Looking to have Shock/Struts replaced...

J

jstutz101

New member
Ive got 93,000 miles on my 03' Runner and noticed it's riding pretty rough. I was curious what the ballpark cost would be to be to have the shocks replaced. Ive done a lot of the maintenance myself but suspension work is a little out of my comfort zone. Whats a good brand to go with thats as good as OEM?

Thanks!
 
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You may want to start reading up on FJC suspension swaps. The two gotcha's are the rear air suspension (which you probably don't have), and the X-REAS. The X-REAS can be pulled if you have a set of shocks.
 
you could always do without xreas too. simply replace the struts with new t4r or fj shocks. and the fj springs are interchangable as well
 
CJ3Flyr said:
xreas?
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I dont believe I have the xreas. From the sounds of it I wouldnt keep it if I did. Im looking for something thats as good as oem. Thinking about giving Meineke a call to get an estimate. Ive never kept a vehicle long enough to need new shocks so I have no idea what to expect them to cost.
 
jstutz101 said:
I dont believe I have the xreas. From the sounds of it I wouldnt keep it if I did. Im looking for something thats as good as oem. Thinking about giving Meineke a call to get an estimate. Ive never kept a vehicle long enough to need new shocks so I have no idea what to expect them to cost.
Click to expand...

Some people don't know that their shocks only last about 50,000 miles before they need to be changed. I found this out with my 99 Maxima that I no longer have. They may be different with Trucks, but I know I need to replace the ones on my T4R, as it has over 71,000 miles on it.
 
Many like the Bilstiens. For a good OE Replacement shock I like the KYB GR2.

If I were you I'd find a local shop that'd put on what ever shocks you carried in and then pick your shocks.
 
CJ3Flyr said:
Many like the Bilstiens. For a good OE Replacement shock I like the KYB GR2.

If I were you I'd find a local shop that'd put on what ever shocks you carried in and then pick your shocks.
Click to expand...

I'd go Bilstien's as a great replacement/upgrade. all 4 should cost about $300 without having a guy put them in for you.
 
why not just get a set of FJC stock ones? i picked up some for $85 from a local seller. i haven't installed it yet. one of my xreas shocks is leaking but don't want to just throw the other three away. i haven't noticed any ride difference except the noise when i go over speed bumps at low speed. i want to use them as long as possible. will get mechanics opinion during my oil change next time...
 
I had the XREAS fail in my '03 and was quoted $4k by my dealer to fix/replace it. "But," they said, "it'll be warranted for 3 years"

I replaced it with a ToyTec 3" Ultimate lift for about 25% the cost. I now have a much better ride, a bunch of money left in my pocket and a great looking and performing 4Runner. Maybe more importantly this gets you a suspension that can be worked on in the event of a problem, not a rip and replace job.

Even the Toyota dealer didn't know how to work on XREAS much less a local shop.

+10 on ToyTec
:uzi: XREAS
 
I just recently had a dealership install a brand new XREAS system on my Runner tubes and all. The entire XREAS was changed out due to mechanic error when installing my lift. I would love to get rid of this and go aftermarket so if you all know anyone interested in buying a BRAND NEW XREAS system just PM me and make an offer I cant refuse and they are yours!Less than 600 miles on it!
 
hey there fishn, was it the dealer that made the error?

i took my truck to the dealer 3(!) times with xreas issues once they kept it for a week, they could never figure it out! my friend and i took it out in a big parking lot for 30 minutes and figured out what the problem was (he did really, but it was a 2 man job ;) )

10 days later the XREAS was removed and the ToyTec installed, problems solved!

:barf: XREAS
 
pants said:
I had the XREAS fail in my '03 and was quoted $4k by my dealer to fix/replace it. "But," they said, "it'll be warranted for 3 years"

I replaced it with a ToyTec 3" Ultimate lift for about 25% the cost. I now have a much better ride, a bunch of money left in my pocket and a great looking and performing 4Runner. Maybe more importantly this gets you a suspension that can be worked on in the event of a problem, not a rip and replace job.

Even the Toyota dealer didn't know how to work on XREAS much less a local shop.

+10 on ToyTec
:uzi: XREAS
Click to expand...




$4000?????????? I would have had a stroke laughing at those clowns. This is why as soon as the car is out of warranty, NEVER walk back into a stealership unless you're buying another car. What a complete screw-job.
 
yes, the 5100s seem to be where it's at. i'm a fan

IOP25: i think i spewed coffee out of my nose when they told me the price. he then followed it up with the 3 year warranty bit (i was out of coffee at that point).
 
Last edited:
pants said:
hey there fishn, was it the dealer that made the error?

i took my truck to the dealer 3(!) times with xreas issues once they kept it for a week, they could never figure it out! my friend and i took it out in a big parking lot for 30 minutes and figured out what the problem was (he did really, but it was a 2 man job ;) )

10 days later the XREAS was removed and the ToyTec installed, problems solved!

:barf: XREAS
Click to expand...

Yes- When they installed my front lift the tech disconnected the hydraulic line at the shock and not at the disconnect point.
 
pants said:
I had the XREAS fail in my '03 and was quoted $4k by my dealer to fix/replace it. "But," they said, "it'll be warranted for 3 years
Click to expand...

Dealer was just trying to screw you. XREAS is expensive, but nowhere near that expensive.
 
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