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2021 4Runner Limited lift nightmare

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by DrkKnight, Dec 11, 2020.

  1. Dec 11, 2020 at 10:21 AM
    #1
    DrkKnight

    DrkKnight [OP] New Member

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    What's up 4Runner fam, This week I purchased my third 4runner and I think by now I'm a lifer. I picked up the new 2021 4Runner Nightshade Limited and I'm have a hell of a time finding a reasonable solution to lifting the truck. The problem I'm running into is the X-RAES system and the adaptive cruise control.

    This is the response I received from Toyotech:

    Below is the link to the lift kit we have been doing for the 2018+ 4Runner Limited. We aren't able to fully level the new limited 4Runers due to the shocks being a bit shorter in the rear about an inch. We end up removing the xreas system and pulling a full kit inside. Due to also having the new sensors in the vehicle, we keep a minimum of a 1 inch of rake to not throw off the sensors that control the adaptive cruise control feature. So it looks like they're recommending I dump the X-REAS system.

    This other company has this option but it's out of stock and they sound like they have no idea about the adaptive cruise control issue.

    https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...kit-for-2010-2015-toyota-4runner-with-x-reas/


    What do you guys think. Can anyone spell out my best option and what they would recommend?


    Thanks

    Rick C
    2021 Nightshade Limited
    2017 TRD PRO
    2003 4Runner Limited
     
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  2. Dec 11, 2020 at 10:28 AM
    #2
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I think thats pretty much the solution with any Limited lift is to dump the XREAS.
     
  3. Dec 11, 2020 at 10:38 AM
    #3
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    That's correct, I too dumped the XREAS on my Limited at only couple hundred miles on the clock.

    You can pick any where from cheaper Bilstein to highly available Toytec Aluma series to best for high speed running Kings to most comfortable Elka 2.5DCs.
     
    4RunnerGunner likes this.
  4. May 6, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #4
    Brendan5536

    Brendan5536 New Member

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    Hey guys we just picked up a 2021 White Nightshade, i wanted to install these B8 5100 Series Height Adj 0-2.5" Front (24-196499) &
    B8 5100 Series 0-2" Lift Rear excludes x-reas (33-187174)
    I am just curious what is involved. I saw in an above comment "I too dumped the XREAS on my Limited" how would one do this? I must apologize I am completely new to the Toyota world

    An help would be greatly appreciated
     
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  5. May 6, 2021 at 4:57 PM
    #5
    ee4r21

    ee4r21 New Member

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    The Bilsteins are the shocks that would replace the XREAS. I don't know much either quite honestly, but looking to get Bilsteins too on my very same 2021 White Nightshade! I think you might need to get coils to raise the rear and probably best to replace coils on the front if the Bilsteins don't come with them. There's much more to the lift and different ways to lift. I'm sure more on here know a lot more than I do. Happy lifting!
     
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  6. May 8, 2021 at 6:18 PM
    #6
    Trd361

    Trd361 New Member

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    Have you considered the 2+1 Rough Country spacer lift for the Xreas?
     
  7. May 8, 2021 at 8:13 PM
    #7
    Brendan5536

    Brendan5536 New Member

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    Thanks guys for all the great information.

    Trd361- I think that’s the way I’m gonna go. I don’t really want to start scraping equipment off of a brand new ride. At least with the spacers it isn’t disrupting the vehicle to much.
     
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  8. May 8, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #8
    Trd361

    Trd361 New Member

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    This is what I’m going to do as well. Switching a stock tire size 265/70/17’s
     
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  9. May 8, 2021 at 8:33 PM
    #9
    Brendan5536

    Brendan5536 New Member

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    I will post a picture soon as I’ve put the spacers in.
     
  10. May 8, 2021 at 8:42 PM
    #10
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    A mild lift + 285/70R17 tires on my Limited gave me a lot better look.

    https://youtu.be/BvV0GGCaVM4
     
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  11. May 26, 2021 at 8:40 PM
    #11
    Boletus4u

    Boletus4u New Member

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    Can I ask what items you used for the “mild lift”? Thx
     
  12. May 26, 2021 at 8:41 PM
    #12
    Boletus4u

    Boletus4u New Member

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    Sorry, I guess thats your vid.
     
  13. May 26, 2021 at 9:24 PM
    #13
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I got 2.5in Toytec springs in front, 1.5in spacer on top of rear stock springs and Bilstien 5100 shocks.
    Install done by Toytec here in Denver CO.
     
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  14. May 27, 2021 at 4:55 PM
    #14
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    Dump the X-REAS, it will break anyway.

    The ACC rake is bullshite.

    If you load your vehicle or put some fatties in the backseat, you will level it out by compressing the rear suspension coils and lose the rake.

    If the engineers could not foresee this, then any reasonable use of the vehicle will disrupt the ACC.
     
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  15. Jul 19, 2021 at 9:51 AM
    #15
    RIC4Runner

    RIC4Runner New Member

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    Rick C - Any update to your lift? I have a 2021 Nightshade as well and the dealership is saying any modification to the lift will require a recalibration of the adaptive cruise control? Aka - $$$$$$$$$.

    Didn't know what you decided to do? Most of the leveling kit manufactures don't have anything compatible with the 2021s.
     
  16. Jul 19, 2021 at 9:56 AM
    #16
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    This is why I didn't lift my 2021. But some seem to have lifted their 2021s and have no issues. For sure Toyota will not take responsibility, its up to the owners to take risk.


    https://www.4runners.com/threads/lifting-modifying-2020-4runners-with-toyota-safety-sense.20041/
     
  17. Jul 19, 2021 at 10:20 AM
    #17
    RIC4Runner

    RIC4Runner New Member

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    Thanks for that post link. Thinking through the ACC “angles” I don’t think 2-3” of lift will dramatically change things (referencing the example of a heavy load in the back). The leveling kit manufacturers sounded like the X-REAS suspension was more an issue (which I’m just educating myself on so not sure how a leveling kit would impact/work around).

    I have an Audi A6 w/ adaptive and the recalibration is ~$600+. Total BS. depending on who you talk to it needs to be done all the time or never.
     
  18. Jul 19, 2021 at 10:41 AM
    #18
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    When I lift my 2019 Limited according to Toytec in Denver "So there's a little problem with 2018 and up limited 4runners. The rear shocks are not long enough, they cannot even handle 1.5 inches of lift.". So I put XREAS in trash and got Bilstien5100.
     
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  19. Jul 19, 2021 at 12:27 PM
    #19
    RIC4Runner

    RIC4Runner New Member

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    What was the rough cost for the Bilstien5100?
     
  20. Jul 19, 2021 at 3:44 PM
    #20
    ToyoTaco25

    ToyoTaco25 New Member

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  21. Sep 9, 2021 at 4:18 PM
    #21
    JAGRJELLY

    JAGRJELLY New Member

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    Just got finished with lifting my 2021 limited nightshade 4runner. Came out amazing and was pretty easy. I have the xreas suspension but not the kdss. I went with ome 2889 in the rear, 2884 in the front, and bilstein 5100's. Disconnected the xreas without much to do. I just put the 4runner on jack stands and with no pressure on the suspension I just disconnected them at the connector. No issues driving down the highway using cruise control or any other situation driving. Tires are toyo open country 265/60/20

    20210812_163805.jpg
     
  22. Sep 10, 2021 at 4:39 PM
    #22
    Dick_Hammerbusch

    Dick_Hammerbusch New Member

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    Seeing what you did to your Nightshade? Only one way to react. I'm gonna copy that pic for inspiration on what I may want to do with mine if you don't mind. Well done!

     
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  23. Sep 24, 2021 at 9:28 AM
    #23
    mikeandmiki

    mikeandmiki New Member

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    Lifted mine with Toytek, removed the XREAS, and put 285/70R17s on it. I have an issue with the front tires rubbing on the back part of the wheel well where there is a small hump on the liner, I think the cover is protecting the electric running boards.

    Before and after photos 2DD1A3A4-615C-49C7-9F0D-7C82F6DD88A4.jpg095460AE-6269-43F3-B464-389AE5B19F38.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2021
  24. Sep 26, 2021 at 11:25 AM
    #24
    PHXMatt

    PHXMatt New Member

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    Looks great. How much of a lift is this?
     
  25. Sep 26, 2021 at 11:30 AM
    #25
    mikeandmiki

    mikeandmiki New Member

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    3” front and 2” rear
     
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  26. Oct 6, 2021 at 12:54 PM
    #26
    Dick_Hammerbusch

    Dick_Hammerbusch New Member

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    Holy s*** thanks for the pic. That was the lift I was thinking for my T4R Nightshade. Us Nightshaders get no love on the forum at all.

    Booo!
     
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  27. Oct 16, 2021 at 9:55 AM
    #27
    4Runner007

    4Runner007 New Member

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    Hi Y’all! sold my 05’ SR5 for the 2021 4Runner Limited about 7 months ago and unfortunately there wasn’t much about lifting them at the time, and shops seemed not too confident. I ended up doing a 2” rough country spacer to level in the front and fit some 265/60/R20 BFG A/T. Loved it at first because of the difference the level and tired made from stock. But now after 6 months I’m ready to make it a little taller. Looks like the 3” front 2” rear Toytek and disconnecting the XREAS is the way to go. Can you give me a ballpark on the cost of the conversion and does it mess with the Adaptive Cruise control at all? Thanks!59B701A9-F52F-4EC8-AF95-122B46617ED1.jpg
     
  28. Oct 16, 2021 at 10:04 AM
    #28
    mikeandmiki

    mikeandmiki New Member

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    The Toytek kit I used was just under $2600 and I installed it myself. I have not had any issues with the ACC.
     
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  29. Oct 16, 2021 at 9:49 PM
    #29
    4Runner007

    4Runner007 New Member

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    Perfect! Love how yours looks. Are you going to upgrade your tires?
     
  30. Oct 16, 2021 at 10:12 PM
    #30
    mikeandmiki

    mikeandmiki New Member

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    I actually put those tires on it after the lift. I didn't want a tire that was too aggressive. I live on a dirt road and have a rock/gravel driveway. I have BFG K02s on my 79 Bronco and they pick up some pretty big rocks and I didn't want that on the 4Runner, but I also didn't want the stock wheels and tires that came on the Limited so I went with 17" wheels and 285/70R17 Cooper Discoverers. Between the lift, the wheels/tires and removal of the XREAS, I think the ride has improved a lot.
     

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