X-REAS installation after-the-fact?

[Yoshi]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, and am in fact still looking for my 1st 4Runner. My search is now narrowed to 4th gens, but the local availability isn't great. My understanding is that X-REAS is quite desirable; if I can't find one with it, can I install it after.

Thanks for any input and sorry for the noob questions now and to come...

Cheers.

 

[Acidmeld]

X-REAS was an standard on sporteditions and limiteds. I wouldnt recommend trying to install it later. The parts price alone would be insane. Most people who have it want to remove it to put on a coilover lift kit. I love how it helps the onroad handling but offroad i dont really think it helps alot.

 

[d2huffman]

The X-REAS is on the SE models and a very limited other. It is on mine and works just fine and I am sure adds to the ride, it would not be worth adding. The fact is that when they wear out or start leaking, most change out to standard shocks. That is what I will do if/when needed.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

There's no way I'd try installing it on a non-XREAS equipped 4runner. Take that money and invest in a reputable aftermarket suspension and you'll have a much better setup. Many have ditched the XREAS and never looked back. Best I remember, you're looking at $1500+ in parts alone for the XREAS system. You can get a great suspension that rides just as good or better for 1/3 of that.

XREAS is standard on all Sport Edition 4runners. It was an option on Limiteds, some do come without it. XREAS doesn't provide much benefit in ride quality to my knowledge. The benefit it provides is in cornering, the vehicle stays more flat in the turns with less body roll. I've not driven a stock non-XREAS 4runner, so I'm saying that based on what I've seen here.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Don't base your purchase decision on whether or not it has XREAS. In stock form, XREAS offers better handling (less body roll during cornering and less front end dive during braking) then without. It's a sealed high pressure mechanical system that cross links (diagonally) the shocks. The system is not serviceable and has to be replaced in pairs and is very expensive. If you find the system used, its a real pita to ship since the preformed hydraulic lines are long and easily damaged. They can leak and lose both oil and pressure when disassembled. Installing a used XREAS system on a 4Runner that never had it will be a complete pain.

I removed my XREAS system at 5k miles and and stored it in the garage for a while. Ended up throwing it in the dumpster since it was taking up too much space. The aftermarket suspension I replaced it with was night and day so much better there is no comparison. So base your purchase decision on the 4Runner you like. The suspension you can improve on with a variety of aftermarket systems.

 

[Bossman]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, and am in fact still looking for my 1st 4Runner. My search is now narrowed to 4th gens, but the local availability isn't great. My understanding is that X-REAS is quite desirable; if I can't find one with it, can I install it after.

Thanks for any input and sorry for the noob questions now and to come...

Cheers.

Welcome! It is a good thing that you are doing some research into a potential 4th Gen purchase.

I had the xreas on my 03 Limited, and it failed about a year ago when the hydraulic lines between the shocks corroded and leaked. Cause of the corrosion was most likely attributed to the road salt used on our Ontario roads in the winter.

If you do find a T4R with xreas, be sure to check the system for any signs of leaks or corrosion - otherwise you'll be replacing the complete suspension system sooner than later.

I ended up removing the xreas (way too expensive to repair/replace) and went with a stock set-up.

 

[Uneek]

Not sure about the Canadian models. It appears the Canadian models only came one way and there were no options.

For US models, X-REAS was standard on Sport Editions and optional on Limiteds. V8 Limiteds had the optional rear air suspension with X-REAS, in addition to the X-REAS only option found on the V6.

But as Dawg4Runner mentioned, many who have upgraded to coilover systems report the ride and handling is even better than X-REAS.

 

[Yoshi]

That's fantastic, all you folks are terrific. With all that in mind, there's a vehicle that I hope I can snap up this weekend. Thanks for the info, I'll keep the forum posted.

 

[DocMT]

I removed my XREAS system at 5k miles and and stored it in the garage for a while. Ended up throwing it in the dumpster since it was taking up too much space. .

Now why did you do that? I think there would have been plenty of people who would have loved to take a complete XREAS system off your hands for a reasonable price. Especially one with just 5000 miles on it!

That would have been a perfect solution for someone like the OP who wants XREAS on his 4Runner. Since it's a 100% mechanical system, it's basically a bolt-on job and it's not all that difficult.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Now why did you do that? I think there would have been plenty of people who would have loved to take a complete XREAS system off your hands for a reasonable price. Especially one with just 5000 miles on it!

That would have been a perfect solution for someone like the OP who wants XREAS on his 4Runner. Since it's a 100% mechanical system, it's basically a bolt-on job and it's not all that difficult.

That was my original intent for storing it in the first place. Just in case someone else needed it for parts. Although removing and replacing the shocks are a simple job. In my opinion, the hydraulic lines snaking through the frame and various parts of the undercarriage would make it a pain to install. If I had to ship the lines, they would take a huge box to package and the risk of damage during shipping would be too high. Its just too much of a hassle for me. I just got tired of looking at the clutter (along with the clutter of all the other take-offs I have stored). I did give a coilover to a local member prior to tossing the rest of the system.