Recommendations on sho

Hey there everyone.
First post on the forum!

Spent some time reading on this forum yesterday and wanted to seek out some council.

I have an upcoming repair of shocks (front) on my 2010 4Runner Limited (160k mileage).

Thus far I have spoken with 2 -Toyota dealers and a local, small operation mechanic.
The numbers from the dealers left me slack-jawed and the local mechanic left me feeling that he wants to put in a simple, streamlined assembly installation and be done with it (I totally get it) Irrespective to whether the coil springs are worth saving or not.

A few questions if I may.
Very novice to this world, very little know how in automotive repair so pardon my ignorance.

1. At 160k, my understanding is most shocks have exceeded their life cycle by then (and in reality, probably earlier), could the same be said for the coil springs? Toyota dealer #1 proposing to only replace the shocks said the springs should be good for the life of automobile in majority of cases. For what it's worth, the existing coil springs are not broken, and from a front to back view, this 4-Runner visually appears to sit even and balanced to the general eye.
2. My understanding is, by way of having a 2010 "Limited", this 4Runner should have an existing XREAS suspension system in it. If the plan forward is to replace with an aftermarket shock or strut assembly for the front only. Will there be any issues I need to be aware of?
3. Or is the consensus that assuming this XREAS system is in place, I should just replace the front and the back shocks, strut assembly with aftermarkets of my choice. Pros and cons?
4. Lastly, and most importantly: Recommendations on an aftermarket choice? Reading through these forums. I keep seeing Bilstein and only Bilstein. Definitely not opposed, but before suggesting brand name options. Please kindly consider:

• 4Runner has 160k and will be passing this onto my 19-year-old son. I will be happy if we get another 100k out of this vehicle. I don't want to leave him with the cheapest possible aftermarket brand out there.
• Intended driving conditions going forward is basic street driving, anticipated off-roading is very rare occasions. Not wanting to lift this vehicle or anything like that, just keep it at basic ride height.
• Not looking for high performance, off-roading focused shocks, just looking for durability to get him through the next 100k, stability/safety and decent ride comfort for the majority street driving he will be doing.

Your thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated.
No choice has been made for a repair shop yet.
But don't want the budget to get out of hand here.

 

The key here is knowing if you still have the XREAS system. The dealership could have been quoting to replace that system, and it is stupidly expensive. The entire system can be eliminated and replaced with off the shelf shocks and struts. This is what I think the local independent mechanic was alluding to. You can use the stock springs, remain at stock height and simply change the shocks and struts. I highly recommend Bilstein 5100 all around. They are going to give you good performance on and off road, are fairly economical, and will last a long time. The front struts are adjustable to eliminate the nose down rake if you wish to do so, but would not recommend if you anticipate to tow.

 

Thanks Cat. Reading through your response, in referenced to the XReas. I just went out, got underneath and confirmed I do have that system in place
So with this XREAS, any idea or knowledge if replacing it is all or nothing?

I am going to take a guess and say if front shocks get replaced with aftermarket, the rears being XREAS would automatically have to get pulled too. No matter if they are still serviceable?

 

If you don't still have the XREAS, or do and want to replace it, and aren't interested in any lift, OEM Off-Road suspensions come up for sale on this forum all the time, usually with very low mileage worth of use.

Edit: since you do still have the XREAS, yes, it's all or nothing. I don't believe you can piece it together. If replacing, my suggestion above is a straight swap once the XREAS is removed.

 

Yes. It is all or nothing. I junked the entire system on my 2011 Limited. Keep an eye on places like Craigslist, FB marketplace, and this forum. People are replacing their OEM stock suspensions with aftermarket all the time. You can find a take off shocks and struts really cheap (or even free sometimes) that will bolt right in. Usually very low mileage or even brand new.

 

catbrown357and glwood54, All or nothing well noted. Thank you!
Now I know what I'm up against.

Even if the rears still have a little life left, I guess replacing as a whole, front and rear will give me better peace of mind before turning the vehicle over to my son.



Thus far I found these: https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...ocks-set-for-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-4wd-rwd

Says Out of Stock as a whole set, but when assembled in the cart individually. Everything is in stock.


I will be looking, pricing out the Bilstein 5100 next.