xreas replacement - shock vs shock/spring replacement

A

amheck

New member
Hi, I'd like to improve the ride in my 2004 Limited a bit better and I think shocks might be next up.

I see several people recommend to replace just the shocks and others say replace the shocks and springs.

Our 4runner is just used as a daily driver/kid hauler. What is exactly the difference with replacing the springs or not?

These were the two options I was thinking about:

shocks only
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T8RZKR4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1S9YHSAOS3JWY&psc=1

shocks and springs
KYB:
Front right: KYB Part # SR4131
Front left: KYB Part # SR4130
Rear Shocks: KYB Part # 344410
Rear Springs: MOOG Part # 81045
 
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I swapped out the XREAS which I really liked when the 2nd leak started. I replaced the system with the 5100's in your link. The ride to my surprise is superior around corners (firmer) and my 2007 runs very nicely. The cost of removal of the XREAS and replacement of springs and shocks was $2,100.00 at the Toyota dealer.
 
so if you had also swapped out the springs, does that make the ride even better? Or different?

I guess I'm just trying to understand what I will gain or lose by swapping out the springs in addition to the shocks.
 
I just ripped out the XREAS on my sisters 07 sport. I put some 5100's in. I kept the stock springs and lifted the fronts 1 notch. The ride is fantastic and i highly recommend it for a basically stock rig.
 
ad I guess also of consideration, since i'm not sure how easy of a job this is - is there a big cost difference between having a shop replace just the shocks as opposed to also doing the springs? I'm guessing just doing the shocks might be a bit cheaper?
 
amheck said:
so if you had also swapped out the springs, does that make the ride even better? Or different?

I guess I'm just trying to understand what I will gain or lose by swapping out the springs in addition to the shocks.
Click to expand...

Better. Turns on highway speed turns are about 20% stronger and more precise with the Bilsteins and new springs than the original XREAS when the vehicle was new.
 
Get new springs. Stock 4runners get saggy springs in the front over time. The labor in the front is exactly the same. And actually can be easier and quicker for the tech if he doesn't have to try to salvage the front springs. I would try to get a fully assembled from strut assembly up front or at least have the get a kit comprised of shock, spring, and new top hat. They can bench assemble and just swap the fronts.

As for the rears, there will be more labor. But for a pro, it'll be no big thing. Get both done at the same time. You'll love it.
 
replace both

youll really notice the ride, cornering, and control benefits. Labor on the xreas R and R can be up to 6 hours so shop around. If you can buy the front coilovers assembled before installation it might save some $$ in labor.
 
XREAS was an "experiment" by Toyota. Personally the company has been very fair to me so I am ok with having to replace the first at 80K miles. When the second system began to fail at 110k miles though I was not going to replace it.
 
Yeah, I've got 155k miles on mine, so its probably time to do something to the suspension. So maybe I'll just go with the KYB stuff as mentioned in the first post, as while the height adjustment of the Bilstein's seems nice, I don't want to have to hunt around for the FJ springs, or whatever else you need. I like that everything is included with the KYB's.

So is the shop going to insist on removing the whole XREAS system? Instead of just capping it off at some point?
 
amheck said:
So is the shop going to insist on removing the whole XREAS system? Instead of just capping it off at some point?
Click to expand...

Yes They did with mine. As mentioned 6-8 hours labor. Go to a dealer would be my advice. That way you can get it clearly warrantied.
 
if you don't want to spend the money to remove the system then don't, its not in the way of anything, I just put 5100s all the way around and left the stock springs, it rides fantastic! all I did was wire tied the end fittings out of the way, not worth paying to remove in my opinion as its just wasted money and easy enough to remove yourself
 
amheck said:
Yeah, I've got 155k miles on mine, so its probably time to do something to the suspension. So maybe I'll just go with the KYB stuff as mentioned in the first post, as while the height adjustment of the Bilstein's seems nice, I don't want to have to hunt around for the FJ springs, or whatever else you need. I like that everything is included with the KYB's.

So is the shop going to insist on removing the whole XREAS system? Instead of just capping it off at some point?
Click to expand...

Great questions! I would recommend to replace the springs and shocks at the same time. Shocks dampen the bumps and the springs support the weight of the vehicle. Due to time and mileage, the springs sag.

I am also going to use the exact same kyb parts and the moog springs you first mentioned.


Just my 2cents.
 
Last edited:
I am buying the parts now for an xres replacement on my 03 with 102k on it. finally ended up deciding on

5100 shocks in the front and rear (will set the front at .85 or 1" not sure yet)
2016 4runner Trail springs (to replace the stock springs)

Will post pics when its complete in a few weeks but from my research this should provide a reasonably good ride and offer a little bit of lift to the front to level out the suspension. otherwise the truck is stock aside form some 1.25" wheel spacers and 265/70/17 tires.
 
Could someone have pity on me and explain in easy terms what all of these parts are needed for the xreas replacement? I think I just need some remedial knowledge which will help a lot.

So sometimes I see a front shock by itself and then other times I see a shock with a spring around it. Can you use either type of replacement?

And then for the rear, I think its a std shock and then separate springs? Of which Moog make a nice replacement for the rear?

so when you guys say you just replaced the front with 5100's, did you just leave out that spring part? Or re-use what was already there?
 
amheck said:
Could someone have pity on me and explain in easy terms what all of these parts are needed for the xreas replacement? I think I just need some remedial knowledge which will help a lot.

So sometimes I see a front shock by itself and then other times I see a shock with a spring around it. Can you use either type of replacement?

And then for the rear, I think its a std shock and then separate springs? Of which Moog make a nice replacement for the rear?

so when you guys say you just replaced the front with 5100's, did you just leave out that spring part? Or re-use what was already there?
Click to expand...

The front shock on all 4th gen's consists of a spring and a shock, this includes xres and any other factory suspension options. The springs are always installed ontop of the shock and it becomes one unit similar to the photos you have seen where the springs cover the shock. When installed the shock and springs are installed as one assembled unit in the front of every 4th gen 4runner.

The rear shocks are separate from the springs on all models, this again includes xres and other factory option for suspension. When installed the shock is installed in one place and the springs are installed in another place separately from each other but of course work together to provide the rear suspension.

Hope that helps.
 
amheck said:
Ok, I think that helps a lot - thanks.

So if you wanted to go Bilstein 5100s all the way around and wanted also to replace the springs, I just can order them separately, like:

front
Moog-81090 - Front Coil Springs - Pair made by MOOG

rear
Moog-81045 - Rear Coil Springs - Pair made by MOOG

and those 2 front springs slip over the 5100's and are installed and then that should be everything needed?

either that setup, or the KYB parts mentioned in the first post?
Click to expand...

Yes, but keep in mind, lots of people have had an issue with the rear MOOG springs not seating properly. For this reason I went the 2016 5th gen 4runner spring route.

I am no expert but from the research I have done, the 2016 4Runner springs will provide a very mild lift 1" or so perhaps less and will be capable of leveling out the front of the 4th gen 4runner by setting the 5100 adjustable front shocks at .85.

I suggest you do some more searching on this forum lots of good into i found out took me a few hours though.
 
yeah, this all can get confusing quick.

I'm just looking to eek out another year or two and refresh the ride a little. Hoping not to drop a bunch of money into the ride, as its fine now. I think it could be better but I don't want to go crazy money-wise for minimal returns. Although my 14 year old will need a vehicle soon, so that's something to consider, too.

I've spent more than a few hours trying to come up with an economical XREAS replacement ;)
 
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