Bilstein 5100 Shock Installation on a 4th Gen 4Runner - XREAS Delete/Removal

Bilstein 5100 Shock Installation on a 4th Gen 4Runner - XREAS Delete/Removal - FULL Installation!!

Рет қаралды 75,360

3 жыл бұрын

Complete XREAS removal and Bilstein 5100 front/rear shock/strut install on a 4Runner; the job was more challenging than expected, but we show you every challenge faced! This is on a rusty Wisconsin 4Runner, so nearing "worst case scenario". The struts are a huge improvement from the XREAS. This is a great weekend DIY job. Any questions, drop them in the comments below. Enjoy the video. And most importantly, THANK YOU!
Shocks: www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
Impact wrench: amzn.to/2IDgtKK

Пікірлер: 140

@Daniel-pl3bd 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so gratefully that I fluid filmed my tundra since day 1

@dnlmachine4287 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for posting. Suggest whenever possible, leave the shock holder band strap thingie in place. Cut it when youre ready to extend the shock into its location on the vehicle, be ready to guide it quickly. Stay gold.

@mikey3288 Жыл бұрын

Just wrapped up deleting XREAS and installing a set of Dobinson F+R springs and shocks and really wanted to thank you for making such quality content. I watched a few YT videos and yours was definitely the most helpful on the little things that got me stuck like using a 3/8" ratchet down to a 1/4" + 12mm for that stupid bolt and using a chisel to remove the front shocks. Mine were seized on like crazy after 152k miles but the rest of the videos gloss over these tough aspects. My V8 is starting to develop the tick from the headers so I'm definitely going to watch your video a bunch of times before attempting to tackle swapping headers!

@EnigmaEngineering Жыл бұрын

Hi Mikey - thank you so much for the comment. I try to make the videos entertaining while still getting the PITA details recorded. 152K miles is still new! The header video is pretty detailed - you will be happy with the results when you finish. 4Runners are great at teaching how to remove insanely rusted things!

@louis-philippegariepy9824 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video ! My 2006 had the XREAS bypass by previous owner but he installed crappy shocks. Installed front and back 5100s and wow what a difference!!! Better cornering, handling, steering … no brainer . Had to slim down the bushings at the rear though. Also changed all the sway bar bolts and all four links. Keep up the good work!

@philippenguyen7339 11 ай бұрын

Do you needed to redo cam bolt on it?

@greenbanana2332 3 жыл бұрын

Another great “how to wrench” vid! Appreciate the time and effort!

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate your comments!

@320dak 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Job and Great Video! Another idea is to replace your springs with FJ Cruiser springs. They are a little more beefier and helps out with towing.

@Sir372 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a mill! This was exactly the video I was looking for. Thought the hydrologic weren't removable (yeah I know 😟) That outro made me so proud of my 4runner. Sick

@lonesomecricket7721 3 жыл бұрын

Just put 5100’s up front and 5160 in the rear with OME springs all around on my FJ Cruiser. Great setup on a budget.

@DaZese 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for these 4th gen 4runner videos!!!

@getnautical9579 3 жыл бұрын

Doing exact same thing to my 06 sport. Have new tires going on this weekend snd in next couple weeks will be doing the 5100’s myself

@RSX06MM 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Only thing I would add is that the lower bolts on the shocks/struts, should be torqued down with wheels on/at ride height so that the rubber bushings are properly preloaded. With the bushings torqued while suspension isn’t loaded, they can/will bind, and wear out prematurely.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. Great advice. I can do better!

@lanajacknichols8397 2 жыл бұрын

@@EnigmaEngineering CAN I INSTALL SPACER LEVELING KIT AND STILL KEEP THE X-RAES ? I have an 03 sport 4.7L full time 4x4 ?

@spencerfelt2093 Жыл бұрын

@@lanajacknichols8397 I’m sure you could…blocking off the hydraulic line ends. And keep it tucked up under the car. You wouldn’t be able to use the XREAS, but then you wouldn’t have to remove it.

@toddungan2753 3 жыл бұрын

...and already did this about 3 years ago to my '07....amazing upgrade, added the airbags as well

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! The 5100s brought my 4Runner back to life. What brand airbag are you running?

@nordicpride9708 10 ай бұрын

@@EnigmaEngineeringWhat brand skid plate is on your 4runner?

@animal16365 3 жыл бұрын

I just purchased a 2018 4Runner limited with the XREAS system. When it goes bad. I'll probably switch to the Bilstien 5100

@Mrtekem 3 жыл бұрын

Pb blaster, and a benzomatic hand torch helps with those bolts and nuts. On these Toyotas with defective rusty metal frames, need heat on these to remove anything with rust. But i did the same...Bilstein 5100....but i also changed sway bars with beefy Hellwig. SUV drives like my honda civic now lol

@zacharywilson5899 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I wanna do this to my 08 4runner. Just hitting 120k miles. How much time/money did this set you back, if you don't mind me asking?

@TheRumbles13 3 жыл бұрын

WD40 is petrolium based and may cause your shock bushing to perish quickly, recoommend silicone spray instead. also important, if u you have RAS like mine, make sure you DE power the rear air suspension before hanging on hoist

@alexanderdeeds4100 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!!! My job today

@AntonioClaudioMichael Жыл бұрын

Nice Install Video Very informative

@malcolmoliver4530 3 жыл бұрын

6:15 - good choice in music.

@gavin8572 2 жыл бұрын

Did this exact job on my 2003 4runner. Would've been nice to have watched this video first

@thomasmulligan9253 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. But you disconnect the lines at the check valve and you won’t have to worry about the fluid getting everywhere.

@maxagent86 5 күн бұрын

Good video, but I wager that the main reason why your ride quality was bad was not the X-REAS, but rather the rust decomposed shocks...

@Lhenry-pf5zn 3 жыл бұрын

I think I will do this to my gen 4 as well, thanks. Excellent video! I seldom break bolts on Toyotas, if rusty I just heat them and then spray them with WD 40 or penetrating oil, then no more problems. PS, I am in Canada and they put a lot of salt on our winter roads, very had on vehicle underbody. I under spray all my vehicles to prevent rust, that is usually how Toyotas die first.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Right after this video I started using Fluid Film on the underbody - seems to be holding up well. The only bolts I usually break are small 10-12mms. The big stuff seems to come apart readily

@Lhenry-pf5zn 3 жыл бұрын

@@EnigmaEngineering I seldom break Toyota bolts. I always spray them well in advance of an attempted repair, and because of our road salt they are often crusty. One other trick is to attempt to tighten a bolt before you try to loosen it. This is counter-intuitive but it breaks the set of the bolt, and then you can remove it. Always go back and forth with small bolts, patience is better than having to drill them out. Also, if you can heat the bolt before you put penetrating oil on it, the heat seems to dry the oil into the treads.

@michaelwatson9016 3 жыл бұрын

Pb blaster is your friend. I try to spray everything I can get to before I start any work, sometimes days before I start. Makes all the difference.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Same

@svolatys 3 жыл бұрын

Hey! Super great video! Thanks for sharing. How many man hours it took to make a full conversion? How new 5100 feels on bumpy roads/bumpy gravel?

@moesymoe4407 3 ай бұрын

Great video. Thanks.

@MrYotebuster75 3 жыл бұрын

i am having similiar problems with my suspension on my unit. could you post part numbers or kits.

@Sooperdooper74 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Where Can I get the front brush guard. Looks great!

@jadoriffic Жыл бұрын

Great video, bro. Man am I glad I don't live in the rust belt.

@wally6193 3 жыл бұрын

When using the 5100 struts what parts did you need to reuse from the original strut and what parts came with the strut. So how do you set the snap ring on and adjust it to where you want it, do you just use a flat blade screwdriver to move it up or down. I just want to keep mine at stock height too.

@2-old-Forthischet Жыл бұрын

I just bought a 4th gen 4Runner 4wd with the V8 and slowly going through it. That was an awesome video. Where did you get that front skid plate? My 4Runner is missing all the skid plates.

@yaza374 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the How to Video. I am planning to do the same to my 2011 limited. How would you describe the ride quality of the 5100s. Is it too harsh? Or comfortable compare to xreas? Thanks 🙏

@jimicocobop 3 жыл бұрын

I saw a mechanics video on Bilstein site where they insist that the car should be lowered on the tires before torqueing the front shock nuts, and never use an air wrench on the nuts.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Both are wise suggestions!

@wally6193 3 жыл бұрын

SO how does it handle/drive/feel with these 5100s compared to your stock toyota suspension.

@CorvusCorps 3 жыл бұрын

Trying to figure out what suspension I should go with on my 03 V8 sport.

@wally6193 3 жыл бұрын

What did you do with the old control absorbers, my right one is leaking so I need to replace it.

@noirtiger1943 2 жыл бұрын

@enigmaengineering Great video. My right rear shock rusted out and broke at the tower on my 06 V8. I called several places, including Bilstein and they told me the 5100’s would not fit because of X-REAS. I see you had little to no trouble on the install. Is everything still good?

@doobedi 2 жыл бұрын

Can you adjusted them to get them Lower that stock ride height??💭💭

@debrad5783 3 жыл бұрын

How many miles did the 4runner have at the time of this install?

@benjaminbritt7862 8 ай бұрын

Thanks. Curious to know why you went with these over Dobinsons IMS? I've heard they make the best all around for 4th gens

@teddiazjr.6223 3 ай бұрын

Will you get a light on the dash for the delete?

@victorolguin 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the video. im about to have to do this and im not paying for the xreas system again. so going this route, how satisfied are you with the shocks compared to ridiculous overpriced xreas system??????

@Andr1019_ 5 ай бұрын

Have tow with these shocks, if you did how much did it sag?

@jaycee6443 2 жыл бұрын

That metal hat that u chiseled off, I notice on my 2019 has one. Is it the same as a 4th gen . I’m doing a delete and don’t plan to go back, I can’t get any one to give me information about what I should do

@St1ckyricemango Жыл бұрын

You kept it at the lowest ring setting and it looks leveled. What did you use to level it?

@nordicpride9708 3 жыл бұрын

Do the 5100’s have a harsh ride? My XREAS SYSTEM is pretty low mile and with converting id like to avoid the Porsche harsh ride. Thanks

@robertbandusky9565 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent😎

@ecarasig 3 жыл бұрын

Great content! I have been aiming to do this with my limited as well. I drove the car with the X-REAS when it was working and I thought it worked very well. It has just completely rusted through on the bolts and is leaking now. I have the same exact ride you describe. Can't wait to do this with mine. I am fighting rust the same as you. My OEM skid plate is rusted on. What skid plate is that that you are using?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment @E C! Recently drove another 4th gen with OEM suspension and Bilsteins are noticeably more stable. I had to re-tap one of my skid plate bolt holes. BudBuilt aluminum skid plate, bare metal: budbuilt.com/Front-Skid-Plate-2003-2009-V8-4Runner-GX470-Non-KDSS_p_685.html. Skid plate is top quality

@radius8283 3 жыл бұрын

Did you put back the washer on the new bilsteins before putting the top hat? At 7:36

@ryanroland6426 7 ай бұрын

Hey brotha, any tips on freeing the tie rods once you get the castle nut off? I hit it with a hammer last night and couldn't free it. Any other methods? Also after a few smacks my tie rod twists just slightly, did I damage it or is that something that can be tightened to get rid of that slight play back n forth?

@laurenthompson33 Жыл бұрын

I have an 04, it is very hard to handle if there is any bump in the road. It is very hard to handle if the road isn’t smooth. It feels like it is going to dart me off the road (& it happens with both sides in the rear). Does this sound like a problem with the XREAS?

@tytrammell23 Жыл бұрын

So you can use the spring from the Xreas system? Those don't look like Xreas, because Mine are orange or red.

@danlam9906 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Did it pull the wheel side to side with the old xreas, my o7 limited pulls like crazy, think i gotta do this asap.....

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Over bumps mine was wandering, and while braking the car was pretty unstable. Might be worth getting an alignment though too if your pull is consistent

@ethanknight2046 7 ай бұрын

Did the shocks come with the coils?? Or did you re use the coils?

@yaammum 3 жыл бұрын

Running, on our way hiding You will pay dying One thousand deaths Searching, Seek and destroy! i was paying attention to the music!

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

It was Metallica night!!

@jerlaine1638 3 жыл бұрын

man have you got me missing my old 4Runner, mine was also an 04 Sport but it was white. I was at 418k miles when I mistakenly sold it, and it legit still ran like new!!! That said Keep an eye on the center diff, they can develop a leak that will require replacement

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Brandon, thanks for the comment. Now I miss your white 4th gen too! Definitely will be watching the center diff from now on

@XxZombie6PackXx 3 жыл бұрын

Was it a V6?

@MC-eh2ot 2 жыл бұрын

Jack handle on a ratchet! Thought I was the only one lol

@doobedi 2 жыл бұрын

Does it give you that lowered look?

@mooch91 Жыл бұрын

What skid plate is that you have on there? Thanks!

@josiahnelson4373 Жыл бұрын

Where can I get the radiator/engine skid plate?

@MrMegamonkey007 3 жыл бұрын

How many hours did it takes to you to do this swap ?

@toddungan2753 3 жыл бұрын

Looking for a new skid plate...love this one. Where is it from?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tod, thanks. This is made by BudBuilt. Aluminum, bare metal: budbuilt.com/Front-Skid-Plate-2003-2009-V8-4Runner-GX470-Non-KDSS_p_685.html They do great work

@jeremygarcia7498 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video!! can you send me the the link please I have the same vehicle!! Tanks

@pacometzger8611 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the video. I've been trying to determine if the front struts have a left and right side? The part number is the same, does it matter which side they go on?

@EnigmaEngineering Жыл бұрын

Hi Paco - thanks! I do not think they have a right and left side, but a lot of Toyotas require a "Front top plate spacer" with aftermarket suspension installs to level the car out - mine didn't require this - guess I got lucky

@andryjcisneros2334 Жыл бұрын

What size of tires are you using bud ?

@boostxo1956 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there. Are you still able to use the height adjustment (up 3in/ down 2in) feature after taking off the XREAS system?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Boost. The 4Runner in this vid never had the height adjustment feature on it. The new front Bilstein shocks/struts DO have that option though

@kevins.1752 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and awesome Metallica songs. I have an 03 Limited with 320,000 kilometres. I think the factory shocks should be replaced and debated removing the Xreas and installing 5100s. Did you clean the front springs or buy new ones? Also, why didn’t you lift the front a bit to level it out? Seems to make it look better. Cheers.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks @Mr Dice! The 5100s were a big improvement over the XREAS. I just cleaned up my front springs; repainted them but it didn't make the video. The truck might get lifted/leveled in the future - I am just picky about changing more than 1 thing at a time

@e.s.1321 3 жыл бұрын

Hello there, nice rig and nice job dude. May I know plz the brand and the size of the tyres ? Thank you

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Here is the tire spec: LT265/65R-17 BFGOODRICH ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 E

@alexvandenover917 3 жыл бұрын

Why did you go with 5100 up front instead of 6112? Do you plan on using por 15 on the frame surface rust spots? Does your transfer case leak from the actuayor O ring? What kind of grease do you use in your driveshafts. Thanks, great video.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex! The 6112s were just so expensive that I did not consider them. If I were to lift the vehicle, I might have considered them. I am not a fan of POR 15; it tends to trap water and make rust worse in spots (I've tried it a few times on my hitch). I put a thick coat of FluidFilm on right after this video; happy with it so far! I think my transfer case seals are leaking slightly - not enough for me to be concerned about, seems like a problem that might get worse after attempting to fix. I use Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease (red stuff) on my drive shaft grease fittings! Thank you for your comment!

@alexvandenover917 3 жыл бұрын

@@EnigmaEngineering awesome! Thank you very much for the reply.

@mwinscott7858 2 жыл бұрын

Why not just plug the XREAS tubes, leaving it on vehicle?

@Chico-Dee1 3 жыл бұрын

What brand front skidplate are you using?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Budbuilt. Aluminum, bare metal: budbuilt.com/Front-Skid-Plate-2003-2009-V8-4Runner-GX470-Non-KDSS_p_685.html

@touchang3787 2 жыл бұрын

You want to do upgrades on my 4Runner. I live in Southeastern Wisconsin

@matthewhasentufel6874 3 жыл бұрын

Any recommendations for someone want to have about 3in of lift vs the 2.5 the 5100's offer? Tia!!

@AmbientShades 3 жыл бұрын

Seems most use spacers for that.

@hanithehimbo3382 3 жыл бұрын

seek and destroy 🤘

@dandriscoll8426 3 жыл бұрын

How much do you think labor for all of this would cost ?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

$1200 would be my guess

@nsutton6659 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the skid plate?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

It is made by BudBuilt. Aluminum, bare metal. Here is the link: budbuilt.com/Front-Skid-Plate-2003-2009-V8-4Runner-GX470-Non-KDSS_p_685.html

@TheMultisportGeek 3 жыл бұрын

The bolts break because they’re rusty right? Do you live in a snowy area with lots of road salt? How do you extract broken bolts?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! Yes, the tip of the bolt is really rusty because it is all the way through the nut and exposed on the other side of the frame, so when you try to back it out, the tip won't go through the threads and the bolt snaps. Wisconsin, we use TONS of salt here. It depends on what the bolt is made out of for extraction. Normal low grade stuff I drill a small pilot hole, then step up the bit size until I am just about hitting the threads, then clear the remaining debris out with a pliers. For really hard bolts, I just punch out the welded nut from the frame and try to drop a new nut with a welded handle on it (to prevent it from turning inside frame). Sorry for the long answer!

@ShemZ664 3 жыл бұрын

If you spray all of your fasteners with Kroil 2 days in a row before you do this project you will cut your time in half.

@treasurethetime2463 3 жыл бұрын

That xreas must really be terrible. I have an 03 limited and it feels like a tank it's so stable.

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

It was a good idea - but maybe not after 15 years of service. I think some newer high end cars have a similar system

@jameskocks4734 3 жыл бұрын

Was the front springs oem?

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I reused the springs and just repainted them! Thanks for subscribing.

@jameskocks4734 3 жыл бұрын

SEEK AND DESTROY!

@RevDevGaming Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t bother removing the sway bar just knock the end link loose and move it out of the way.

@mohammedmodaresi1174 2 жыл бұрын

Where is your location

@cesard2305 3 жыл бұрын

So is lift achieved because the shock itself is longer? If so how much lift did you gain? I believe you used your factory springs front and rear correct? Thank you for this great tutorial with torque specs!!

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Cesar. Thank you! I did not lift mine at all. The fronts can be lifted by sliding a collar along the shock body that locks into 1" incremented grooves and the spring then sits higher on the shock body. The rear shocks have no such capability because the shocks are just floating with no springs around them. To lift the rear, you would need to install beefier springs. I reused all my stock springs. Hope this helps!

@ocean34982 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have engine light on after removing XREAS?

@carlosjeepxj 3 жыл бұрын

Following

@bobbylite3667 3 жыл бұрын

Nope

@EnigmaEngineering 3 жыл бұрын

No. The XREAS system is not connected to anything electrical

@ocean34982 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@kjaxsn 9 ай бұрын

@@EnigmaEngineering so strange. seems like there's conflicting information out there across mechanics. I've been told that my dash will light up like a christmas tree if I delete X-Reas from my rig (2008, Sport). 4Wheel Parts.

@taliesinangling3564 3 жыл бұрын

4:20

@mason5540 Жыл бұрын

Fo chisel, my nizzle

@taliesinangling3564 3 жыл бұрын

6:34 stuck at this part Day two: still stuck Day three: still stuck

@damien5578 3 жыл бұрын

Get a bigger hammer lol

@taliesinangling3564 3 жыл бұрын

@@damien5578 I tried literally every dude, ended up changing it with the top hat still in there.

@damien5578 3 жыл бұрын

@@taliesinangling3564 damn bummer

@taliesinangling3564 3 жыл бұрын

@@damien5578 It’s done now thought just took three days longer than it should’ve

@damien5578 3 жыл бұрын

@@taliesinangling3564 well I hope I don't have that issue. Taking it apart now. Going good thus far. Mine doesn't have a ton of rust so I'm hoping it'll come out easily