'04 Runner Spacer Lift with XREAS

[bug67]

Hello,

Just found this site a few days ago when my buddy lifted his '00 Runner. I decided I might like to put a 2 1/2" lift on my '04 4Runner Limited. I bought the vehicle new in '04 and have avoided lifting it due to my uncertainty of adding a spacer lift with the factory equipped XREAS rear suspension. I know people are going to recommend I do away with the XREAS and put a real lift kit in but, I'd like to leave it in with full factory functionality. The truck is a daily driver and this mod will be for purely cosmetic reasons; maybe some light of road stuff.

I have done a forum search on the topic but my question wasn't clearly answered. Can I put a 2 1/2" spacer lift on an '04 4Runner with XREAS and leave all the XREAS components (air bags, etc.) installed or do they have to be removed? Thanks for any help and forgive me if I possibly missed the answer from previous posts.

[Good Times]

welcome aboard bug67! glad to see another fellow 4th gen here

not sure if you already read this wiki but check it out: Read Me!

Here's the main text that you'll want to read under the "Spacer Technology" section:
Note for 4runner owners with XREAS Suspension: XREAS owners that want to maintain their XREAS system will be limited to the spacer technology. Unfortunately no other solutions are available. This means that the XREAS system can be removed safely and reinstalled at a later date with no negative effects on the system itself.

So with that in mind, you'll be limited to any spacer vendor that's available.
Here's the list of manufacturers that make spacers for the 4th gen: Read me!

Hope this helps. If you need additional info, just ask away, we're here to support you.

Welcome aboard again

[bug67]

Thank you for the welcome and the quick reply.

Yes, That FAQ was the first thing I read. However, the below quote from the wiki is what confuses me:

"...This means that the XREAS system can be removed safely and reinstalled at a later date with no negative effects on the system itself..."

Do I have to remove the XREAS or can I leave it in place? I don't want to remove it and reinstall it at a later date. I'd like to install the lift with the XREAS intact.

If the XREAS has to be removed, I will be skipping this mod all together.

Thanks for your patients. If I am mis-reading the wiki, please forgive my denseness. :P

[Good Times]

ahh ok I get it. I should clarify that in the wiki. thanks for catching that.

Basically to install spacers on a xreas system, you will need to remove your suspension (partially) as you will need to add the spacer (either on top of the top plate or under it depending on your spacer solution). Once the spacers are installed, you can reinstall the xreas system.

The other option is to completely detach the xreas system to do the spacer install. Since the xreas system is a closed loop system (meaning they're cross linked and you just can't remove like a standard shock and coil assembly), you need to be careful of how to remove it. I've helped many members do spacer installs on a xreas so if you're worried, need not worry as it's really not that difficult.

If you're in the socal area, I know of two other owners seriously considering doing the xreas spacer install on their own so if you want to join in on the action, let me know. of course this only applies if you live in la/oc area

Hope this helps and I'll definitely clarify that wiki in a bit.

[bug67]

Great news! Thanks for the info, GT. I imagine I'll be posting before and after pics when I get done.

I'm in Alaska by the way but thanks for the offer of an in person help session.

[Good Times]

awesome! wow you're just a few miles from here updated wiki btw. thanks for catching that.

[JeremySoCa]

Good times, when is that wrenchathon? I have a cf leveling kit and would love to install it as part of this group.

[Good Times]

Not sure if anyone is going to want to go to this wrenchathon since the thread starter lives in Alaska Heck I'll go up there if someone pays for the funds to get me up there that place is pretty awesome!

as for the OC wrenchathon, got no clue, I just put it out there for all of ya oc folks. It's close to thanksgivig/xmas so the weekends are going to be ugly for many (I would think).