XREAS Replacement

[deodra]

Hey y'all! So, I know there are a lot of XREAS topics, but I did not find one in the search that really quickly defined my question. My apologies if this has been clearly hashed out!

My 2003 Limited is equipped with XREAS and it's starting to show signs of end of life at 199,800 miles. My ball joints and bushings need to be replaced and the rear is starting to clunk over bumps, too. As you can tell, I'll need to be tearing into it.

Due to budget, I cannot go out and purchase a fancy-dancey full-on suspension. Can I remove the XREAS setup and replace the components with good standard OEM Limited equipment or slightly upgraded stuff without having to invest in Bilstein or the like? Will it all bolt right on? When I do that, I will go ahead and add the spacers for a bit of lift. Thoughts? Thanks!!!

 

[Legender]

Take some time and read through the 4th gen suspension 'sticky' at the top. Might just find what you're looking for there.

 

[ZebRuaj]

The short answer is yes.

 

[Elan750]

cheapest suspension component that makes a Huge difference in handling is poly stabilizer bar bushings. Totally recommend it.

DOnt be too stingy on suspension, cause you will end up spending more replacing replacements.

At that mileage, I wouldnt consider less than new shocks/struts, new springs, poly stabilizer bushings, and stabilizer bar links if you havent already. If you can handle that cost, then look at risers(if your new coils are oem height).

Sounds like you will be doing the LCA's too, and expect to need all new LCA bolts.

Its a lump cost but its probably the biggest upgrade you will have to to on a t4r.

Or a absolute cheapest, get cheap new struts/shocks, but dont expect to be impressed.

 

[HCWatson997]

Hey y'all! So, I know there are a lot of XREAS topics, but I did not find one in the search that really quickly defined my question. My apologies if this has been clearly hashed out!

My 2003 Limited is equipped with XREAS and it's starting to show signs of end of life at 199,800 miles. My ball joints and bushings need to be replaced and the rear is starting to clunk over bumps, too. As you can tell, I'll need to be tearing into it.

Due to budget, I cannot go out and purchase a fancy-dancey full-on suspension. Can I remove the XREAS setup and replace the components with good standard OEM Limited equipment or slightly upgraded stuff without having to invest in Bilstein or the like? Will it all bolt right on? When I do that, I will go ahead and add the spacers for a bit of lift. Thoughts? Thanks!!!

Heck I feel you on cost vs need but I’ve decided to go go all new springs and shocks/struts and it should ride like a new vehicle. If you go with Bilstein 5100’s you can set the fronts to 2.5 and get a rear 1.5 spacer for a little lift

 

[deodra]

Heck I feel you on cost vs need but I’ve decided to go go all new springs and shocks/struts and it should ride like a new vehicle. If you go with Bilstein 5100’s you can set the fronts to 2.5 and get a rear 1.5 spacer for a little lift

Thanks, all! You rock! I did indeed find some of the information I was looking for on the STICKY as well as through searches. The rest, you guys provided! Thanks for that!

My top-end budget is $1,000 US. Hoping for a little less, but I refuse to put the super el cheapo crap on Fergie. She's too valuable to me and seeing as we live on a farm and I drive in the fields and pull equipment on trailers quite often, she deserves and needs decent parts. I just cannot afford the $1,200-$1,500 stuff that I would like.

HCW, I am absolutely going to change out all that needs be, for sure. I will look at Bilstein's if I can find a setup on major sale. Thanks, mate!

 

[HCWatson997]

Thanks, all! You rock! I did indeed find some of the information I was looking for on the STICKY as well as through searches. The rest, you guys provided! Thanks for that!

My top-end budget is $1,000 US. Hoping for a little less, but I refuse to put the super el cheapo crap on Fergie. She's too valuable to me and seeing as we live on a farm and I drive in the fields and pull equipment on trailers quite often, she deserves and needs decent parts. I just cannot afford the $1,200-$1,500 stuff that I would like.

HCW, I am absolutely going to change out all that needs be, for sure. I will look at Bilstein's if I can find a setup on major sale. Thanks, mate!

I’m doing a Bilstein 5100 setup with I think Wheelers T1/T12 along with a driver side 1/4” spacer. Should be about $700 if you install yourself. I think it’ll net around 1.5”-2” all around. Then add the cost of an alignment maybe $100 depending on where you go

 

[deodra]

I’m doing a Bilstein 5100 setup with I think Wheelers T1/T12 along with a driver side 1/4” spacer. Should be about $700 if you install yourself. I think it’ll net around 1.5”-2” all around. Then add the cost of an alignment maybe $100 depending on where you go

Sweet! Oh yes, I do all my own work. Shops are freaking expensive! Even with a buddy and family member that own one separately, though neither give any discounts (not that they have to).

I know I will need new springs, the whole kit 'n caboodle. What year is yours? I have to remove all the XREAS setup and replace everything. I will be doing all bushings as well. Right now, the most important thing is getting the ball joints and bushings replaced. I am just hoping the budget allows all this at once so I do not have to tear back into her again later. Where are you purchasing your parts?

 

[HCWatson997]

Sweet! Oh yes, I do all my own work. Shops are freaking expensive! Even with a buddy and family member that own one separately, though neither give any discounts (not that they have to).

I know I will need new springs, the whole kit 'n caboodle. What year is yours? I have to remove all the XREAS setup and replace everything. I will be doing all bushings as well. Right now, the most important thing is getting the ball joints and bushings replaced. I am just hoping the budget allows all this at once so I do not have to tear back into her again later. Where are you purchasing your parts?

Mine is an 03 V8 2WD with the XREAs system. I have close to 270k on the stock system and it’s in deep need of a refresh. I’m getting all of my parts at Wheeler Offroad! Check and see with them if they have discounts right now as well. I was quoted for free 5100 shipping and possible discount on the other parts

 

[deodra]

Mine is an 03 V8 2WD with the XREAs system. I have close to 270k on the stock system and it’s in deep need of a refresh. I’m getting all of my parts at Wheeler Offroad! Check and see with them if they have discounts right now as well. I was quoted for free 5100 shipping and possible discount on the other parts

Awesome-- I will check them out! Thanks! :hello: Heading there now

 

[HCWatson997]

Sweet! Oh yes, I do all my own work. Shops are freaking expensive! Even with a buddy and family member that own one separately, though neither give any discounts (not that they have to).

I know I will need new springs, the whole kit 'n caboodle. What year is yours? I have to remove all the XREAS setup and replace everything. I will be doing all bushings as well. Right now, the most important thing is getting the ball joints and bushings replaced. I am just hoping the budget allows all this at once so I do not have to tear back into her again later. Where are you purchasing your parts?

Hopefully this pic works

 

[deodra]

Hopefully this pic works

Crap! You've put some work into her! I love the rack

How does it sound with the Flowmaster exhaust? That's the next thing on the list to swap out as mine is a bit tired.

 

[HCWatson997]

Crap! You've put some work into her! I love the rack

How does it sound with the Flowmaster exhaust? That's the next thing on the list to swap out as mine is a bit tired.

Man, I love it to death. It’s throaty when you want it to be and of course won’t be quiet during regular driving but it’s not obnoxious. Lemme see if I can get my sound clip pulled up for you. I’ve still got a lot to do but my next plans are black out the headlight housings, tint front windows, and get wheel spacers

 

[Bossman]

This link answers your main question:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com - Shockwarehouse.com

My X-REAS failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km. There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

Fluid that had dripped onto the driveway was the first indicator of some sort of problem. As more fluid leaked out of the system, the suspension became worse.

I removed the entire X-REAS system (too costly to replace), and installed the standard SR5 suspension (to keep it relatively stock).

 

[HCWatson997]

Crap! You've put some work into her! I love the rack

How does it sound with the Flowmaster exhaust? That's the next thing on the list to swap out as mine is a bit tired.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3qleNeRjFd_SHJlVnQ5QjhvYm5fT2YxWmdfNENrN1pvajVz

I think you’ll really be able to tell a difference in driving it if you put a performance filter in. If you just do the exhaust it doesn’t really do much, but the combo helps it circulate air better

 

[deodra]

This link answers your main question:

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com - Shockwarehouse.com

My X-REAS failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km. There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.

Fluid that had dripped onto the driveway was the first indicator of some sort of problem. As more fluid leaked out of the system, the suspension became worse.

I removed the entire X-REAS system (too costly to replace), and installed the standard SR5 suspension (to keep it relatively stock).

Thanks! The system was groovy while it worked. Now, I'm a bit peeved that it's failing. Still, it was great while it lasted!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3qleNeRjFd_SHJlVnQ5QjhvYm5fT2YxWmdfNENrN1pvajVz

I think you’ll really be able to tell a difference in driving it if you put a performance filter in. If you just do the exhaust it doesn’t really do much, but the combo helps it circulate air better

That sounds sexy!! Right now, I have a K&N in it, but the exhaust is still stock and clogged up, for sure. Thanks so much!!

I cannot get the Wheeler website to work-- SSL errors. I'm looking all over for the 1.5" rear spacer. Arg.

 

[HCWatson997]

Thanks! The system was groovy while it worked. Now, I'm a bit peeved that it's failing. Still, it was great while it lasted!




That sounds sexy!! Right now, I have a K&N in it, but the exhaust is still stock and clogged up, for sure. Thanks so much!!

I cannot get the Wheeler website to work-- SSL errors. I'm looking all over for the 1.5" rear spacer. Arg.

I’m actually going with the T12 spring in the back which is supposed to raise it up 1.5”, no spacer

Glad you like the grumble!

 

[deodra]

I’m actually going with the T12 spring in the back which is supposed to raise it up 1.5”, no spacer

Glad you like the grumble!

That sounds a whole lot better! I like the idea of not having a spacer!

Front:
Replace all the failing equipment is first priority and then...
Bilstein 5100's
FJ OE coil springs in the front
Looking at the T12 setup, like you are, as it would eliminate the spacer

I have a little time to think on it. I have read that one might want to consider 2nd gen rear links as they are an inch longer

 

[RobD]

I replaced my XREAS with Bilstein 6112s in front and 5160s in the rear., and retained my factory rear air suspension. Came to about $1400 Canadian, so I imagine you'd be able to get it closer to your target budget, considering everything is way more expensive here. I have a thread on it. Just food for thought.

 

[deodra]

I replaced my XREAS with Bilstein 6112s in front and 5160s in the rear., and retained my factory rear air suspension. Came to about $1400 Canadian, so I imagine you'd be able to get it closer to your target budget, considering everything is way more expensive here. I have a thread on it. Just food for thought.

Sweet! I will have to search that one out! I probably have read part of it and didn't even know. There is soooo much on here about XREAS. It's almost too much information, if there is such a thing when it comes to our awesome vehicles. Thanks so much for posting!