Xreas on 2018 Limited

Need some guidance on my 5th gen limited: With 80,000 miles 2 shocks beginning to show leakage. Really like the ride with this suspension but know the situation can only worsen. When they need to be replaced, what are best options? Am concerned about the huge cost to replace entire system.

 

Check out this thread, lots of XReas owners had great ideas: https://www.4runners.com/threads/xreas-replacement-cost.35274/

 

Bilstein 4600 are your best option to replace XREAS. If you can do the work yourself, the set of shocks is less than $400. If you don't want to mess with a spring compressor, you may be able to get assembled coilers, though I believe that the Limited uses different coils so the vendor would need to source the correct coils. I bought an assembled set for my ORP from SuspensionLifts.com. They should know if you need different coils.

The video below breaks down removing XREAS and replacing the shocks.

https://youtu.be/ZZDCxH0s_bc?si=Xkqhh-4tf58tsFtZ

 

Thanks Kindly for your professional response. How will the 4600s ride? I had the 6112s on my first gen tundra, and the ride was rough (digressive valving).

 

I think the 4600s are a good combination of comfort and control. The ride is slightly rougher than stock at speeds under 30 mph but the feel on the highway is smooth, with little body roll or nose dive when braking.

I’ve had 4600s and 5100s on my Jeeps. I liked the 4600s but the 5100s were absolutely jarring at times, just far too rough to live with.

 

Thanks once again. Am leaning towards the Dobinsons or Fox due to linear valving. Just have a bad taste in my mouth for Bilstein due to the harsh ride experience with the 6112s

 

I’m about to pull a 22,000 mile set off to lift one of ours. Would let them go for a fair bit less than new. Would be nice to have a backup if you wanna keep stock ride. I’ve seen some of the dealers selling the front and rear shocks for around $900 for the set. I’d go around half that.

 

the rancho rs5000 are progressive valving. I have been looking at them pretty heavily. Should be softer than most anything else if you’re not looking for lift.

 

I tried Bilstien5100. Then I changed to Ironman FCP. Ironman FCP with 1.5in rear springs was pretty decent. I don't think any offroad lifts available in aftermarket can match the XREAS comfort. Not even my much more expensive ELKA 2.5DC could match XREAS comfort on pavement. Off pavement it's a completely different story. Back of my head say go back to XREAS.

 

Had a chat with the service manager in a very large dealership here in northern Cal. He stated that slight buildup of dirt on the Xreas shocks are normal and that they could last for years in this condition before needing replacement. Thoughts? Actual experience? Thanks much

 

Trust me. You’ll know when they’re shot. Think stagecoach ride.

 

Yes, when the seal on the shock shaft starts leaking, they will leak a little and this will collect dust. It will take a good while before the shock starts losing pressure, its gotta lose a fair bit of fluid / nitrogen charge before the shock is totally toast. You will know it though, the shock starts to sound like its topping out on pot holes and things like speed bumps.

 

Thanks kindly. So it sounds like I am better off just replacing

 

Eventually you will have to replace them, yes.

 

They will be fine for a long time even leaking. I replaced mine around 200k because I could feel it being clunky in cold weather like low fluid. I never had any dripping or spots. I replaced mine with $500 Bilstein 5100s all around. I think they all leak a little. The Bilsteins ride and handle excellent.

 

Thanks four your insightful reply. I plan to hold on for a while. Interestingly, I cleaned them with a shop rag one month ago and see no grime buildup since - they look new!

The 5100’s are likely the replacement when time comes. Per a good shop in Sacramento, going with the 5100’s will yield about 1” in lift. Have you seen that?

 

I have about 4" on top setting withnew struts. Good struts add about an inch. I'm thinking of lowering to the 3rd ring. I have tried all the other settings but that one. Bottom ring is stock ,but will probably add a half inch depending on springs, 2nd groove is 0.5-1.0 " , I believe, 3rd is 1-2", and 4th top groove is 2-2.5" lift. With OME 2883 springs I measured about 4-4.5" on mine. Having tried the different settings, I think the one I haven't tried will be better. It compresses the springs on the strut more creating more preload. I believe it will ride a little better and be more responsive during articulation on rough ground. I bought the tools and do everything myself so I know and I learn. 5th gen has been a learning curve compared to the older ones. I'm going to try and load you the pictures I took at different settings. In order low to high if I can. I'm not sure order came out right, but it's 1st, 2nd and 4th setting with Freedom offroad 2" lift rear springs. The final product. I can pull up on the blocks with transmission in 1st gear and not spin a wheel. It's started to settle and is riding better. Rides and drives great, like a sporty refrigerator freezer. A lot of it's the driver, but I can smoke cars in curves. It will hold any line you point it to. I don't think most people have ever really pushed it like me. You have Trac, skid and Xreas won't let it flip. That's a dare for me waiting to happen. I love the AWD. They tried to make a car out of the Limited, but you can remove that stuff to find your front recovery hooks in front. I'm going to use a Trail bumper eventually so I can use a snuggle bumper in front.