I tried a search but could not find any help. The front two XREAS shocks are leaking on my 04. I was trying to figure out what is involved in removing this system, will it set any codes after removal? I would rather not pay what Toyota is asking for these shocks when I could buy some Bilsteins or something else of quality. Thanks for your help.
Removing XREAS
- Thread starter run8
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If you replace the front shocks with bilsteins, you are also going to replace the rear shocks as well. X-REAS shocks only work when all 4 are hooked into the system. It is a purely mechanical system, it will not set off your dash lights.
Sorry yours is leaking, I personally love mine and really don't want to give it up even though it limits my potential options for a lift. I use my 4Runner offroad a lot for hunting and fishing and have yet to find a mining road that this won't go down, so I'm not too concerned with not having a lift. They are overrated any way.
Sorry yours is leaking, I personally love mine and really don't want to give it up even though it limits my potential options for a lift. I use my 4Runner offroad a lot for hunting and fishing and have yet to find a mining road that this won't go down, so I'm not too concerned with not having a lift. They are overrated any way.
SLED
New member
I remember reading the some favourable XREAS handling related comments from auto journalist in auto reviews but I doubt most of them compared driving the 4th gen 4runner without XREAS.
Can anyone in here personally comment about how their 4runner handled any differently or not when the XREAS was disconnected (assuming no lift installed and same tires) due to switching to regular shocks?
Can anyone in here personally comment about how their 4runner handled any differently or not when the XREAS was disconnected (assuming no lift installed and same tires) due to switching to regular shocks?
A10MileHusker
New member
SLED said:
I did lift my truck but i still run the same tires. I haven't noticed a SINGLE difference with XREAS being removed. The only thing I notice is being more tippy from removing the sway bar. I didn't even know I had XREAS until I was putting my lift on.
climb.on
New member
I'm curious what kind of cost you are looking at if you replace the xreas and what you will spend on a different aftermarket shock? I dread the day I am faced with the decision. I really like the softer ride the xreas offers. When I test drove 4runners, I felt a big difference between xreas and non xreas models. I'd hate to give it up.
The way I under stand it is if any part of the xreas is disconnected, and air gets in the lines then you have to replace the whole system. Well over a grand I would say. I can get four Bilsteins and fJ cruiser springs for way less than a grand.
ZIMM, SO your saying just turn the fitting, or disconnect the two pieces, and it will seal the system from leaking fluid all over the place? Nothing to be done at the shock?
ZIMM, SO your saying just turn the fitting, or disconnect the two pieces, and it will seal the system from leaking fluid all over the place? Nothing to be done at the shock?
run8 said:
Yes, at the end of the rubber hose, there's a fitting made to come apart. Two places for wrenches- then unscrew them. They self seal- it won't leak any fluid or let air in the system.
I actually like my ride way better now than with XREAS, but I went with ICON suspension with stiffer springs and shocks. I thought the XREAS wallowed around too much on the roads.
Thanks Zimm. I noticed you had spacers. What size are you using, and did it bring the wheels out flush with the fenders? I hate how the wheels sit so far inside the wells.
By the way I finally got somebody in parts who knew what XREAS was and the front shocks are $175.83 a piece, and the rears are $194.86 a piece. That pretty much signed the aftermarket deal with me.
By the way I finally got somebody in parts who knew what XREAS was and the front shocks are $175.83 a piece, and the rears are $194.86 a piece. That pretty much signed the aftermarket deal with me.
SLED
New member
climb.on said:
zimm said:
So what I'm getting from above is that the XREAS system provides a 'softer' ride - and that if you disconnect it and install other shocks, one can expect ride/handling to be somewhat firmer?
Any others with comments?
Anyone test drive the SR5 (doesn't get XREAS) vs. Sport/Limited (with XREAS) and notice any handling difference?
SLED said:
No, X-REAS shocks are valved to be firmer than stock. Other shocks you can get may be firmer than X-REAS, but X-REAS is firmer than the stock shocks. X-REAS is a leveling system. Unlike sway bars, which act as spring, X-REAS is a damping system, it dampens body roll, and it does an excellent job at it. I've driven my 4Runner with it and my dad's without it really hard just to decide if I could feel a difference. X-REAS works. I tackled a twisty freeway on-ramp at way too fast and mine held flatter and was faster because of it.
Where you're going to feel the X-REAS the most is in really quick, abrupt maneuvers, such as dodging a cat or taking a city corner too fast. Since it is a damping system, eventually the tendency of the body to roll will catch up with it. Expecting it to keep you flat in long, high-g turns is like taking the springs out of your car and expecting the shocks to hold it up on their own.
I strongly prefer this system to thicker anti-roll bars because it does not harm off-road performance.
SLED
New member
^^ Thanks for the info, great write-up.
So now I'm thinking, from a cost point of view, unless 2 or more XREAS shocks start leaking, it's not worth it to replace all 4 with slightly cheaper regular shocks and disconnect XREAS, and instead just get 2 new XREAS shocks. Unless you know for sure that your replacement regular shocks will be firmer, and/or you're planning to lift the truck, as I understand it.
So now I'm thinking, from a cost point of view, unless 2 or more XREAS shocks start leaking, it's not worth it to replace all 4 with slightly cheaper regular shocks and disconnect XREAS, and instead just get 2 new XREAS shocks. Unless you know for sure that your replacement regular shocks will be firmer, and/or you're planning to lift the truck, as I understand it.
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SLED said:
You cannot replace 1, 2, or 3 X-REAS shocks, all 4 NEED to get replaced at the same time.
If one of mine was leaking, although I love how X-REAS works, I would not pony-up the $1200 cost of replacing the system, I would found out which Bilstein shocks are in the FJ trail package and replace it with those. I believe they are firmer than X-REAS shocks.
