Lift recommendations without removing XREAS

[K O]

I've been stalking this forum for a while, but haven't had a reason to post until now. I ordered my 4Runner in December, received in February, and am looking to get it lifted, but want to be sensible about it. After spending $40k on a vehicle, the last thing I want to do is throw away perfectly good parts.

That said, I'd like to keep the XREAS system and my tires, but get the 4Runner lifted and leveled. It looks like the cheapest solution is the 2.5/1.5 Daystar leveling kit, but I'm looking for the best lift I can get that doesn't involve removing the XREAS, not the cheapest. I was looking at the ToyTec 3" lifts that include rear springs, but I don't know if they're compatible with the XREAS system or if they're even recommended. Any advice is appreciated.

Not sure if this affects my decision, but eventually I'd like to put 275/55R20 Nitto Terragrapplers on my existing Limited rims, but for now I'm going to keep the existing tires, as it's simply not economical to dump them.

All recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I would just level the front with some OME 883 springs and call it a day I think with a 2.5 up front and 1.5 in the rear is going to make those stock tires look tiny. But this is just my opinion.

 

[Falls]

I've been stalking this forum for a while, but haven't had a reason to post until now. I ordered my 4Runner in December, received in February, and am looking to get it lifted, but want to be sensible about it. After spending $40k on a vehicle, the last thing I want to do is throw away perfectly good parts.

That said, I'd like to keep the XREAS system and my tires, but get the 4Runner lifted and leveled. It looks like the cheapest solution is the 2.5/1.5 Daystar leveling kit, but I'm looking for the best lift I can get that doesn't involve removing the XREAS, not the cheapest. I was looking at the ToyTec 3" lifts that include rear springs, but I don't know if they're compatible with the XREAS system or if they're even recommended. Any advice is appreciated.

Not sure if this affects my decision, but eventually I'd like to put 275/55R20 Nitto Terragrapplers on my existing Limited rims, but for now I'm going to keep the existing tires, as it's simply not economical to dump them.

All recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

I had Xreas on my 06 Sport. You are kind of limited to spacers . I feel the DS kit is the best way to for with spacers . Call wheelers off road and order the 6 pc kit.

It has a 1.5 rear and a 1/2" pre load (sort of , because you are actually removing the rubber gromet that comes stock on it and replacing it with DS poly one ) and a 1" topout that will give you a 2.5 / 1.5 lift.

Don't buy spacers because they are cheap or go the cheap way , buy what you need for the truck and your uses.

Many here don't like spacers , but I have always thought it to be a logical lift . Yes you get a little more limitations than with a full suspension set up but on my 06 I had a spacer lift in front and i went every where I could off road with it and never had a problem and hung easily with the rest of the full suspension boys. NOW>>>> if your rock crawling or running the Baja at high speed then I would say no spacer lift otherwise I think they are perfect. I later changed shock and springs to FJ stuff , but still kept spacers and ran 100k+ miles with never an issue of a CV leaking or anything. It also saw most off road duty than most trucks on here with full out suspensions. It is a great way to get some add'l clearance and be able to fit bigger tires under there. That really all ya need to enjoy off roading in a mild to moderate form. Just my .02

I have a new OME kit here waiting for install , but I also have a 6pc spacer kit from DS that I had from a prev. trade that was only used a short time .

It all depends on what you want in a lift. I am afraid that my OME kit will give me to much height . I really don't want 3+ inches so if I don't like it I will try to get a smaller spring or go to spacer. I drive a lot 2k-2.5k per month (on road ). I want and must have the reliability .

 

[4RFan]

"I drive a lot 2k-2.5k per month (on road ). I want and must have the reliability"

Wow, how do you drive that many miles on Wisconsin winter roads? I don't even drive 1/4 that many miles, but if I did, no way I could in a 4R. Ever since winter came and the frozen roads my 4Runner (even with X-Reas) is just horrible on any road that is not smooth (and here is Wisconsin, basically none of the roads are smooth). I have never driven a worse ridding vehicle. Don't get me wrong - I really love everything else about this truck, but the ride quality is extremely poor. Every passenger I have had has noticed the same thing. I hope it gets better when the roads warm in spring, because I didn't notice this issue when I bought it.



KO - let us know what you do - I would be interested in seeing it.

 

[CXS]

I will add that if you go OME springs only you'll be unhappy due to the spring rate of OME and X-REAS shocks valving are not compatible. I just swapped out mine in favor of matching shocks & springs and it's so much better.

4RFan, there's something wrong to have that kind of ride.

 

[K O]

If I'm understanding correctly, it sounds like my options are really spacers only, or rip out the XREAS and go allout with something like the ToyTec Ultimate lift or other similar full suspension replacement.

I appreciate the input so far.

I have no complaints with the XREAS system, and I find the ride quite nice. Clearly I don't know anything about suspension, but perhaps that's actually a good thing since I'm satisfied with what I've already invested in. :wink2: I would just like to increase the ground clearance a little more and eventually have room for larger tires.

 

[harper7]

I put 2 inch front Toytec spacers on my X-Reas suspension when I first bought my truck. I was told by Toytec that if I went to a 3/2 spacer lift, like I wanted,that the X-Reas shocks could over extend and blow out.

I would tend to believe them since they had nothing to gain by informing me of this. Call and talk to Toytec's tech. They specialize in Toyota's and are a sponsor here on the forum!

 

[GhostRunner]

Harper, was your truck level with the 2" spacers or did the rear settle and leave you with a reverse rake.

I emailed Toytec and was set to order a 2" front lift spacer, and they recomended the "top spacer" instead, because they said the rear will settle and possibly lead to the front being higher than the rear.

The largest top spacer from toytec is a 3/4"...I dont think that would even be worth while considering I have a 2" rake right now.

 

[Falls]

Harper, was your truck level with the 2" spacers or did the rear settle and leave you with a reverse rake.

I emailed Toytec and was set to order a 2" front lift spacer, and they recomended the "top spacer" instead, because they said the rear will settle and possibly lead to the front being higher than the rear.

The largest top spacer from toytec is a 3/4"...I dont think that would even be worth while considering I have a 2" rake right now.

A topout spacer will double in lift. so a 3/4" will give you about 1.5" of lift.

 

[Falls]

From what I am told by Toytec the Ultimate lift ( the one with the front coil overs and the Bilstein shocks with he rear Superflex coils will give you the most comfort ride. on/off road.

I know OME will be a little stiffer , but matching the shocks with the spring rates like they do will help a lot as opposed to adding springs to your stock Xreas or regular shocks .

Just what I have been told. I do not have my lift on it yet .

 

[GhostRunner]

I had Xreas on my 06 Sport. You are kind of limited to spacers . I feel the DS kit is the best way to for with spacers . Call wheelers off road and order the 6 pc kit.

It has a 1.5 rear and a 1/2" pre load (sort of , because you are actually removing the rubber gromet that comes stock on it and replacing it with DS poly one ) and a 1" topout that will give you a 2.5 / 1.5 lift.

.

I called and talk to Daystar Tech support and he said the kits they have only go up to th 2009 4Runners, and that the 2010 is a whole different "monster". He didn't seem to well informed about the 2010's I was thinking he was just covering his as* by not recomending it.

Does anyone know if this is true, I was contemplating the 2.5/1.5 Daystar lift and he talked me out of it. I have a limited with the XREAS. I assumed that it was basically the same strut assembly as the 09 limited models and that these spcares would be pretty universal and you could do the work w/in the wheelwell add a top spacer by loosening the strut assembly w/out disconnecting the xreas lines.

 

[youkefei]

Hi, I think we are on the same boat. I've been looking for the leveling kit for 2011 Limited w/ XREAS for a while, but don't have much positive options yet.

I emailed my dealership about the Toytec 2.5"front/1.5"rear top spacers, the dealership's answer is:

Those will not work for you 4runner as they are for the old body style and your limited has air suspension which is not lift-able yet. I've talked to a few companies that are looking into it.
​

So I'm kinda waiting for some "good" news from them.

I called and talk to Daystar Tech support and he said the kits they have only go up to th 2009 4Runners, and that the 2010 is a whole different "monster".

BTW, according to Daystar's catalog:
http://daystarweb.com/attachments/media/Daystar2011catalogfinal.pdf
Page 52, I do find:
4-Runner 2/4WD 2010-11 2-1/2” Leveling Kit - Front Strut Spacers, PART#:KT09133BK
4-Runner 2/4WD 2010-11 2-1/2” Lift Kit - Front Strut Spacers & Rear Coil Spring Spacers, PART#: KT09134BK
I'm pretty confused now:wtf:

 

[harper7]

Harper, was your truck level with the 2" spacers or did the rear settle and leave you with a reverse rake.

I emailed Toytec and was set to order a 2" front lift spacer, and they recomended the "top spacer" instead, because they said the rear will settle and possibly lead to the front being higher than the rear.

The largest top spacer from toytec is a 3/4"...I dont think that would even be worth while considering I have a 2" rake right now.

I just put Toytec spacers in the front.These ones... Front 2" Lift Spacers - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
There were actually 1 inch thick spacers that they said would give a 2 inch lift but it gave me a 1 3/4" lift in the front. Pretty close to level.The back was a factory 2 inches higher when stock so it was 1/4" lower in front after the install. No clue what they were talking about "the rear will settle"? Here is the write up with pics when I did it in Dec 09 Toytec spacer install on a Limited with X-reas

I called and talk to Daystar Tech support and he said the kits they have only go up to th 2009 4Runners, and that the 2010 is a whole different "monster". He didn't seem to well informed about the 2010's I was thinking he was just covering his as* by not recomending it.

Does anyone know if this is true, I was contemplating the 2.5/1.5 Daystar lift and he talked me out of it. I have a limited with the XREAS. I assumed that it was basically the same strut assembly as the 09 limited models and that these spcares would be pretty universal and you could do the work w/in the wheelwell add a top spacer by loosening the strut assembly w/out disconnecting the xreas lines.

Been discussed before a bunch... The studs are NOT long enough on the CO top plate to just stick a top out spacer ON TOP and put the nuts back on. The studs have to be changed so the spring has to be compressed anyways to knock out the studs.Believe me it's very hard to compress the spring with a spring compressor with the XREAS hydraulic lines still hooked up.

Hi, I think we are on the same boat. I've been looking for the leveling kit for 2011 Limited w/ XREAS for a while, but don't have much positive options yet.

I emailed my dealership about the Toytec 2.5"front/1.5"rear top spacers, the dealership's answer is:

Those will not work for you 4runner as they are for the old body style and your limited has air suspension which is not lift-able yet. I've talked to a few companies that are looking into it.
​

So I'm kinda waiting for some "good" news from them.


BTW, according to Daystar's catalog:
http://daystarweb.com/attachments/media/Daystar2011catalogfinal.pdf
Page 52, I do find:
4-Runner 2/4WD 2010-11 2-1/2” Leveling Kit - Front Strut Spacers, PART#:KT09133BK
4-Runner 2/4WD 2010-11 2-1/2” Lift Kit - Front Strut Spacers & Rear Coil Spring Spacers, PART#: KT09134BK
I'm pretty confused now:wtf:

That dealer or whoever you talked to there is completely clueless. We've been lifting 5th's of all kinds for over a year now and they DO NOT have air suspension.

 

[youkefei]

That dealer or whoever you talked to there is completely clueless.

I don't believe them too. My only concern is if dealer refuses to to it for you, and you do it somewhere else, I'm afraid the warranty will be void.

We've been lifting 5th's of all kinds for over a year now and they DO NOT have air suspension.

Yes, the non-XREAS suspension is lift-able, and the dealer admitted that.

 

[tux318]

I used the Daystar KT09115BK on my limited.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/60772-20-inch-wheels-limited-7.html#post706817

Works good and kept XREAS.

 

[Hi-Fi]

Ever since winter came and the frozen roads my 4Runner (even with X-Reas) is just horrible on any road that is not smooth (and here is Wisconsin, basically none of the roads are smooth). I have never driven a worse ridding vehicle. Don't get me wrong - I really love everything else about this truck, but the ride quality is extremely poor. Every passenger I have had has noticed the same thing. I hope it gets better when the roads warm in spring, because I didn't notice this issue when I bought it.

Wow, I agree our Wisconsin roads aren't the best, especially in winter and spring, but my '05 SE, with the original Xreas seems to ride just fine, even with heavy LT tires at 44 PSI. Maybe you've got a mechanical problem of some kind, although I can't think right now what it might be.
Bill

 

[4RFan]

Hi Bill-

Yeah - my 4th Gen with X-REAS was just fine. It actually had a pretty good ride quality for a truck. But my 5th is another story. It's just so dang bouncy; up and down, side to side, front and back, etc... It is not so much the handling, I mean it corners just fine. It is really just the ride quality. I have no idea how it could have changed so much from the 4th Gen to the 5th Gen. Could it be the extra ground clearance?

Nearly every single review on the 5th Gen talks about its bad ride quality, and as much as I really like everything else about this truck, I do have to agree, the ride quality is poor at best.

I hope it improves as the weather gets warmer, it did ride better when I bought it before winter.

 

[Jeffp919]

xreas

"I drive a lot 2k-2.5k per month (on road ). I want and must have the reliability"

Wow, how do you drive that many miles on Wisconsin winter roads? I don't even drive 1/4 that many miles, but if I did, no way I could in a 4R. Ever since winter came and the frozen roads my 4Runner (even with X-Reas) is just horrible on any road that is not smooth (and here is Wisconsin, basically none of the roads are smooth). I have never driven a worse ridding vehicle. Don't get me wrong - I really love everything else about this truck, but the ride quality is extremely poor. Every passenger I have had has noticed the same thing. I hope it gets better when the roads warm in spring, because I didn't notice this issue when I bought it.





sounds like you have a leak in your xreas suspension

 

[mikemdcp]

Excuse me for being ignorant. What is XREAS? I'm in the process of buying the parts to lift my fifth gen (14) 4 RUNNER UP BY 3" up front and 2" in the rear. Will I need a transfer case drop? A front differential drop and a skid pad?

 

[CO-Cygnus]

Still on stock wheels? 20s and thin tires don't help with ride harshness.