KYB's I've read on other forums that not too many liked them and they didn't seem to last very long, but it was no doubt only a few opinions. With that said I don't think I've read anything negative about the Bilsteins except for maybe some say it's a little harsh riding, but like everyone has stated opinions vary on ride quality.
So if the 4600 is the HD(heavy duty) shock, is the 5100 the HD+ shock? I didn't see that they have anything less(softer) than the 4600 for the 4R.
Well thanks for everyone's input on this, great thread and lots of info on this subject.
Cookieroe, yes let me know what you end up with too.
094Runner, I'm guessing the unibody would be the softer ride just because of the more flexing within the body structure compared to the 4R's rigid frame.
Either way it would seem the overwhelming favorites are the Bilsteins. As for the KYB's I've read on other forums that not too many liked them and they didn't seem to last very long, but it was no doubt only a few opinions. With that said I don't think I've read anything negative about the Bilsteins except for maybe some say it's a little harsh riding, but like everyone has stated opinions vary on ride quality.
So if the 4600 is the HD(heavy duty) shock, is the 5100 the HD+ shock? I didn't see that they have anything less(softer) than the 4600 for the 4R.
Well thanks for everyone's input on this, great thread and lots of info on this subject.
