Replacing XREAS System - Just want A replacement recommendation

[Neumonic]

Folks,

My left rear shock has been leaking long enough to rot the the top outer shield in half! I need to address this sooner or later so I figured it would make for a perfect project right before it snows here in STL.

The goal is to retain a flat, firm but smooth ride. I am not looking for a lift kit but am ok with the vehicle being raised a 1/2" to an 1" if that is what it takes to put the correct parts in place.

The 5100 Bilsteins get allot of praise, do I need coil-overs? Many like the 5100's and FJ springs, I want everything new when I replace the XREAS system.

2003 4Runner Limited V8 4 Wheel Drive with stock sized cross terrain Michelin's

Thanks,
John in STL

 

[Desert Fox]

Search the forum for posts by ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

He has covered lifts in great detail

 

[Gerdo]

Read this if you haven't http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

Also I have installed this FJ Cruiser/4Runner Ultimate 3" lift package - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits and it rode better than before.

 

[Neumonic]

Search the forum for posts by ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

He has covered lifts in great detail

I have seen many of his post, very good information! just wanting to replace the suspension with similar ride and handeling as the XREAS, not looking for a lift kit is why I posted. Seems like every search results in a conversation of lifting to X height etc.

Read this if you haven't http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

Also I have installed this FJ Cruiser/4Runner Ultimate 3" lift package - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits and it rode better than before.

That looks like a great kit, I checked it out as well. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Gerdo]

I have seen many of his post, very good information! just wanting to replace the suspension with similar ride and handeling as the XREAS, not looking for a lift kit is why I posted. Seems like every search results in a conversation of lifting to X height etc.



That looks like a great kit, I checked it out as well. Thanks for the feedback!

If you don't want to lift but just replace the XREAS, I would suggest a good set of Bilstein shocks.

 

[GMZ]

You may want to look at some of the FJ take offs. A lot of those guys will remove the suspension fairly early on, and some of the higher trims have some nice set ups.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You may want to look at some of the FJ take offs. A lot of those guys will remove the suspension fairly early on, and some of the higher trims have some nice set ups.

+1. I'd try to find a low mileage set of shocks/coils from a 2007-2009 FJ Cruiser 4x4. The trd and trail teams models have Bilstein shocks which would be a nice upgrade and only provide a small amount of lift.

 

[Neumonic]

Thanks for the feedback! I will start looking around to see if I can find a low mileage take-off from an 2007-2009 FJ Cruiser 4x4 TRD or Trail Teams.

:cheers:

John

 

[Techsan]

I have a 2003 Sport & have leaking XREAS. I bought some KYB shocks & struts & will be getting them installed tomorrow.

Here's my question: is there anything specific the shop should know regarding replacing the XREAS? I've heard they have to disconnect the lines a few feet back from the shocks/struts. Does this even matter if Im replacing them altogether?

Also, has anyone replaced their XREAS with KYBs? If so, how's the ride?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Neumonic]

Techsan,

Please report back with your impressions after the swap is completed.

Sorry I am unable to offer you any help with your questions...

:cheers:

John

 

[Techsan]

Techsan,

Please report back with your impressions after the swap is completed.

Sorry I am unable to offer you any help with your questions...

:cheers:

John

The swap went well, and I honestly can't tell much of a difference at all from the XREAS. So, if you are looking for a ride similar to OEM, then KYB is a good option. I bought the shocks & struts on Amazon from Just Suspension. Ended up being $184 shipped (after a $30 rebate). Shop around the corner from me then charged $360 for labor. Pretty pleased to replace it all for $544 based on some estimates given to guys by the dealership.

 

[claydoctor]

If you don't want to lift but just replace the XREAS, I would suggest a good set of Bilstein shocks.

I'm in the same boat as OP . My 2006 Sport has 175K mostly highway miles and I want to get rid of XREAS and go with Bilsteins. Without going through a bunch of previous posts, most of which are not relevant, is there anything magic about removing XREAS ? Do I just remove the old shocks, struts and REAS tubing and install Bilsteins ? Thanks for input .

 

[Neumonic]

The swap went well, and I honestly can't tell much of a difference at all from the XREAS. So, if you are looking for a ride similar to OEM, then KYB is a good option. I bought the shocks & struts on Amazon from Just Suspension. Ended up being $184 shipped (after a $30 rebate). Shop around the corner from me then charged $360 for labor. Pretty pleased to replace it all for $544 based on some estimates given to guys by the dealership.

Thanks for the info, sounds like you did very well considering what you spent!

 

[shadow247]

I'm in the same boat as OP . My 2006 Sport has 175K mostly highway miles and I want to get rid of XREAS and go with Bilsteins. Without going through a bunch of previous posts, most of which are not relevant, is there anything magic about removing XREAS ? Do I just remove the old shocks, struts and REAS tubing and install Bilsteins ? Thanks for input .

That should do it. I have a 3rd Gen, but I read up a lot on the other Gen's too, and from what I've read that's about all there is too it.