Need to get rid of XREAS, which suspension option should I go for?

[MadKap]

Hi guys,

So turns out I'm an idiot. I bought some really nice budbuilt sliders. They do not work with XREAS. I figure, time to ditch XREAS.

Right now, I have an ARB front bumper. At some point, I think I'm going to want to do a roof rack (maybe a gobi stealth), and maybe a CBI rear bumper.

I'm still new to this whole thing, hence my already stupid mistake.

What suspension kit would be best for me? I'm more into exploration/overlanding than hardcore rock climbing. I've read through the suspension FAQ but wanted a specific opinion about ditching XREAS. I'd love to have even better performance both on and off-road if possible. I'd say right now my 4runner feels kinda "floaty" on-road.

I also have the weird scenario where I already have a lift of some kind which I don't know what it is as I didn't install it.

Here's what my front suspension looks like right now:

Anyways, any advice on the direction to go so I can improve my suspension knowing I've got a heavier rig with the front bumper+sliders+skids+possible rear bumper, get rid of XREAS, and that I already have a lift of some kind, would be super rad.

Thanks guys.

 

[MadKap]

I also wanted to ask:

What sort of equipment should I get to do the suspension upgrade? Like, what sort of jacks and various tools will I need? I have the usual toolsets that everyone has for building stuff at home but not a lot of specific vehicle things. The only 'lift' I have right now is the stock jack that comes with my 4runner.

So probably a floor jack and jack stands? Any recommendations? Since It'll be just one wheel at a time how do I measure how much weight the jack stand needs to support?

 

[afalex1]

I can't help with the lift but if you get 2000 pound or higher rated jack stands you will be fine. 4runner doesn't weigh much more than 4800 unless your bumper is 1/4" plate steel.

 

[CXS]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up.html

 

[MadKap]

Yeah there's rad stuff in that thread! I still am having trouble finding specific solutions in there, mostly because I'm not starting fresh but with an already modified vehicle.

So after removing some dirt from my shocks, it looks like I do in fact already have an Old Man Emu lift.

How can I tell if my XREAS is actually even connected? Is it possible it's just a vestige that wasn't removed when the vehicle was lifted? Is it even possible for XREAS to work in conjunction with OME?

 

[OzarkRunner]

How can I tell if my XREAS is actually even connected? Is it possible it's just a vestige that wasn't removed when the vehicle was lifted? Is it even possible for XREAS to work in conjunction with OME?

You could start on the outer frame rails where the Yamaha controllers are and just follow the lines (they'll crisscross on the front crossmember). If they're not connected to the shocks, you can just remove the bolts and clips that are holding the lines in and rip everything out.
I'm assuming that the shocks have been replaced and the lines are no longer serving any purpose. I didn't remove my lines until almost a year after I had the XREAS shocks replaced.

 

[J053619]

You could start on the outer frame rails where the Yamaha controllers are and just follow the lines (they'll crisscross on the front crossmember). If they're not connected to the shocks, you can just remove the bolts and clips that are holding the lines in and rip everything out.
I'm assuming that the shocks have been replaced and the lines are no longer serving any purpose. I didn't remove my lines until almost a year after I had the XREAS shocks replaced.

Just like OzarkRunner said, just rip out the xreas. I don't think you can connect em to the OME suspension, so its just dead weight on your truck. But definitely double check like he told you!

 

[afalex1]

Look at the shocks and struts. If they do NOT have a hydraulic hose bolted to them then they are NOT XREAS. If that is the case, take all the hoses and XREAS components off.