Lifting a 03' with XREAS

S

Snuph

New member
I am a relatively new 4runner owner, as well as member of this site. I have searched and searched for information regarding lifting a 4runner with the XREAS, however, i cant seem to find any.

I have a couple of questions.

Do i need a specific kit designed specifically for the XREAS?

How hard will installing a new lift be?

Can i even install a lift?

I'd appreciate some feedback, being as i dont know what im doing :D
:moping:
 
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What is Xreas exactly?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/54365-what-xreas-exactly.html

Installation:
Although I do as much work on the 4R myself as possible, both maintenance and mods, Working on the suspension is not really something I wanted to do. Through my research on lifting the 4Runner, I found that it is pretty straightforward without XREAS, but having an XREAS equipped 4R makes the job a different ballgame, one in which your local shop has most likley not encountered. You cannot disconnect the XREAS hydraulic lines connected to the shocks at all. Once fluid leaks out and air enters in, the system needs to be entirely replaced. There is no way to flush or recharge the system. So this job requires working in the wheel well with handheld spring compressors. Additionally there is the Skid Control Sensor wires right there that cannot be stretched or damaged. Same goes for the brake lines. Various shops I spoke with would have nothing to do with a job like that, with them taking responsibility for potentially runing an expensive XREAS or ABS/Traction/Skid Control system, and not being able to use their wall mounted compressors. Actually, after talking with a bunch of shops, I did not want them to touch my vehicle afterall. I would have to stand over them to make sure the job was done to my specs and guide them through the job, paying for many hours of labor. So I decide to do it myself.

Daystar Spacer Lift 2.5/1.5
2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift

via J.A.
 
Last edited:
The only way to retain XREAS is to get a Spacer Lift.

XREAS stands for "Cross Linked Relative Absorber System".
X-REAS was designed to help improve vehicle on-road handling performance. This technology links each of the vehicle's shocks to it's diagonal counterpart via a gas hydraulic chamber. During cornering or when traveling over bumpy surfaces, the gas hydrauilc chamber acts like a bank "borrowing" fluid from the cross-linked shock bearing the least amount of force and "loaning" it to the shock sustaining the greatest amount of force. This exchange of fluid helps the 4Runners wheels maintain contact with the driving surface and helps lessen vehicle body sway, pitch and roll, making for a more comfortable ride.

Daystar Spacer Lift
2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift

via J.A.

tn_xreas.jpg


Photo J.A.
 
Some members did baby steps by going w/ a Spacer Lift & many members Did It Right The First Time.

I currently still have my Daystar Spacer Lift...after 2 month, I was ready to upgrade. I haven't upgraded yet, because the wallet won't let me!!

Anywho...I was reading about Daystar Spacer Lift for over a year if not two. I landed a Used Daystar Spacer Lift Kit & was hyped up to install them. If you don't know how to do suspension, you'll easily spend $300 on labor alone. Good thing I have a friend w/ a shop, I was able to help w/ my supervision as a peace of mind. My goodness...all that work just for a slight increase. If I did it all over again...I would go straight to Coilovers.
 
I have the Daystar Spacer Lift & I was drooling over it for a year till I finally caved in.

It definately looks nice, but it's the same travel as stock, because you're just adding a spacer to extend the stock strut/shock assembly.

I actually help do the install & it's so much work for so little improvement.

I don't regret doing it, because if I didn't do it, I wouldn't have known this information.

If I did it all over again, I'd go with...

• OME

or

• Overland Warehouse Radflo 2.5

*****

I didn't replace my UCA, because I stuck only stepped up to 32" tires, if you were to step up to 33" or higher, then you need them for clearance.

As for alignment...only the Toe Angle for the front are adjustable, and my Caster Angle wasn't out of whacked too much, my vehicle is traveling perfectly straight.

*****

If you need photos or have questions about the Daystar Spacer Lift...please let me know. Actually if you need a Tutorial in installing a lift, let me know.
 
If I was able to remove the Spacer in a blink of a second from a Magic Genie...I'd let you have it.

...Please don't hesitate if you have more questions...
 
I HAD the XREAS system and replaced the whole setup with the ToyTech 3" Ultimate Lift. I had 145K miles when I replaced the old XREAS system with the new shocks....and it really rides nicely. Beefs up the suspension and looks great to boot. I got mine installed by an installer due to not having all the proper tools but it was done at a relatively low cost. That being said....there are all types of lifts for the 03 and lots of opinions, just read through them and go with what you thing suits you best financially.
 
Welcome aboard man! The only option you have is a spacer lift if you want to keep Xreas. If you get rid of Xreas your options are much more plentiful.. I was in the same boat as you for months. I did a lot of research here and on 120 and ended up ordering the DS 2.5 lift kit. When my Xreas gives out I will probably do the FJ and blisten set up. The DS KT09115BK kit will work on your runner. You can get it off amazon or wheelers in Oregon.

looks like KC set you up man check out all those links they have some really great info.. Post some pictures when you get a chance would like to see your progress.
 
I kept the XREAS, but swapped the stock coil springs for FJ Cruiser coils. The ride is much nicer... more firm and more controlled.

Mine's an '06 that had about 70k on it when I swapped the coils and figure that I can probably make it to 85-90k miles before the XREAS fails. If you're at that mileage mark or higher, I'd just get rid of XREAS as others have mentioned and not have to worry about it.

As others have also mentioned, the options are plentiful... limited only by your budget!

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Wow, i never expected so much help :D
thanks everyone for your input, but it seems now that i have a lot more work ahead of me than i thought :D
thank you K.C. for all the informative threads.

ill be sure to post pictures of my progress as i mod up :D
heres what she looks like as of now :D
 

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Snuph said:
Wow, i never expected so much help :D
thanks everyone for your input, but it seems now that i have a lot more work ahead of me than i thought :D
thank you K.C. for all the informative threads.

ill be sure to post pictures of my progress as i mod up :D
heres what she looks like as of now :D
Click to expand...
You're so very welcome!!

Just need to ask the right people.
thumb_up.gif
 
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