rear shock - replace both?

[iamnotaspammer]

Hi guys,

I have an 07 T4R sport 4wd with 87k miles with all original parts and no modifications. I was recently rear-ended and have over 7k in damage. The entire rear end is being replaced but only the passenger side rear shock was damaged. I was told by the body shop that only the one damaged shock needs to be replaced because these are special hydraulically controlled shocks that last a long time, and only the dealer can work on them because all 4 shocks are part of an auto adjust suspension system???

Is this accurate? Do you think I should have both rear shocks replaced or just replace the one damaged shock as the body shop suggests? The body shop says one thing, the dealer something else, and the insurance adjuster has yet a third opinion. Thanks for your help!

 

[pearlj10]

You must have the XREAS suspension, which limits your ability to swap in just any old shock you like. I would do my best to make sure both rear shocks are replaced... 87k is a lot, especially if they're the original shocks. A lot of people have just ditched the XREAS system entirely so they could lift and go with whatever suspension they wanted. But it sounds like you don't need lift, so stick with what you've got and make the insurance company pony up for what you want. Good luck.

 

[SSt4r]

And make sure they know how to PROPERLY disconnect the XREAS otherwise the entire system may be compromized.

 

[4Runner8]

Hi guys,

I have an 07 T4R sport 4wd with 87k miles with all original parts and no modifications. I was recently rear-ended and have over 7k in damage. The entire rear end is being replaced but only the passenger side rear shock was damaged. I was told by the body shop that only the one damaged shock needs to be replaced because these are special hydraulically controlled shocks that last a long time, and only the dealer can work on them because all 4 shocks are part of an auto adjust suspension system???

Is this accurate? Do you think I should have both rear shocks replaced or just replace the one damaged shock as the body shop suggests? The body shop says one thing, the dealer something else, and the insurance adjuster has yet a third opinion. Thanks for your help!

congrats!!! if your XREAS suspension system isnt shot or leaking (besides the damaged shock from the wreck) then yours is the longest lasting XREAS system that i have heard of!! usually toyota's factory XREAS suspension only lasts 60k miles if your lucky. check and see how the rest of the system is. if leaking or shot replace the whole thing. if the wreck wasnt your fault (assuming it wasnt cause you said you were rear ended) then have the whole system replaced. its expensive but not if insurance is covering it. good luck in getting it fixed. sorry to hear of your unfortunate event and hope everyone was okay

 

[iamnotaspammer]

Thank you so much for your insight. The other person was 100% at fault, but their insurance company only wants to pay for the one shock. Since the one shock is part of a system that works together, as you have stated, and as the insurance adjuster stated as well, perhaps I can push for them to replace the whole system. Makes perfect sense to me, but you know how insurance companies are! Thanks again and wish me luck with the insurance company!

 

[4Runner8]

no problem. i hope you can get everything worked out in your favor. good luck

 

[CXS]

The shop that's fixing it should be able to handle negotiations on replacing the whole thing. It's rare for the initial estimate to include everything.

 

[krupnation]

That sucks man, I hope no one was injured. If I were u I'd just have them replace the fronts as well. 87k on stock are probably getting tired. My (new to me) rig has 92k on it's stock setup and getting bilstein 5100's real soon. Good luck, hope it works out for u

 

[DaveS]

Are you in a state that compensates for loss of resale value on your Runner as a result of it being in an accident?

 

[4Runner8]

here's an idea, get the guy doing the repairs for you to go ahead and take out all the XREAS and put in OME 3 inch full suspension lift. a lot of ppl that have switched from XREAS to OME say it rides better. cost around 800 and its a good excuse to lift it if you have been wanting to lift it haha. just an idea though

 

[iamnotaspammer]

I am in a state that allows diminished value claims so that is definitely something that I am working through. The body shop that I am using (very reputable here) has sublet assembling the rear axle and the suspension work to the toyota dealer. The dealer is really the problem, and I've called three different dealers locally. They all say that they replace individual parts on the XREAS all the time. I found a tech bulletin that says it's recommended to replace the whole system, but since "recommended" is not the same as "required" the dealer isn't on my side, nor is the insurance adjuster handling it. I guess I am going to have to let them replace just the one and then I will turn around in a few months when I do have a problem and replace the whole thing with perhaps the Bilsteins?

 

[DaveS]

As part of the diminished value claim you will be looking around at pricing on equivalent trucks I guess - I would be very tempted to get the work done and use the diminished value claim to trade for one without an accident..