Sport suspension question

[Greg Woodfin]

My son has an 05 4Runner SE with 200k+ miles and he noticed a rougher ride lately. Took it in to local tire shop and tech called to let me know all shocks were "seeping"and advised best to have Toyota dealer correct the issues. He described it has a "hydraulic", integrated suspension system involving all 4 shocks/struts (unique to Sport Editions apparently?) and it was somewhat complex and felt better to have dealer fix if I wanted to keep it "original". They have the correct "pumps" and expertise to do it right.
So, talked to a local dealer and they said haven't seen that very often but looked into it and gave me an estimate (> 5-6K if need all 4 needed), they haven't actually diagnosed it yet, but this was just me describing what I was told and getting some idea on the possible plan.
My questions is does anyone have experience with this issue and has anyone gone the more "simple" fix and bypassed the OEM with replacing shocks, etc and did it work.
The original tech that called me said he has done that approach and happy to do it (much cheaper that OEM plan), but it wasn't his 1st choice.
Thanks for any advice!
Greg
PS- plan is to keep the 4Runner since we've had it for since nearly new and it's been a good vehicle, regular maintenance, but not sure I t makes sense to spend almost 6K for something that might never really make enough difference v just put conventional shocks in place. No idea of the current value but I'm guessing about 10K?

 

[TahoeZ]

It's called X-REAS. It's a hydraulic link between all four shocks that primarily reduces body roll during fast-cornering. Personal preference regarding replacing with a traditional suspension setup. Definitely a lot cheaper and more suspension options if you replace it.

 

[Greg Woodfin]

It's called X-REAS. It's a hydraulic link between all four shocks that primarily reduces body roll during fast-cornering. Personal preference regarding replacing with a traditional suspension setup. Definitely a lot cheaper and more suspension options if you replace it.

That’s sort of what I thought and sounds like replacing rather than keep it OEM isn’t a bad idea. I read other posts on options but do you prefer certain options over others? Basically put the best traditional shocks in place and delete or override the XREAS system?
Appreciate your advice. Thanks

 

[TahoeZ]

I prefer the simplicity of a traditional setup and definitely would not repair the XREAS system. What to replace it with depends on where the vehicle will be driven and your budget. OEM/Toyota, Bilstein 5100 or KYB are good budget choices.