XREAS rear removal - what parts are required?

[Billf6531]

I've had a Truxxx 3"/1.25" spacer lift on my 2005 4Runner Limited for a few years. Best mod I ever did. Recently, the accumulator under the drivers door (holds the fluid that two of the shocks share) leaked. If a shock had leaked, I'd have probably blamed the lift. As it turned out, accumulators fail.

The dealer wanted an obscene amount of money to replace the two shocks, lines, and accumulator, and a similarly obscene amount for just the parts. That didn't make any sense, so after much research I ordered the 5100s - about $425 in Canada.

I installed the fronts with the stock coils and the spacer - so the 5100 are on their lowest perch. The longer stroke 5100 rears are used with the rear coil spacer.

I'm very pleased with the ride. I don't notice any pitch whatsoever, and don't take ramps at any less speed than before. What I do notice, is the traction control doesn't cut in on loose surfaces, when in 2-wheel drive mode, as often as it used to. That always used to bug me. A little Winter gravel on the road, and the throttle cuts out when you pull into an intersection. Scary. I attribute the new and better behaviour to the flat, non-weight transfer of the 5100s. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

If there is anyone in Calgary that is thinking of Bilsteins, and wants a test drive, please let me know. I can also put you in touch with my supplier for free shipping.
:cheers:

 

[Ridger]

Can you drop by my place in New Brunswick... I'd like to try it out to see how it feels.

:zoom:

 

[Billf6531]

Sure, neighbour. How about after supper?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

gman72, I don't doubt your experience with the shocks. I do believe something isn't right with your setup. If I wasn't such a believer, why else would I have my shocks in the mail right now to ditch the "excellent" stock system? I've been thoroughly impressed. The ride is much smoother and flatter than before. Part of that I know is the FJ springs, but not all. You are the first I've heard of that's just absolutely hated the 5100's. Trust me, I've rode with him and got his comments on the shocks.

While we're on the side track, let me add this. I am not one to take it easy. I was into sports cars before I got the 4runner, I had to sell my car because I needed the room and 4wd. Car was a 96 Mustang Cobra, modded and putting out a good bit of power. I drove the car like it was meant to be driven. Although I no longer have the car, I still haven't gotten rid of the bad habits.

 

[gman72]

Props on the great looking 'stang there Swamp Rider! Perhaps I just need to get it out of my head that my T4R will handle like I remembered it before jacking around with the suspension much. Didn't mean to imply that you drove your T4R any softer than me or others, I just miss the handling of 'the way it used to be' I guess.

As far as something wrong with my setup, hell I dunno?. Maybe it's just the combo of adding the BFG AT KO's (LT265/70/17 load range C for additional 3/4"), then Bilsteins in the front @ +1.5" setting to level it out, then sticking with the stock springs in rear + 5100's instead of adding FJ springs from the get go. Could very well be that it's the lift/tires combo (albeit minor) causing more roll/dives than I'd have predicted, but I think would still be minimized with XREAS back intact.

Doesn't really matter, I'm ditching the BFG's for Michelin LTX AT2 as soon as Costco launches the new sale ... (~4/13 I'm told). Driving the BFG's on leaking XREAS is probably what did them in ... near impossible to balance now (even using the finger plate adapter), and they have real harsh radial pull after only 7k mi. on 'em.

After this wknd under the truck looking at my shift actuator leak :sobbing:, I guess the $$ converting back to XREAS will be better spent fixing that instead But that's for another post :moping:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Try adding fj springs, they're cheap and I think would help you all, definitely take care of some brake dive and body roll.

 

[S p a r k y]

I have to agree with Swamp, try the FJ's, cheap and easy. Spring have a huge effect on roll and dive.