Alright, disclousure: I work for RC, but I didn't join this forum to try and push our brand on everyone. I just dig our stuff and love Toyotas (especially my new 4Runner). These threads are a jungle of knowledge, it's fantastic.
The 5th gen X-REAS 3" is not something that is available as a kit... yet. But, I took existing parts we manufacture and put together what will hopefully become the kit. I will eventually post a more detailed write up of the install, but here is the gist:
- Front: Diff Drop and Strut Spacer (no preload)
- Rear: Coil Spring Spacers and Shock Mount Extension Brackets
The wrinkle with the X-REAS (as I'm sure you all know), has always been whether to disconnect the lines or not, take the struts apart or not. By not installing a preload spacer, you aren't required to disconnect anything. Preload spacers are generally built into kits to protect the CVs, and that is what we did with the standard 5th gen 3". Just doesn't work on this suspension.
The top hat spacers require the use of spring compressors, and you can do this "on the vehicle" with just the strut un-mounted and fluid line still connected. The spacers offset the top bolt pattern and compressors allow the top hat to be rotated back to square. That's all you need them for, not disassembling the strut.
The rear shock brackets mount to the bottom factory shock mounts on the axle. Need this to correct for the imbalance in the fluid lines created by lifting the rear.
Everything bolts right up - there was a little adjusting to the rear shock brackets (bending them wider to accept the bushing), but nothing I would even consider a modification. Glad to answer any questions, and at some point I'll add a post with pictures to the threads on the X-REAS. It really is a simple install, 8 parts with hardware and it drives and rides great. Of course we can sell the components at retail, we just don't have a kit up online... but, if enough of you ask...
