Replacing the XREAS shocks

J

johnhh

New member
Well, I have a leaked out XREAS rear shock. Looks like I have to replace the front and rear and connecting tubes with a total part cost of about $1,000. Holy Crap! I liked the xreas, but, holy crap.

So, what's the best non-xreas shocks to go with? All road driving, mostly around town, no trails.

thanks,

John H
 
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Wow that is a lot for parts, I love my XREAS and wouldn't want to have to part with it, but I wonder what alternatives are closest to the XREAS handling characteristics if I had to.
 
$880 bucks, parts only, for replacing two shocks. And how long before one of the other two goes out?

But I agree, xreas is nice.
 
Keep an eye out in the Classified sub-forum. There might be some SE owners who are removing the X-REAS system when they lift. Just be sure they disconnected the shocks and lines at the correct location and the rubber hose at the shocks.
 
Time Bomb

I have the X-Reas and that is what I think it. A big expensive time bomb. My X-Reas is very soft at 70,000 miles. The dealer replaced the passenger side front due to it leaking. I have the platinum warranty and it was covered. But I highly doubt they would replace the rest because they are "soft". Monotube shocks can go bad even if they don't leak, but try telling that to the dealer. As soon as I hit 100K and it's out of warranty, I am dumping the system. Do a search, this topic has been covered. You can get good shocks that will bolt right in!
 
I have all 4 leaky shocks at 125,000 miles I do not do off road all street and Fwy driving.
So can't afford to go with the same ,how do I move away and replace it with regular shocks, please advise the best solutions, thanks.
 
there have been tons of threads about this, you can search and you will find....but i remember most saying bilstein 5100 shocks and FJ springs if you can find them
 
Yes I have read the same threads too but no one state how they got these bilstins/FJ springs installed, did these shocks had to be fitted and how did they plug up the X-REAs hydraulics line.
I really would like to find out installation and the mechanics of this operation please.
Thanks for your response.
 
You ditch all the hydraulic stuff. You remove the old shocks, unbolt the lines, then install the new shocks in their place. You loose the functionality of XREAS and the hydraulic system when you make the swap.
 
Great so you simply plug up the system, so have you done it if so how much was the cost, how was the ride with out XREAS ,please inform
 
Yes, you just swap them out as you would normal shocks, only difference is you have a line to unhook from the old shock.

I actually dropped my 4runner off to have the swap done today. I'm going with Bilstein 5100's and FJ springs (already had the springs). I did the spring install myself, it was pretty easy. I would have done the shock install but a guy I know was willing to do the shocks and also change the front/rear diff fluid for $75. Most folks pay $200-$300 for the install, but I've seen numbers as high as $600-$700 as well.
 
Good Deal, I am not so savvy so will take it to a local mechanic who happens to be pretty cheap, I will buy the Bilstiens 5100 and the FJ springs, thanks for your kind input can you tell me how much were the 5100's and if any thing else I need to tell this mechanic I will appreciate your input.
 
Not much to it. The 5100 fronts are adjustable. There are four notches, they are 0", .85", 1.75", and 2.5" lift. You'll need to know which one you want. If you leave the rear stock you'll want to go no higher than the second notch (.85").

On XREAS shocks, do not disconnect them right at the shock. Follow the line and about a foot away you'll find a disconnect point. I really won't matter as you're trashing the system anyway, but this will prevent fluid leaking all over the place.

That should be it. 5100's can be found for about $375, maybe cheaper if you really shop around. Good places are Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com and Wheeler's Off Road. I will note that they are very hard to find in stock, especially the rears. If you're in a rush you will probably want to confirm they are in stock before ordering.
 
All your info noted and appreciate your input for things to watch out for ! It all makes sense.You have given me excellent advice I thank you very much, I am in no rush so I would like you to please LMK how your installation went and how is the new ride , if you don't mind, I will await your final input and experience please.
 
I've rode on the FJ/5100 setup before, loved it. That's what made me go that route. Installation took the shop longer than expected, I'll talk to them tomorrow to find out some details. I'll post back in a few days when I have more miles on them, initial impressions are great! Rear is a little rougher than I'd hoped, but that's due to my air suspension, not the shocks. I don't think it's any worse than before, just not any better.
 
I have a '06 4Runner SE, with all 4 shocks bleeding. I went to a mechanic and he mentioned that if they take out the xreas system there may be some lights that come up in the dash. Do you or anyone know if that is true?
 
mamyung said:
I have a '06 4Runner SE, with all 4 shocks bleeding. I went to a mechanic and he mentioned that if they take out the xreas system there may be some lights that come up in the dash. Do you or anyone know if that is true?
Click to expand...

NOT TRUE. X-Reas does not have any electronic sensors hooked up to it. Do a search on this forum about replacement. Many guys have done it and are happy campers......:biggrin2:

Go to any website and look up your year of 4Runner for shocks. Choose the NON-XREAS Option (usually an SR5) then any of those shocks will work.
 
Hi Ark,
I thank you for your time and feed back, this is going to be a real $$$$ saver for a lot of folks not to mention that it can be done.
I can't wait to hear from you, please do inform when ready with your final take.
Much Obliged,
 
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