@@fixityfix I ordered parts yesterday after this video and research on various forums. I would have liked to gone with the 4600 like you did in the video for cost, but they were not in stock at many vendors. I went with the Bilstein 5100 (about $100 more) instead and ordered new top hats as well. I plan on leaving the front height the same as OEM. This is one thing on the 4Runner I am a bit disappointed with.....the XREAS I'm sure briefed well with the bean counters and engineers at Toyota...but I really doubt the average driver is going to be able to tell. At least the XREAS is hydraulic and not electro magnetical like GMs. Nevertheless, thank you! Subscribed and liked!
@@stipple21 I am planning to do the same, kipping the lines, do you have part number for covers at the decoupling point, the original video describes 22 mm and what tread are they or a plastic cover is suffice. Thank you
Great video. My wife's '16 Limited is in need of its 3rd set of shocks at just 60k miles (gentle city driving only). The "stealership" wants over 2 grand to replace the front shocks. This XREAS system is crap!
Great video!!! Was hoping to see an update video that compares your observations/feeling/road manners in comparing the 2 systems. Hope to see it soon if you do decide to make one
Thanks for watching and for the comment! Uploading a short video right now! 4Runner XREAS Delete Update! Bilsteins vs Stock Long-Term ua-cam.com/users/shorts1J1TdIEWpdA?feature=share
On my '15 4runner with almost 73.000 miles with xreas and front leveling spacers I had two leaking shocks. Changed to 4600 at the front using the upper groove of the two available on the 4600 shock (no need for the spacers anymore, it is leveled with the back) and at the rear original Toyota Tokico shocks. 4600 were cheaper than oem at the front and oem were cheaper than the 4600 at the rear. Very close to the OEM ride. Perhaps just a tiny bit stiffer, barely noticeable. Part number on the 4600 is 24-121750 and at the rear 48530-35082.
I think this is a recall matter because there are many people complaining the same thing about the shocks that it is supposed to be “something special high-end “ some of them are leaking with only 50,000 miles on them and some little bit more, on a Toyota truck strong as this, it is not normal. And when you go try to fix you can’t fix just one you have to change all four 4 for almost $6000k!!!
Great video! I replaced my 2012 Limited XREAS with Bilstein 4600 (part no. 24-329064) and the front is now 2-3 inches higher than it was! Did I get the coil springs mixed up or put them on incorrectly? The rears are fine. Thanks
Thanks for watching! The Limiteds come with a bit of a ‘rake’ where the front sits slightly lower on XREAS. Not unusual for the front to sit a little higher. But 2-3 inches seems a little too much. Could be a spring clocking issue. But also Might be worth Loosening the control arm bolts while the car is jacked up then Retorquing them - while the suspension is loaded (jacking up under the lower control arm to load the suspension) might help. Good luck and please let me know how it turns out.
I am so glad I found this video, during a state inspection they found a strut that was starting to leak and wanted $4500 to fix both front shocks, which I refuse to have them fix it. I am also glad you can convert these to non hydrolic, could you upload or let us know what you found about capping off the hydrolic lines?
Glad the video is helpful! I ended up just removing the lines entirely. I like the Bilstiens just fine and can’t imagine going back to the XREAS. Full disclosure, the XREAS did make the ride a little smoother on highways, but, the Bilsteins are far better off road and with towing. Good luck with the project!
The video is very educational for me. I have 2010 4runner Limited with X-reas, do you have a part number for the four caps. I would like to leave the X-reas system in place.
I just ended up capping mine with “fingers” off of thick nitrile gloves then zip-ties to hold them in place. I’m planning to remove the lines entirely when I get time as I decided I don’t want to put XREAS back in.
I usually lower ball joint nut, jack lower control arm up to unload top, 3 lb hammer as I lower jack under lower control arm and let the load disassemble and pull your whole strut assembly down with a few hammer hits. Faster, easier and more room to work
David- Thanks for such a detailed video. I'm needing to change ours on a 2011 4Runner. I took it to a shop today with the Bilstein 4600's. They said that once they disconnected the wire going to the "control box" on the hydraulic lines there was an ABS error message on the dash. They wouldn't change them out since they don't know how to prevent the error message from appearing. They thought I needed to find some sort of module to plug into the connector that was plugged into the control box. Do you have any insight on this? Thanks.
Thanks for watching, Patrick! Here is a thread at 4Runner.org that I hope will be helpful: www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/104042-disconnecting-xreas-=-computer-error-message.html Would also be good to make sure yours is XREAS, and not the KDSS suspension system (KDSS is connected to a light, whereas XREAS isn’t). Good luck and please let me know how it turns out.
Thanks for watching, and commenting! That is my understanding, however, I cannot say for sure, since haven’t ever reinstalled XREAS, since it is so good with Bilsteins.
Hello David, thanks for the video. Since I have a 2015 4Runner Limited with 69k miles, I am interested in this project. My shocks have not started leaking at this time. How are the Bilstein 4600 shocks working for you? Is the ride as good as when the X-REAS was still in good shape? Did you keep the same ride height or lift? Thanks!
Hi Mike! Thanks for watching!! I like the 4600s a lot! The footage is a couple years old and I just had a chance to edit and post, so, plenty of time to test the shocks :-). XREAS, in the brief time it worked handled slightly more smoothly on highways. However the Bilsteins are much better off road. The height seems the same to me. There is another level up on Bilsteins (at least when I bought the 4600s) that are adjustable height. FWIW, if my XREAS was working fine, I wouldn’t bother to replace it until it broke. They often break early, but I’ve known some folks to get many more miles than I did (I do off road a lot). Good luck with your project! Lemme know how it goes.
At what miles or kms did the xreas failed? What is the replacement or repair cost at dealer for xreas?Do Toyota Service center replace xreas with normal strut spring assembly?
80k is such short life for xreas. Do any mechanical Shops do this Strut replacement since I cannot DIY. How is the ride and driving dynamics after Strut replacement?
@@KingKong- I like the ride just fine. On the positive side, it is more competent off-road and tows better. It is fine on road, a little more truck-like but still comfortable. I doubt a Toyota dealer would do the conversion, but I bet an independent shop would be happy to.
Thanks for watching! I used these, with the factory Limited springs. They are also compatible with SR5. Front: Bilstein 24- 329064: amzn.to/3wtOlD3 Rear: Bilstein 33-329093: amzn.to/3XILYa6
@ Yes, definitely need to replace about 120k miles 2 of the 4 are leaking. I always go for conventional. The limited had the 4wd which is why I wanted it. I am sure it will be good.
@@GreatSax1, sounds like it’s time for sure! We’ve been happy with the Bilsteins. Here is an update video we did in case you haven’t seen it yet: 4Runner XREAS Delete Update! Bilsteins vs Stock Long-Term ua-cam.com/users/shorts1J1TdIEWpdA?feature=share
The new shocks worked well and felt fine so I did not cap the lines. I took them out completely (easy to do). During the test phase, I used cut off nitrile glove fingers and zip ties :-)
Temporarily with a nitrile glove finger and zip tie, LOL. I liked the new setup so much I ended up pulling out the old lines altogether, so never explored a more permanent solution.
Thanks for this video brother the my 2019 4R sr5 doesn't have the same stock xreas shocks &struts as yours but I didn't wanna pay the dealership 1k for something I can do my self
Thanks for watching and commenting! I hear you…mine is a dad suv ;-) While I go off-road some, it handles very well on the highway with the Bilsteins - and was much more economical than replacing XREAS parts. It is possible to replace only the leaking XREAS component- I chose to remove XREAS altogether though believing that if one strut failed so early, the rest were not far behind. No regret so far. Good luck with yours!
I used Bilstein 4600’s in the video, but in my experience, anything that works on the Trail trim will work on the Limited once you pull out the XREAS. 4600’s info: Front: Bilstein 24- 329064 amzn.to/3Ulqld9 Rear: Bilstein 33-329093 (Rear 4600s seem to be backordered on Amazon and ShockSurplus right now.)
you don't need to waste money on an alignment. mark the control arm bolts prior to loosening them then tighten to align the marks. i've done this plenty and trucks never needed alignment. bolts aren't nuts and nuts aren't bolts.
Awesome video, serendipitous timing too. My wife's 4runner with the XREAS is leaking and I'm looking at options. This video was perfect
Thanks for watching and commenting! Please keep me posted on what you decide to do with your 4Runner!
@@fixityfix I ordered parts yesterday after this video and research on various forums. I would have liked to gone with the 4600 like you did in the video for cost, but they were not in stock at many vendors. I went with the Bilstein 5100 (about $100 more) instead and ordered new top hats as well. I plan on leaving the front height the same as OEM. This is one thing on the 4Runner I am a bit disappointed with.....the XREAS I'm sure briefed well with the bean counters and engineers at Toyota...but I really doubt the average driver is going to be able to tell. At least the XREAS is hydraulic and not electro magnetical like GMs. Nevertheless, thank you! Subscribed and liked!
@@stipple21 I am planning to do the same, kipping the lines, do you have part number for covers at the decoupling point, the original video describes 22 mm and what tread are they or a plastic cover is suffice. Thank you
I just put 4600 on my rear... they are stiff... do not like them.... put a factory set of shocks on and they were pogo sticks...
Excellent video! Thank you for including the torque values!
Thanks for watching! I try to comment on torque when I can.
Great video. My wife's '16 Limited is in need of its 3rd set of shocks at just 60k miles (gentle city driving only). The "stealership" wants over 2 grand to replace the front shocks. This XREAS system is crap!
Thanks for watching and commenting! I love everything about this SUV except the XREAS! Fortunately, the Bilsteins are holding up well!
Great video!!! Was hoping to see an update video that compares your observations/feeling/road manners in comparing the 2 systems. Hope to see it soon if you do decide to make one
Thanks for watching and for the comment! Uploading a short video right now! 4Runner XREAS Delete Update! Bilsteins vs Stock Long-Term
ua-cam.com/users/shorts1J1TdIEWpdA?feature=share
Nice the first 3rd of this video was exactly what I needed
On my '15 4runner with almost 73.000 miles with xreas and front leveling spacers I had two leaking shocks. Changed to 4600 at the front using the upper groove of the two available on the 4600 shock (no need for the spacers anymore, it is leveled with the back) and at the rear original Toyota Tokico shocks. 4600 were cheaper than oem at the front and oem were cheaper than the 4600 at the rear. Very close to the OEM ride. Perhaps just a tiny bit stiffer, barely noticeable. Part number on the 4600 is 24-121750 and at the rear 48530-35082.
Thanks for watching and for the VERY helpful information!
I think this is a recall matter because there are many people complaining the same thing about the shocks that it is supposed to be “something special high-end “ some of them are leaking with only 50,000 miles on them and some little bit more, on a Toyota truck strong as this, it is not normal. And when you go try to fix you can’t fix just one you have to change all four 4 for almost $6000k!!!
Thanks for watching and commenting- That’s a good point as safety is compromised when the XREAS suspension fails/leaks.
Great video! I replaced my 2012 Limited XREAS with Bilstein 4600 (part no. 24-329064) and the front is now 2-3 inches higher than it was! Did I get the coil springs mixed up or put them on incorrectly? The rears are fine. Thanks
Thanks for watching! The Limiteds come with a bit of a ‘rake’ where the front sits slightly lower on XREAS. Not unusual for the front to sit a little higher. But 2-3 inches seems a little too much. Could be a spring clocking issue. But also Might be worth Loosening the control arm bolts while the car is jacked up then Retorquing them - while the suspension is loaded (jacking up under the lower control arm to load the suspension) might help. Good luck and please let me know how it turns out.
I am so glad I found this video, during a state inspection they found a strut that was starting to leak and wanted $4500 to fix both front shocks, which I refuse to have them fix it. I am also glad you can convert these to non hydrolic, could you upload or let us know what you found about capping off the hydrolic lines?
Glad the video is helpful! I ended up just removing the lines entirely. I like the Bilstiens just fine and can’t imagine going back to the XREAS. Full disclosure, the XREAS did make the ride a little smoother on highways, but, the Bilsteins are far better off road and with towing. Good luck with the project!
@@fixityfix Awesome! is the process for removing the system removing the hoses or is there a reservoir somewhere?
@@masonharris6961 no reservoir, just removing hoses, the hard lines are also easy to remove, or, could just be left in place if you choose.
Great video! Thanks for including bolt sizes and torques. Is that an Amerbm spring compressor?
I use the Eastwood set: amzn.to/3TtH5Pz
But it sure looks similar to the Amerbm!
Thanks for watching!
The video is very educational for me. I have 2010 4runner Limited with X-reas, do you have a part number for the four caps. I would like to leave the X-reas system in place.
I just ended up capping mine with “fingers” off of thick nitrile gloves then zip-ties to hold them in place. I’m planning to remove the lines entirely when I get time as I decided I don’t want to put XREAS back in.
I usually lower ball joint nut, jack lower control arm up to unload top, 3 lb hammer as I lower jack under lower control arm and let the load disassemble and pull your whole strut assembly down with a few hammer hits. Faster, easier and more room to work
David-
Thanks for such a detailed video. I'm needing to change ours on a 2011 4Runner. I took it to a shop today with the Bilstein 4600's. They said that once they disconnected the wire going to the "control box" on the hydraulic lines there was an ABS error message on the dash. They wouldn't change them out since they don't know how to prevent the error message from appearing. They thought I needed to find some sort of module to plug into the connector that was plugged into the control box. Do you have any insight on this? Thanks.
Thanks for watching, Patrick! Here is a thread at 4Runner.org that I hope will be helpful: www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/104042-disconnecting-xreas-=-computer-error-message.html
Would also be good to make sure yours is XREAS, and not the KDSS suspension system (KDSS is connected to a light, whereas XREAS isn’t). Good luck and please let me know how it turns out.
if you leave the hardline and switch to a traditional suspension system you can still go back to the XREAS in the future?
Thanks for watching, and commenting! That is my understanding, however, I cannot say for sure, since haven’t ever reinstalled XREAS, since it is so good with Bilsteins.
Hello David, thanks for the video. Since I have a 2015 4Runner Limited with 69k miles, I am interested in this project. My shocks have not started leaking at this time. How are the Bilstein 4600 shocks working for you? Is the ride as good as when the X-REAS was still in good shape? Did you keep the same ride height or lift? Thanks!
Hi Mike! Thanks for watching!! I like the 4600s a lot! The footage is a couple years old and I just had a chance to edit and post, so, plenty of time to test the shocks :-). XREAS, in the brief time it worked handled slightly more smoothly on highways. However the Bilsteins are much better off road. The height seems the same to me. There is another level up on Bilsteins (at least when I bought the 4600s) that are adjustable height. FWIW, if my XREAS was working fine, I wouldn’t bother to replace it until it broke. They often break early, but I’ve known some folks to get many more miles than I did (I do off road a lot). Good luck with your project! Lemme know how it goes.
Thanks for your reply David! Keep on making these 4Runner Limited videos!
I think the front shock is lower and drains better from there. I'm getting ready to replace mine with 5100s
Does it leave an abs or any light on on the dash.
Hey! Thanks for watching and for your question. Thankfully, this doesn’t generate any OBD2 codes or turn on any lights.
Good job. Really good video. 👍👏👏👏👏
Thank you very much!!
At what miles or kms did the xreas failed? What is the replacement or repair cost at dealer for xreas?Do Toyota Service center replace xreas with normal strut spring assembly?
My started leaking at 80,000 miles horrible expensive!!
So I am going to downgrade also
@PauloCFarias , good luck with the project! Please comment to let me know how it goes!
80k is such short life for xreas. Do any mechanical Shops do this Strut replacement since I cannot DIY. How is the ride and driving dynamics after Strut replacement?
@@KingKong- I like the ride just fine. On the positive side, it is more competent off-road and tows better. It is fine on road, a little more truck-like but still comfortable. I doubt a Toyota dealer would do the conversion, but I bet an independent shop would be happy to.
City driving only, my XREAS failed at 30k and again now at 60k miles. The stealership wants over $2,000 to replace the 2 front shocks. I am angry.
How much the whole work cost?
Hi, do I need replace the front spring with a stiffer one from the TRD off road version?
Thanks for watching! The stock spring is working fine for mine.
Are you using SR5 struts?
Thanks for watching! I used these, with the factory Limited springs. They are also compatible with SR5. Front: Bilstein 24- 329064: amzn.to/3wtOlD3
Rear: Bilstein 33-329093: amzn.to/3XILYa6
@ Is there a reason you reused the flanges for the rear shocks? I thought you can use the flanges and bushings that come with the new Bilsteins.
It was long enough ago, I don’t recall. I’ll be curious to know what you decide on yours!
@ Yes, definitely need to replace about 120k miles 2 of the 4 are leaking. I always go for conventional. The limited had the 4wd which is why I wanted it. I am sure it will be good.
@@GreatSax1, sounds like it’s time for sure! We’ve been happy with the Bilsteins. Here is an update video we did in case you haven’t seen it yet: 4Runner XREAS Delete Update! Bilsteins vs Stock Long-Term
ua-cam.com/users/shorts1J1TdIEWpdA?feature=share
Where and what size caps did you find to cap off the hydraulic system from leaking??
The new shocks worked well and felt fine so I did not cap the lines. I took them out completely (easy to do). During the test phase, I used cut off nitrile glove fingers and zip ties :-)
HOW DID YOU
PLUG OR CONDEMED THE OLD OIL LINE FROM THE SHOCKS?
Temporarily with a nitrile glove finger and zip tie, LOL. I liked the new setup so much I ended up pulling out the old lines altogether, so never explored a more permanent solution.
for those that may want to buy the tools, list them so that they can be found and bought. links to them would be nice.
Thanks for watching and for both of your helpful suggestions! I’ll have to find some time and add tool links to this. Video’s description.
Thanks for this video brother the my 2019 4R sr5 doesn't have the same stock xreas shocks &struts as yours but I didn't wanna pay the dealership 1k for something I can do my self
Hi the xreas for my limited 4runner are leaking. What do you recommend for city driving? I dont go off road. My 4runner is the mom suv 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting! I hear you…mine is a dad suv ;-) While I go off-road some, it handles very well on the highway with the Bilsteins - and was much more economical than replacing XREAS parts. It is possible to replace only the leaking XREAS component- I chose to remove XREAS altogether though believing that if one strut failed so early, the rest were not far behind. No regret so far. Good luck with yours!
Im looking for the part number cant seem to find it right now
I used Bilstein 4600’s in the video, but in my experience, anything that works on the Trail trim will work on the Limited once you pull out the XREAS.
4600’s info:
Front: Bilstein 24- 329064 amzn.to/3Ulqld9
Rear: Bilstein 33-329093 (Rear 4600s seem to be backordered on Amazon and ShockSurplus right now.)
Nice video 💪💪
Thank you very much!
you don't need to waste money on an alignment. mark the control arm bolts prior to loosening them then tighten to align the marks. i've done this plenty and trucks never needed alignment. bolts aren't nuts and nuts aren't bolts.
LOL, I do the nuts/bolts mixup all the time, and don’t catch it until editing. Seems obvious enough that I don’t bother re-taking or over-dubbing.