Hello and Help!

Hello! My name is Tony, I’m new to the 4Runner forums. Happy to be here, and I need some help.

I have a 2012 4runner limited and I need to replace the front shocks. I have tried looking for a good replacement for daily driver with very light off-road/overlanding and improved ride comfort/quality. I have two problems though. I cannot decide on the best, and also, what about the X-reas system?

I believe that I have the x-reas system, and I can’t find any stock or aftermarket shocks that utilize this. Do I then have to remove/eliminate the x-reas system, and should I?

Thanks ahead of time for the help.

 

No aftermarket shocks will work with that system. Better off getting Eibach or Bilstein and ditch the xreas.

https://www.4runners.com/forums/suspension.19/

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks Gary. That’s what I’ve been leaning to. I was just unsure of what to do with the xreas. Can I just unplug it and leave it on the rig?

 

Thanks Jeff!

 

Thank you John!

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

And, +1 to what @glwood54 said.

 

XREAS can only be purchased from Toyota Dealer if you want to go with the same XREAS.

But you can remove XREAS from a good Toyota 4wd shop and get any shock fits 4runner from basic Bilstien to high-end Kings.

 

Thanks James. Appreciate the insight.

 

Thanks kmeeg, I’ll probably just leave it on the rig, unless anyone knows a reason that I can’t?

 

If you switch to aftermarket shocks, you lose XREAS. Only the OEM shocks are compatible, and you'll have to pay whatever the dealership is asking. Or, you can usually find OEM parts online for cheaper than some dealers.

 

Rip out XREAS. Lift.

 

I have an 11 T4R Limited and recently installed OME front and rear, as well as SPC UCA’s. I’m happy with the result and it was a very straightforward process. Removing the Xreas system was simple. Just make sure to remove it where it connects at the Union bolt not the shock. Most shops won’t remove the Xreas lines they will just bend them up out of the way. It took me about 30 minutes to get it disconnected and removed.

 

I'm not very happy with OME. I got Bilstien5100 now and is much better than OME for my taste..

 

That was definitely on the board for one of my choices as well. Unfortunately due to availability issues the wait was too long. What didn’t you like about it?

 

What I don't like about OME Nitro - It give me the bumps on the road on local roads little harsh way. Feel little tired after long drives.

What I like about OME Nitro - They are amazing to be abused on trails. Driving over hard bumps and dips at higher speeds. Little jumps are fun and very tempting.

 

Tony, you CANNOT replace just the front shocks with aftermarket if you currently have XREAS. You will need to replace the shocks at ALL 4 corners. You might as well do it because stock Toyota XREAS replacements cost more than King's or Fox's.
I went the cheapo lift route and bought Rancho QuickLift pre-loaded struts ($400/pair) for the front of my daughters 2011. I then did a rear spacer and +1" store brand shocks from 4WheelParts ($40/each).

Welcome,

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks Eric. I was planning on doing all 4. What did you think about the Rancho QuickLift? Was the ride quality good? Mine is a daily driver, so I want a decent ride, but good overlanding capability.

 

The Rancho QuickLift's provide a great ride on the street. They are not heavier rate springs for armored bumpers and winches, but are just slightly taller than the factory strut. They are more intended for the lifted look and wouldn't be the top choice if you're adding a bumper and winch.