XREAS Replacement Suggestions

  • Thread starter Thread starter cangler
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Impact wrench

I do all my own work on my 4Runner. I am thinking to purchase an impact wrench but started doing some research and it seems there are a few different brands people tend to like. Do you guys like the cordless/battery or pneumatic options the best? And also which brand/model do you like the most?
 
Battery powered all the way. Makita 18V high torque 1/2" impact wrench with 5 Ah batteries. I also have their 1/2" lower torque impact wrench - use them monthly.

I do all my own work on my 4Runner. I am thinking to purchase an impact wrench but started doing some research and it seems there are a few different brands people tend to like. Do you guys like the cordless/battery or pneumatic options the best? And also which brand/model do you like the most?
 
I do all my own work on my 4Runner. I am thinking to purchase an impact wrench but started doing some research and it seems there are a few different brands people tend to like. Do you guys like the cordless/battery or pneumatic options the best? And also which brand/model do you like the most?


I was stuck on my wheel bearing assembly installation b/c my previous mechanic overtorqued the axle nut when installing a new axle a couple of years ago. I bought this impact wrench from Harbor Freight for $94.99 (use the coupon on this page, you'll have to scroll to find it) + the 2-year no-questions replacement warranty for $20.99. I had soaked the nut in PB Blaster for almost 36 hours and still couldn't budge it with all my strength/weight on a 2-foot breaker bar. This wrench broke the nut free in less than 3 seconds.

It's corded, but I don't mind that b/c I'll only be using it in proximity to power and don't have to worry about getting the compressor set up or charging up batteries (and eventually replacing them at significant expense). I'm using it right now on some work and it's golden.
 
I was stuck on my wheel bearing assembly installation b/c my previous mechanic overtorqued the axle nut when installing a new axle a couple of years ago. I bought this impact wrench from Harbor Freight for $94.99 (use the coupon on this page, you'll have to scroll to find it) + the 2-year no-questions replacement warranty for $20.99. I had soaked the nut in PB Blaster for almost 36 hours and still couldn't budge it with all my strength/weight on a 2-foot breaker bar. This wrench broke the nut free in less than 3 seconds.

It's corded, but I don't mind that b/c I'll only be using it in proximity to power and don't have to worry about getting the compressor set up or charging up batteries (and eventually replacing them at significant expense). I'm using it right now on some work and it's golden.

Nice, was wondering about the utility of something like this.

Did you have to purchase a good set of impact sockets as well? Are you able to spec torque when replacing fasteners or do you just use the impact for removal?
 
Nice, was wondering about the utility of something like this.

Did you have to purchase a good set of impact sockets as well? Are you able to spec torque when replacing fasteners or do you just use the impact for removal?

I bought HF's "pro" impact socket set on sale for $24.99. I use the impact wrench for removal only as I have a torque wrench for tightening things. That's slower but also more precise and there's less chance of cross-threading and so on. I'm reconsidering the model I bought but only due to its size. A smaller one would enable me to use it in tighter spaces. I'm checking to see what the options are but have no complaints about the one I bought other than it's pretty big.
 
What to do about my leaking X Reas shocks on 2010 4Runner

Toyota dealership told me my system is leaking and my X Reas and all shocks have to be replaced- I was suggested to ripe out the X Reas system and use all shocks. I am clueless on what to do! My 2010 4 Runner Limited has 105,000 miles, used for commuting over Vail pass, pulling pop up soon to be replaced with a 4500 lb hard shell, some off roading but not crazy stuff, and I love the comfortable ride it offers now and do not need it lifted. What does a girl do?
 
Toyota dealership told me my system is leaking and my X Reas and all shocks have to be replaced- I was suggested to ripe out the X Reas system and use all shocks. I am clueless on what to do! My 2010 4 Runner Limited has 105,000 miles, used for commuting over Vail pass, pulling pop up soon to be replaced with a 4500 lb hard shell, some off roading but not crazy stuff, and I love the comfortable ride it offers now and do not need it lifted. What does a girl do?

You can source the shocks from a 5th gen 4Runner off craigslist for under $500. Front 3rd/4th gen Tacoma shocks will also work. I don't suggest the Tacoma rear shocks as they are a bit soft for the 4Runner, even your 5th gen.

The XREAS system can be completely removed without affecting anything else. Replace with standard shocks and you will be good to go. Much cheaper than the XREAS system.

An upgrade would be the Bilstein shocks from any of the TRD OffRoad Tacoma's. Just get Bilstein shocks specific for your 4runner for the rear. They will give you better performance for what you do, give *maybe* a little lift in the front and last longer than the XREAS system did.
 
You can source the shocks from a 5th gen 4Runner off craigslist for under $500. Front 3rd/4th gen Tacoma shocks will also work. I don't suggest the Tacoma rear shocks as they are a bit soft for the 4Runner, even your 5th gen.


Many people here run Tacoma shocks all around with zero issues (and no “softness” either). See the “X-REAS delete...” post linked in my sig for more on the Tacoma setup if that’s of interest.
 
Many people here run Tacoma shocks all around with zero issues (and no “softness” either). See the “X-REAS delete...” post linked in my sig for more on the Tacoma setup if that’s of interest.

My personal experience with the Taco rear shocks is they are a little soft. These are 2017 Bilstein shocks as well. Yes they work but they could be stiffer. If you like a Cadillac type ride in the rear, cool.
 
My personal experience with the Taco rear shocks is they are a little soft. These are 2017 Bilstein shocks as well. Yes they work but they could be stiffer. If you like a Cadillac type ride in the rear, cool.


It’s subjective of course but I truly don’t get that perception since my truck rides nothing like a Cadillac at either end. There’s nothing soft, cushy, or floaty about the ride or handling.
 
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If I were you, I would drive it until funds allowed to do all 4 corners - shocks & springs. ...KYB is stock, soft and comfortable but not the best for off road endeavors.

KYB is the stock strut supplier for most Toyota vehicles - they even do most of the struts on the hoods and rear hatches in my experience - so really, KYB is OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)....just like Denso and Aisin for other Toyota Parts....

RockAuto is out of the kits for 4wd vehicles, but parting it together I came up with this $311.55 + shipping for all 4 corners, shocks & springs - if you can get a shop to do labor at 2-3 hrs only, then you're set for under $650 (It says except X-Reas because they aren't X-reas shock replacements - don't let that confuse you - these are the right shocks/assemblies) :

THANKS for this to-the-point advice. I would not be doing "offroading" - more like occasional field roads and dirt roads, so this seems a reasonable replacement for what looks like a soon-to-die XREAS.
 
THANKS for this to-the-point advice. I would not be doing "offroading" - more like occasional field roads and dirt roads, so this seems a reasonable replacement for what looks like a soon-to-die XREAS.

another vote for the KYB. i installed them on my 08 sport at 145k miles & removed the functioning but worn out XREAS. the ride & handling is great for street use & light off roading.

& KYB are made to be ~10% stiffer shock valving & front springs so they are firmer than stock & will raise the front about 1" over stock, makes for an almost level look.
 
It’s subjective of course but I truly don’t get that perception since my truck rides nothing like a Cadillac at either end. There’s nothing soft, cushy, or floaty about the ride or handling.


Update: I stand by Tacoma rear shocks as a solid option but in fairness, this time around I opted for the noticeably beefier 4600s made for the rear of the 4th Gen. The ride is better and thus my recommendation is to use the Tacoma fronts & the 4th Gen-specific 4600 on the rear.
 

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