Oops, said my mechanic... XREAS blown.

Geecole

New member
So, as my mechanic was installing tp spacers on my '08 (just getting rid of the rake), he discovered dry and torn cv boots; my 2 hour bill suddenly ballooned to a 3.5 hour job, plus axles...BUT...when they had that done and were re-installing the struts, he mistakenly split the line on my XREAS system, blowing the whole thing.

Here's a sign of a great garage---they called me, owned that it was their fault, and offered to cover the replacement---with conventional stuff. Yeah, they spun it like they "could" get the XREAS but definitely tried to convince me otherwise. I knew why; cost, but I was fine with it. After all, it's got 122k on it, right? Gotta respect a garage with integrity. As a result, I get the spacers in, new axles, and new shocks and struts all the way around for about $500.

The question----huge differences in handling/response/etc. by going with conventional stuff instead?
 
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that worked out well for you id say. have them get 5100s and some new springs and ditch the spacers while youre at it
 
I think you made out great b/c if they would've replaced the XREAS system, it would have grenaded as well in time. These damn things don't last past 100K miles. There are exceptions, but they are few.
 
so if the system is opened its garbage?

"mistakenly split the line" if it rusted apart thats one thing another if he disconnected it. i recently tackled this job without xreas and it was a total pita to remove strut that wasnt even oem and rusted solid in there. ended up cutting everything out.

being that your in michigan, mileage and xreas failing in general sounds like a good deal
 
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I wish on the Bilsteins....I mentioned that to him, but there aren't any Bilstein dealers close by, so it'd take a few days, and they already had the whole front end torn apart. I'm pretty appreciative that they were so good about covering it, so I think it's getting KYB...like others said, the XREAS was gonna go sometime anyway.
 
I wish on the Bilsteins....I mentioned that to him, but there aren't any Bilstein dealers close by, so it'd take a few days, and they already had the whole front end torn apart. I'm pretty appreciative that they were so good about covering it, so I think it's getting KYB...like others said, the XREAS was gonna go sometime anyway.

You could overnight some via Amazon...
 
I wish on the Bilsteins....I mentioned that to him, but there aren't any Bilstein dealers close by, so it'd take a few days, and they already had the whole front end torn apart. I'm pretty appreciative that they were so good about covering it, so I think it's getting KYB...like others said, the XREAS was gonna go sometime anyway.

Honestly, I'd ditch the spacers and get the bilsteins. A few extra days wil l be worth it and if you have to spend a little extra it will certainly be worth the cost.
 
those replacement KYB are actually awesome too though. i just got rid of them to lift with 5100s almost reluctantly because they ride great and they will give you a +1" in front too. itll be level after. check out one of my started threads, 'does my truck look stock height?'
 
Would definitely recommend Bilsteins/stiffer springs if you're getting rid of XREAS. There's gonna be a decent drop in handling from what you're used to without the XREAS.
 
Another vote for the Bilsteins. I know they want your truck out of the garage but you’re in this situation now so don’t settle. Really. The difference would be worth the wait and like it was mentioned, you can easily overnight the parts. Truth is, you’re in this situation because of the shop so they have to be willing to make sure you’re happy.


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I installed 5th gen springs and 5100's and could not be happier. the on road handling is different than the Xres, but after a few months i have zero regrets.
 
5100s and ditch the spacers...no reason to save 2 days on something that you will be experiencing every time you drive the vehicle. Do it right once and don't look back. Trust me, you won't miss those 2 extra days of vehicle downtime.
 
5100's are affordable height adjustable (front) shocks that preform well and have a very good reliability reputation.

There are tons of options but in the end you have to ask your shelf how much you want to spend... another option (more expensive) is going 6112 front shocks and 5160 rear shocks. either one will fit perfectly on your 4th gen 4runner pared with 5th gen springs providing a nice level stance and great ride with out the need to use suspension spacers.

Links to both options.

5100's all around
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T8RZKR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6112's and 5160's (the can be found for cheaper than this)
https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Str...bilstein+6112&qid=1551974884&s=gateway&sr=8-6
 
quick struts and $33 spacers are enough for me. i would have to buy springs and mounts as well. also ive had friends with coilovers with nothing but problems. they have since gone to bags.

ive looked over my frame here and there so far so good but i guess its a ticking time bomb. see no evil hear no evil. hoping toyota has recall

there was a t-bone last year where everyone died that got me thinking prolly had a pretty rusty frame that may have had a factor in that accident.
 
I'm not about to jinx anything by saying I still have Xreas on my 2005 with xxxk miles on it. Nope, not going to do it. Good luck with your fix and yes, reputable shop you're dealing with there.
 

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