Keeping my X-REAS

[sonerick]

I disagree. I take my '03 Limited XREAS offroad. I still prefer the reduced lean while cornering provided by XREAS. Realistically, 99% of my driving is on road, and the offroading that I do isn't MOAB. So I don't need that extra bit of articulation that you might lose with XREAS.

5th Gen TE is available with KDSS. That provides similar roll stiffness onroad as XREAS, but better articulation offroad -- the best of both worlds.

Fair enough, agree to disagree I guess. I ditched my x-reas for bilsteins and OME springs. Way cheaper, less body roll than x-reas even, some lift, and better articulation. Not too bad on the road either.

I live in MA as well, and the off-roading I do isn't Moab either. X-reas sucked off-road (edit: especially with a loaded-up truck).

 

[JB.]

Just generally for the record.

Xreas is a dampener.It doesn't reduce slow speed flex.

 

[Gecko123]

Not a gimmick

Why do some of you guys say xreas is a gimmick. It would only be a gimmick if X-reas performs the same or worse than the standard suspension that comes with the 4runner. On road conditions it does perform better based on what I read and base on the 4runners I have test driven.

 

[M1911]

Why do some of you guys say xreas is a gimmick. It would only be a gimmick if X-reas performs the same or worse than the standard suspension that comes with the 4runner. On road conditions it does perform better based on what I read and base on the 4runners I have test driven.

Yup. It does what it is supposed to do.

 

[sonerick]

Yes, it does what it's supposed to do.

I only call it a gimmick because it is a system that is quite expensive, but performs no better than some aftermarket options (shocks and springs) that cost half as much.

I enjoyed my X-REAS while driving on the road when I had it, like I said before it is a nifty little system. No reason to get defensive here, people are allowed to have differing opinions.

 

[M1911]

I only call it a gimmick because it is a system that is quite expensive, but performs no better than some aftermarket options (shocks and springs) that cost half as much.

We are going to have to disagree on that. Shocks and springs don't do what XREAS does.

 

[sonerick]

We are going to have to disagree on that. Shocks and springs don't do what XREAS does.

I have found the Bilstein 5100/OME combo provides less body roll and less brake dive than the X-REAS was able to provide. The shocks are not hydraulically cross-linked, but they accomplish the similar goals as X-REAS via different valving and spring rates.

On the road, the 5100/OME combo is slightly stiffer than X-REAS, but definitely not harsh. For people such as myself, this is acceptable, as I feel that this is how an SUV should drive. For others who prefer a more car-like ride, X-REAS is more suitable I guess.

 

[M1911]

And that is the issue that you are ignoring - yes, you can reduce body roll by increasing spring and shock stiffness, but that comes with a stiffer ride. XREAS reduces body roll but still allows a more compliant ride.

So it is incorrect to say that springs and shocks do the same thing as XREAS - they don't. You may prefer a stiffer ride. It many people don't.

 

[sonerick]

I agree that the 5100/OME setup is stiffer, and this is something many people who own 4Runner's don't like. It is my opinion that the softer ride that X-REAS provides is not worth the additional $$ due to the limitations of the system off-road and when loaded down with gear.

I'd really like for someone who has Icons or some other brand of coilovers to add to this discussion. From what I understand, the ride with those systems provides the on-road friendliness of X-REAS (compliant, less-stiff ride with reduced body roll and brake dive) while maintaining the off-road prowess that X-REAS lacks. If that is the case then springs and shocks CAN do what X-REAS does.

I think this is getting away from my original point of view, however, and that is if a person is looking for a compliant on-road ride with no body roll, why not get a crossover or a car? Why get a heavy SUV that's only going to see pavement and never really be loaded up with gear and used for sport or utility? X-REAS is a system designed to expand Toyota's market for the 4Runner to appeal to those persons who do not really need an SUV.

 

[zimdba]

I only call it a gimmick because it is a system that is quite expensive, but performs no better than some aftermarket options (shocks and springs) that cost half as much.

But remember, no one is going out, buying and installing X-REAS. It either came with your rig or it didn't. I don't recall it being a line-item option, nor do I recall seeing a "Super off-road Package". Your choices at the dealer were fairly limited compared to aftermarket. Therefore I don't think it's valid to compare OEM to aftermarket - especially on price.

I'd have to add Advantage #4 of keeping X-REAS: it's a sunk cost. You already paid for it and it's free to keep if it's working fine.

 

[zimdba]

I think this is getting away from my original point of view, however, and that is if a person is looking for a compliant on-road ride with no body roll, why not get a crossover or a car? Why get a heavy SUV that's only going to see pavement and never really be loaded up with gear and used for sport or utility? X-REAS is a system designed to expand Toyota's market for the 4Runner to appeal to those persons who do not really need an SUV.

I respectfully disagree with this. When the 4th Gen first came out, EVERYONE was still buying SUV's. You didn't have to twist anyone's arm, they were flying off the lots regardless of buyer need. The soccer moms were the reason for the explosive growth of the SUV. X-REAS was probably an attempt by Toyota to increase sales/market share.

 

[sonerick]

Good point on X-REAS being a sunken cost. However, I was thinking more of a situation where you have 120k miles on the odo and X-REAS is leaking/starting to fail. Which option do you go with... X-REAS or aftermarket?

 

[zimdba]

Good point on X-REAS being a sunken cost. However, I was thinking more of a situation where you have 120k miles on the odo and X-REAS is leaking/starting to fail. Which option do you go with... X-REAS or aftermarket?

Yeah, that's much different. For me, when my X-REAS starts failing then it's not worth fixing. I'll go aftermarket.

On this board, I have yet to see someone say they'll spend the $$ to repair it. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[JB.]

On this board, I have yet to see someone say they'll spend the $$ to repair it. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

This guy did it.

I'm probably the only one going back to XREAS after ditching it per the many threads I read on this forum claiming other setups are "so much better."

I just dropped ~$1100 in all the XREAS replacement parts (all 4 shocks + center control units + lines), and will be doing the swapout of my Bilstein 5100 setup to go back to XREAS tomorrow. I'm simply OVER the excessive body roll and nose dives with any other setup, especially for the type of driving I do.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96561-bouncing-normal-2.html#post853892