I just got a 2003 Limited V8 4Runner. When I first got it I towed a 3300 lb boat about 800 miles and did not really notice the bounce. But just everyday driving it seems to bounce quite a bit when I hit anything in the road, like seems on bridges and bumps. If I'm going pretty fast it feels like it kind of throws the truck a little. I like the fact it rides like a truck, but I was wondering if the shocks and/or struts might need replacing. It has 98K on it.
Is Bouncing Normal?
- Thread starter JimKW
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Is it jarring, or is it just the body bouncing up and down after a bump? If the body is "floating" up and down after bumps, shocks definitely need replacing.
Eastcoastrunner
New member
xreas? if that is shot, that is ur prob
Dawg4Runner
New member
That's not normal. You need new shock absorbers.
+1. My V8 with X-REAS and air suspention fills just like a luxary car on the highway. No bouncing whatsoever and excellent tracking. Look at your shocks.
I sold an Envoy to buy the 4Runner. I drove a Suburban for 10 years and put 160K on it. I've had two old Jeep Wagoneers and I had an 88 4Runner.
The 4Runner definitely bounces way more than any of them. When you guys say shocks are you talking just the rear shocks? I'm assuming I have struts in the front. Any recommendations on what brand to buy? I put Bilstein Touring on my Volvos and they are ok on that car, but not sure what to put on the 4Runner.
Thanks for the feedback.
Zuke
Member
The truck is almost 8 years old and I am guessing over 100k miles. Its time for new shocks. Do all 4 and it will make a big difference.
Bilstein 5100 or Heavy Duty are both great shocks. The 5100 can adjust to give you a small lift on the front. Use KYB if you want to save a few bucks.
Bilstein 5100 or Heavy Duty are both great shocks. The 5100 can adjust to give you a small lift on the front. Use KYB if you want to save a few bucks.
Eastcoastrunner
New member
do you have xreas? if so, look for leaks in the lines, etc. any check engine lights? if you have a faulty xreas suspension system, it will bounce
Zuke
Member
XREAS shocks are MONO-tube shocks and thus, are high-pressured shocks. They should (in theory) last the life of your 4runner or for a very long time. They are more efficient in damping the ride, but they are significantly firmer than regular low-pressure twin-tube shocks (found on non-XREAS 4runners).
XREAS shocks are cross-linked: left front shock to right rear shock; right front shock to left rear shock. Thus, "X-shaped."
XREAS is a closed-circuit system; thus, you cannot replace just one shock. You also need to replace the other shock that it is connected to.
XREAS is very good for cornering on-road (it's MAIN purpose)...helps to reduce body roll. As you take a corner, the 4runner will rock towards the outside. XREAS senses this and hydraulically pumps more fluid to the outside shocks (by drawing from the inside shocks) in an X-pattern. This helps firm up the outside shocks, and softening the inside shocks. Thus, you have less body roll because the outside shocks are pushing against the body lean.
In off-roading?? XREAS probably won't do much in off-roading. However, because it has MONOtube shocks (high-pressure, quicker reacting), XREAS suspension is more efficient in controlling your 4Runner body motions over bad terrain. Since monotubes are more efficient, you have less chance of shock fading/overheating. HOWEVER, monotubes are more fragile than twin-tube shocks...therefore, if a rock hits it, then it will have a higher chance of damage.
XREAS came standard on all Sport Edition (hood scoop) models and optional on Limited models.
Eastcoastrunner
New member
you know its funny, we both have the bouncing problem, and both drive the same bimmer!
i have a leak in my xreas, near the control modules underneath the vehicle.
I have a list that tells everything the car came with and I don't see anything about xreas. I see FRONT & REAR STABILIZER BARS and 30E-Early 2003 Model Year 4Runner Limited V8 Equipped With Rear Air Suspension. I can see the rear stabilizer bars when I look under it and I can see shocks, but nothing leads me to believe I have the xreas system.
JB.
New member
I guess it doesn't matter since it sounds like you need shocks, regardless, but if you have rear air suspension, you should have xreas. Stand in front of the seam between front and rear doors and get down and look at the vertical, outward face of the frame rail. Should be a big 'ol canister there.
Sure enough I see a canister there with a hose from it running the shock. I guess that means I have xreas? One on each side too.
I guess I can not get Bilsteins if I have xreas. Looks like I have to OES Genuine with xreas and they run about $175 each for the front and $163 each for the rear.
I guess I can not get Bilsteins if I have xreas. Looks like I have to OES Genuine with xreas and they run about $175 each for the front and $163 each for the rear.
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JB.
New member
Yes, canister=xreas.
Most people just ditch the system. Installation of a new xreas system is tricky. If you decide to attempt it, do some searches and get your ducks in a row before you or anyone else tries.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
All of the 4runner's equipped with RAS have XREAS. Replacing it is pretty risky, some succeed but other's don't. I say take that money and invest in a good set of aftermarket shocks. IMO you can get a much better ride for a lot less money. The only thing is that since you have the rear air system, you'll need to stick with shocks that are the same length as stock in the rear, a shock that is longer than OEM can cause issues with the air bags.