What do ya think???

Yes I'm new to this website & forum..

I recently purchased a 2012 Toyota 4Runner limited that is in excellent shape.
I knew when I got it that I wanted to do just a couple of mods. simply to give the vehicle more of a off road look ( not off road use, look)

So I've been doing a ton of research & this forum has helped tremendously with that research.

Now this is where I have to explain something. My 2012 is equipped with the original X-Reas suspension system ( that currently is working as it should) After doing research I found that you cannot do any kind of a lift on a Toyota 4runner that has a X-Reas system simply because all shocks are connected hydraulic to each other. To do a lift the X-Reas system has to be disabled & removed.
So because of that is it really worth dumping a nearly $4,000 system that's working to install a minimum $1,500 lift??

So my only other option is a leveling kit or spacer kit.

I'm looking at a Daystar 2.5 front 1.5 rear & just so you know installing the front spacers on the existing X-Reas coil shock is not going to be easy simply because one cannot disconnect & remove that coil shock because it's connected to a hydraulic line.
Now it I go this route I'm also going to have new U.C.R's installed & a front drop diff. kit installed.
I read a lot of argument back & forth about needing or not needing those two items installed, but I look at it this way.....the X-Reas system is not going to last forever & when it goes it will be at that time that I have a lift installed & I will already have newer U.C.R.'s on it & the drop down diff. kit.

Without yelling or being verbally abusive to me ( y'all hurt my feelings) does this sound like a good plan???

P.S.
I'm not a mechanic nor am I mechanically inclined so any work I have done I have to have a good shop do it for me.

 

If you're not planning on off-roading the truck, a spacer kit should be fine. Getting the upper control arms right away seems like a good idea to me. Of course a real suspension lift is usually the best option, but in your situation I think spacers are fine.

However, if you're not really concerned about keeping the XREAS functional, then there's nothing wrong with removing it and installing the suspension you really want. A lot of the better lift kits will firm up the ride and you might not even miss the XREAS.

Also, if the system is in working condition, you might find someone interested in buying it from you to replace their own failed system. This could offset the cost of your lift. I'm not sure how difficult it is to transfer the parts, though.

Welcome to the forum!

 

What is your reasoning for wanting a lift at all? These vehicles are extremely capable as is with good tires on them. You could instead spend your money on some skids and sliders and probably be just fine

 

WallyT4R
Reason for the lift is I'm not off road as I mentioned but I go to camp in Ontario a lot & the road getting into camp after leaving the main highway is a forty mile long very rough gravel road with many pot holes & the now & then washout's, so it would be nice to have a bit more clearance.

 

My opinion......get rid of the Xreas and do a mild, functional lift.

Get something that will ride nice on the road and perform on the gravel road you speak of. Eibach has some really nice front adjustable shocks that sound perfect for your situation.

You shouldn't need UCAs or a diff drop with these if you keep your lift around 2.5" or less.

 

Appreciate it nimby, I got to tell ya & I think I'm overthinking the whole lift/ no lift/ spacer thing way to much, say that cuz my head's a spinning trying to figure this out..

 

No worries. I’m sure it will feel weird disabling a working system like XReas, but a lot of people do it. Once you get it out of the way, you’ll be free to customize your suspension in a way that works better for your needs.

 

Al, good luck with your decision. Sometimes you just need to take a break from the situation and the answer will present itself. If you decide to replace you can't go wrong with the Eibach as @nimby mentioned. I have them in the front and they are solid. If you decide to amp it up and go big with Kings, check out @Agent_Outside s build. He also has a very fine example of a limited. Any way please keep us informed and again, good luck

 

Well I think you have a great vehicle that will last for hundreds of thousands of miles. It’s up to you to personalize it if you want but I would keep the stock parts around incase you want to convert it back to original...I would start with the simple stuff, like scheduled oil changes, I keep a sticker it the front left corner of the windshield with change interval dates. Maybe do a front/rear, transfer fluid change. This will familiarize you with the vehicle...and freshen up the trans....

 

I have a quick follow-up question to this.
I had a fix it shop owner ask me this question.
If someone disables & removes the X-Reas system, does that cause the on board computer to send alarm bells? In the owners manual I do see not any sign of a warning light for X-Reas...

 

Not that I have heard.

 

Maybe start a new thread with this question as the title. You will get some more visibility from Limited owners who have removed Xreas.

 

Ok, will do.

 

I am having a hard time finding a leveling kit that will work with my x-reas system. I am not interested in taking it all out and doing a new setup. I just want to level it. Also have the rear air shocks. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!