X-REAS

Looks like quite a few people on the web are critical of this system. I wonder why Toyota has been putting these on vehicles if they're so bad? Seems like it would cost them a lot in warranty work and would be a red flag for the bean counters in the company.

Maybe it's like the oil consumption problem with Subaru or other makes where there are a lot of complaints on forums but the actual real world numbers are really low since the vast majority don't frequent forums and a small number only go there with complaints?

 

You’re right, it’s just noise. There have been multiple times I’ve seen people join forums or groups for the sole reason of bitching about xreas. They buy the high end model then whine about the price when maintenance items wear out. It’s just sticker shock from replacing wear items with OEM stuff. They bitch and moan and tell everyone they know that they don’t want to do routine maintain well on their car because that’s gonna stick it to the man! Then they fuck off and move on.

 

If you want most comfortable 4runner buy Limited with XREAS. Search around, there are high mile 4R even from 4th gen with original XREAS. If they fail you can replace them with any other aftermarket shocks for 4runner. No big deal.

 

I just put a deposit on a Limited recently. I don't expect any problems with the X-REAS but it's good to know that it has no electrical inputs and is purely hydraulic and can be just removed for regular shocks. I initially had a deposit on a Tacoma TRD OR but I started looking at 4Runners and I really like the idea of the AWD on the Limited plus the A-Trac which auto Tacomas don't have. I also want the Panoramic Monitor, BSM, and RCTA that comes on the Limited. Those things are pretty hard to find where I'm at on a Tacoma and I really don't need a truck. The only change I plan on is going to 17" wheels. I don't really care much for the O-ring wheel/tire look at least on Tacomas and 4Runners.

 

I have a 18 limited 4x4 and it drives amazing. I like the way it handles bumps, corners and doesn’t nose dive as bad as the off-roads. The off road has a more soft suspension.

 

I dunno, I have no problems with the XREAS. Only drawback is customs shops where I'm at won't touch it with a 10ft pole to place a lift / spacer kit.

But no ragrets!

 

People just bitch when it breaks and see how much it costs.

There will always be more complaints on the interweb than positive comments. Who goes online to post anything positive now days?

 

I traded a 2016 Highlander XLE for a 2022 4runner TRD Sport. To me, they both ride the same, at least on paved roads. I've only had the 4runner for 3 weeks.

 

If you spend most of your time on paved roads, I feel the X REAS system if just fine. You can feel it working when cornering. It's no sports car, but it's fine. Not a must have, but also not a deal-breaker if you get it. Just my two pennies.

 

Thanks for the good info!

 

Don't get X-REAS. It is trouble prone down the road. I've replaced both front strutts on my 2004 Sports Ed due to leakage about 8 years into ownership now one of new ones leaking again 6 years later. These f#$%rs are money pit. Im yanking the whole system and replacing it with Billstein 5100 this spring.

 

The problem is that it's not an option on the Limited. I'm not worried about it since it looks simple to rip the thing out and go conventional. And I usually don't keep vehicles very long.

 

The flak X-REAS and KDSS get are unwarranted in my opinion. Both systems function extremely well and greatly improve on road handling. Worst case scenario, you pull them out and go conventional if/when you need to.

 

No one says they don't work.

People just bitch because the cost it take to repair. And 99% of the people do not know you can replace it with a regular suspension. You think a dealer is going to sell you a regular suspension?

I bet half those guys don't know better either.

 

Its only true for XREAS. You can remove XREAS and go with conventional shocks. You can't remove KDSS and go conventional sway bar.

 

Replacing shocks every 6-8 years is routine maintenance.

 

No shLt sir! These are $ 350 per each and that is why I said money pit. My 2013's standard OEM rear shocks $40

 

If anyones interested, im selling mines removed at 900 miles. With stock UCA and rear coils, no fluid drop and was disconnected from the union fitting not the shock. $150 plus shipping.

 

but your comment made it sound like replacing shocks is not normal.

 

I just pulled my 2004 X-Reas out and replaced it with Billstein 5100 on all corners. Ride is perfect and minimal body lean during cornering similar to X-Reas (likely the system wasn't working as intended due to leaky X-Reas strut). I should of done it years ago instead of repairing stock suspension and would of saved about $500

 

X-REAS in our 4runner developed a small leak in the front at 60k one year ago, it crack-pops occasionally.....will go with regular shocks when/if it craps out.

 

Because it has a life expectancy much shorter than the vehicle with your only options being to trash the system and install your own suspension, or pony up a bunch of cash to replace it.