XREAS life expectancy

[Bluesky 07]

Here, let me jinx myself. My XREAS is still optimal at nearly 142K miles. Truck rides and drives great. Corners better than any other SUV I’ve driven. Keeping fingers crossed though b/c I know it’s going to fail someday.

That doesn’t reflect well on Toyota. If a system can’t last the typical life of a vehicle, it should be relatively inexpensive to repair or replace.

 

[slimjj]

My X-REAS failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km (or 85,750 miles). 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).

In hindsight, I might have sourced a quality aftermarket shock that was less expensive than the OEM Toyota shocks - but I did not have the luxury of having time to "shock shop" due to the nature of the X-REAS system failure.

These links/threads might help:

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

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84310-best-replacement-shocks-when-removing-xreas.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51369-replacing-xreas-regular-shocks.html

I replaced mine at about 180k

If it’s leaking, you’ve lost hydraulic fluid and you can’t just recharge the system, you would need to change out everything, including the plumbing and that’s ridiculously expensive. The shocks are cross linked (left front is connected to right rear and right front is connect to left rear), so if only one shock is bad, you can replace one set, but it’s still expensive. Plus XREAS is meant for on road performance as the shocks are very short and the springs are short as well.

This is why I went with 5100s all the way around and FJ 4x4 coils and springs. It makes it much more off road capable (like a 4Runner should be IMHO) and just looks better, not so squatty. It will feel and drive differently than XREAS, but that’s the trade off.

If you don’t want a lift, you can just get 5100s set at the bottom perch and some new stock springs, or some FJ springs for a slight lift.

Hope that helps.


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[slimjj]

Here, let me jinx myself. My XREAS is still optimal at nearly 142K miles. Truck rides and drives great. Corners better than any other SUV I’ve driven. Keeping fingers crossed though b/c I know it’s going to fail someday.

That doesn’t reflect well on Toyota. If a system can’t last the typical life of a vehicle, it should be relatively inexpensive to repair or replace.

All shocks fail over time, not a bad reflection on Toyota. Vehicle life has increased significantly passed shock life, by about 3x

If you live in an area where there isn’t much corrosion, you should be good for a while, maybe another 100k, but I’d rather not have XREAS for that long.


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[BRUIN8124]

I am about to hit 200K on my XREAS. It is still working quite nicely. This is a miracle for the North East! I do not know if the previous owner did any work to it.

However, I know it is only a matter of time until it is NOT working so nicely...

How much roughly would it cost to get some decent Bilsteins put on once the REAS fails? I would most likely take it to a shop for this.

 

[Bluesky 07]

All shocks fail over time, not a bad reflection on Toyota. Vehicle life has increased significantly passed shock life, by about 3x

If you live in an area where there isn’t much corrosion, you should be good for a while, maybe another 100k, but I’d rather not have XREAS for that long.


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Yes, shocks fail, but shocks don’t cost two grand+ to replace. XREAS does, so the bad reflection on Toyota is installing a non-optional system that fails well before the vehicle’s life expectancy and costs many thousands of dollars to repair to OEM standards.

 

[slimjj]

Yes, shocks fail, but shocks don’t cost two grand+ to replace. XREAS does, so the bad reflection on Toyota is installing a non-optional system that fails well before the vehicle’s life expectancy and costs many thousands of dollars to repair to OEM standards.

I hear what you’re saying, I just don’t agree. A nice set of coilovers (Fox, Icon, Kings) will be roughly the same to replace XREAS and a really nice upgrade. Some like it for its on street performance and won’t ever off road and choose to keep XREAS. If you stay ahead of the shocks leaking, you can replace individual shocks (or replace a pair of shocks).

If you want to keep it OEM, there’s a price for that, just like everything else on the vehicle. OEM CV axles wear out and are roughly $1,000 per axle to have installed at the dealership. Does that reflect poorly on Toyota too? Nope it’s just an expensive part that wears out.

I don’t think that reflects poorly on Toyota otherwise people wouldn’t buy it. I certainly didn’t know everything there was to know about XREAS when I bought mine. If I had, would that have caused me to go a different direction? Definitely not. It’s a Toyota and overall has very high build quality and longevity.


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[slimjj]

I am about to hit 200K on my XREAS. It is still working quite nicely. This is a miracle for the North East! I do not know if the previous owner did any work to it.



However, I know it is only a matter of time until it is NOT working so nicely...



How much roughly would it cost to get some decent Bilsteins put on once the REAS fails? I would most likely take it to a shop for this.

Depends on the shop. You can probably get a set of 5100s for around $375-400. Probably charge you 4-6 hours for install front and rear. So depending on the shop and how much they up-charge for parts, you’re looking at around $1,000-$1,200, +$250-350 more if you include springs/coils, just spitballing.


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[Bluesky 07]

I hear what you’re saying, I just don’t agree. A nice set of coilovers (Fox, Icon, Kings) will be roughly the same to replace XREAS and a really nice upgrade. Some like it for its on street performance and won’t ever off road and choose to keep XREAS. If you stay ahead of the shocks leaking, you can replace individual shocks (or replace a pair of shocks).

If you want to keep it OEM, there’s a price for that, just like everything else on the vehicle. OEM CV axles wear out and are roughly $1,000 per axle to have installed at the dealership. Does that reflect poorly on Toyota too? Nope it’s just an expensive part that wears out.

I don’t think that reflects poorly on Toyota otherwise people wouldn’t buy it. I certainly didn’t know everything there was to know about XREAS when I bought mine. If I had, would that have caused me to go a different direction? Definitely not. It’s a Toyota and overall has very high build quality and longevity.


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All fair points. Though I still see things somewhat differently, I truly appreciate a reasoned and reasonable discussion of relevant points as opposed to what internet disagreements often descend into.

 

[slimjj]

All fair points. Though I still see things somewhat differently, I truly appreciate a reasoned and reasonable discussion of relevant points as opposed to what internet disagreements often descend into.

Agreed! I’m a Gen X’r not a Millennial.


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[Greenwing7]

failed at 144k miles, XREAS will be missed looking at options to keep RAS and retain a good ride

 

[RobD]

Shocks are a wear item, like brakes or clutches. Don't want to spend money on XREAS? Buy non-XREAS. They're not critical components. Nice to have, not necessary to have.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Shocks are a wear item, like brakes or clutches. Don't want to spend money on XREAS? Buy non-XREAS. They're not critical components. Nice to have, not necessary to have.

Fine advice if you have that luxury. After looking for over a year for a 4Runner that met 3 simple requirements - 4WD, a sunroof, and 2006-2009 model year - I wasn't about to pass on a mint Sport Edition at a great price just because it came with XREAS.

And don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining about the fact that things wear out. My point is that Toyota should have designed the system so that individual shocks and components can be replaced if they fail. The approach they took would be like having to rip out and replace the entire brake system because the pads wore out. Just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Brandon@NC]

Xreas must go

This is my first post and will be a noobish one. I just purchased an 04 V8 4x4 yesterday and it has the xreas. I found out that the rear shocks are shot and have been told it may be cheaper to rip it all out, and sounds like on here it’s best to rip it out. I have searched Craig’s list for parts and have found FJ front struts without the springs from a 2010 FJ. I have seen they need to mod the 2010s, is it difficult? Would this be the most economical way for me to fix the front end? Also, are there other any other shocks that fit the 04 beside the 03-09 4Runner and the 07-10 FJ. I see newer 4Runner and FJ shocks all the time but didn’t think that they would fit. I have also found 05-17 Tacoma shocks. I had intentions of fixing it a little at a time but will have to replace it all at one time once Xreas is taken out.

 

[Stiffler2469]

replacing XREAS struts and shocks w/ conventional

I have committed to replacing the XREAS front struts and back shocks w/ conventional struts and shocks. My question is this: after disconnecting the XREAS feeder tubing from the old struts and shocks, what is the best way to "cap them off" so they won't spew hydraulic fluid all over the place after I get back on the road?

 

[Bluesky 07]

I have committed to replacing the XREAS front struts and back shocks w/ conventional struts and shocks. My question is this: after disconnecting the XREAS feeder tubing from the old struts and shocks, what is the best way to "cap them off" so they won't spew hydraulic fluid all over the place after I get back on the road?

See my response in the other XREAS thread.

 

[Karnivor707]

220k miles on x-reas, thoughts?

I just bought a 2005 4runner sport edition v8 4wd with 220k miles, it is all stock and original x-reas still in place. I really want to lift the front end and put bigger tires on, I seen a handful of x-read compatibility spacer lift kits. I am not sure if my x-read is good or bad? Do I automatically assume it’s no good because my 220,000 miles on odometer? I need advice I wanted to just add a spacer lift kit 3” front and 2” rear x read compatible or should I avoid that and redo all suspension to regular non x-read?

 

[ZO Runner]

Around 140K, I starting to see signs of the system failing. 150K miles, the system has totally worn out.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Fortunately, mine is still mint at 147K.

If you’re new to the 4Runner and XREAS, it’s good to research how it works. Because of how it functions, the first sign of failure is often a leak at one of the shocks. The worst thing about XREAS is that it can only be replaced, not repaired, and the cost is enormous. That’s why everyone opts to remove it and go with aftermarket shocks once it fails.

If it comes to that, be sure to find a good write-up on removal. It’s not difficult but the system is pressurized so you can’t just start pulling off parts.

 

[DesertDave]

Still Going Strong at 272,000!

I guess it is time to re-open this thread!

Our 2005 4Runner 2WD Sport was owned by a small-stature man who drove it from Los Angeles to Palm Springs regularly & racked up 225,000 miles like that. He gave it to his Daughter who decided she REALLY wanted an Audi....So we bought it and have driven it all over the western states since 2016, racking up another 47,000 miles. All the while, the XREAS system keeps doing its' job. We have never driven a high miler 4Runner that handled any better on twisty highways of the SW, so I guess the system works for us!

BTW, the left front wheel bearing finally expired, but nothing is perfect! Standing by to replace the XREAS when the day comes with conventional, I suppose, but that will be a sad day. We LOVE the performance...Dave

 

[sport2004]

My runner rode like crap with X-REAS, wasn't leaking, but it handled poorly, was noisy. I would get used to it until riding in another runner with a better suspension. Finally, the lines started leaking.

I sourced a bunch of parts, all stock, to get by, took it to an installer. The ride and handling improved immensely. This is my DD and I literally drive into rough road areas when I see them, instead of driving around them, much better and more fun.