Time to replace OEM struts and XREAS?

[Lewis&Clark]

Brought my 4R into a local shop today to have them warranty the headlight restoration work I had them do a while back, and threw in an oil change and checkup while I was there. Didn't expect to hear what came out of their inspection!

At long last -- after 114,000 miles -- my factory brake pads and rotors are finally done. So I'll be getting those done soon (NOT at a dealer's shop!) They wanted $800 for front and rear (the rear are at 4 with a little ways to go; the front are at 3, so I'm going to wait a little bit and do them all at once). So be it. Can't complain on factory brake pads that managed to run 114,000 miles. No joke.

They also said my joint CV boot is leaking. $600.

But the real kicker...oh boy...both the front and rear struts (the OEM McPhersons) are "leaking" and the rear ones are also "weak". Factory struts, parts, and labor...$1440 front + $1,440 rear. Except, of course, I apparently have XREAS even though the VIN lookup when I bought it at another Toyota dealership didn't show it anywhere on the equipment or options list. XREAS adds a catastrophic additional $2,000 for a total of around $4,800 to replace all four struts. :wow: You can't make this up.

So...what to do about the struts? I don't have any sense of how long I can let these go, but I'd like to wait a bit because I just don't have the money right now.

I don't mind going with Bilstein or Icon instead for some better capabilities offroad, and probably some longer life than I could expect out of another set of OEM McPhersons. But I have some questions...

1. How do Bilsteins and Icons impact ride quality? This is my daily driver.

2. What would be a reasonable amount of money to pay for front AND rear including installation by a good non-dealer mechanic? (Keep in mind I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I am willing to drive out to California's Central Valley, Sacramento, or elsewhere if it saves a good chunk of money).

3. What happens to the XREAS if I get Bilsteins or Icons? Do I have to take that out? Is that pretty easy to do, either myself (I am NOT mechanically-inclined) or by a mechanic?

4. If I take out the XREAS and for some reason decide I one day want to add it back in, is that doable, or is it gone forever if I take it out?



dt

 

[4RunninMD]

Wow that $5k is almost half the price of a nice used 4th gen lol. Sounds like rape

 

[srs034runner]

I think the bilstien have a better than stock feel honestly (it's what I ride, make sure you get the 5100's though), and icon from what I understand is just a tad stiffer, as for the xreas system ... Yank it out, I'm doing it next week, there are plenty of posts on here on how to do it yourself! All your questions about xreas just search the name and it will tell you all you need to know, as far as doing the front and rears, the guys on here have a step by step guide for just about anything, and maybe grab a Haynes manual for your T4R from Amazon ... We are glad to help our 4Runner family here!

 

[Xrider237]

it goes w/o saying that 5k to replace your suspension is beyond ludicrous- $2500 would be too

xreas is a cross linked suspension that connects the front wheel to the opposite side rear- it would have to be removed completely before you install new shocks

depending on your budget (sounds tight esp w the addit'l work you need done) you can have an arguably better suspension using bilstein 4600 or 5100(adjustable) shocks- you can keep your springs or hunt down some off an FJ/tacoma or buy moog-

you should be able to get all of this bought and done for <$1k

 

[Parker1938]

That shop's prices are crazy high. I would have them do your lights under warranty and never go back. All that you say needs to be done is easy driveway work with a few tools and a rental tool or so from Autozone.

Brake pads cost around $30 a pair and are super easy to replace.

As for your factory XREAS shocks, remove them and replace with Bilstiens or even KYB shocks. You will never want to go back to the XREAS. While they are a cool concept, they are entirely too expensive and you could do just as well it better with Bilstiens or KYB or some other brand.

If you want a shop to do the shocks then expect around $400 -$500 in labor charges plus the cost of the shocks.

A brake job at a dealer should not cost more than around $300-$400 depending on their labor rates but, again, do it yourself and save.

Go through the sticky threads or use the google search and you will find plenty of good info and walk throughs. YouTube also had some good videos.

 

[Parker1938]

Another thought, meet up with some local forum members and see if anyone is willing to help. I know I would if I lived in SF.

 

[Lewis&Clark]

All that you say needs to be done is easy driveway work with a few tools and a rental tool or so from Autozone.

Really, even the suspension? I assumed I'd need a pretty big lift to get the truck high enough off the ground to take out the XREAS and replace the struts?

Brake pads cost around $30 a pair and are super easy to replace.

Well, the rotors too. But either way, I have plenty of friends who do this kind of work themselves so I'm inclined to stop believing myself unfit for basic mechanical work and at least try to get these done with their guidance.

I just can't stomach the idea of paying $185/hour to a dealer (yes, their actual labor rate for mechanical work) for straight-forward maintenance and repair work. I almost never go to dealers anymore. My normal mechanic though, as good as he is, is still only 15-20% less than a dealer. Labor adds up out here. Fast.

 

[Lewis&Clark]

depending on your budget (sounds tight esp w the addit'l work you need done) you can have an arguably better suspension using bilstein 4600 or 5100(adjustable) shocks- you can keep your springs or hunt down some off an FJ/tacoma or buy moog-

you should be able to get all of this bought and done for <$1k

Ok...so some stupid questions because I'm...well...mechanically stupid :nerd:...and this will be the first time I've ever done after-market struts/shocks.

1. "Adjustable" basically means that's how I can add a lift to my truck, right? Helpful for greater ground clearance off-road; allowing for larger bumpers or winches; larger wheels; etc.?

2. Bilstein's 5100 website calls them shock absorbers, but they look like struts to me. Shocks and struts are not the same thing, as I understand it. Is this a case of them using the terms interchangeably or are they actually shocks?

3. Done some searches, but not really clear on the difference between an adjustable strut and a "spacer kit"?

4. If I replace with Bilsteins, KYB, or Icons, should I (or, do I need to) also replace my upper control arms?

 

[Xrider237]

Ok...so some stupid questions because I'm...well...mechanically stupid :nerd:...and this will be the first time I've ever done after-market struts/shocks.

1. "Adjustable" basically means that's how I can add a lift to my truck, right? Helpful for greater ground clearance off-road; allowing for larger bumpers or winches; larger wheels; etc.? *yes- there are 4 settings or 'perches' that go from 0 lift up to 2.5-3"...yes to fit bigger wheels/tires, ground clearance plus looks of course

2. Bilstein's 5100 website calls them shock absorbers, but they look like struts to me. Shocks and struts are not the same thing, as I understand it. Is this a case of them using the terms interchangeably or are they actually shocks? *yes they are the same thing

3. Done some searches, but not really clear on the difference between an adjustable strut and a "spacer kit"? *a spacer looks kinda like a washer that you put on top of you strut/shock to add lift by preloading the spring

4. If I replace with Bilsteins, KYB, or Icons, should I (or, do I need to) also replace my upper
control arms?

*if you are gonna go 3" or more thats what your gonna need to do

see my answers above

Remember there is a BIG difference in the total cost of a suspension when talking kyb/bilstein and Icon/Fox coilovers- like 1,000's of dollars difference

 

[RonJR]

As a point of reference, Slee Offroad in Golden, CO will remove the Xreas and install OME shocks and springs all the way around plus do the alignment for <$1500. They are a fairly high-end shop and do good work, so that should give you an idea of what you could get this done for by an independent shop if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

I don't have their pricing for the Bilsteins (which is what I would recommend for you), but it would be less since the OME parts cost is higher than for the Bilsteins. I would say about $1100 installed would get you the Bilsteins.

My Xreas is getting soft and mushy, so it's coming out and the Bilsteins going in later this spring.

Edit: I just found the Slee quote for the Bilsteins (reusing your old springs). I've attached it as an FYI. It's $860 excluding Xreas removal, which is about another $100, I think. So, if you don't feel up to tackling this yourself, it's not too bad having a good shop do it. I would call around to real 4wd shops in your area, not just plain old mechanics. The 4wd shops understand the 4runner suspension and what can/should be done with it.

 

[Bluesky 07]

To the OP, you said what this dealer told you about your XREAS but how's your truck actually riding & handling? Have you seen any leakage? Point being, maybe your suspension is fine & this shop is just throwing out crap that sounds plausible just to see what might stick (and make them plenty of $$). Just a thought.

 

[HiVel-JR]

I have icons and they are almost too stiff. But that is what i wanted.

I did all the work by myself taking out the Xreas and installing the Icons with Upper Control Arms. It took me a weekend and i went nice and slow. I would do a little wrenching, get back on the forum and check the steps and then go back to wrenching. I checked about three or four posts on here that showed all the things they did, with pictures. Look on Youtube as well. There is a guy that swaps out a tacoma suspension and it is almost step for step the same for a 4runner.

CLICK HERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbsTJgb6S_c


It was already mentioned, but I would look on the forum for someone close by and look at their setup and see if they will help. Majority of the folks on here will help.

To swap out a suspension you need 4 jack stands, 1 floor jack, coil/spring compressors, 10mm through 19mm wrenches/sockets, impact driver with sockets really makes things a breeze, large hammer, rubber gloves, safety glasses and a case of beer for the guy that helps.

CHECK THIS THREAD OUT. it is a 5th gen, but practically the same. removed his XREAS.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/136744-icon-suspension-diy-installation.html

 

[Lewis&Clark]

As a point of reference, Slee Offroad in Golden, CO will remove the Xreas and install OME shocks and springs all the way around plus do the alignment for <$1500. They are a fairly high-end shop and do good work, so that should give you an idea of what you could get this done for by an independent shop if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

I don't have their pricing for the Bilsteins (which is what I would recommend for you), but it would be less since the OME parts cost is higher than for the Bilsteins. I would say about $1100 installed would get you the Bilsteins.

My Xreas is getting soft and mushy, so it's coming out and the Bilsteins going in later this spring.

Edit: I just found the Slee quote for the Bilsteins (reusing your old springs). I've attached it as an FYI. It's $860 excluding Xreas removal, which is about another $100, I think. So, if you don't feel up to tackling this yourself, it's not too bad having a good shop do it. I would call around to real 4wd shops in your area, not just plain old mechanics. The 4wd shops understand the 4runner suspension and what can/should be done with it.

Really helpful, thanks!

Mine has also been feeling a little soft and mushy, and I'd always planned to swap out the MacPhersons with something better whenever they go. I don't think it's necessarily imminent, but I'll probably get them taken care of in the next 3 months or so.

I'm leaning towards the Bilstein 5100 adjustables too.

$1100 to do front and rear vs nearly $5000 from the dealership. Unreal.

 

[Lewis&Clark]

To the OP, you said what this dealer told you about your XREAS but how's your truck actually riding & handling? Have you seen any leakage? Point being, maybe your suspension is fine & this shop is just throwing out crap that sounds plausible just to see what might stick (and make them plenty of $$). Just a thought.

A little softer than it used to ride, and it rolls a little more too. But it's still driving fairly well. Not all that significant, but somewhat noticeable differences. I haven't seen any leaks, but I haven't really been looking under the wheel well areas.

I wish I had a way to quantify how much time I have left on the OEM struts, but not really sure how. I had planned to replace them with better after-markets this year anyway, in prep for a trip I'm taking next year through the Eukon and all the way out the Dalton Highway to Barrow, Alaska. I just wish I had a way of knowing when I *HAVE* to replace them, so I can plan for it financially.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Yes, knowing for sure when you will have to get this done would be helpful given the cost.

I will probably jinx myself but my '07 Sport also has 114K and the ride is solid. Obviously it's to each their own, but I don't get the gripes about XREAS on the forum. The ride may not be perfect, but it's more than comfortable to me and my 'Runner takes curves like it's on rails.

With that said, I couldn't agree more that it's unfortunate (to put it nicely) that a manufacturer would use a system that can't be repaired & costs a small fortune to replace at the end of its service life.

All that aside, please let us know what you do with your suspension and how it turns out.

That road trip you're planning is on my bucket list, and visiting Alaska should be on everyone's. Hope it's unforgettable for all the right reasons.

 

[46runner]

While I didn't have to do an XREAS delete, I did replace my struts and shocks on an 04 SR5. Those write ups are in my signature. Hopefully it will give you an idea if you are up for doing it yourself.

 

[RonJR]

If I understand it correctly, the XREAS is effectively a hydraulic version of a set of diagonal sway bars. It seems like a good idea, theoretically, and my '06 certainly seems stable on corners. That being said, my '94 with just a front sway bar (rear sway bar mount broke) goes around curves in the mountain canyons really well also, no body roll at all, so I can't really say that the XREAS helps all that much over just a regular sway bar. I think it's a bit of a clever solution looking for a problem, and a marketing way to differentiate the "Sport". The repair cost is ridiculous , however, and I would never have Toyota replace the system.

 

[unevolved]

The XREAS system is neat, but not useful enough to warrant replacement. I just replaced my system with all OME springs and shocks (885/895, since I've got a V8) and I'm very happy with the ride. There are no spacers or tons of preload like you'd get with some other combos (preload makes for a harsher ride).

I was worried about it seeming too "harsh" after reading some things online, but it's great. I'm used to a "harsh" ride from sports cars, and this truck is nowhere close to that. It just feels more firm and composed compared to the old, blown XREAS.

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

I'm getting ready to replace the originals in my 2005 SR5 with 5100's.

I was asking my mechanic about it today & he had asked me if the 5100's came in a kit with coils already installed over them.

Sorry if this is a dumb question as I am not that 4x4 savvy tbh...

Outside of higher end suspension kits (lifts etc...) is there a 5100 kit with the coils on them available for direct swap for the the 4runner?

 

[RonJR]

Toytec (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) has them with installed coils, but I think they only come pre-installed at the 3" lift position. If you wanted stock height, you would have to disassemble the struts and move the adjustment collar. Any shop with a good strut compressor could do that for you.

If you just want to retain the stock height, the easiest and cheapest might be to re-use your old springs. Have your mechanic pull your struts, take them to a shop that has a strut compressor and have them disassemble and reassemble them with the new shock, and then reinstall. That's pretty much how I'm planning to do it when I decide to blow the whistle on the XREAS. That would be cheaper than buying the Bilsteins with the installed coils. If you're not doing a lift and/or adding extra weight up front like a winch or ARB bumper, I think the old springs will serve just fine mounted on new shocks.