XREAS confusion

[bcolts]

Haven't looked at ALL the XREAS threads on here, but have looked at quite a few and I'm still confused. It seems some say, if the system goes bad, the whole thing has to be replaced which is quite expensive. But I have also read that if done correctly, the shocks can be changed--once--as long as the damping system isn't compromised.
I have 210,000 on my 2003 Sport and don't feel any sway in turns or nose dive in stops, but have to figure the ride would be better with new shocks. I don't offroad and like the XREAS ride. Am I screwed or can a competent Toyota shop be able to switch out the shocks at a reasonable price?
I don't have to tell you guys, but this site is the greatest. Have learned a LOT on getting the most out of my 4Runner. Thanks in advance!

 

[ebg18t]

Well not completely screwed. The Xreas shocks can be replaced in pairs. But they are paired like front driver & rear passenger and vice versa. Not sure I would trust the local place, want a Toyota trained tech on these. Plan on $1k for the job. If could be more. You could just do a set of Bilstein HD shocks (for stock ride height) for $400.

 

[JB.]

I have 210,000 on my 2003 Sport and don't feel any sway in turns or nose dive in stops, but have to figure the ride would be better with new shocks.

Personally, I've adopted a "if it aint broke, don't fix it" policy for xreas. If you like the ride, I wouldn't replace it just because it seems like a good idea.

You could try to find a later model used 4runner with xreas to test drive for comparison or even a non-xreas model. If yours is still working it should corner flatter than a later model without xreas. The best test, by far, is a transition test (turn one way and then the other). That is what xreas really does well.

You could even test drive a 5th generation Limited, but the 20 inch wheels make a comparison difficult.

 

[NuclearN8]

I agree with JB.... buuuuuut if you really feel the need to spend money, my wallet is taking donations in preparation for 2014 black friday sales...I can pm you my paypal?...

seriously though, I will be removing the xreas on my 2005 in 4-5 months as soon as the weather warms up. there's nothing wrong with it, I'm only replacing it because I don't love it and I'm sure it'll go sooner not later with my off-roading habit... just trying to be a bit proactive with 113K on the odo.

if you pay for the shipping you can have mine when I remove it in april or may.... it'll be disassembled but at least you'll have replacement parts.... lemme know.

one a side note if you do the zip zag steer test and you have more roll than you think you did when you first bought the truck (and haven't already done so) upgrade your sway bar bushings and rear endlinks to poly. it will be the best $50 you ever spent in terms of flat handling onroad and I'd bet more of an improvement that dumping 1K+ at the dealer to swap out some shocks.

Now if what you're talking about is replacing the springs or coils, then yes, you can do this (for a stiffer ride) without disturbing your xreas (a time consuming process but it is possible....). xreas is the shock/strut portion of the suspension which is independent from the springs/coils portion.... if your xreas isn't leaking, I'd bet your suspension is only suffering because of your stock springs/coils and your rubber sway bar bushings and endlinks...

 

[bcolts]

Thanks a lot guys! I will definitely look into the poly sway bar and endlink bushings. Much rather see what $50 will do before I throw $1000 on the table. And thanks for the parts offer Nuclear. I will definitely see where I am with this situation by Spring time.
"Leave well enough alone" has generally been my philosophy as well, but am trying to make this vehicle last, so don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish and create an issue I could have avoided.

 

[DC runner]

Drive any on frame SUV/Truck that is of newer vintage and see the difference. I can, clearly, tell how much better my 4runner with XREAS handles. I was driving a buddies newer SUV (Xterra) and I had to slow way down to corner on an incline. I forgot how much body sway on frame trucks have without something to stop them.

It is one of those things, kinda like love. You know...

If it handles poorly. If the return is sluggish or like a pillow. If the car is sloppy around corners, then your system is probably shot. If the shock return is peppy, and quick; if when you corner the nose does not dive or the body roll like you expect a truck to do then it is functioning.

 

[Bossman]

This is a decent explanation of the XREAS system:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com - Shockwarehouse.com

I replaced my XREAS system due to a leak in the lines between the shocks. As it is a system, the entire suspension needs to be replaced. Although the shocks are cross-linked (as has been mentioned), it is a closed hydraulic system and was not designed to be repaired.

I suppose it would be possible to install an entire brand new XREAS system, but it is cost prohibitive both for parts and labour.

My mechanic suggested and strongly recommended installing a standard suspension set-up and ditching the XREAS - which I did.

 

[bcolts]

This is a decent explanation of the XREAS system:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com - Shockwarehouse.com

I replaced my XREAS system due to a leak in the lines between the shocks. As it is a system, the entire suspension needs to be replaced. Although the shocks are cross-linked (as has been mentioned), it is a closed hydraulic system and was not designed to be repaired.

I suppose it would be possible to install an entire brand new XREAS system, but it is cost prohibitive both for parts and labour.

My mechanic suggested and strongly recommended installing a standard suspension set-up and ditching the XREAS - which I did.

So I'm curious, have you noticed a difference in ride and handling?

 

[Bossman]

I kept things simple and went with stock SR5 shocks from my local Toyota dealer. Many on this board will opt for other aftermarket shocks (Bilstein's get a lot of mentions).

The complication is that I also have RAS (rear air suspension).

The XREAS is a well-designed system and performs as intended when fully functional. I did appreciate it for high-speed cornering.

I would say that the stock suspension is not significantly different for my driving experience. Had I known more about XREAS and the potential for failure (and expense to repair!) I might have tried to avoid it - but when you buy a Limited (leather, sunroof, etc) they add on all these other bells and whistles.

 

[V8 Runner]

My 03 4runner is also at 210k miles and have just replaced the stock shocks with bilstein 5100 because of rusted shocks and let go of xreas.

 

[V8Man]

Love the XREAS

Drive any on frame SUV/Truck that is of newer vintage and see the difference. I can, clearly, tell how much better my 4runner with XREAS handles. I was driving a buddies newer SUV (Xterra) and I had to slow way down to corner on an incline. I forgot how much body sway on frame trucks have without something to stop them.

It is one of those things, kinda like love. You know...

If it handles poorly. If the return is sluggish or like a pillow. If the car is sloppy around corners, then your system is probably shot. If the shock return is peppy, and quick; if when you corner the nose does not dive or the body roll like you expect a truck to do then it is functioning.

I agree with DC there is a big difference in an SUV without XREAS. I think did the true test is a comparison on the same trucks. I purchased a new 2003 Sport that had the XREAS suspension the truck had 175,000 miles on it without any XREAS problems. Most all of the miles were on paved roads. The suspension handles rail crossings so smooth. When my son totaled the Sport I purchased a 2003 SR5 with a bad engine. I swapped the engine, transmission, wheels and tires from the Sport to the SR5. There is a huge difference in ride and handling. For my money the XREAS is the way to go. I am sure for off road some aftermarket stuff would be better if you are going backwoods.