My understanding supported by research is the FJ springs are a little taller/thicker than the factory 4 runner springs and will provide a small improvement in handling by reducing body roll when combined with the Bilsteins compared to the stock XREAS setup. I will achieve a small amount of lift but the goal is to level the vehicle or close to it, the rear will automatically receive about a 1/2-1 inch lift with the new setup. I will adjust the front shocks until my desired height is achieved for leveling the vehicle.
Xreas Suspension Or Bilsteins???
- Thread starter Joe_2004SE_NY
- Start date
My understanding supported by research is the FJ springs are a little taller/thicker than the factory 4 runner springs and will provide a small improvement in handling by reducing body roll when combined with the Bilsteins compared to the stock XREAS setup. I will achieve a small amount of lift but the goal is to level the vehicle or close to it, the rear will automatically receive about a 1/2-1 inch lift with the new setup. I will adjust the front shocks until my desired height is achieved for leveling the vehicle.
WXman
New member
Personally, I'd go to wheelersoffroad.com and get Bilstein 5100s for the front (you can set them to stock height, but i'd put them on notch #2 when you install them) and those will last you forever. Struts are one thing that you definitely get what you pay for.
Then pick any shocks your heart desires for the rear. I chose Monroe Reflex shocks part # 911270 and they compliment the Bilsteins in the front great.
I don't miss XREAS at all.
Bilstein HDs
Replaced my original factory shocks (Tokico's?) with Bilstein HD's on Monday. I have an '03 4Runner SR5 with standard suspension, no XREAS. The orig shocks had 125K miles on them and were getting pretty chatty and loose. The Bilsteins are incredible. (I kept the stock springs.) The ride is awesome, completely controlled, and is not harsh at all. I've been going through sections of road that previously gave me problems without even thinking twice about it. Better ride than original shocks. Some loss of road feel, but I don't care in this case. Granted that the original shocks were well worn out, but I don't ever remember being able to not pay strict attention to driving the 4runner. Seems to go right where I put it now, with very little disturbance. If you guys think the HDs are harsh, you must be driving Cadillacs in your spare time, unless maybe the Sport Edition has a harsher spring setup than the SR5.
For comparison purposes, I have Tein CS coilovers with EDFC adjustability in my '99 Lexus GS. I am a sport-oriented driver. I find the Bilsteins to be a nice surprise, and may consider their coilovers if I ever need replacements for the Lexus.
Replaced my original factory shocks (Tokico's?) with Bilstein HD's on Monday. I have an '03 4Runner SR5 with standard suspension, no XREAS. The orig shocks had 125K miles on them and were getting pretty chatty and loose. The Bilsteins are incredible. (I kept the stock springs.) The ride is awesome, completely controlled, and is not harsh at all. I've been going through sections of road that previously gave me problems without even thinking twice about it. Better ride than original shocks. Some loss of road feel, but I don't care in this case. Granted that the original shocks were well worn out, but I don't ever remember being able to not pay strict attention to driving the 4runner. Seems to go right where I put it now, with very little disturbance. If you guys think the HDs are harsh, you must be driving Cadillacs in your spare time, unless maybe the Sport Edition has a harsher spring setup than the SR5.
For comparison purposes, I have Tein CS coilovers with EDFC adjustability in my '99 Lexus GS. I am a sport-oriented driver. I find the Bilsteins to be a nice surprise, and may consider their coilovers if I ever need replacements for the Lexus.
I have read so many threads on the xreas suspension. I understand it is a closed system. My front tires are cupping which is a symptom of struts needing replacement. My xreas is not leaking, so I would like to keep it. I just want to replace the front struts. I have read that it will ruin the system because it is crossed linked. Is it possible to replace only the front struts, if lift all four wheels off ground and disconnect the struts at the valve?
can you replace the Xreas only in the Rear ?
I was looking at the Cross link connection of the Xreas and i have this question ....maybe somebody is able to answer :
if i replace the rear Xrear with Bilstein , have you to replace the front too ..or they work separately ? front with front and rear with rear ?
and what would be the problem if i replace only the Rear with bilsteins 5100 ? and i keep the front Xreas ?
my rear suspention is basically destroy , but the front looks good .
Thank you
:juggle:
I was looking at the Cross link connection of the Xreas and i have this question ....maybe somebody is able to answer :
if i replace the rear Xrear with Bilstein , have you to replace the front too ..or they work separately ? front with front and rear with rear ?
and what would be the problem if i replace only the Rear with bilsteins 5100 ? and i keep the front Xreas ?
my rear suspention is basically destroy , but the front looks good .
Thank you
:juggle:
smokey7722
New member
They are crossed FrontLeft to RearRight and FrontRight to RearLeft. That X pattern is how they have to be replaced and you can't replace just the front or just the rear. If you are looking at replacing the rear with Bilsteins, you need to do the front as well.
For me Bilstein and FJ coils are perfect
I was a litle worry because i read some comments that people go back to X-reas but my suspention was destroy and i didnt want to pay +2000$ for a new X-reas .... then i decide to make the move and replace it , The car surprisely improved a lot in every aspect ..of driving .
Better cornering - feel very solid , you can go fast thru speed bumps - bad road with pot holes , you dont feel all the imperfection , and is pretty smooth but strong and firm , NOT HARSH .
I did change the Bushings and link stabilizer (moog) with bilsteins + FJ cruiser feel pretty solid and pretty smooth .
I will replace Bushings and link stabilizer too if you decide to change to conventional suspention :bigok:
I was a litle worry because i read some comments that people go back to X-reas but my suspention was destroy and i didnt want to pay +2000$ for a new X-reas .... then i decide to make the move and replace it , The car surprisely improved a lot in every aspect ..of driving .
Better cornering - feel very solid , you can go fast thru speed bumps - bad road with pot holes , you dont feel all the imperfection , and is pretty smooth but strong and firm , NOT HARSH .
I did change the Bushings and link stabilizer (moog) with bilsteins + FJ cruiser feel pretty solid and pretty smooth .
I will replace Bushings and link stabilizer too if you decide to change to conventional suspention :bigok:
Last edited:
paraordnance
New member
I just ditched X-REAS and rear air for toytec ultimate. I feel exact same changes as Chicago. I don't see how I would ever want to go back to factory hardware.
FON4Runner
New member
So I just read this whole thread and only question I have is all the runners that are being Discussed are 03 and newer,. I have a98 I just bought the rear shocks are toast and eventually i will lift it..... so me buying the 5100 shocks for the truck now and set the front to 0 and then I can buy some fj rear springs down the line to lift the rear.
Am I correct? ...sorry I'm new with t4r's
Am I correct? ...sorry I'm new with t4r's
Last edited:
