5th Gen Limited - Replace XREAS with Bilstein 4600 or 5100

Hello,
Need to replace my leaking XREAS shocks/struts on my 2018 Limited. Likely to remove XREAS and get Bilstein 4600s or 5100s. Will keep stock springs, wheels and tires. Primarily city/highway driver with occasional light trail/towing.

Can anyone share their experience with replacing the XREAS units with either of the Bilsteins in terms of ride and handling?

Thanks!

 

I did not like the Bilstien5100 ride quality on my Limited. But not too bad.

I like Ironman FCP ride quality better. I set 2¼in lift front and 1½ spring in the back.
No personal experience but highend suspension like Kings, OME BP51, Dobinson MRR, Fox2.5 would give decent ride comfort as well.

 

Thank you. Sounds like you may have experienced what appears others have with the 5100s - they are a bit on the too firm side as compared with the XREAS?

 

To me XREAS were the best for on road.
With Bilstien5100 the rear ride control was not to my taste. For example when I go over a speed bump faster the rear was hash. Vs Ironman FCP it absorbs smoothly and releases smoothly (relatively).

 

Got it. Will consider the Ironman's. Thanks again for the insight!

 

Just beware, many say even though Ironman are Australian company they are made in China. So reliability may not be as good. Since my Limited is our pavement princes I cannot speak for reliability.

Search on this forum and look into other options as well. I mean learn about other options and then make a decision without buying Ironman immediately. The best suspension I had was ELKA 2.5DC. Since that 4Runner got into an accident and no more have it I cannot speak for reliability of ELKA as well.

This is the details of the kit and setting I used if that helps -
https://youtu.be/Xrp-LYkTLf8?feature=shared

 

Cool! Thanks.

 

If you post your location, you might hear from a member you could look up for a Bilstein-equipped 4R test drive.

Just out of curiosity - weren't you looking at replacing your XREAS back in January 2020? Nothing done since then, I take it?

 

Yes, was considering replacing and doing a mild lift, larger tires, etc. but decided to replace when needed. Well the "when needed" is now given the XREAS struts have started to leak at about 98K and ride has deteriorated. Also, decided best to keep it near stock given the reality that my driving habits.

 

Gotcha. If you were here, you could check out the Eibach ride.

 

Another option you may want to consider would be Dobinson's. I removed the XREAS from my Limited earlier this year and went with a C59-300/C59-599 combo for springs (1.8" FR, 1.2"RR) with their standard twin tube struts/shocks. Ride is great - added just enough firmness without being harsh.

 

@MTBVRF when you get a chance... could you post a pic of your truck. That system/lift sounds pretty good.

 

Yes. I realize I'll loose the benefits of the XREAS system but the units are leaking after 95K and the ride has deterioated so it's time to replace them.

 

Another point to keep in mind, aftermarket shock may not last long as your XREAS did. They would need rebuilding.Below some service intervals for King, Fox, Dobinson shocks.

 

Yes. Both have no lift options. Bilstein 4600s are no-lift/stock height. Bilstein 5100s, and Eibachs, are adjustable but have a zero lift setting.

 

Here you go. Probably have around 3,000-4,000 miles on the setup. No complaints at all - my use consists of highways, around town, and dirt roads/fire roads to find trails.

 

That looks great - perfect amount of lift for 265s or 285s

 

I did the 6112s in the front and 5100s in the back (didn’t want to figure out the reservoir of the 5160s). Also added wheelers rear lift springs and OME UCAs. Added about 2” of lift to clear the 285s and I love it. That’s been my suspension for about 3 years now and I would definitely recommend as a great bang for your buck if replacing the xreas.

 

Thank for all the inputs! Would still like to hear from someone who actually replaced X-REAS with 4600s. In particular, how was the ride (stiffer, more/less nose dive, overall handling, etc.)
Thanks!

 

If you plan on lifting 5100s and if not 4600s. Dif reason being the 5100s will have a longer stroke/i to i.

 

My X-Reas went and I replaced mine with the 5100’s, front set at 1.75” and with 1” Cornfed spacers on the rear. Rides and handles great, on and off road. Highly recommend.

 

Swap those 20s for 17s and you will think you are driving a 90s LS400.

 

What tires would you put on?

 

Those of you that replaced your XREAS. Did you put new springs on? According to the car care nut he said that you can replace the struts but not the springs because you will get body lean. Never seen this mentioned but am curious if it does. Thanks.

 

Thanks.

 

275/55R-20 Michelin Defender LTX M/S SL. Great all-around tire. Obviously not an off-road tire but does great for the occasional light off-roading/overlanding I do. Note the size is a bit wider than stock and sometimes I have a very slight rub against wheel well liner when reversing with full lock.

 

Did not replace them. Did put the 1” spacers on the back.

 

I did consider the swap but decided, at least at my first tire change, to not swap wheels. I may do so next time around but 275/55R-20 Michelin Defender LTX M/S SL are lasting "forever."

 

I get that. I’m on my third set of Defender LTX M/S (have 140K miles on my 2015) and still have another 10-15K on this set.

 

I have the same issue, but with LOW mileage. I just found a 2014 Limited AWD garage queen with only 30k miles. I drive her as a pavement princess doing about 2500 miles a month. Now at 32k miles, the XREAS has signs of leaking. Carvana's warranty will replace the XREAS, but do I want a Firestone shop installing this kind of antiquated system. Or go with 5100's. Again, 99% highway use, 1% gravel drive way from time to time. LOL!