New Owner-06 Sport & Planning XREAS Replacement

[Whalerman]

First post.

I'm a new proud owner of a 06 V8 Sport Edition T4R. Bought it three weeks ago and has 80k. It was very well maintained and in pristine condition in and out, never towed anything or been off-road according to the ex-owner. Runs great. Since then, I had the transmission flushed, as it was never done before (the old fluid was just a bit dirty, but not much).

Although, the ride is acceptable, I would like to improve it by removing the XREAS and replace it with:

Moog coils Front 81088 & Rear 81045

Bilstein 5100s Front 24-186711 & Rear 33-187174

Since I'm not interested in lifting the T4R, I'm thinking of setting the front Bilstein at the 0" setting.

Any opinion on this suspension set-up?

The T4r will be mostly used on the highway as well as towing my small Boston Whaler (total weight with the trailer is around 2500 pounds).

Attached is a photo of the new baby.

 

[NuclearN8]

congrats on the good looking 4R...

sounds like you've selected an appropriate XREAS replacement for your desired outcome...

here is some more reading on the subject...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162125-coil-rates-oem-4runner-oem-fj-moog-others.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/144737-lift-vs-ride-height-list.html

I'd also replace your sway bar bushings ...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/34115-swaybar-bushing-upgrade.html

good luck man

 

[OzarkRunner]

I recently completed almost the exact same swap, and have been very pleased with the results. You should expect some lift in the front from the Moog replacement coils (check the coil rates thread that NuclearN8 linked above), but it brings the front closer to level.
Congrats; enjoy it!

 

[chitown40]

Not trying to dissuade you from changing your suspension, but before you dump a ton of time and cash into the suspension, why don't your drive it with the XREAS and see if you like it. Especially if you are not planning on lifting the truck or leveling it.

Congrats on the purchase. Nice looking 4Runner.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Honestly, if you're looking for a good, cheap set-up, look into buying some FJ springs from the FJ forums. Now, I'd personally say set the billies at .85 up front. You won't get much lift from the springs, but being level will make it look much better, imo. I'd say for install (especially if you're doing it yourself) set em first at .85, if you don't like it, pull em and set em to 0.

 

[Cygan1008]

Another great cheap option is running an 05 or newer trd tacoma (bilstein) setup with fj/ aftermarket coils in the rear. I've read really good feedback on this and plan on doing it as soon as possible. It would save you some $$$ and greatly improve the ride.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Another great cheap option is running an 05 or newer trd tacoma (bilstein) setup with fj/ aftermarket coils in the rear. I've read really good feedback on this and plan on doing it as soon as possible. It would save you some $$$ and greatly improve the ride.

What about the FJ TT setup?

 

[Cygan1008]

What about the FJ TT setup?

Wanted to go that route but I've had a hard time finding a 07-09 TT setup that wasn't as much or more than a new set of 5100's.

 

[bobbarker]

Not trying to dissuade you from changing your suspension, but before you dump a ton of time and cash into the suspension, why don't your drive it with the XREAS and see if you like it. Especially if you are not planning on lifting the truck or leveling it.

Congrats on the purchase. Nice looking 4Runner.

because 80k miles, I'm guessing. Almost time for new shocks.

 

[Lineman]

When Xreas goes bad, replace it. Until then, invest that money that's burning a hole in your pocket.

My 03 Sport has 85K and never an issue with the Xreas or a shock as bobbarker suggests?

Sounds like you just want something to spend money on.

 

[toyo]

That's a good looking Sport. On my 08 LTD the drivers front is starting to seep a little. I think I'm gonna do the setup you described as well.

 

[Whalerman]

Not trying to dissuade you from changing your suspension, but before you dump a ton of time and cash into the suspension, why don't your drive it with the XREAS and see if you like it. Especially if you are not planning on lifting the truck or leveling it.

Congrats on the purchase. Nice looking 4Runner.

chitown,

I've been driving it for the last couple of weeks and I'm not totally satisfied. It's a bit bouncy for my taste. Too late now too, the parts are in the mail already.

I figured that at 80k, sooner or later the XREAS will get worse. Might as well get it over with. In my opinion, shocks after 80k do get weak on a somewhat heavy vehicle.

As far setting up the front Billies at .85" vs 0", I will ask my mechanic for his opnion. But I figured that the front Moogs are already taller than the OEM coils. Moogs at 14.31" vs 13.58" for the OEM.

Overall, since I'll be towing a boat, I'll feel more comfortable with a fresh suspension.

 

[chitown40]

because 80k miles, I'm guessing. Almost time for new shocks.

The XREAS shocks don't normally wear out that quickly.

 

[chitown40]

chitown,

I've been driving it for the last couple of weeks and I'm not totally satisfied. It's a bit bouncy for my taste. Too late now too, the parts are in the mail already.

I figured that at 80k, sooner or later the XREAS will get worse. Might as well get it over with. In my opinion, shocks after 80k do get weak on a somewhat heavy vehicle.

As far setting up the front Billies at .85" vs 0", I will ask my mechanic for his opnion. But I figured that the front Moogs are already taller than the OEM coils. Moogs at 14.31" vs 13.58" for the OEM.

Overall, since I'll be towing a boat, I'll feel more comfortable with a fresh suspension.

My stock SR5 suspension was worn out at 140k. I went with Moog FJ coils and 5100s at the .85" setting. I am otherwise stock except for 265/70 R17 tires. Love the ride now.

 

[bobbarker]

The XREAS shocks don't normally wear out that quickly.

That's probably almost always true, too. I took mine out at 137k...but the new shocks were a nice improvement. I'm thinking the extra fluid capacity of xreas helps them last longer....can handle heat a bit better.

 

[Whalerman]

Well, this past Thursday had the new suspension installed, setting the Billies at 0".

I'm very satisfied with the results. The bouncing is gone, and the absorbtion is quite good.

As far as lift. Got a 1/2" lift on both the front and the back.