X-REAS vs non on '05 4Runner limited 4wd

[rgcary]

Just wanted to say thanks to all those that gave me some ideas on the rear brakes warping over an over again. A BIG help and 4Runner is in Toyota shop getting fixed now.

On to another issue that Toyota brought up to me while looking at brakes. They say the X-REAS system is starting to leak at the shocks, but not bad. Tires are wearing fine and I don't feel any bouncing like when shocks go bad though. They mentioned you can replace it once and if it goes on you may have to replace the entire system. I have 112,000 miles and 99% of the time it's all hwy/in town driving. I do not tow and when I do it's only a small utility trailer and occasionally drive in snow or on the beach. The partial replacement costs $1300 for 4 shocks along with using existing X-REAS setup with canisters.

So I just read over this thread below where many mention to dump the system. Some say it's a time bomb waiting to happen and it seems my time is just about up. They say it will cost more if I wait longer to replace too. Should you only have Toyota do this or can any well known ASE cert mechanic do it?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...argers-more/58119-replacing-xreas-shocks.html

So has anyone else had theirs fail recently? I'll be darn if I can see where the oil is at and would not be surprised if they put some on there to make it look like it was leaking... I've never had shocks replaced on any of my vehicles that were over 100,000 miles so it rubs me wrong that this is possibly happening on a vehicle that is not taken off road.

Any thoughts or comments? See X-REAS PDF attached for those curious about it.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[450exc115]

When the time come just toss the system and put new shocks on. I have 60K on my Xreas and it's too bouncy for my tastes and dives to much during breaking. As it is the 4runners are undersprung and damped due to folks wanting a car like ride. So I suggest just get the shock replaced with any of your favorite gas charged shock (Bilstein, KYB, etc) and enjoy the better ride.

Just my 2cents.

 

[jimithing]

When the time come just toss the system and put new shocks on. I have 60K on my Xreas and it's too bouncy for my tastes and dives to much during breaking. As it is the 4runners are undersprung and damped due to folks wanting a car like ride. So I suggest just get the shock replaced with any of your favorite gas charged shock (Bilstein, KYB, etc) and enjoy the better ride.

Just my 2cents.

Agree. I still have my XREAS but when it starts to go out (and maybe even before) I plan on ditching the system completely and going aftermarket with some Bilstein 5100's and either some FJ springs or OME springs. Replacing XREAS or attempting to repair is just not worth the money to me.

 

[rgcary]

When the time come just toss the system and put new shocks on. I have 60K on my Xreas and it's too bouncy for my tastes and dives to much during breaking. As it is the 4runners are undersprung and damped due to folks wanting a car like ride. So I suggest just get the shock replaced with any of your favorite gas charged shock (Bilstein, KYB, etc) and enjoy the better ride.

Just my 2cents.

So if I want the same look (where the front is a little lower than the rear) just swap the shocks to the Bilstein 5100's and leave the OEM springs in place? So the ride will be a little better, but what about the nose dip when putting on the brakes and cornering?

 

[rgcary]

Agree. I still have my XREAS but when it starts to go out (and maybe even before) I plan on ditching the system completely and going aftermarket with some Bilstein 5100's and either some FJ springs or OME springs. Replacing XREAS or attempting to repair is just not worth the money to me.

So if I want the same look (where the front is a little lower than the rear) just swap the shocks to the Bilstein 5100's and leave the OEM springs in place? So the ride will be a little better, but what about the nose dip when putting on the brakes and cornering?

 

[krupnation]

So if I want the same look (where the front is a little lower than the rear) just swap the shocks to the Bilstein 5100's and leave the OEM springs in place? So the ride will be a little better, but what about the nose dip when putting on the brakes and cornering?

Yes, ditch the XREAS and get some Billie 5100's. If you like the factory rake (which 95% of people do not) you can set the 5100's at the lowest setting (factory or 0). If you want to take some of the rake out then set it at the next setting (.85) and it'll raise the front 1" or so. I think that's your best option but there are others (less expense shocks with a space). But to be honest, just seach for info about the 5100's and how many rave reviews they have. I personally have had them on my rig for almost a year now (replaced stock shocks at 95k miles) and absolutely love them. A lot cheaper than replacing the entire XREAS system.

Also, regarding the nose dive, the 5100's will definitely minimize nose dive during braking. For even more performance and less nose dive, install some FJC coils with the 5100's. Thats what I currently have in the front and love the setup. Good luck.

 

[Bossman]

My X-Reas failed at 138,000 km. There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

Fluid that had dripped onto the driveway was the first indicator of some sort of problem. As more fluid leaked out of the system, the suspension became worse.

I removed the entire X-Reas system (too costly to replace), and installed the standard SR5 suspension (to keep it relatively stock).

 

[rgcary]

Yes, ditch the XREAS and get some Billie 5100's. If you like the factory rake (which 95% of people do not) you can set the 5100's at the lowest setting (factory or 0). If you want to take some of the rake out then set it at the next setting (.85) and it'll raise the front 1" or so. I think that's your best option but there are others (less expense shocks with a space). But to be honest, just seach for info about the 5100's and how many rave reviews they have. I personally have had them on my rig for almost a year now (replaced stock shocks at 95k miles) and absolutely love them. A lot cheaper than replacing the entire XREAS system.

Also, regarding the nose dive, the 5100's will definitely minimize nose dive during braking. For even more performance and less nose dive, install some FJC coils with the 5100's. Thats what I currently have in the front and love the setup. Good luck.

Any idea on cost for the removal of X-REAS. I will stick with the Billie 5100's as they get high reviews. Just to confirm, no need to repalce the springs with FJ's? I'm trying to stick as close to the X-REAS feel w/out spending the insane cost Toyota wants. Thanks to all of you who have replied. This forum is the best!

 

[krupnation]

Any idea on cost for the removal of X-REAS. I will stick with the Billie 5100's as they get high reviews. Just to confirm, no need to repalce the springs with FJ's? I'm trying to stick as close to the X-REAS feel w/out spending the insane cost Toyota wants. Thanks to all of you who have replied. This forum is the best!

You don't have to replace the stock coils with FJ coils, that was just a suggestion. The FJ coils are a little bit thicker bar stock which relates to a little "stiffer", but by no means uncomfortable. My stock suspension was really tired and it felt like a Cadillac. After the 5100/FJC swap it was night and day!

As to removing the XREAS system, the thread should lend a hand: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/78247-how-do-you-remove-xreas.html

 

[Bossman]

I'm not sure of the cost of my XREAS removal - but they only detached from the system and removed the four shocks, and they plugged and left the hydraulic lines attached to the frame.

 

[Shift-E-Eyes]

^^had this done...then just removed the hydrolic pumps on the frame altogether for sliders...easy to pinch off lines and remove shocks on your own...

 

[Shift-E-Eyes]

So if I want the same look (where the front is a little lower than the rear) just swap the shocks to the Bilstein 5100's and leave the OEM springs in place? So the ride will be a little better, but what about the nose dip when putting on the brakes and cornering?

Go with the bils or OME nitro shocks and OME 885/895 medium coils to level the truck off...if no winch&bumper on the front... The 885's are good for only bumper without a winch... No significant nose dip with stock bumper on 885 coils and cornering is better than stock IMO

 

[rgcary]

Yes, ditch the XREAS and get some Billie 5100's. If you like the factory rake (which 95% of people do not) you can set the 5100's at the lowest setting (factory or 0). If you want to take some of the rake out then set it at the next setting (.85) and it'll raise the front 1" or so. I think that's your best option but there are others (less expense shocks with a space). But to be honest, just seach for info about the 5100's and how many rave reviews they have. I personally have had them on my rig for almost a year now (replaced stock shocks at 95k miles) and absolutely love them. A lot cheaper than replacing the entire XREAS system.

Also, regarding the nose dive, the 5100's will definitely minimize nose dive during braking. For even more performance and less nose dive, install some FJC coils with the 5100's. Thats what I currently have in the front and love the setup. Good luck.

One last quick question. What year FJ coils should I go for? I have 2005 4Runner v6 4wd. Just seems to make sense to do it all at the same time you know. Bilstein 5100 and FJ coils. Wont cost much more at all...

Thank you,

Rick

 

[450exc115]

07-present FJ coils work. You can also look for take off FJ trail shocks (Bilsteins) if you don't want to spend the money on the 5100s.

Don't forget to get an alignment after you replace the springs/shocks.

 

[jimithing]

Any year FJ coils will fit the 4Runner. Only 2007-2009 shocks will fit though. It's hard to find those older shocks that have few miles on them.

 

[jimithing]

Forgot to mention - just check the FJ cruiser forums for the coils if that's the route you want to go.

Want to Sell (FJ Related Items) - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

People buy their FJ's and immediately put on ICON's or something a little more heavy duty like that and sell their stock stuff with low mileage. There's also a want to buy section you can post in over there if you want.

 

[JB.]

So has anyone else had theirs fail recently? I'll be darn if I can see where the oil is at and would not be surprised if they put some on there to make it look like it was leaking... I've never had shocks replaced on any of my vehicles that were over 100,000 miles so it rubs me wrong that this is possibly happening on a vehicle that is not taken off road.

My xreas is going strong at 98k with more than 5k of that off-pavement. Not mostly graded dirt roads, either.

I'd suggest at least taking a look at gman72's posts in the following thread.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96561-bouncing-normal-2.html

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Just wanted to say thanks to all those that gave me some ideas on the rear brakes warping over an over again. A BIG help and 4Runner is in Toyota shop getting fixed now.

On to another issue that Toyota brought up to me while looking at brakes. They say the X-REAS system is starting to leak at the shocks, but not bad. Tires are wearing fine and I don't feel any bouncing like when shocks go bad though. They mentioned you can replace it once and if it goes on you may have to replace the entire system. I have 112,000 miles and 99% of the time it's all hwy/in town driving. I do not tow and when I do it's only a small utility trailer and occasionally drive in snow or on the beach. The partial replacement costs $1300 for 4 shocks along with using existing X-REAS setup with canisters.

So I just read over this thread below where many mention to dump the system. Some say it's a time bomb waiting to happen and it seems my time is just about up. They say it will cost more if I wait longer to replace too. Should you only have Toyota do this or can any well known ASE cert mechanic do it?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...argers-more/58119-replacing-xreas-shocks.html

So has anyone else had theirs fail recently? I'll be darn if I can see where the oil is at and would not be surprised if they put some on there to make it look like it was leaking... I've never had shocks replaced on any of my vehicles that were over 100,000 miles so it rubs me wrong that this is possibly happening on a vehicle that is not taken off road.

Any thoughts or comments? See X-REAS PDF attached for those curious about it.

Thank you,

Rick

First off, your 100k+ vehicles need new shocks. As a general rule of thumb they last roughly 50k (some less, some more depending on the vehicle. i.e. a Corvette is going to run through them faster than a Camry), I always seem to have to emphasize this; just because the unit is not leaking does not mean it has not failed. You can lose the gas charge in the unit without losing fluid, the reed valves inside can fail from wear (Imagine bending a piece of metal back and forth over a few million times, that's about 50k worth of small bumps, major potholes, just average driving on those thin slivers of metal inside the shock). I cannot tell you how many shocks I have taken off that looked good (no leaks, dry as a bone and the car SEEMED to drive nice) and that thing needed some blue pills to get up and go. I have had "perfectly good" looking shocks just compress and never pop back out after removal. You probably won't even notice the degradation in performance unless you drove a similar vehicle with new OEM shocks, its a subtle thing. Just like if your filter gets clogged or your engine slowly gets carboned up, you'll only notice that performance drop when it become bad enough that it stands out like a sore thumb.

That being said, the XREAS system itself its probably going to last about 100k-150ksh if there are no gas or fluid leaks and the central dampners haven't failed. But the system is expensive to replace. Personally if you care about cornering stability, don't off-road more than dirt roads, and have the money go ahead and get it replaced.

Otherwise there are plenty of aftermarket options that are just as good if not better than the XREAS system for comparable cost.

 

[Gecko123]

Gemmick???

Dreams in my opinion is note a gimmick based on my experience drive one with and without it on city roads. Off-roads may be ab different story.