My second 4th Gen! 2005 to 2008

[dwulffusa]

Hi guys

Been absent from the forum for a long time. Finally pulled the trigger on a new(er) 4th gen to replace my 2005 that has gotten up there in miles and I had always wanted another 4th gen to replace it before low miler late models become unicorns.

Picked up from CarMax yesterday, 2008 V6 4WD Limited, 50,000miles. Mint condition inside an out. Here comes another 100K!

I have one issue though - I am pretty certain this one does not have XREAS, I think it was an option on the Limited. The ride and body control is worse than my 2005 with 136,000miles on it.

I'd explain it as skittish and soggy. Running over bumps causes the front wheels to shake and the body to shiver as though the springs and shocks are not damping sufficiently. The steering is also super light, unnervingly so at highway speeds and not as directionally stable as the old car. Overall too much body motion and swaying for my liking. Has anyone gone from a Sport to a Limited - and outside of the issue to be addressed, is it just that much "softer"?

Does the shaking sound like worn shocks, could the shocks really be done at 50K? What else could it be, steering bushings, again would seem odd at 50K?

The new tires they fitted are "Performer CXV". I've never heard of them and I am going to assume they are cheapos. Could this be the part of the culprit on the handling. I have noted every previous vehicle improve in ride and handling notably by fitting good tires. I'd like to put Bridgestones or Michelins on. I have Revos on the 05, but never seen a Limited with 18s on Revos, might be a bit chunky and I rarely go offroad.

Lastly, is the nav updatable?

 

[delz05]

Good looking truck... congrats! I had a similar issue last week. Picked up an 04 SR5 with 49K... one previous female owner who kept up with the oil changes and such. Test ride was a little off, a lot of unsteadiness, did notice some sidewall cracking on the BFG's. Dealer was kind enough to put it up on the lift for me, leaking rear shock was found along with some cracked end link bushings. Did the replacement this past Friday, swapped off the tires for some new Dunlops... it now rides like a new truck...

Simply put.. age can cause as much trouble as mileage, give everything a complete check, and good luck with your new Runner.

 

[MarkinWMich]

(1) Shocks can fail at any time.
(2) The wheel shake over bumps and steering issues may be from failed tie rods (inner or outer).

I would investigate those first.

"Cheapo" tires and/or balancing less likely, but may be contributing.

Sway bar bushings and end link failure may cause body roll issues, but probably not steering issues.

Any abnormal noises?

 

[CookieRoe]

Congrats!!

XREAS? Go to the rear shocks and look into the wheel well. If you see some hose coming out of the shock, CONGRATS (sarcasm), you have XREAS. If not, count your blessings.

NAV updatable? You bet! You don't have to spend $150+ on a new DVD either.

Toyota 4Runner Items for Sale

 

[dwulffusa]

Thanks for the responses. I just dropped the tire pressures that were overinflated. Less skittishness, but not quite right. Going to drop it at the dealer tomorrow for a thorough inspection.

Congrats!!

XREAS? Go to the rear shocks and look into the wheel well. If you see some hose coming out of the shock, CONGRATS (sarcasm), you have XREAS. If not, count your blessings.

NAV updatable? You bet! You don't have to spend $150+ on a new DVD either.

Toyota 4Runner Items for Sale

See pic - XREAS?


So the DVD navigation map disc Gen 5 U38 13.1 , would be an update on, see pic->

(1) Shocks can fail at any time.
(2) The wheel shake over bumps and steering issues may be from failed tie rods (inner or outer).

I would investigate those first.

Any abnormal noises?

No abnormal noises. The light steering probably just because its newer and more assisted and on highway tires, that were over inflated. I'll get used to it.

 

[Gdmeadors]

That picture of the shock with the tube is XREAS.

 

[MarkinWMich]

XREAS with badly dry rotted rubber bushings on the shocks and sway bar links.

I suspect that the rest of the bushings have seen better days, as well.

 

[dwulffusa]

XREAS with badly dry rotted rubber bushings on the shocks and sway bar links.

I suspect that the rest of the bushings have seen better days, as well.

Just checked the CarMax warranty, fortunately all components covered, so if dealer diagnoses a problem, warranty should cover it.

 

[amlv20]

That shock looks interesting.i bet it was leaking and the mechanics were told during the inspection to leave it alone,the detail department will take care of that.pressure washer anyone.

 

[CookieRoe]

See pic - XREAS?

So the DVD navigation map disc Gen 5 U38 13.1 , would be an update on, see pic->

XREAS: Have Toyota confirm the shocks are bad, then go back to where you purchased and have them replace ALL FOUR! Keep in mind, all 4 shocks can ONLY be replaced once. After that, you must replace the whole system (lines, hydraulic pump). For only the (4) shocks: About $1000K. For whole system (shocks,lines,pumps): $2500-3K......... so yeah, expensive. I had all four of mine replaced about a year ago. I love the ride and how it corners. Damn what others think.

DVD: Eh, replace it. The link I showed you had it for $18. J.A. sells a quality DVD. You can't go wrong at that price.

Good luck, hope this helps!

 

[dwulffusa]

XREAS: Have Toyota confirm the shocks are bad, then go back to where you purchased and have them replace ALL FOUR! Keep in mind, all 4 shocks can ONLY be replaced once. After that, you must replace the whole system (lines, hydraulic pump). For only the (4) shocks: About $1000K. For whole system (shocks,lines,pumps): $2500-3K......... so yeah, expensive. I had all four of mine replaced about a year ago. I love the ride and how it corners. Damn what others think.

DVD: Eh, replace it. The link I showed you had it for $18. J.A. sells a quality DVD. You can't go wrong at that price.

Good luck, hope this helps!

Finally an update. Long story short, the car spent 2 days at Toyota last week. Toyota found no other worn or loose items and rebalanced the wheels which did not solve the issue. The next step would have been to replace the shocks. I returned it to Carmax on Friday, who just called to say they have ordered the front shocks, . Now is there any justification for saying they must replace all 4 if replacing the front resolves the issue? Should I just come out of pocket for the rears so I know it's done as I plan to keep the car a long time and then have peace of mind?

 

[CookieRoe]

Finally an update. Long story short, the car spent 2 days at Toyota last week. Toyota found no other worn or loose items and rebalanced the wheels which did not solve the issue. The next step would have been to replace the shocks. I returned it to Carmax on Friday, who just called to say they have ordered the front shocks, . Now is there any justification for saying they must replace all 4 if replacing the front resolves the issue? Should I just come out of pocket for the rears so I know it's done as I plan to keep the car a long time and then have peace of mind?

I hope they know that the shocks on an XREAS suspension are crossed linked. So if you replace the driver's front, then you MUST replace the passenger's rear. I would have someone at Carmax research this more thoroughly.

 

[kevinpt]

if it is in fact gone bad ask for a credit of the cost of replacement of xreas and do a 5100's swap

 

[mavrick1903]

if it is in fact gone bad ask for a credit of the cost of replacement of xreas and do a 5100's swap

This is what I would do. Help them understand that replacing to a desirable (lifted?) setup will be cost efficient.

 

[ben550]

if it is in fact gone bad ask for a credit of the cost of replacement of xreas and do a 5100's swap

First off congrats on the new ride. It looks great. I just test drove an 08 Limited and it was awesome.

Id do what kevin recommended too. I would not want the xreas system on it long term in case it craps out again when you dont have it under a warranty and need to repair it on your own dime.

 

[dwulffusa]

I hear your suggestions on the 5100s and had ironically done some research on it recently prior to buying this truck. I was about to do a FJ springs and Bilstein 5100s shocks on my 05 because I had for years wanted a bit of a lift on it. But then decided I'd better get an 07-09 before they are all too old.

The reason I want to stick with OEM XREAS for now is that I paid a fortune for this truck and want it as factory fresh as possible. Next time round I will go after market for sure.

I am waiting on a reply as to their rationale for only replacing the front only and will discuss my concerns on why it may not be appropriate to only do two. If they don't come around I may just come out of pocket for it. I expect the rears would cost less than the fronts and be easier to install, since they are just shocks (vs struts?) and look easily accessible?

Interesingly, Toyota themselves once suggested I replace only two shocks, so there is inconsistency with even the dealers..but last week a different SA said it is typical to do all four.

 

[CookieRoe]

Interesingly, Toyota themselves once suggested I replace only two shocks, so there is inconsistency with even the dealers..but last week a different SA said it is typical to do all four.

It is. Only one of my shocks was slightly leaking and the rational was to replace all 4. The SHOCKS only seem to have a service life of about 100K miles (according to many threads). I didn't want to do the Bilstein option (I had the 5100s on my Grand Cherokee and they ride a bit harsh........... cool if you are young, did make my Jeep seem to handle better)........... like yourself, I love keeping my rigs as factory as possible. I like the XREAS system, but it is stupidly complicated and expensive, but when it works, it works great. I love how my rig corners and the soft ride I get on the highway.

So yeah, try to replace all fours. I researched this to death.

 

[dwulffusa]

It is. Only one of my shocks was slightly leaking and the rational was to replace all 4. The SHOCKS only seem to have a service life of about 100K miles (according to many threads). I didn't want to do the Bilstein option (I had the 5100s on my Grand Cherokee and they ride a bit harsh........... cool if you are young, did make my Jeep seem to handle better)........... like yourself, I love keeping my rigs as factory as possible. I like the XREAS system, but it is stupidly complicated and expensive, but when it works, it works great. I love how my rig corners and the soft ride I get on the highway.

So yeah, try to replace all fours. I researched this to death.

The saga continues. After much frustration trying to get ahold of them today the service manager informed me they will not be replacing with real OEM shocks, but with a "like quality" item purchased from World Pack. Is anyone familiar with this? I still have to deal with their wish to replace only two shocks, but if they refuse to put OEM parts, then I will consider paying the difference. It looks like these "World Pack" items are about half the price of true OEMs.

Also, is Bilstein the manufacturer of the OEM XREAS shock?

Thanks

 

[CookieRoe]

The saga continues. After much frustration trying to get ahold of them today the service manager informed me they will not be replacing with real OEM shocks, but with a "like quality" item purchased from World Pack. Is anyone familiar with this? I still have to deal with their wish to replace only two shocks, but if they refuse to put OEM parts, then I will consider paying the difference. It looks like these "World Pack" items are about half the price of true OEMs.

Also, is Bilstein the manufacturer of the OEM XREAS shock?

Thanks

Don't know what to tell ya. No aftermarket substitute (replacement) for the XREAS shock. Period. Bilstein produces XREAS shock? I'm 99.9% sure they don't.

WORLDPAC - The Right Part at the Right Time?

Looks as though they are OEM, but at wholesale prices?

 

[Mike07SE]

It is actually doable to replace the shocks individually if done correctly. Each line separates with a schraeder valve.

Carmax probably found the price of the OEM shocks to be prohibitive at about $1500 for the system (which by the way are made by Yamaha IIRC). This is not all uncommon even in the Toyota dealer world as they'll recommend to customers that they switch over to the more traditional shock setup. Not a bad thing. Simpler and much cheaper.