My 2003 4Runner (V8 limited) has 300,000 km now (186,000 mi) and it's really becoming a rough ride. No off-roading but the shocks must need replacement and the front suspension sounds/seems 'loose' sending me sideways or to/fro when hitting any bumps at decent speed. I have learned that the shocks is the RHEAS (or something like that) system where they are tied together. The Toyota dealer quoted me a hurrendous amount to replace. After some research I see that I can probably switch to reg shocks so will probably do that. That brings me to the front suspension (the loose and rattling part I mentioned) - what are the components I should be replacing there. Does it depend or should I just do all/most of them at this point? I don't know all the components or even how to tell if they need replacement and so is why I wonder if best just to do them all - ball joints, control arms?, Or whatever else. Also, I know you don't know me (diy mechanic - done a few things on my '90 such as timing chain) but am I likely able to replace these parts myself or is it best to have a shop do? Also, what brand of such parts are best? Any recommendations in shocks? Any/all advice greatly valued and appreciated.

 

Following some add'l research I seem to have identified two decent/popular options for the shocks. Either KYB (SR4130/4131, 344410) or Bilstein (5100). Any comment on which would be the better option for this 2003 4Runner (V8 Limited)? Not doing any off-roading or anything. Also, would it be typical at this point to replace rear springs?

 

Was quoted $2800 to replace my bad x-REAS shock system - what the!??. In particular, to cap off x-REAS system (which I assume is fairly straighforward) and install bilstein 5100 shocks - how does that sound? The rear air suspension 'evidently' needs to be shut down as well - is that correct? Anyways, they seem to be saying that shutting down the x-REAS shocks also means shutting down the rear air suspension and so the $2800 includes adding springs to the back. As I try to make sense of this and call around a little bit (to get some other possible options) I have found that most (other than the $2800 place) do not seem familiar with doing anything and/or replacing these x-REAS systems (although they claim they can do). Also, this morning when I go out to the truck the entire backend has sunk - obviously the air suspension has decided to fail. One of my questions is - do I likely need to go to a place that specializes in adding expensive suspensions to 4x4's (ie. the $2800 place), or should I trust this to a shop that is mostly familiar with doing regular shocks?