Looking to level but got a few questions

[Ffej]

I'm looking to get a leveling kit installed, the place here that does them uses Readylift, has anyone heard anything good bad or ugly about these?
also, I have a 2005 Sport Edition. I'm not sure if I have this XREAS everyone talks about, the dealer says I don't because I can't automatically lift the back with an airbag.. but I believe that's only on the limited with XREAS is it not?
And one of the mechanics I go to said that the tundras that get lifted have to get the control arm bushings replaced almost yearly because they wear out from the odd angle they get placed at, and he said since the 4runner is built on the same chassy it's possible it will happen with mine.

For the record, I know nothing about cars and I am a complete noob.
Thanks for any help!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

First thing you need to do is run, and run fast, away from that dealer. If you have a sport, you'll have the hood scoop, that's the easiest way to tell. XREAS is standard on the sports, so all of them have it. I know the rear air suspension was an option on the limiteds, I didn't think it was available on the sport. Either way, the rear air suspension was packaged with XREAS, so if you have the OEM rear air suspension, you also have XREAS.

I'm not familiar with those lift products, but there are a few things you should know. Installing a spacer lift (XREAS or not) isn't too difficult, it's something I wouldn't pay to have done. I know very, very little about wrenching and was able to get it done with the help of a friend. Check out the link in my sig (click where it lists my lift/tires) to gain some knowledge about what it takes to install.

Second, with a spacer lift on the front, you gain almost double the spacer thickness (the ratio decreases as the spacer gets larger). So, a 1" thick spacer will give you 2" of lift. This is important because some companies just don't get this concept. Some advertise total lift including the 2:1 ratio, some advertise lift with a 1:1 ratio (which is incorrect for the front), and others just list the spacer thickness.

I've spoken with many people who have ran spacer lifts for years (even 2-3" spacers, not just a level kit) and they've had very little if any excess wear. With a simple spacer to level it out, you shouldn't have any worries. I also wasn't aware the 4runner shared the same platform as the Tundra, I don't think thats correct info, someone back me up (or correct me).

 

[JCR]

Unless it was removed, you're 05 came with XREAS but that has nothing to do with airbags.

And from what I understand, Tundra's and 4R don't share the same chassy but Taco's and 4R share the same 120 platform.

If you are just leveling it up I'd get a Toytec or Cornfed spacer which will give you 1" of lift. If your rake is really bad they sell 2" one's also. If Readylift makes a spacer for the 4runner then it should be fine also, it's most likely just a piece of aluminum or poly.

Also, I would make sure that your Xreas isn't leaking, if it needs to be replaced it would be a good time to do it when you level it up.

Edit: Looks like Ark Swamp Rider beat me to it. ^ I also agree that this dealer needs to get his info straight.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Haha, love it when that happens! The rear air suspension isn't dependent on XREAS, but the way Toyota had the options you had to have XREAS if you got the RAS, so it does relate in that way. You can remove XREAS and keep the RAS, no problem. JCR brought up a good point, you may want to inspect your shocks for leaks, and replace if needed (now would be the time to do it). Also, don't forget an alignment after the lift, it'll be needed. I'd definitely shop around, you can get good deals on lifts if you search, I wouldn't stick to just what you can get locally.

EDIT: how much lift are you looking for? I looked at Readylift's website, all the list for the 4runner is a 3" front/2" rear lift, and it runs $440. This kit is listed for the FJ Cruiser/4runner. For the money, I'd really look elsewhere. I don't know much about Readylift, but I know there are some great kits out there for much less money. What I do like is that they include stuff like the diff drop, but still don't think it's worth that much extra for a spacer kit.

 

[Ffej]

Thanks for the help so far guys
the lift that the shop was showing me is Toyota FJ Cruiser & 4Runner SST Lift Kit: 2003-2009 - 3.0"F/2.0"R
It says it's a 3" front and 2" rear for FJ.. should be the same for the 4runner.

I'm half considering just ordering a Toytec, Daystar or Cornfed online and attempting it myself because that seems to be what everyone else is doing and having no problems with.. I'm just a bit iffy about this XREAS system, does that make the install a trickier?

Buying locally and getting installed locally will cost me about $700 or more so I may have to go for the online option

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I would highly advise giving it a shot yourself. As I said, check out my writeup, it'll give you a good idea of what to expect for the install. I also link to several step by step guides that really helped me out. If you're wanted to lift and level, a Cornfed 3/2 would be a good option, those run~$250 if I remember correctly. A cheaper option is the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for about $150. As you see, there's a big savings, and in the end you'll have a very, very similar outcome.

XREAS makes the install a touch more complicated, but nothing bad at all. With a regular shock, you take the shock out, and it's completely free so that you can take it to a workbench to do the spacer assembly. The process for a XREAS shock is identical, the only difference is you've got a hydraulic line attached, so you can't take the shop to the workbench, you instead do the install in the fenderwell. You just have to be cautious and not put too much stress on the lines, you'll be fine. You can disconnect the XREAS system (this MUST be done at the correct location or it'll ruin the system!), but I wouldn't advise that (not worth the chance). For the rear, it's all the same, only the front will be any different. Again, only difference is working in the fenderwell vs. being able to work on a bench.

 

[Rockymntnhigh]

Search for hellbentsteel.. 2.5" 3" leveling kit runs around $75

 

[ethernectar]

XREAS is standard on the sports, so all of them have it.

Not all of them have the system we know now as XREAS. My 06 Sport has a system that is similar to XREAS in appearance (reserves/lines/etc), but is not XREAS. No controller. Was only put on some of the 06 Sports for about 6 months. System has to be treated the same as the XREAS though when any work is done though. The shop I went to learned this the hard way, but they made it right. Just an FYI.

 

[borgzman]

Not all of them have the system we know now as XREAS. My 06 Sport has a system that is similar to XREAS in appearance (reserves/lines/etc), but is not XREAS. No controller. Was only put on some of the 06 Sports for about 6 months. System has to be treated the same as the XREAS though when any work is done though. The shop I went to learned this the hard way, but they made it right. Just an FYI.

Thats why I love this forum..there's something new everyday.

All I know being a special option in the limiteds is the rear air suspension.

 

[offshorebear]

Not all of them have the system we know now as XREAS. My 06 Sport has a system that is similar to XREAS in appearance (reserves/lines/etc), but is not XREAS. No controller. Was only put on some of the 06 Sports for about 6 months. System has to be treated the same as the XREAS though when any work is done though. The shop I went to learned this the hard way, but they made it right. Just an FYI.

XREAS has no controller. Just lines and some cylinders, its all mechanical.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That's correct, xreas is all mechanical, and id bet that's what you have. Xreas WAS standard on all sports, and it was an option on the limiteds.

 

[ethernectar]

I have second/thirdhand info, so maybe its confused. I asked specifically if it was XREAS and according to what the Toyota shop manager told my 4x4 shop owner it is a different version. Linked only front to back (same side) and not diagonally. Was more of a sport suspension option than a body-roll option.

 

[borgzman]

a decade of 4th gen, we haven't mastered the model yet...