Replacing X-REAS

[madpuma13]

I have an 05' Sport with XREAS. Took it in to the dealer for some of the 60k work i couldnt do, and they advise me that the front passenger strut is leaking. (Is it me or do they always have bad news when taking it to the dealer!?)

I got home and confirmed its leaking ever so slightly. Called around for some prices and figured it was going to be hell to replace that front passenger, the rear driver shocks and the hydraulic XREAS pump (since fluid has been lost) I got quotes ranging from the high 900's to 1300's.

Obviously, I dont want to spend that much to replace this system. I have in mind to get a set of Blisteins (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/298740/name/F4-BE5-C513-H0-Bilstein-Toyota-4-Runner,-Tacoma-and-FJ-Cruiser to replace the whole XREAS system with.

However I was concerned that i may be missing something on replacement. Seems simple enough. Rip out the shocks and the pump (at the correct connection points of course), and put in the new shocks. Is there anything else that may need to be replaced?

Thanks for the help ^^

 

[zimm]

No need to replace the accumulator (not a pump). Just disconnect each shock at their fittings and change out the shocks. The rears go right on, the fronts need the springs swapped over- similar to a strut.

 

[madpuma13]

I believe you are suggesting to replace the shock. This is not a good idea for those with XREAS.

The accumulator (not called such before bc the dealerships didnt know what i was talking about until i said the word 'pump', then magically it clicked in their head ??), needs to be replaced when a strut is leaking as it is prefilled with hydraulic fluid and can not be topped off.

Therefore with a leaking a strut, fluid will be missing out of the system even after you replace the leaking one.

This is why you must replace the leaking strut, the accumulator AND the strut on the opposite side. They are all in the same system and will all be missing fluid if you just replace the leaking strut, thus, performance will be decreased proportional to the fluid lost. (but who the hell knows the exact amount of fluid lost in a leaking strut?!)


Still looking to find out if anything other than ripping he XREAS system out and replacing the shocks is needed. (IE do i have to replace the springs going from XREAS to blistein?)

 

[pants]

and this is exactly why XREAS is a turd!!!

- no one knows how to work on it! neither independent garages or toyota dealerships, nor does it seem that the garages can find information on it.
- it's a closed system available as far as i can tell only on these specific 4runner models and no other car anywhere
- it's unrepairable
- it's replaceable but costs easily double a much better and more adjustable aftermarket suspension.

stupid xreas. i hate xreas.

 

[Falls]

I would go aftermarket OR you could purchase a set of FJ springs and struts that someone has taken off their new vehicle and bolt them on .

I have a brand new set of these in my garage that I paid 100.00 or so shipped to my house .

I do not have them installed , but I have 60k on my Xreas and am tempted to just take it off . I don't know how to tell if the shocks will have better extension or worse .

By doing FJ spring and shock combo you'll get get firmer ( slightly) springs and slightly longer springs which should give you an add'l inch of lift , give or take .

Just some thoughts.

 

[madpuma13]

Well like i said, I do plan on going aftermarket, however, Im wondering if i have to replace the coils.

Or do you think the OE Cprings will work with the Bilsteins that i posted up?

Iam interested in a firmer ride so the FJ coils will be something to look at. But for the mean time, can the OE springs work (they are the same springs as non XREAS equipped 4runner's, right?)

 

[madpuma13]

Bump, anybody have some insight?

 

[zimm]

Dude, if you want the same ride height, just get the Bilstiens and have a shop swap over your stock springs over. No worries.

 

[specialist]

no need to have a shop swap over your springs just get a spring compressor, which can be loaned to you by most autoparts stores, and do it yourself its super easy.

But why would you put the old springs back on? You are already down there with the strut assembly apart, put on a nice after market or FJ spring and throw the assembly back in.

 

[lbrunner]

FJ springs

Hey Falls,
I'm in the same boat. I'm looking at changing out the Xreas for the FJ springs and Bilsten silver shocks. I came across a possible good deal on lightly used ones. After looking at the Lift pic thread and TC4Rnr's SR5, I'm unsure what to do. Looking for a difinitive answer if the coils will lift 3/4 front/ 1 inch rear on a sport edition. TC's runner looks like it sits like stock almost with the rear still higher, just 3/4 higher in front. Should I add the 1'' cornfed leveling spacer also? Or just add the 1"cornfed level spacer and hope the XREAS lasts? Also wondering if the cornering will be as good. My goal is just to level it out and fix spidertrx but concerned with problems or wearing out Xreas in the future. If the FJ springs and shock lift slightly and make it handle as good while leveling it out more, it sounds good and cost effective. I have 275/60-18's now and they clear by a wisker but if I add spidertrax without leveling, I think they will rub.
Also, when more Xreas starts to fail, this looks like a great alternative and a must have for an SR5 upgrade.
Any more pics of the FJ suspension compared to stock would be a big help!!
Also, my guess would be those Bilsteins would work with Sport springs but if you shop around on the FJ forums, you could get the same shocks with fj springs for less than just new shocks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: FJ springs

Hey Falls,
I'm in the same boat. I'm looking at changing out the Xreas for the FJ springs and Bilsten silver shocks. I came across a possible good deal on lightly used ones. After looking at the Lift pic thread and TC4Rnr's SR5, I'm unsure what to do. Looking for a difinitive answer if the coils will lift 3/4 front/ 1 inch rear on a sport edition. TC's runner looks like it sits like stock almost with the rear still higher, just 3/4 higher in front. Should I add the 1'' cornfed leveling spacer also? Or just add the 1"cornfed level spacer and hope the XREAS lasts? Also wondering if the cornering will be as good. My goal is just to level it out and fix spidertrx but concerned with problems or wearing out Xreas in the future. If the FJ springs and shock lift slightly and make it handle as good while leveling it out more, it sounds good and cost effective. I have 275/60-18's now and they clear by a wisker but if I add spidertrax without leveling, I think they will rub.
Also, when more Xreas starts to fail, this looks like a great alternative and a must have for an SR5 upgrade.
Any more pics of the FJ suspension compared to stock would be a big help!!
Also, my guess would be those Bilsteins would work with Sport springs but if you shop around on the FJ forums, you could get the same shocks with fj springs for less than just new shocks

I know you were asking Mike but I would say yes to a 1" net lift sapcer. It'll leave you with a little bit of rake but it won't look like a scent hound looking for something.

I used 4 FJC springs and .75" net lift spacers from CF. To do all over again I might seek a 1"-1.25" net lift spacer for the front of my V6 4wd.

I didn't get a full inch on the rear, in fact is was a little less than .5 inch on mine. I have pics in the Lift Sticky at the beggining of this section.
:cheers:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't know how to tell if the shocks will have better extension or worse .

Compare fully extended length of the shocks when you're in the process of changing them. I think the FJ fronts will be the same length (unloaded) and the rear shocks from the FJ will be a hair longer.
:cheers:

 

[Falls]

Re: Re: FJ springs

I know you were asking Mike but I would say yes to a 1" net lift sapcer. It'll leave you with a little bit of rake but it won't look like a scent hound looking for something.

I used 4 FJC springs and .75" net lift spacers from CF. To do all over again I might seek a 1"-1.25" net lift spacer for the front of my V6 4wd.

I didn't get a full inch on the rear, in fact is was a little less than .5 inch on mine. I have pics in the Lift Sticky at the beggining of this section.
:cheers:

It's weird how different trucks yield different results with the springs.

 

[RunnerUp]

do none of you guys with the xreas not have the extended warranty?

 

[Falls]

I would do the FJ springs and a net 1" spacer . (which I happen to have a new set.)

I have decided to go higher . I wanted a 2/1 CF , but since they are not available Im going to do a 2" front DS and a 1.5 rear DS lift. See how it looks and put springs in from there . Ortherwise I'll keep FJ stuff in tack and wait til Xreas starts going bad and then throw the FJ stuff in.

Actually my shocks are not leaking , but don not feel as tight as they we now that I have 60k they seem to bee a little bouncy on certain terrrain.

I do have an extended warranty , but would not use it for Xreas since I would rather go aftermarket.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

do none of you guys with the xreas not have the extended warranty?

I wonder how Toyota will treat this. I would be concerned they'd replace just the one or two leaker(s) and my luck would have me with 3 old shocks, 1 new one at 103K miles. Then you're right back here, posting in this thread.

The whole thing is a damn shame. Unfortunately Pants' reply has some validity and it'd be easier to stomach if XREAS didn't work so well. I know it's a supply/demand issue but it just stinks that the XREAS shocks are so expensive.
:cheers:

 

[lbrunner]

OME

I think I'm going to either level it with a cornfed if I can find one or a Daystar for now. I don't want to go high and I like the size tire I have now. The spacer is cheap especially the DS.
I think if the Xreas starts to fail, I will bite the bullet and go with OME. I can't see spending $$ on Xreas although it does work good. The OME lift is small but I think for the money and very little off road use, its reasonable. For the $$ the FJ coils could work also and if you can find them but I think a front and rear spacer to level it would be needed.
I had OME on my 97 and it rode stiff but it handled very good. When I had a full load of people on a trip, it settled slightly but stayed level and was like I was running empty other than the 3.4 working harder.
The 97 needed a panhard rod drop bracket and diff spacers also so it was slightly more involved but information here seems to indicate none of that is needed with the 4th gen. Its all about cost I guess.

I would do the FJ springs and a net 1" spacer . (which I happen to have a new set.)

I have decided to go higher . I wanted a 2/1 CF , but since they are not available Im going to do a 2" front DS and a 1.5 rear DS lift. See how it looks and put springs in from there . Ortherwise I'll keep FJ stuff in tack and wait til Xreas starts going bad and then throw the FJ stuff in.

Actually my shocks are not leaking , but don not feel as tight as they we now that I have 60k they seem to bee a little bouncy on certain terrrain.

I do have an extended warranty , but would not use it for Xreas since I would rather go aftermarket.

 

[RunnerUp]

I do have an extended warranty , but would not use it for Xreas since I would rather go aftermarket.

well i guess im in a differnt boat since i already have my 02 as a trial rig... the xreas just rides so nice!

 

[Falls]

well i guess im in a differnt boat since i already have my 02 as a trial rig... the xreas just rides so nice!

Yes it does ride nice , but if anyone of us was running spacers and had a blown shock , we'd be SOL !! with warranty. Mine look good at 60k , with my luck they go a week or so after I put the spacers in .....lol. (knock wood)

Nice to have a 3rd gen for trails and such. 3rd gens are my fav 4R's .