XREAS Replacement Suggestions

[cangler]

I know this subject is hammered, and there is so much good information about it on this forum (which I've been reading) but I wanted to ask specific questions and be able to revert back to my thread here. So, let me first explain.... I have 135K miles, and still using the XREAS suspension. As far as I know, it's still in good working order so don't plan to replace it unless I have to...etc. But, I am thinking ahead here when that time comes or if I decide just to replace it as preventative maintenance. Here are my thoughts and concerns.... (probably over thinking it all)

1> drive 95%+ on pavement & staying with the stock size 265/65 tires

2> most economical route as possible, but long term beneficial too.

3> leveling front with rear is somewhat appealing but front rake doesn't bother me that much... most concern would be risking gas mileage.

4> I can only guess that my OEM springs are still fine, so don't see why I would replace them. But if I did, just to say they're new and start fresh, would Moog 81090 & 81045 springs be good choices for mostly pavement driving?

5> I know that Bilstein 5100 & 4600 series are popular choices, but what about complete struts from Monroe (171371R & 171371L), and how do these compare to the Bilstein series with OEM/Moog springs?

6> No telling when the XREAS system will start to give me trouble, etc... but for those who have converted over already, did you do it because yours was failing or just preventive maintenance?

7> when the time comes, anything else I need/should replace while I'm at it just to help prevent any future failures... like maybe mount kit, sway bar bushings, stabilizer bar links, hardware, etc?


That's all I can think of at the moment, thanks for taking the time to read

 

[RonJR]

I don't think you need to replace the XREAS as "preventive maintenance", unless you are planning a long trip where you can't afford any down time. The XREAS failure mode is just that it starts leaking, but the vehicle is still completely driveable with a bit more body roll, so you'll have plenty of time after that to fix it at your convenience. I would just wait until it starts to leak.

As far as what to replace it with, a lot of people like the Bilstein 5100's, but others find them a bit stiff, especially if you are oriented primarily to on-road driving. I plan to go the Bilstein route when my XREAS gives out, but I'm probably more oriented to offroad than you are. I plan to keep the OEM springs as well, since I'm not planning to add a lot of weight to the vehicle in terms of bumpers, armor, winches, etc.

 

[ZebRuaj]

I just took off my Xreas at 152k last weekend. The only noticeable indication that it is on its way out is leaking of the hydraulic fluids (mine weren't. I just had a new set up ready to go).

I test drove a few SR5's and then stumbled upon my Sport. I thought the base non-Xreas rode floaty compared to the Xreas. I swapped over some slightly used Trail Teams FJ Bilsteins and coils and now think the Xreas rode floaty in comparison.

I would have done sway bar bushings and endlinks (specially if you had to destroy them to do the swap) if I had the time.

I did spray down everything with a new coat of Fluid Film.

 

[riceandpho]

it doesnt have to leak to let you know the ride is bad, youll know when the ride is bad when it gets floaty on dips and bumps. even a small bump over speed bumps and its rough, its time to scrap it. wish i did this sooner than later. if you see some dark spots on the inside of the rims, that means the shocks has been leaking a little.

 

[cangler]

thanks for the replies guys. well im getting tired researching this subject so think will just settle with the 5100's front/back, .85 front setting to level it out a little bit. keep the stock springs and use the KYB mount kits up front, hopefully all the other oem parts are OK and reusable. 4wheelparts has decent price on the set, will see how much they would charge to install too.

 

[DT04R]

thanks for the replies guys. well im getting tired researching this subject so think will just settle with the 5100's front/back, .85 front setting to level it out a little bit. keep the stock springs and use the KYB mount kits up front, hopefully all the other oem parts are OK and reusable. 4wheelparts has decent price on the set, will see how much they would charge to install too.

We have an '08 V8/4WD that had a leaking XREAS system.

I have plans to do a little more, but in the short term, I did just what out outlined, (minus the KYB mounts), a set of 5100s, leveled the front a touch and rides pretty great, has good squat control under heavy braking and not too bad handling (I don't even recall how the fully functional XREAS felt).

At some point I'm going aftermarket springs, getting the lift to about 1.5-2", and probably adding some spacers to the factory 18" wheels.

 

[alia176]

I love the XREAS system and if you aren't into lifting the rig, I'd just replace the shocks in kind. New replacement XREAS shocks are made in the aftermarket world or save up for OEM replacement.

The ride is superb with this system and I love the way the body roll is minimized. My GF's '08 has XREAS and mine doesn't (PO removed mine) so the ride quality is drastically different between the two rigs. We take hers on mild wheeling trips and it does great.

 

[aquilon]

I just did a Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift on my XREAS. At 86k miles my shocks looked good, no big leaks or anything.

The shocks are pretty good and do control road manners pretty well. It's a pretty nice passive system for controlling roll.

That said, I do think their damping is a little soft. I'd probably go with a 6112/5160 (or other rear shock maybe Icon 2.0) if I have to replace it one day.

 

[Sporin]

I'm about to do the same thing. At 176k miles my XREAS sin't leaking but it sure feels tired to me.

I've pretty much decided on new Moog FJ Cruiser springs (Rock auto) and the Bilstein 5100's so I can level out the front and get just a bit of lift all around. I've got a lot of life left on my stock sized general grabber tires so I won't be upgrading those at all.

The other thing I considered is using regular shocks with stock 4runner coils then do the spacer lift front and back to even it out.

 

[CookieRoe]

XREAS replacement?? How about new XREAS? :biggrin1:

I love the XREAS system and if you aren't into lifting the rig, I'd just replace the shocks in kind. New replacement XREAS shocks are made in the aftermarket world or save up for OEM replacement.

The ride is superb with this system and I love the way the body roll is minimized. My GF's '08 has XREAS and mine doesn't (PO removed mine) so the ride quality is drastically different between the two rigs. We take hers on mild wheeling trips and it does great.

After market XREAS shocks (and system?) ? Where? Interested.

 

[TowMeOut]

Me Too

Yeah, I'm having this same battle. I haven't had the tires off lately but I did a lot of crawling around under it during my t-case debacle and didn't notice any leaking. It has a very "cushy" ride but seems to float quite a bit over bumps. I'm sure the XREAS is tired but not totally shot.

I'd like to do a bit of lift just for some bigger tires and to level out the front. I have a friend with my twin, both '06 Sport models in silver. Mine is still bone stock but he's done a Toytec lift, UCAs, wheel spacers, greasable sway bar bushings, etc to end up running a barely plus-sized tire. I hadn't really considered the fact that a very small increase in tire size is all that fits in the stock location. I don't want a spare on my roof or to buy/build a rear carrier.

I've gone around and around with this over the past few weeks. I won't drop the cash for a full lift (the "right" way). The spacer lifts have a lot of fans, are very affordable, and give a lot of "bang for the buck". I'm probably going to end up with Bilsteins and maybe some FJ springs or just the stock ones.

I'm going to need new tires soon so I'm hunting some good used rims or I might powdercoat my stock sport rims since they're flaking and peeling like mad. Were my truck maybe 5 years younger and had 50K fewer miles I'd consider throwing more money into it. I think it will run forever if I just keep the fluids changed but here in FL the salt and sun are taking their toll. If I can get another 5 years of fun I'll be ready for a 5th gen (or maybe a 6th??).

 

[alia176]

XREAS replacement?? How about new XREAS? :biggrin1:

[/IMG]

After market XREAS shocks (and system?) ? Where? Interested.

Dude, just google it :bounce:
https://www.google.com/search?q=200...rome..69i57.7765j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[RonJR]

If you do decide to replace the shocks with XREAS compatible ones, be aware that you have to disconnect the lines from the old ones at the right place. There are check valves at the junctions that are 6-12inches from the shock that will keep the fluid from leaking out of the system. That is the ONLY place you can open it without losing the fluid and destroying the system. Do NOT disconnect the lines at the shock itself. There is no way to replace the fluid in the field if you do have it leak out.

Toyota also says that you can only replace the shocks once. Apparently they feel that, even with the check valves, too much fluid loss will occur if you open the system multiple times.

Bottom line, read up on this thoroughly before you jump in. You only get one chance to do it right.

 

[aquilon]

Yeah, I'm having this same battle. I haven't had the tires off lately but I did a lot of crawling around under it during my t-case debacle and didn't notice any leaking. It has a very "cushy" ride but seems to float quite a bit over bumps. I'm sure the XREAS is tired but not totally shot.

I'd like to do a bit of lift just for some bigger tires and to level out the front. I have a friend with my twin, both '06 Sport models in silver. Mine is still bone stock but he's done a Toytec lift, UCAs, wheel spacers, greasable sway bar bushings, etc to end up running a barely plus-sized tire. I hadn't really considered the fact that a very small increase in tire size is all that fits in the stock location. I don't want a spare on my roof or to buy/build a rear carrier.

I've gone around and around with this over the past few weeks. I won't drop the cash for a full lift (the "right" way). The spacer lifts have a lot of fans, are very affordable, and give a lot of "bang for the buck". I'm probably going to end up with Bilsteins and maybe some FJ springs or just the stock ones.

I'm going to need new tires soon so I'm hunting some good used rims or I might powdercoat my stock sport rims since they're flaking and peeling like mad. Were my truck maybe 5 years younger and had 50K fewer miles I'd consider throwing more money into it. I think it will run forever if I just keep the fluids changed but here in FL the salt and sun are taking their toll. If I can get another 5 years of fun I'll be ready for a 5th gen (or maybe a 6th??).

Yea I just did the Daystar 2.5/1.5 and I like it. My XREAS still feels good so it feels exactly as it did before the lift. I have 265/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler G2 on stock sport rims (no spacers).

 

[CookieRoe]

Dude, just google it :bounce:
https://www.google.com/search?q=200...rome..69i57.7765j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Holy crap, didn't think anyone (manufacture) bothered.

These sorts of suspensions are normally ignored by the aftermarket. At least that's is what I observed over the years.

 

[matthewkristof]

I'm having the same issue as many. Just found out from the dealership that it's leaking and will cost $4665 to fix it! I have already replaced it once at 122k miles (at 189k now), which was only three and a half years ago! I looked up my paperwork and the cost was half of that in 2013, still a lot, but I don't want to pay nearly $5k at this time.

I know it's beaten to a dead horse, and yes, I have done my fair share of research on this site and others about XREAS, but are Bilstein 5100s the best option in terms of similar ride feel, or are the FJ cruiser ones worth it? I really like the smooth ride, as most of my driving in highway and pavement, and I don't want to make the ride bumpier if I could help it.

 

[alia176]

I'm having the same issue as many. Just found out from the dealership that it's leaking and will cost $4665 to fix it! I have already replaced it once at 122k miles (at 189k now), which was only three and a half years ago! I looked up my paperwork and the cost was half of that in 2013, still a lot, but I don't want to pay nearly $5k at this time.

I know it's beaten to a dead horse, and yes, I have done my fair share of research on this site and others about XREAS, but are Bilstein 5100s the best option in terms of similar ride feel, or are the FJ cruiser ones worth it? I really like the smooth ride, as most of my driving in highway and pavement, and I don't want to make the ride bumpier if I could help it.

Have you thought of replacing the shocks yourself and save some money? The process looks to be pretty straightforward from what I can tell.

Supposedly the 5100s produce a tighter ride and perhaps a tad bouncy, this is all subjective as you know. I don't think you'll be able to find the same ride quality as the XREAS so simply change your expectations and you'll be fine if you go with something else.

 

[matthewkristof]

Have you thought of replacing the shocks yourself and save some money? The process looks to be pretty straightforward from what I can tell.

Supposedly the 5100s produce a tighter ride and perhaps a tad bouncy, this is all subjective as you know. I don't think you'll be able to find the same ride quality as the XREAS so simply change your expectations and you'll be fine if you go with something else.

I honestly wouldn't even know how to do it. I can do basic handy work in the car, electrical, have updated my headunit and speakers, can take apart trim and such, and obviously can replace a tire...but wouldn't have the slightest clue on how to replace a suspension system. Dealership says they make them stronger and better than when my vehicle first had them, as the technology has improved.

I'm willing to compromise the smooth ride for slightly bumpier. Just replaced (as in the other day) my Michelin LTX tires for some KO2s, and have noticed a difference in the way the ride handles, but nothing that I will loose sleep over. Dealership doesn't install aftermarket parts, so I'll have to go to a suspension shop in the area.

What's the going rate for 5100s installed?
And, what made you go with the 6112s?

 

[alia176]

I honestly wouldn't even know how to do it. I can do basic handy work in the car, electrical, have updated my headunit and speakers, can take apart trim and such, and obviously can replace a tire...but wouldn't have the slightest clue on how to replace a suspension system. Dealership says they make them stronger and better than when my vehicle first had them, as the technology has improved.

I'm willing to compromise the smooth ride for slightly bumpier. Just replaced (as in the other day) my Michelin LTX tires for some KO2s, and have noticed a difference in the way the ride handles, but nothing that I will loose sleep over. Dealership doesn't install aftermarket parts, so I'll have to go to a suspension shop in the area.

What's the going rate for 5100s installed?
And, what made you go with the 6112s?

Well, this board has experience in removing these shocks so I bet a search would reveal threads on this process. We also have the factory shop manuals (FSM) download-able so it really comes down to your desire and motivation. If you don't want to do it then you don't want to do it- simple as that. But, if you need help, we're here for you and there maybe folks in your area who can help you out with swapping out XREAS shocks.

As far as why I went with 6112s is because I wanted the ride quality and I know it's all a compromise. Suspension is something where I tend to spend a lot of money because I want the best ride quality my money can buy and I only want to do this once. The 5100s have a reputation of being a good set of shocks for on road performance. They're very firm and if you take your rig off road, the rear end may get very bumpy and skip around on washboards. Sometimes I wonder why there are so many used set of 5100s for sale?

Anyway, figure out what you want, your application and your budget. There is something available for every wants and desires.

 

[Sporin]

All 4 Bilstein 5100's from Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - KONI Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com
$378.66

4 new FJC Moog Coils (understanding they might take some "persuading" to seat)
Rockauto $86.58

I'd like to get all new hardware include the front top hats in case New England rust forces me to cut out the old stuff. Where are you guys getting those items?