Time for shocks and struts

O

OrbeaRider

New member
So, I've been told that it is time to replace the shocks and struts on my 03 Sport and I'm not sure what to do. What are the best shocks / struts to get? While I go offroad a bit, I'm mainly driving on paved or dirt roads. I don't have a lot of money to spend but do want to get something that will last awhile. Also, while I'm at it, should I do a lift at the same time?

Thanks for your help!

JT
 
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shocks and struts

hey man imho i would go without the lift if you do light 4wheeling to save gas mileage. also kyb is a great brand of shocks i just did all 4 a month ago and love them go to KYB Outlet | Shocks and Struts from Just Suspension, an Authorized KYB Dealer and put in your year make and model they have a package deal both rear shocks and both front struts for 212 and it has free shipping dont know if you know but look the same shocks up anywhere else your gunna pay at least 350! hope this helps. also when doing the fronts do them one at a time because the front left spring is a hair higher due to the gas tank and battery being on the driver side. the rears are so easy and the fronts easy if you do it right. for the fronts take off the tire the front skid plate the sway bar and then disconnect the tie rods just the end near the brakes you will need two new cotter pins for those when you put the nut back on. after that take off the top three bolts and the big bottom bolt then yank down real good on the upper control arm and with a little jiggling out they come. took me with no experience about a solid half a day. good luck
 
The KYB's are a good stock-like replacement. Another option is to see if you can find a set of shock/springs off a FJ Cruiser, several have used these and been happy with the results. As for the lift, it depends on what you want, but I say most definitely do the lift with the shocks. It will take literally no extra time to do the lift since you are already replacing shocks and will have to disassemble the front shock/coil anyway. As for loss of gas mileage, I lifted the front of mine 1.5" to level it out, then went up to a 255/75/17 tire, and now get a solid 1mpg better than in stock form. Doesn't make sense, but I've kept thorough records. Seveal others have went with the 255/75's and most will say it didn't hurt their mileage, maybe slight improvements as well.
 
:iagree: kyb for for close to stock ride, if your thinking of ever doing a lift do it now , it will save money later, about the least expensive way is get the whole FJ setup for a little lift & much improved ride, or reuse ur stock coils & get the bilstein height adjustable shocks.u can always put a small spacer outback if need be. wheelers offroad may still have some in stock.
 
Thanks!!!

Thanks for the help everyone. I just ordered the shocks and struts. Sorry for the delay in responding but it's been a busy couple of months.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
What did you end up going with? Gonna do any lift with it?
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Sorry, I haven't been on here in awhile. I never did do the lift but I have a new issue. I didn't realize that my T4R had the auto levelling. My mechanic was in the process of installing the shocks today and discovered this. These shocks don't have that. Is that a problem if I run without it?
 
OrbeaRider said:
Sorry, I haven't been on here in awhile. I never did do the lift but I have a new issue. I didn't realize that my T4R had the auto levelling. My mechanic was in the process of installing the shocks today and discovered this. These shocks don't have that. Is that a problem if I run without it?
Click to expand...

I suspect the issue is you have XREAS. Many just remove the specialized XREAS shocks and use what you have (the KYB's or similar) with great results.

Did he say hydraulic lines to each shock or was he concerned about air rear suspension?
 
CJ3Flyr said:
I suspect the issue is you have XREAS. Many just remove the specialized XREAS shocks and use what you have (the KYB's or similar) with great results.

Did he say hydraulic lines to each shock or was he concerned about air rear suspension?
Click to expand...

Hey Chris ... he said I had the hydraulic lines. What issues would I have if I just replaced the XREAS with the KYBs?

Sorry, one other question, is this just on the rear or is it up front too? I had to have my mechanic install the rear ones and I'm thinking that, if I only have to replace the rear, I might do that in a couple of months.

Thanks!
 
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If it has XREAS, that system will need pulled (and it will have it if you have the auto leveling suspension). You can have XREAS and not the rear air suspension, but not the other way around. The shocks shouldn't effect the auto level at all. I've been told you need a shock that's similar in length to the OEM, but any aftermarket shock that is should work (KYB's or FJ shocks would work).
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
If it has XREAS, that system will need pulled (and it will have it if you have the auto leveling suspension). You can have XREAS and not the rear air suspension, but not the other way around. The shocks shouldn't effect the auto level at all. I've been told you need a shock that's similar in length to the OEM, but any aftermarket shock that is should work (KYB's or FJ shocks would work).
Click to expand...

Sorry, I just don't really understand the XREAS system. I take it I can't run the KYBs in the back and keep the XREAS up front. Is that correct? Should I just have my mechanic install all four and pull the hydraulic lines?
 
Agree with chaz. With XREAS, your shocks are linked front/rear, forming an X. So front pass shock is connected to rear drivers, and front drivers is connected to rear pass. It then uses hydraulics to help improve ride. It is a closed system, so things have to be done at least in pairs, but unless you're shelling out the coin for a new XREAS system you will want to ditch all four and use regular shocks.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
Agree with chaz. With XREAS, your shocks are linked front/rear, forming an X. So front pass shock is connected to rear drivers, and front drivers is connected to rear pass. It then uses hydraulics to help improve ride. It is a closed system, so things have to be done at least in pairs, but unless you're shelling out the coin for a new XREAS system you will want to ditch all four and use regular shocks.
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone. I talked to my mechanic today and told him to go ahead and replace everything. I don't feel like paying $400 for the rear struts so I'll give it a go and, if I decide to go back to XREAS I will.

I appreciate all of your help ... I was stressing hard core before your advice!
 
Thanks!!!

Just wanted to say thanks for clearing that up for me. Everything was installed and I am so much happier now. You were all right ... I love the new set up!
 
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