OPINIONS - Xreas or Not?

[chucknorris]

Hey everyone,

SO, I purchased a new to me Certified Pre-owned 05 SE 4.7 with 60k mi in June 2011. She ran great, I took her on a very mild trail run @ around 64k mi(just enough to check function of DAC, Center locker and XREAS). It turned out that the original XREAS was leaking bad on front passenger and rear driver side. In Oct 2011, the dealer replaced the XREAS no issues because it was a CPO vehicle. Since then no issues except Sulfur exhaust TSB was performed two weeks ago, no charge (8yr/80k mi exhaust warranty). Currently have 71k mi

I've had the bug to lift since I got her, but when I got a brand new $2k+ XREAS for free, I ran into an internal conflict with myself. Do the lift (Toytec Ultimate) or keep XREAS (with <10k mi. of use) and just add a spacer lift til the XREAS dies....

I like the feel of XREAS and off-road approx. 1-2X/mo (nothing crazy, she's still stock w/Wrangler ATS, but I would prob wheel more with a lift in place. No trail >3 rating, Im not a rock crawler or heavy mudder type). I would probably get new/larger tires with either lift.

So Im looking for thoughts from folks here.

Any input is appreciated.

thanks!

 

[anotherrunner83]

Depends on what you are after. I, too, have XREAS and I opted to add a spacer upfront to reduce the rake/level it up a bit. Daystar makes a kit to do this and it's very easy to install. The newest version can be installed without disconnecting the system. I now have 120,000 on mine and it's getting close to needing to be changed out. I'm running 265/65/18's with spidertraxx spacers. I love the stance and it's plenty capable for light to medium trail runs.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You can get 3" of lift with either setup. The real difference will be flex off road. The TT Ultimate will have more travel and allow for better flex off road which could be beneficial. This will be a decision only you can make. If you can do the install yourself, I suggest a 3/2 spacer lift. Try that out and see how you like it. If you feel you need more flex, then get the TT Ultimate. Spacer lifts are popular and I'd guess it'd be easy to sell if you decide it's not for you.

I ditched xreas and I'm glad I did. However, mine had 150K miles. I personally wouldn't ditch a brand new system for minor off road use a couple times a month.

 

[450exc115]

I would pass on the Xreas, nice in concept but not great in function. I find my woe fully soft and underdamped. I plan to ditch it as soon as I have all my parts for the swap.

 

[chucknorris]

Thanks for the info and opinions everyone. I think I will try the DS 2.5 kit and then eventually move to a TT Ultimate kit one I get more use out of the new XREAS.

 

[hkollie1]

Keep the XREAS until it is not under warranty then until it dies (first leaking shock).

Go for the spacer lift and enjoy. I got 140,000 out of my XREAS and loved rippeing it off when it died because the replacement cost was not worth it.

In truth the FJ coils and Bilstein Shocks ride better IMHO...

:hatsoff:

 

[S p a r k y]

Its its going to stay on pavement more, use the xreas for a bit!!