XREAS replacement - what's the simplest solution?

[M1911]

Would the simplest solution not be to replace the XREAS shocks with new XREAS shocks? Why not do this?

No, it wouldn't be.

Here is a diagram of the XREAS system:

To replace the XREAS with new XREAS shocks, you have to replace the entire darn system.

In contrast, to replace it with regular shocks, you just unplug the XREAS shocks at the connector near the shocks, toss them in the trash, and install new regular shocks.

 

[Walkenvol]

No, it wouldn't be.

In contrast, to replace it with regular shocks, you just unplug the XREAS shocks at the connector near the shocks, toss them in the trash, and install new regular shocks.

Sorry if I'm coming across as completely stupid, but I'd like to better understand my truck. When I've read about folks deciding to replace the XREAS, it was often one of the shocks was leaking oil. Why would the entire system have to be replaced in this example and not just unplug the failing shock as mentioned above, replace with OEM equipment, then plug it back up?

Again not trying to argue - just trying to understand.

 

[hearno]

Why would the entire system have to be replaced in this example and not just unplug the failing shock as mentioned above, replace with OEM equipment, then plug it back up?.

Because that's just the way it is. A Google search will answer all your questions about why.

 

[M1911]

Sorry if I'm coming across as completely stupid, but I'd like to better understand my truck. When I've read about folks deciding to replace the XREAS, it was often one of the shocks was leaking oil. Why would the entire system have to be replaced in this example and not just unplug the failing shock as mentioned above, replace with OEM equipment, then plug it back up?

It is my understanding that it comes as a system, and once you unplug a shock, the fluid in the system becomes contaminated and you have to replace the entire damn thing -- at a cost of ~$3k.

 

[4Rnr4Evr]

XREAS is a cross-linked system, so if one shock leaks fluid that means half the system has lost fluid. And then even if 1 shock fails and you replace just that shock, the others are probably going to fail soon after that anyway. So to do a proper repair either replace the whole system or replace the struts/shocks with "normal" ones.

 

[Bossman]

Helpful links to better understand XREAS

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-x-reas-shocks.cfm

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

 

[M1911]

So to do a proper repair either replace the whole system or replace the struts/shocks with "normal" ones.

And replacing with normal struts/shocks is 1/3 the cost of replacing with XREAS.

 

[jfcasey88]

How would you necessarily know if the XREAS shock is busted? Had my ‘16 Ltd. up on a the rack at NTB and the mech noticed the passenger shock was wet with oil - assuming the shock is broken, but not really sure how to confirm.

They quoted $1,400 to fix, which seems lower than what I’ve been reading on the forum, if the only solution is to replace altogether...

Want to put BFG KO2s on (275 55 20) on the stock wheel, so want to fix concurrent with the tire upgrade, if necessary.

 

[grave]

How would you necessarily know if the XREAS shock is busted? Had my ‘16 Ltd. up on a the rack at NTB and the mech noticed the passenger shock was wet with oil - assuming the shock is broken, but not really sure how to confirm.

They quoted $1,400 to fix, which seems lower than what I’ve been reading on the forum, if the only solution is to replace altogether...

Want to put BFG KO2s on (275 55 20) on the stock wheel, so want to fix concurrent with the tire upgrade, if necessary.

this has been covered ad nauseam. have you actually read through any of the XREAS threads? they will start to ride like shit or you can see visible leaks where the hydro line plugs in to the shocks. once they get to the point of needing to be repaired you have to replace the entire system. you can't just do one shock. just get rid of that shit. throw some eibach pro truck shocks & springs in there and have hundreds of dollars left over for beer.

 

[GWINTER]

..... and have hundreds of dollars left over for beer.

Genius!

 

[SummitRunner]

For people who have removed the XREAS system ... did you notice significant body roll while cornering?

 

[Bluesky 07]

For people who have removed the XREAS system ... did you notice significant body roll while cornering?

Can’t answer yet but I plan to replace my XREAS within the next couple of weeks. My ‘07 Sport 4WD V6 has 149K miles and while the ride and handling isn’t bad, the XREAS is clearly in its golden years so to speak. Going with shocks & front springs from a ‘15 Tacoma with the TRD Offroad package and ‘07 FJ springs in the rear. I’ll do a review.

 

[Guyerst]

Just replaced the XREAS in our '08 with Fox 2.0s. XREAS had 155,000 miles, so a pool noodle shoved in the spring would have been an improvement. We were leaning so bad in corners I thought were going to need armor for the mirrors.

I'm very happy with the Fox shocks. Tightened things up nicely, but still very comfortable on the highway.

Probably over kill, but the wife says I can have it at 200k to do whatever I want with it. ��

 

[RobD]

For people who have removed the XREAS system ... did you notice significant body roll while cornering?

Nope. My XREAS was pretty much fried when I got the 4Runner. I replaced with 6112s/5160s and they've made a world of difference.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/247138-my-2003-limited-bilstein-adventure.html

 

[drbkeyes]

Russell (Bluesky) look forward to your review. Have similar thoughts/plans/concerns

 

[CookieRoe]

Subscribed

 

[NativeRunner]

Just replaced my XREAS with 5100's 5th gen springs and 1.5 spacer this weekend. It wasn't leaking but had 214k on the old system, it feels like a completely new ride.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Russell (Bluesky) look forward to your review. Have similar thoughts/plans/concerns

Thanks. I have all the parts now and it will be 30 degrees warmer here next week (high of 65 vs 35) so that’s when I plan to tackle it.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I finally got the X-REAS swapped out last week and the difference in ride quality is night and day. Again, I thought it was still working as designed b/c the truck handled well and nothing was leaking, but the ride was pretty harsh. Much, much smoother now and it handles better too. Bonus: the new front struts added about 1.5" of height at the fenders and 2" at the front lower skid plate (right under the bumper) that leveled out the rake nicely even with the .25" the rear springs added.

Here's the new setup:
Bilstein 4600 shocks and front springs from a '15 Tacoma TRD Offroad ($130 from local Craigslist)
2007 FJ rear springs ($70 shipped from a FJ Cruiser forum)

Also needed a 22mm wrench to disconnect the X-REAS fittings at the appropriate place (not at the shock!) so that was $7 at Home Depot.

I bought new top mount nuts and lower bolts, washers, and nuts from Toyota for $42 including tax but returned it all as my original hardware all worked with the new gear.

Scrapped the old springs and shocks at a local yard and they gave me $4.20 for them. Woo!

Before

After

Happy to answer any questions, and I also put together a set of PDFs from the Factory Service Manual that provide a lot of useful info including torque specs, directions for removal of the entire system or shocks only, and so on. As with anything, this is for reference only and it's your responsibility to use whatever is helpful to you in a safe manner. Here's what is included:

Member [MENTION=279296]jcaino[/MENTION] thoughtfully linked the files on his website so you can get them there or PM me your email address to receive a zipped folder.

 

[BRUIN8124]

What is a rough guess on the cost at a shop of deleting the XREAS and adding just bilsteins? Maybe springs too?