Do you know if the tacoma UCAs are direct swaps as well? I found a set for $150 practically new local, he's got the UCAs available too.
Wife's 4runner needs new suspension (X-REAS)
- Thread starter tacovic17
- Start date
Do you know if the tacoma UCAs are direct swaps as well? I found a set for $150 practically new local, he's got the UCAs available too.
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
What would you call the suspension on the front of them then?
Looks a lot like a strut to me.
badattitude
Member
why not stock 2003-2009 Toyota SR5 shocks? I have xreas and think about what I'll eventually replace it with. A soft ride is more important to me than a lifted truck, especially with the 4th gen. So I'm headed toward new Toyota SR5 shocks for about $380 plus install. One of this things I like about using stock Toyota parts is the low probability I'll have any suspension or alignment issues. Plus it keeps the dealer in the loop as an accountable partner (if necessary). It will work with my stock springs too. The main decision for me is, do I want to lift or not. For me, no, I don't want to lift my 4th gen. It's a luxury street machine with a sweet 4WD system.
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
Technically what the 4Runner uses is a coilover - a combination of a shock inside a spring. A strut is part of the vehicle structure. They look somewhat similar.
Without the springs:
grave
Senior Member
look again.
pnwcruiser
New member
As somebody who's replaced the XREAS once with XREAS and then again with OME spring/shock setup, I will say the OME is definitely more rugged and not as plush. However, it also makes the 4Runner feel like a 4Runner probably should. If your wife is ok with a bit more rugged, I'd go OME spring/shock. If she's very much not going to like that, then the Bilstein 5100 is a good option. Your stock springs are probably in good shape if you never abused the suspension or bottomed out any of the coils. I doubt you'd bottom out the coils, that's typically an issue for cars that are lower, causing them to crack and fail. Bilstein is a fantastic company with solid products. I've run them in multiple VW/Audi cars and Tor from TorFab likes them on his fully built Land Cruisers. OME or Bilstein, both good ways to go.
Forerunner
New member
I was exactly where you are now a few weeks ago. I have a 2007 V8 Limited and I needed to replace the xreas and wanted to swap out my rear air suspension for coils. My main concern was I wanted a comfortable ride since this is a DD and didn't want a lift. I researched this forum to death and read all the different opinions and had decided to go with the 6112 in front and 5100 in the rear with the metaltech conversion kit.
After speaking with my installer, he suggested keeping my front springs and going with 5100 all around plus the spring conversion kit at back. He said the front shock should be set at .85 just to raise the front up a bit. He also suggested replacing most bushings at the same time.
Well I had the work done and have had it back for 2 days now and I have to say I'm in love with my truck again. First of all the new bushings have eliminated all the previous loose suspension sounds. The ride is firm but not unconfortable in any way. It just feels like a new truck. I am really impressed with the difference. Should you decide to go this way you won't be disappointed.
After speaking with my installer, he suggested keeping my front springs and going with 5100 all around plus the spring conversion kit at back. He said the front shock should be set at .85 just to raise the front up a bit. He also suggested replacing most bushings at the same time.
Well I had the work done and have had it back for 2 days now and I have to say I'm in love with my truck again. First of all the new bushings have eliminated all the previous loose suspension sounds. The ride is firm but not unconfortable in any way. It just feels like a new truck. I am really impressed with the difference. Should you decide to go this way you won't be disappointed.
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
Thanks for your insightful response!
Still have not ordered any shocks or springs yet. I think I am pretty heavily leaning towards KYB replacement struts and springs for front. I believe this might be the best option between too stiff and too soft. I want to retain as much of the ride comfort as possible while ditching the XREAS. I have newborn baby coming any day now, and would rather have a little soft ride over a little stiff. I think I will probably do the sway bar bushings as well since it needs to come off anyway.
I almost pulled the trigger on a brand new set of bilstein 4600's from a new tacoma, but decided against it after hearing about the slightly different valving in the rear for the lighter tacoma bed. It seems as though they might be a bit too soft in the rear for my liking, and I really want to stay with 4runner hardware at this point so I only have to do this once.
I almost pulled the trigger on a brand new set of bilstein 4600's from a new tacoma, but decided against it after hearing about the slightly different valving in the rear for the lighter tacoma bed. It seems as though they might be a bit too soft in the rear for my liking, and I really want to stay with 4runner hardware at this point so I only have to do this once.
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
Your call but did you see my post about the valving? It’s the same as the 5100. I don’t think they make one 4600 for 4Runners and another for Tacomas (except for the bushings). Does anyone know differently? I’m curious now.
In any case, I’ve had mine since December and driven hundreds of miles on- and off-road. The rears are not soft.
You should obviously do what you feel you’ll be happy with but I’m sticking with the valving being the same until somebody has it from a credible source that it’s different.
In any case, I’ve had mine since December and driven hundreds of miles on- and off-road. The rears are not soft.
You should obviously do what you feel you’ll be happy with but I’m sticking with the valving being the same until somebody has it from a credible source that it’s different.
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Still have not pulled the trigger yet. Now I am leaning towards Dobinsons springs and shocks. I like the idea of a softer ride and high quality components. Something about KYB for $350 off Amazon seems a bit too good to be true. Maybe someone else with KYB who has had success can chime in, or confirm my direction to head towards a Dobinsons setup.
I did see your post, I think I would be happy with your setup, but I am leaning towards a softer cushier feel to satisfy the wife, baby, and 90 pound lab! Not a fan of feeling every bump for better off road performance with this rig.
blackjackck
Member
Paradox of Choice
You're experiencing "Paradox of Choice".
I had the XREAS and replaced with FJ Off Road package along with the replacement of sway bar bushing, links, etc. and the ride feels like a new car. Did some light off road yesterday, the ride is significantly better. example: With the XREAS on the same road, the people in the rig would literally bounce off the seat by a least a couple of inches. Yesterday all our asses stayed on the seat. When I cornering or fly around the on ramp I don't feel like I'm about to flip over.
Sorry its not what you're asking but whatever you replace the XREAS with will be better than leaking XREAS.
You're experiencing "Paradox of Choice".
I had the XREAS and replaced with FJ Off Road package along with the replacement of sway bar bushing, links, etc. and the ride feels like a new car. Did some light off road yesterday, the ride is significantly better. example: With the XREAS on the same road, the people in the rig would literally bounce off the seat by a least a couple of inches. Yesterday all our asses stayed on the seat. When I cornering or fly around the on ramp I don't feel like I'm about to flip over.
Sorry its not what you're asking but whatever you replace the XREAS with will be better than leaking XREAS.
V8Limited4wd
New member
Just wondering what setup you eventually went with. My xreas shocks are done so I need them replaced soon. I want to get some quality parts that will last another 100k+ miles so I'm leaning toward Dobinsons with a minimal lift and still keep a slight rake.
I had my XRES pulled out and replaced with 5100's front and back and new 5th gen springs to replace the worn existing springs. I cant praise the new ride enough. its firm but stable and raised the front just a touch to level out the truck. I would highly recommend this setup, cost me like 300 bucks or something like that for the springs and 5100 kit.
PS. i would also go get some new spring hats, sway bar bushings etc. to freshen up the rest of the suspension system.
PS. i would also go get some new spring hats, sway bar bushings etc. to freshen up the rest of the suspension system.
