preserving my xreas with lift

[run4estrunner]

SOO....
I just picked up an 05 SE 4x4 and will eventually be lifting around the 3" range. I would like to keep the xreas since its super bad ass, but i am open to other options. I used to have a 3rd gen with OME springs and i loved the ride quality. What do you guys think?? Am i limited to only a spacer lift if i want to keep the xreas? If I end up getting some OME coils i will pair them with their shocks as well. Am i going to like that set up better than the spacers with the xreas? Im sure these topics have been covered, but i figure there are a few of you that could shoot me some quick answers. Thanks

 

[alex56]

Yes you are limited to a spacer lift of moderate size. You need to be especially careful not to overextend X-reas shocks

If you want to go all OME, say bye bye to your xreas !

Also, doesn't hurt to do a search paired with peoples answers for more opinions

 

[sonerick]

X-REAS is a nifty little system that works great, but in my opinion it is a little bit of a gimmick and really does not perform any better than a good aftermarket setup. Furthermore, as with any shock absorbers, the system is prone to failure after a certain number of miles (usually in the 100k-150k range). If you really want to keep it, you are limited to spacer lifts. And keep in mind that when X-REAS does eventually fail, you will either have to replace it with a new X-REAS system ($1000+ in parts alone) or with a standard shock/coil setup.

If I were you, I would skip right to the good stuff. Install a nice OME setup (shocks and coils) or any one of the coilover systems available for our 4Runners and be done with it. It will give you an awesome ride, aggressive stance, and will likely be trouble-free for many, many miles.

I replaced the X-REAS on my '05 at 100k miles a few months ago and haven't looked back since.

 

[run4estrunner]

Thanks!!!

Thanks for the quick responses. I have 130k miles and am not sure if the xreas system has ever had any problems or been replaced since i bought the truck used from a honda dealer since it was a trade in. The truck is immaculate which is pretty awesome and it drives and runs like it has 20k in it. I think i will go with the toytec 3" spacer lift/level kit and a diff drop for now until i have problems with the xreas. Then i will definitely go to the full OME kit once i have some issues with the xreas. Thanks guys!

 

[snowbrdr033]

Make sure you do it right the first time rather than doing it twice, you'll be out more money than if you do it the way you really want it the first time.
You'll definitely have to rip out the xreas if you want anything more than a spacer lift, which does suck. If you get a leak, though, they're very expensive to replace.
I'm in the same boat as you right now, want a lift but don't want to get rid of the xreas just yet....

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

Like others have said, your best bet would be to get rid of the XREAS system. It is possible to do a lift but the XREAS shocks are actually a bit shorter than the standard shocks so they have the possibility of topping out often which will lead to a pretty bad ride. If you are planning on replacing it further on down the road, I would just do it all at once because the labor charges alone probably will make it more expensive in the long run

If you have any questions, feel free to PM or call me

:thumb3:
Dylan

 

[run4estrunner]

good info

thanks again guys. I do all my own work so labor charges aren't an issue. Its pretty nice when your room mate is the master tech at your local shop and have access to the lifts on the weekend :thumb3:
In fact i think he is probably part of this forum, haven't asked him, he is in the process of doing a solid axle swap on his 3rd gen.
Anyways, it would take me no time at all to throw some spacers in for now.