Lift on Limited 4x4 V8 w/ XREAS and Air in Calgary???

[rybomac]

To make a long and aggravating story short; after going to National 4wd, I've learned that there will be some fab work that is necessary in order to install a proper lift kit without jeopardizing the Air suspension and XREAS.

Is there anyone in town who has experience with this setup or can lead me in the right direction as to who does?

 

[Silver98formula]

I had rear air and XREAS on mine, ended up removing it all. I went with the OW 2.5 kit. The front was easy, out with the old stuff and in with the new. In the back I removed the the air bags, and replaced them with coil springs, and OEM upper spring isolators. So far so good here.

 

[NorthernRyan]

After doing a ton of reading I have decided to go with stripping out the X-REAS and replacing everything with the OW 2.0 kit. This is also because I have an 03 with 156k km so the suspension isn't what it used to be anyways. The OW kit is supposed to be an upgrade to the X-REAS. I'll tell you how I like it when it's done.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

As far as I know, there's no way to lift the rear if you have the OEM rear air system (you can adjust some sensors to make the rear ride higher though). Ditching XREAS is no problem, you'll just need to decide on what's going to replace it. I've seen guys replace it with regular shocks such as the FJ shocks and Bilstein 5100's and don't think I've seen anyone who misses it. If you go with something like the OW kit, it'll just be even better. I do know of several up that way somewhere who've done a coil swap conversion, I can post up more info on that if it's something you'd consider.

 

[rybomac]

Thanks for the input. I know it is possible to recalibrate the sensor positions and readjust the height control sensor link - say make 'normal' position as the same level of inflation as the 'high' level. But then couldn't you run the risk of overinflating your bag?

However, with minimal fabrication work and welding, a spacer should be able to be installed and then you could adjust your control sensor link so that 'normal' is still 'normal'.

Also, after reading about the XREAS system, it's kind of a cool concept. There isn't an available superior aftermarket shock that could adapt to the center control absorber? Or is it just a pain in the ass?

The OW kit looks pretty nice, any distributors in the calgary area?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've looked at the OEM parts diagrams and it seems a spacer should be doable, but I've spoke with 2-3 off road shops in the area and all weren't able to do anything. I'll have ot look, there's a shop up that way that has done the coil conversion, maybe they would be more familiar with the system and could do a spacer. I'll see if I can find the name/location of the shop. If you get something figured out, please let me know.
You're right on the adjustment, that's what I was referring to.

 

[Silver98formula]

Get rid of the bags all together, much nicer with out them. Smoother, less clunky feeling, nicer over bumps, better overall. All I needed was new bump stops and a rubber isolator for the top, thats all. Well a coil spring as well but thats a given.