SR5 Coil Suspension vs. X-reas

Hi everybody!
Has anybody owned or currently own a SR5 or SR5 Limited?
If so, have you had any problems with your suspension?
According to Toyota.com the suspension that comes with both the SR5 and SR5 Limited appears to be a standard coil system. (They do not come with the X-reas or the KDSS systems.)

I purchased a new 2015 4Runner Limited four years ago which came with the hydraulic based X-reas system. When bringing it in for my 40K mile check up, I was told that both front struts are leaking and due to the design of the X-reas system I would have to replace the entire suspension and have the front end aligned at a total cost of $2,800.00. My truck has only 28,977 miles with ZERO off roading. All my diving is done on city streets and freeways. The service dept also told me that my warranty had expired. (Not true) After freaking out on the thought of dropping $2,800.00 on a 4 year old truck I happened to look at my original sales contract and found out that LUCKILY I purchased the 6 year/100,000 mile Platinum extended warranty. I have no idea why the Toyota service dept didn't have this in their computer system??? (I highly recommend the extended warranty and checking your contract just to be sure!!!!)

This is my first Toyota purchase. In the past I have owned 2 Mitsubishi trucks. One pick up for 11 years and one SUV for 17 years. Both Mitsubishi trucks had coil suspensions and in all that time I NEVER had suspension problems. (Do you see where I'm going with this?)

So. Just wondering what you guys think of the SR5 suspension ride quality and dependability? If there are no nightmare stories like I've been reading on here regarding the X-reas system, then
I'm thinking about having the good ole standard coil system installed on my 4Runner Limited. (If it is safely recommended by Toyota.)

Thank you for reading!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

 

I have a 2017 SR-5 that had the coil springs, but i installed Kings at about 400 miles so i can’t really say anything about the longevity of them. They seem fine laying in the garage though.

 

Apparently this is a widespread defect on these. I'm glad you got it covered.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/4runner-limited-buyer-beware-x-reas-suspension-fails.7894/

 

Can you let me know which Kings you purchased. Thinking of doing same. Thanks

 

LOL!!!!
Thanks SlvrSlug

 

Just rip it out and put in regular shocks. While your add it, get a setup with a lift. I hear eibach pro is a good setup.

 

I never though someone would compare a Mistu to Toyota.

But yes I'd rip um out.

 

If it’s covered under warranty... have them replace it with x-reas again. Maybe it’ll go for 150k miles. You paid for it. Might as well have it. And if that fails down the road, THEN look for a replacement suspension (it won’t cost you an arm and a leg).

For example- You could get KYB front coilovers for $100 each and rear shocks for $50 each. Have someone install it for $600. And you’re back on the road for $900.

I’d much rather roll the dice on a free X-reas suspension. And see how many miles I’d get.

 

⚠️UPDATE!⚠️
The replacement front strut that was covered by my warranty in 2019 is leaking again. Can anybody recommend a good mechanic in the Los Angeles area that has experience replacing the Xreas system with a good coil system?
I've read a lot of great Bilstein reviews but I have no idea which kind to get. I have a 5th Generation 2WD. I never do any off roading. All my driving is on city streets. I don't want a lift either.
Just looking for a dependable system that isn't too stiff.

Thanks for your help!

 

Since you don’t do any off-road, I’d toss out the classic Bilstein 5100s all around. Lots of guys say they like how they do on road. I think this should work with your existing springs. Or, you could probably look for some used stock shocks and toss those in. Lots of guys take them out early to upgrade for better off road performance.
Don’t know of a shop in that area

 

Getting a small 2" lift will open up many more options. Any aftermarket suspension will have a ride quality and road manners that are miles above the stock suspension. I have the cheapest Dobinsons suspension (I think it may be the least expensive on the market) and I am very happy with it. They've been on for 80,000 miles and quite a few have been hard, off-road miles. (See my avatar) No leaks, squeaks or creaks.

 

My 2 cents worth. I have a 2024 TRDsport that has the x-reas suspension and a 07 SR5 with Bilstein 5100’s. I love the ride and handling of the x-reas suspension. I 07 with stock springs and 5100’s is a rougher ride I do have 161000 miles on the 4Runner but 3000-5000 miles on the 5100’s handles good but it is rougher on the road. I don’t off-road that much

 

Thanks for your advice Ais4awesome4. Just to clarify, you said "I’d toss out the classic Bilstein 5100s all around." Does that mean you would NOT suggest the 5100s?

 

I'm guessing that @Ais4awesome4 might have meant toss on, not toss out, but could be wrong.

Another option for good shocks, whether you want any lift or not, are Eibach Pro Truck. Running those on mine. A lot of folks prefer the ride to the Bilstein 5100.

 

Thanks glwood54! I'm driving all city streets. No off roading or pulling trailers at all. What's the ride like with the Eibach's on your 4runner on streets? Have the other folks you're referring to posted their reviews on this forum?
Thanks!

 

When I was shopping to level my 2019, Bilstein & Eibach came up as the leading candidates if one wanted better shocks and 0" - 2.5" lift in the front. I wanted 1", and both offered that option. Several members at the time who'd had Bilstein 5100s in the past and then Eibach spoke to the difference. That was enough for me. I wouldn't be able to find those posts now, as that was several years ago. Perhaps some of those will chime in here. I don't think you can go wrong with either, TBH.

As far as the ride with Eibach, I just use my wife's comment every so often - "I just love the ride of your 4Runner!"

 

Thank you glwood54!

 

Eibach also makes a black shock that is stock height only. They are supposed to be valved a little softer than the silver adjustable ones. They’re a little cheaper too.

 

I forgot to ask. Do you remember the model number Eibach shocks you installed on your 4runner? Thanks for your time and help.

 

Thanks HarrisNC! I'll check it out.

 

I meant toss out the 5100s as an idea. I hear folks like em. Sorry for the confusion!

 

Front: Part #:

$137 E60-82-071-02-10 Pro-Truck Sport Shock, 1 Pack

E60-82-071-02-10
Rear: Part #: E60-82-008-02-01

 

Wow! Thank you so much!

 

Does anybody have Dobinsons shocks and springs installed on their 4Runner? If so, how do you like them? Getting rid of my twice failed Xreas system. I've done a little research on Eibach and Bilstein but just learned about Dobinsons this morning from one of the guys at RPM Garage in Monrovia, CA.

I use my 5th Generation 2WD 4Runner Limited on city streets only. No towing either. No lift needed.
Looking for a smooth but reliable ride.

Thanks for reading!

 

I have the $1200 (i.e. least expensive) suspension. I'd buy it again. Does fine on rocks and at the mall. Most of my wheelin' buddies (at least 8 of us) have a Dobi suspension. We all are satisfied with it.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/dobinsons-5th-gen-4runner-suspension-options.13289/

 

Thanks Stoney Ranger! How many miles have you put on the Dobinsons?

 

Maybe you can speak to this - the Dobinson site states that their suspension kits are for 1" - 3" lift, and for 2wd, one can expect another 1" on top of that for the front due to the lighter front end of the 2wd. The OP has a 2wd Limited, and stated he doesn't want any lift, so would Dobinsons work for what he wants?

 

Amazing insight! As you and everybody else have probably figured out, I have no experience when shopping for suspension systems. I’m still considering the Eibach Pro Truck that you told me about. Thank you for your help glwood54!

 

I just got off the phone with Dobinsons who confirmed that the Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" IMS Lift Kit Toyota 4Runner 2010-2024 - DSSKITIMS01 would add an additional 1 to 1.5" lift to a 2WD making it a 2 - 2.5" lift. My preference is to not get a lift being that my 4Runner is a commuter. I hope this info helps other commuters. Have fun on the trails Stoney Ranger! Thanks again glwood54!

 

I recommend not lifting it
Toyota designed the geometry the way it is - you're only going to wear things quicker, since now all your angels are different

As for the X-reas, you don't need to uninstall the whole system, just keep it there, empty the oil, install new OEM compatible struts.
It's an entirely mechanical and hydraulic system, there's nothing electrical or difficult about it

e/ currently at 90k on X-reas without issues