Suffering search overload. Xreas and Fj Springs ?

[BamBam]

I have been searching for two days straight looking for an answer that I swear I read here once a week or so ago. I read that you can swap out your factory springs for FJ springs on both the front and back on a 4Runner with the XReas system.

Am I losing my mind? I am being told by somebody "in the know" that I can only use the FJ rear springs, but using the front springs would ruin the Xreas system.

I honestly did try the search first. I have been reading things on here for days and maybe my mind is just too tired to comprehend what I'm reading, or maybe I just made it up in my head, but I could have sworn that I could use both of those sets of springs on my 2007 Sport (V8). My plan was to also had a Daystar 2.5/1.5 at the same time and put some larger tires on (slightly) and perhaps some wheel spacers as well. I just want to know what all I can do and either go for it or don't.

This is my compromise to myself (and my wife!) in place of buying an 80 series Landcruiser to build up to take off road. I know this 4Runner won't be nearly as capable as the 80 series off road with these small upgrades, but it will be more capable than it currently is stock and it will cost me about $3000 less dollars to do this slight upgrade in the suspension than to buy a used 80 series and start building. It's not as if I could get an 80 series with lockers for under $6000 anyway, so this is probably the best way to go to start out with. I think eventually I'll save up and get a dreaded Rubicon or another FJ just for taking off the beaten path... but for now... any help is appreciated.

 

[aaronfro17]

FJ Springs + XREAS = no problem. Several of us with XREAS have swapped our springs, just don't disconnect the shock absorbers from the oil reservoir line and you will have no problem. Search ARKSWAMPRIDER, he put together an excellent thread on the subject.

 

[BamBam]

Thanks Aaronfro! That must be the post I saw. For some reason my search engine is being super wonky here again. I might have to re-install firefox I guess. If anybody finds it sooner can you please pass the link along?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Link in my sig, click where it lists my lift/tires. I'm currently running FJ springs with a 1/2" thick Toytec spacer on the front of my 03 Limited (with XREAS). No issues at all, they've been in for about 4,000 miles so far (plus I've got over 130k on the XREAS system). As said, just don't disconnect the line during install, or if you (they) do, just make sure it is done at the proper disconnect points.

 

[Maz]

Link in my sig, click where it lists my lift/tires. I'm currently running FJ springs with a 1/2" thick Toytec spacer on the front of my 03 Limited (with XREAS). No issues at all, they've been in for about 4,000 miles so far (plus I've got over 130k on the XREAS system). As said, just don't disconnect the line during install, or if you (they) do, just make sure it is done at the proper disconnect points.

Swamp Rider did you happen to measure before and after numbers? Your choice of the FJ springs and leveling the front is a very attractive one. It would be fascinating to know what your total change in lift front and back eneded up being.

Thanks,

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I gained 1.5 inches total in the front. I have the factory rear air suspension and so I couldn't do the rear springs.

 

[BamBam]

Thanks a ton SwampRider. I enjoyed reading your write-up. It was exactly the one I had found before, but couldn't find later. It looks nearly identical to a 2.5" spacer lift to me, but it sounds like overall your suspension is better off than if you had stuck with the stock springs and put a taller spacer on.

This definitely gives me something to consider, because I was fairly certain I was going with the 2.5" lift. I may go this route instead if I can round all the parts up.

 

[Maz]

I gained 1.5 inches total in the front. I have the factory rear air suspension and so I couldn't do the rear springs.

Thanks, could I trouble you for a brief description on how your ride changed vs. stock? Much appreciated.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

No problem BamBam, glad to help. The lift and spacer gave me 1.5" of lift, as stated. However, depending on the mileage on your vehicle and the mileage on the FJ springs you get, your gains may be different. I also went with the 255/75/17 tires, which are ~2" taller than stock, so I do sit about 2.5" taller in the front, 1" taller in the rear than stock. It's my opinion now that whatever type of spacer lift you go for, FJ springs should be included (all around).

The FJ springs firm up the ride somewhat, and most think about this as a bad thing. However, for the T4R it's a great improvement. The biggest difference I notice is when hitting bumps. Before, it seems even the small bumps would be felt, whereas now the ride over these bumps is much smoother. I can tell a big difference because I still have the stock rear. When hitting bumps, the front glides over and is barely felt, but then you can definitely feel the rear hit the bump. It's a smoother ride for my daily driving. The reason I went with FJ springs is because it was the only way (outside of a custom made Cornfed spacer) I could find to obtain 1.5" lift in the front. However, now I'm glad I chose that route, because it's made a difference, the 4runner is the best driving lifted vehicle I've had!

 

[mdaaboul313]

so im bringing back an old thread because i cant find an answer to what i need, is it possible to keep XREAS, use FJ shocks front and rear, and still keep my daystar KT09115 kit?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

so im bringing back an old thread because i cant find an answer to what i need, is it possible to keep XREAS, use FJ shocks front and rear, and still keep my daystar KT09115 kit?

No. Xreas is the oem shock. If you replace the shock you loose Xreas. You can swap coils on xreas shocks is possible, but new shocks means you loose Xreas.

 

[mdaaboul313]

haha wow, i was in a hurry but thanks for responding, what i meant was would it work if i used FJ SPRINGS, xreas, and the 4RUNNER daystar 2.5/1.5 kit on top of the fj springs

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

haha wow, i was in a hurry but thanks for responding, what i meant was would it work if i used FJ SPRINGS, xreas, and the 4RUNNER daystar 2.5/1.5 kit on top of the fj springs

Yes, as long as you don't swap the actual shock, you can do any of that you like. I know of a couple folks here running that exact setup.

 

[BigEd]

Ok now I'm confused. If you have xreas I thought you could only do spacers.

I have 2005 limited v8 w/ xreas and rear air bags.

Can I do an FJ springs front and rear? How much lift might I get from that?

I'm looking to add BFG AT KO 265/70/17 tires and keep total lift to around or under 4.0" and level it out.

If I used the FJ springs what would be a good lift to go with with this situation?

 

[chaz]

if u have the RAS, u cant do much with the rear unless u remove the bags & swap in coils, but u can use the fj coils upfront with the xreas for about 1 in. lift & a small spacer (1/4), this will give a total of 1.5 up front. there have been a few that used OME coils with the xreas, u would have to pm them & see if any leaks developed cause of over stress on the shocks. Toyota 120 Platforms Forum - View Single Post - Photog's '04 Sport so as u can see, unless u remove the rear bags &/or xreas ur very limited & 3-4 in. lift isnt attainable. heres some threads that may help. Stock Rear Ai\rbag Problem - Page 2 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[BigEd]

So can't I just throw on a daystar 2.5/1.5, the BFG's, and call it a day?

 

[chaz]

if u have the RAS u cannot put the DS spacers in the rear since its a bag instead of a coil, & if u put the 2.5 up front only, it will put u nose high. there is an adjustment that can be done to get a little more height in the rear but im not sure how the ride would be.

 

[BigEd]

Ok, so I assume I can put a Daystar 1" front only lift kit on it then, which will level it out and give some lift. Will this be sufficient lift for the BFG AT KO 265 70 17 w/o rubbing? Thanks

 

[Casper421]

Ok, so I assume I can put a Daystar 1" front only lift kit on it then, which will level it out and give some lift. Will this be sufficient lift for the BFG AT KO 265 70 17 w/o rubbing? Thanks

Yes. :cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Regarding the RAS and adjustment, I noticed no significant change in ride quality with the bags adjusted to ride about an inch higher than stock. I put a few thousand miles on mine and never felt it was impacting the ride enough to be noticeable.

With the Daystar 1" kit, expect to gain 1.75"-2" lift. It will provide more than they claim. This may be fine for you, but many think that's a little "too" level.