New Shocks, XREAS Etc...

[BRUIN8124]

I am sorry... The search was not working. I know there are MANY thread on this...

My shocks are pretty much done. I DO have the XREAS. I know that replacing the XREAS is stupid expensive. I DO NOT intend to keep the XREAS.

I do not know much about suspension. I am your basic admitted YouTube mechanic.

What is a rough guess on the cost at a shop to have the shocks replaced? I would like Bilsteins. Can they just bolt right in once the XREAS is pulled? Or is there more to it than that?

What would the cost look like if I were to tackle it myself with help?

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it!

 

[DaGimp]

My lift came with new shocks. Xreas had to go, I cant say my 4runner is the same but I didnt have any new warning lights I didnt have before.

 

[Bossman]

Some links to get you started:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com - Shockwarehouse.com

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

And some threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/214387-time-replace-oem-struts-xreas.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/249904-xreas-replacement.html

 

[RobD]

My go at replacing the XREAS.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...3-limited-bilstein-adventure.html#post2848771

 

[RonJR]

Well, the Bilsteins 5100s will cost you about $375-$400 for a set of 4. If you want to do it yourself, search for the "no spring compressor" method. It's straightforward and safe if you follow the process and think everything through carefully. It would probably take you and a competent friend 6-8 hours to do front and back. You will need a floor jack and some good jack stands to do it safely.

A good mechanic with a lift and a wall mounted strut compressor should be able to do the fronts in 3 hours, and the rear in an hour, so figure 4 hours of labor on top of the parts cost.

The XREAS is no problem. Just disconnect the lines at the couplings close to the shocks (where there are double nuts), and throw the shocks and the connected 8" of tubing away. You can leave the rest of the XREAS system in place until it gets in your way for something else.

You can reuse your old springs with the Bilsteins if they're in good shape. Chances are they've sagged a bit, so many folks replace the springs while they're in there. Depending on what you get, that can add a few hundred to the job. Won't change the labor, though.

Either way you'll need an alignment when you're done, so add that cost in as well.