YESSIR. I just was looking at my sr4130 on the driver side today.. seems like I got them reversed. I couldn't count any difference in coils or notice any height difference.. Maybe one is a stronger spring? I think when I take out the daystar lift this month, I'll swap them left/right
KYB Excel-G or Bilstein?
- Thread starter keithyota
- Start date
YESSIR. I just was looking at my sr4130 on the driver side today.. seems like I got them reversed. I couldn't count any difference in coils or notice any height difference.. Maybe one is a stronger spring? I think when I take out the daystar lift this month, I'll swap them left/right
CookieRoe
Senior Member
LOL, I'm probably the only one who likes to hear that the Toyota OEM shocks are floaty, yet comfortable (for the 4th gen). I have the XREAS and lately (I constantly change my mind) couldn't justify replacing it with another XREAS. I had billies on a former ZJ Jeep I had and couldn't stand it. I could run over a quarter and tell you the year it was minted, it was THAT stiff (to me). I heard KYBs are less stiff, but still on the hard side. When my XREAS shocks blow out (they were replaced several years ago with new XREAS shocks), I guess I'll settle for the OEM shocks.
firebirdguy
Member
yes those are the right number, but any reputable parts store should give you the correct part # based on the year 4runner you provide, & the 4wd are different than 2wd.
also be sure to install on the correct side, they will be marked L & R or the part# will designate L&R.
also the KYB are not really considered stiff or firm, just slightly (~10%) stiffer than stock SR5... XREAS provides a different feel & is firmer on corners etc, thats why poly sway bar bushings are a good upgrade to keep the 4runner from feeling top heavy on corners.
CookieRoe
Senior Member
Good to know, thanks!
EDIT: I'm at about 175K on the clock, maybe my bushings "aren't doing so well".............. Pretty sure they are the originals.
firebirdguy
Member
i replaced my xreas at 145k, they werent leaking but had a very poor ride although corner handling was still ok. after the kyb's, the overall ride improved a lot but i noticed the cornering firmness was gone, still totally acceptable & far better than many GM suvs ive ridden in but i will be adding the poly s/b bushings soon after reading some threads in here about them.
I also have the XREAS 2WD. On my fronts, it's very noticeable where clearance between fender edge and tire is like 3" but on rears it's like 6.5," and I'm wondering if my shocks are shot. I've attached pictures showing front shocks. The right side has more "sweating" than left. The ride feels balanced, but I'm relatively new to this truck and not sure what the norm is.
When I went on Amazon to search for KYBs, they showed shocks without the coils for my truck. Do I not need coils? Some websites show shocks and coil as a single unit. I also read somewhere that KYBs were stiffer than Bilsteins, which is not what this thread says.
I don't do any off road driving and no such plans. I need a comfortable ride that's composed and not bumpy! So if someone would advise as to what would work for my truck, or if I even need new shocks, I'd be very appreciative.
When I went on Amazon to search for KYBs, they showed shocks without the coils for my truck. Do I not need coils? Some websites show shocks and coil as a single unit. I also read somewhere that KYBs were stiffer than Bilsteins, which is not what this thread says.
I don't do any off road driving and no such plans. I need a comfortable ride that's composed and not bumpy! So if someone would advise as to what would work for my truck, or if I even need new shocks, I'd be very appreciative.
Attachments
Partial answer here.
I’m sure someone else can clarify with more details.
I also don’t know what other steps are involved with the XREAS system vs the normal suspension setup.
Yes, you need the springs/coils.
If you are wanting to keep a softer ride, I would buy the fronts without new springs (with the springs are called quick struts), and reuse your existing springs.
Many times the basic brand quick struts and premium coilovers come with stiffer springs than OEM.
Which will firm up the ride but can also improve handling/reduce body roll, it’s a trade off.
The quick struts do offer a slightly easier install, since they are completely assembled with new mounting hardware.
To reuse your existing springs you will need a set of spring compressors (around $40 at an auto parts store), and probably a new mounting hardware kit (unless your purchase comes with the mounting hardware) as you’ll likely want to replace the bushings.
Example of how to use the spring compressors here:
HOW TO COMPRESS STRUT SPRING - YouTube
Different brands offer different models of shocks (different characteristics), so that may be where some of the confusion is coming in on which brand offers firmer/softer ride.
I’m not sure what KYB and Bilstein off for the 4Runner.
But my son has been looking at some Bilstein’s for his 2008 BMW 328i.
There are several options/performance levels available from Bilstein for his car, firmer options offer better handling characteristics for “spirited” driving but also make the ride rougher.
Last edited:
I just checked fleabay for those XREAS shocks, and one dealer is asking $555 for both sides. It looks like shocks come with a few extra attachments, like a high pressure air hose. I'm wondering if I can get away with just buying only the shocks from Amazon and use existing hardware/ attachments? This would be much better for my budget. I'm wondering what others with the XREAS did. Here's the fleabay link for the overpriced OEM stuff.
Toyota 4runner 2003 - 2009 4wd Front Shocks Set W/ Reas Genuine OEM OE for sale online | eBay
https://www.ebay.com/p/656127736?ii...NTyilbdTF3DdmCQMntIDJ1rs9e8PlT98aAnJcEALw_wcB
Toyota 4runner 2003 - 2009 4wd Front Shocks Set W/ Reas Genuine OEM OE for sale online | eBay
https://www.ebay.com/p/656127736?ii...NTyilbdTF3DdmCQMntIDJ1rs9e8PlT98aAnJcEALw_wcB
firebirdguy
Member
i will try to address most your questions: the difference in height you have is from the original worn out front springs sagging & looking at your pics the shocks are definitely leaking, not sweating, they are shot & need to be replaced. most people & even some dealers suggest removing the xreas & using standard shocks. new xreas system is $2000+ as you found... just not worth it. you can convert to factory toyota non xreas shocks, many people pull their stock ones to upgrade & they sell for cheap. or you can get aftermarket like KYB, monroe or bilstein. monroe & kyb are very close to stock ride & are not harsh at all, bilstein are usually intended for off roading & are stiffer than stock. if you dont off road & its a 2WD then i would suggest finding low mile used toyota shocks or KYB. monroe get lots of bad reviews for being too soft & after some miles & time that just gets worse, the kyb are slightly stiffer than stock but still a very nice firm ride & will allow more time/miles before they start to sag or soften up.
you need new coils on the fronts, called coil over shocks, monroes term is quick struts but these 4runners dont use struts. if the rear sits high you dont need new rear coils, just the shocks.
the fittings on the xreas shocks are for hydraulic fluid not air, they transfer the fluid to the needed shocks like on a corner or hard bumps etc, the system works very well when new or in good shape but they are known to leak like yours & are too expensive to replace. its not very hard to remove them, there lots of write ups here or even youtube, if you cant or dont want to work on it, check with some local independent mechanics (not the dealership) you just tear the lines out & it doesnt take much time, probably an hour or 2 labor added to replacing the shocks. also the new shocks come with new hardware & top hat bushings so its an easy install without swapping springs etc.
i removed my xreas on my 4wd & it was very simple, replacing the shocks was easy too aside from one front being a little stubborn to come out of the top hole but a little prying got it right out. after 1.5 years i am very happy with the KYB's, i dont do any real off roading but im sure they would be fine & better than stock if i did do some light duty stuff but they ride great on the road & lifted the front to look much better.
sorry for the long post, hope that answers most your questions. remove the xreas & get either used original toyota shocks, (pretty sure early 5th gen fits 4th gen) or get the KYB's. they are lifetime warranty too if theres ever an issuue.
Last edited:
Thanks for your feedback. I can't do this myself, but I have an independent shop I go to. I usually buy the parts and let him do the labor. KYBs sound like what would work in this case, especially with lifetime warranty. Would you kindly help me find a link for those shocks, coil overs and other hardware. I tried searching and I got lost.
It's a 2009 UrbanRunner 2WD - V6 - XREAS .
firebirdguy
Member
sure. rockauto is usually the best price for most parts & they offer a 5% discount with a code you should be able to find on a google search. you can check amazon or local parts stores too but ive always had great luck with rockauto prices being lowest.
the sr4119 & 4120 are the front l&r for 2wd (& be sure he pays attention to what part# is for which side) the rear are 344410 for both sides.
also tell your mechanic that he doesnt need to remove all the lines, they can just be cut & fluid drained then cap the open ends, but its only a few extra bolts & prying the lines from their clamps to remove it all for a cleaner look. & there are one way check valves in the lines about 10-12" before each shock that lets you remove them without losing any fluid, but not required to do it that way.
2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.0L V6 Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly | RockAuto
2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.0L V6 Shock Absorber | RockAuto
Last edited:
Very helpful, I really appreciate the input and effort. So, with the removal of XREAS, back shocks would need to be replaced with aftermarkets as well. It's only logical since they are all in the same "loop." With that said, looks like KYBs will come to $330 + labor.
Last edited:
KYB's installed
KYB Excel -G's, MOOG stabilizer links and new rear bushings (All the stuff Toyota suggested to fix to address suspension...control issues. Did not put on near rear springs, but put some airspring bags in back.
Don't let anyone kid you...with midwest rust, it's a lot of work. I also took time to de-rust and repaint, so took about 2 weeks.
Had alignment done after.
.....RESULTS....
It's better, shocks seem more stiff but not too stiff. I wouldn't want stiffer...so KYB seems good choice.
Handling on the road is still...a bit too drifty. Wind seems to grab it and move it, lot more than my 1999 SR5. Like suspension energy is moving it around. I'm tempted to drive a new one to see if are the same.
Ill research further poly swaybar bushings in front or have shop look for other issues or find a suspension shop... feel like I'm guessing at solutions. When I read about these bushings, I only hear "longevity" not control enhancement. I didn't see any other issues when down under, but not suspension expert...obviously. Maybe some ball joints are worn...but I hear no clunk or noise. Or maybe this is how these heavy beasts handle without their $4000 suspension.
KYB Excel -G's, MOOG stabilizer links and new rear bushings (All the stuff Toyota suggested to fix to address suspension...control issues. Did not put on near rear springs, but put some airspring bags in back.
Don't let anyone kid you...with midwest rust, it's a lot of work. I also took time to de-rust and repaint, so took about 2 weeks.
Had alignment done after.
.....RESULTS....
It's better, shocks seem more stiff but not too stiff. I wouldn't want stiffer...so KYB seems good choice.
Handling on the road is still...a bit too drifty. Wind seems to grab it and move it, lot more than my 1999 SR5. Like suspension energy is moving it around. I'm tempted to drive a new one to see if are the same.
Ill research further poly swaybar bushings in front or have shop look for other issues or find a suspension shop... feel like I'm guessing at solutions. When I read about these bushings, I only hear "longevity" not control enhancement. I didn't see any other issues when down under, but not suspension expert...obviously. Maybe some ball joints are worn...but I hear no clunk or noise. Or maybe this is how these heavy beasts handle without their $4000 suspension.
One oddity I noticed...it rides higher on one side by 1/8inch. ..measured from tire to fender well.
A shop noted that can happen with shocks that are older, they said they always check to see if same age/lot. I didn't do that...ordered from rockauto and just put them on.
I guess other possibility is springs worn differently.
anyone experinece this? Maybe the installer is going nuts.
A shop noted that can happen with shocks that are older, they said they always check to see if same age/lot. I didn't do that...ordered from rockauto and just put them on.
I guess other possibility is springs worn differently.
anyone experinece this? Maybe the installer is going nuts.
y=mx+b
New member
Driver side lean is a thing. Driver, fuel tank, battery, front diff are all on the driver side, so it will tend to sit a tad lower. Every off-road lift manufacturer makes their own flavor of lean correction spacer, usually like 15-25mm but some have needed more
firebirdguy
Member
yes back shocks need to be replaced too, the xreas are all cross connected.
not sure what shipping is for your location, but the shock total should only be $280 & maybe $20 for shipping & some tax. the fronts are $96 each & the rears are less than $40 each. also search for a rock auto 5 % discount code, that will almost cover the shipping.
Talking to my dad this morning, he was unhappy that I was considering deleting XREAS. I explained and showed him this thread, but he wasn't convinced and offered to pitch in half the cost if I went with OEM shocks. It's an offer I can't refuse and this would make him happy. I found front shocks and coils/springs from a Toyota dealer in Georgia with free delivery for $525. If I went this route, would it just be a matter of plug and play for removal of installation of those parts? Would XREAS system need to be recalibrated/reset in any way that only a dealer could do? Would a loss of fluid while disconnecting of shocks occur? I ask those questions so I could take it to the independent shop and talk intelligently to that mechanic. Thx.
I found my answers to the previous post in this excellent document: https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf
I simply would have to do this at the dealer's which would break the bank for sure and my dad. So, I will just deactivate XREAS and install aftermarket KYBs. At least I have a definitive answer and we're not going to feel bad that we deleted a good OEM feature.
I simply would have to do this at the dealer's which would break the bank for sure and my dad. So, I will just deactivate XREAS and install aftermarket KYBs. At least I have a definitive answer and we're not going to feel bad that we deleted a good OEM feature.
Similar threads
