Xreas and Coilovers? Can it be done?

[chaossd]

So the 4wheel shop in San Diego tells me they won't lift my '08 Sport because it has xreas and for liability reasons they cannot remove the reservoir and tubes. They also mentioned concern about how it will affect the "computer" in the car.

Has anyone stripped the xreas out and installed coilovers? If so, are there any repercussions to doing this?

I don't really care about the xreas suspension...but I don't wanna kill my car.

I could do spacers but they stiffen the ride and it's throwing good money after bad.

Thanks!

 

[SP Jon M3]

So the 4wheel shop in San Diego tells me they won't lift my '08 Sport because it has xreas and for liability reasons they cannot remove the reservoir and tubes. They also mentioned concern about how it will affect the "computer" in the car.

Has anyone stripped the xreas out and installed coilovers? If so, are there any repercussions to doing this?

Yes it will work. I pulled the x-reas off my '08 sport and installed the Icon coiovers, but you also have to replace the rear shocks as the same time. There have been no adverse affects on the computer i.e. VSC or TRAC problems.

I have to say that the ride is amazing with the IVD coilovers, rear shocks and springs.

The only thing that might affect the Computer is a larger wheel size or re-gearing.

I did the install myself so if you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

Here are some pics:

 

[chaossd]

Awesome thanks!
How did you disable xreas then?

Did you pull out the reservoir and tubes? (I have no idea what this system looks like I'm just guessing how it functions).

Did you plug the tubes?

Did you find an outfit that would have done the work or did you prefer to do it yourself?

 

[SP Jon M3]

Awesome thanks!
How did you disable xreas then?

x-reas is purely mechanical. Basically you just have to disconnect the hydraulic lines.

Did you pull out the reservoir and tubes? (I have no idea what this system looks like I'm just guessing how it functions).

Did you plug the tubes?

I just pulled the whole system out. You don't need to worry about plugging anything, all the the connectors have valves on them that shut when you disconnect them. This involves pulling out the rear shock and line that runs the the side of the frame rail to the center absorber. Then from the center absorber there is a line the runs forward on the frame rail, then crosses over on the engine crossmember, then goes up to the front shock on the other side. So basically you pull all that hardware out and install the new COs and rear shocks.

Did you find an outfit that would have done the work or did you prefer to do it yourself?

I just preferred to install it myself. Make sure that I take my time and make sure the job was done right.

Also, I've attached the PDF diagram that shows the configuration of the x-reas system.

 

[zimm]

I removed mine too for Icon stuff. Very easy to do. The hydraulic lines have a fitting near each shock where you can take the lines apart with two wrenches. They are self sealing and won't leak anymore than a drop of fluid. I left the lines and res inplace and just pulled the shocks and threw them in the dumpster.

 

[eskimochaos]

I removed mine too for Icon stuff. Very easy to do. The hydraulic lines have a fitting near each shock where you can take the lines apart with two wrenches. They are self sealing and won't leak anymore than a drop of fluid. I left the lines and res inplace and just pulled the shocks and threw them in the dumpster.

Hows does the ride compare to X-Reas (speedbumps etc because X-REAS made speed bumps quite jarring), looking to put a set of icons on this summer. How much was the total when all said and done....whey did you replace the rear LCAs?

Thanks man!

Happy Turkey Day

 

[tomhaney1]

Did the Icon come with those trailing arms and UCA's as well? Oh, and where did you find that eskimo?!

 

[zimm]

Hows does the ride compare to X-Reas (speedbumps etc because X-REAS made speed bumps quite jarring), looking to put a set of icons on this summer. How much was the total when all said and done....whey did you replace the rear LCAs?

Thanks man!

Happy Turkey Day

Speed bumps are much better- I actually accelerate into them now. I love having the extra travel. Total was $1300 for coilovers, rear springs, rear shocks. Installed them myself, much easier than a spacer lift- no special tools required other than a big hammer to pop the steering tie rod ends out. I didn't do UCA's or LCA's. Stockers are just fine for me.

 

[SP Jon M3]

Hows does the ride compare to X-Reas (speedbumps etc because X-REAS made speed bumps quite jarring), looking to put a set of icons on this summer. How much was the total when all said and done....whey did you replace the rear LCAs?

Thanks man!

Happy Turkey Day

The ride is much smoother than with x-reas. It soaks up speed bumps like they aren't even there. It's truly amazing. You can't go wrong with the Icon gear.
The price breakdown is as follows, Although I got a some price breaks for buying all the hardware at once.

Front Tacoma Coilovers, extended: $945.00 for the pair
Front FJ UCAs: $1075.00 for the pair
Rear FJ LCAs: $625.00 for the pair
Rear FJ Springs: $180.00 for the pair
Rear FJ Resi Shocks: $399.00 each x2 (these are the new rear piggy-back reservoir shocks)
IVD coating for the front Coilovers: $100.00

So total about $3725 + tax


Well worth the price.

I replaced the LCAs because the stock ones don't hold up well to rocks at all... As you can see here:
http://www.yotatech.com/f135/bent-my-control-arm-114591/

Did the Icon come with those trailing arms and UCA's as well? Oh, and where did you find that eskimo?!

Each part is sold separately, I've listed them out above.

 

[SP Jon M3]

Here's a pic of the new Icon rear shocks.

vs. the original rear shocks:

 

[SP Jon M3]

Speed bumps are much better- I actually accelerate into them now. I love having the extra travel.

I have to agree.. I find myself doing the same thing. Not only that, you look for the rough parts in the road and aim for them.

Installed them myself, much easier than a spacer lift- no special tools required other than a big hammer to pop the steering tie rod ends out.

Yep, again he's right.

I didn't do UCA's or LCA's. Stockers are just fine for me.

As I stated above I went with the rear LCAs because of how easily the stockers can be bent. The only real advantage that the front UCAs give you is the option to run the extended length coilovers. This will give you a slight improvement in wheel droop. Plus, they allow for better alignment adjustments, and they are stronger.