Front Driver's Side Strut Issue

mshaner152

mshaner152

New member
So I added a toytec spacer lift to the front of the rig this past weekend and ran into a small issue. As I was taking off the driver's side front end, we started to take off the XREAS line that run to the strut. We didn't take it all the way off but a decent amount of fluid leaked out. After we completed the install of the front and back, I drove it and didn't notice any issues. Well yesterday as I was driving through my apartment complex I noticed a little bit of "dip" on the driver's side which I am assuming is because of the loss of fluid to the strut. It doesn't feel as solid. My question is, is there a way to add more fluid from another spot on the vehicle or should I buy a new OEM strut. I am not too familiar with exactly how the XREAS system works, but I do know we disconnected the line correctly on the passenger's side when we put the strut in and that side has no problems. If I do need to buy a new strut where would be the best place? How much would an OEM strut run?

Thanks for the help!!
 
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This is a tricky situation. There's no way to add fluid, so you must replace the shock. Best bet is to replace the pair (front drivers and rear passenger) since they are connected and skate fluid. However, some have reported that you can replace only the one shock. Either way, it will not be cheap. My suggestion (I know it sucks) is to ditch xreas and take that money to invest in new aftermarket shocks. How many miles on your 4runner?

Edit: just priced the shocks. The fronts are $135 each, rears are $150 each. Not quite as bad as I thought, but still a big gamble as there are no guarantees when it comes to replacing it.
 
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90K. I get what you are saying because I thought I was crazy but I felt like my rear passenger was loose as well.

If I wanted to try and replace just one where would be the place to get a new strut? I can do this myself so I wouldn't need to take it to toyota unless they have some special way of introducing fluid to the system.

As for investing in ditching XREAS and buying aftermarket. How would I go about doing that? A few questions.... Could I leave the back and replace the front struts or would I have to replace all 4 struts? What would be the best way to go? I am not an avid off roader but I do enjoy a weekend off road trip or an occasional trail around my house. My rig is a daily driver with a small lift and 1 size up from stock tires. I don't need the best/baddest equipment. I would settle for good/sturdy non expensive equipment. Thoughts from everyone would help


My setup now is spacers in the front and coils in the rear.
 
Its totally up to you, but I personally would not try replacing just the strut. At that mileage its very likely the other struts could start leaking. A lot of people have replaced the system with no regrets (including myself). If going with aftermarket, you'd need to replace all 4 shocks. A good option would be the stock bilstein shocks/coils from a FJ Cruiser or Bilstein 5100s. You could buy the FJ stuff used or the 5100s can be purchased for $325ish shipped. You could choose to reuse the stock front coils or go aftermarket, just depends on what you want.

Fj stuff: check classifieds at Toyota FJ Cruiser Community
Xreas: check Conicelli Partznet | Used dealership in ,
5100s: cheapest I've found is AJUSA.com
 
The XREAS system is designed to be installed or uninstalled as a unit. You should replace all four shocks.
 
Xreas is designed to be serviced in pairs, shouldn't have to replace all four.

if you go aftermarket, you would need to replace all 4 shocks. You can't do just the front our just the rear.
 
I have been searching on the forums and found a few FJ front and rear struts for like 100 bucks. With a 2.5 inch spacer in the front and a 1.5 inch coil in the rear would this be a good setup??

I also found a KYB GR2 front and rear for 263. What would be better?
 
mshaner152 said:
I have been searching on the forums and found a few FJ front and rear struts for like 100 bucks. With a 2.5 inch spacer in the front and a 1.5 inch coil in the rear would this be a good setup??

I also found a KYB GR2 front and rear for 263. What would be better?
Click to expand...

Either of those would be similar to a stock 4runner (non xreas) performance wise.

I suggest running Bilsteins, whether it be 5100s or stock FJ Bilsteins. The 5100s are $335 shipped, well worth the extra $75 bucks. I've not used the kybs, but from what i've read feedback is much better on the 5100s.
 
What site did you find those 5100s for 335? are those the adjustable ones? Do they come with everything I need to install or would I have to buy anything else?
 
AJUSA.com has the best price i've found on 5100s, that's where I found them for $335. There isn't much info out there on the other brand shocks. also, their "super shocking deal"isn't as good as it appears, they charge extra for strut applications (which ours is). I tried buying through them but the fee was a deal breaker.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
AJUSA.com has the best price i've found on 5100s, that's where I found them for $335. There isn't much info out there on the other brand shocks. also, their "super shocking deal"isn't as good as it appears, they charge extra for strut applications (which ours is). I tried buying through them but the fee was a deal breaker.
Click to expand...

I definitely appreciate the help man
 
mshaner152 said:
So just to clarify, I'd need to get front and rear struts if I go aftermarket?
Click to expand...

Yes. The XREAS struts are cross-linked (front left to right rear) and when you disconnected a line you compromised the system. XREAS can not be replaced one part at a time - you have to replace the entire system at once, and the parts are hugely expensive.
 
mshaner152 said:
You think this is a good deal???

WTS OEM Shocks - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Just PMed him and he still has them.

Would it be a straight forward install? Remove and add type deal?
Click to expand...

Those will work, but will require some minor modification to fit.

When you post a link to your cart, it doesn't work. Here's my suggestion.
Bilstein 24-186711 Monotube Shock Absorber | AJUSA.com
Bilstein 33-187174 Monotube Shock Absorber | AJUSA.com
Ajusa will price match, so if you find them cheaper let them know.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
Those will work, but will require some minor modification to fit.

When you post a link to your cart, it doesn't work. Here's my suggestion.
Bilstein 24-186711 Monotube Shock Absorber | AJUSA.com
Bilstein 33-187174 Monotube Shock Absorber | AJUSA.com
Ajusa will price match, so if you find them cheaper let them know.
Click to expand...


yea I was looking at those on AJUSA. here is the link to the ones I had in the cart...

Bilstein 5100 Front and Rear Shocks from Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc


This is a definite better price but it doesn't show the shipping price
 
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