Originally Posted by CS223

Thought I'd post this info from the 4Runner production spec sheet for folks so that it might come up in a search. There's a number of threads on the KDSS system and folks preferring it due to the improved highway handling. But as I learned in my research, that improved highway handling isn't a result of the KDSS system itself but rather the components, specifically the sway bars used in the system. Don't know if there is any cross compatibility for those wanting to alter handling characteristics. The diameter info should be useful for future bushing replacement.

Front Stabilizer Bar Diameters

4x2 1.22"

4x4 1.18"
4x4 W/KDSS 1.68"
4x4 Limited 1.22" w/X-REAS

Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameters

4x4 0.787"
4x4 W/KDSS 1.18"

Originally Posted by 05Rrunner

Yes that's the sole function of KDSS is to give a good handling street vehicle with those large diameter sway bars and loosen them up offroad to allow more travel than it would normally have with a heavy bar like that. The non-KDSS swaybar's are a compromise between on road and off-road and have traditional swaybar links like the FJ cruiser and Tacoma and so on and are easily modified if you want quick disconnects for real off road travel with extended length shocks. The limiting factor on the KDSS system of course is the hydraulic cylinders that link the frame to the swaybar. No matter how much travel your shock or suspension has these links are the limiting factor and one reason why you will not find this system on the pro model or the FJ cruiser.

Originally Posted by 05Rrunner

I'm actually grateful for the pro KDSS fanboys and Toyota, I've had 5 5th gen 4runners , trail editions and now TRD off-road and I special ordered each one without KDSS. The reason I'm happy that most of them have it is it drives the overall transaction price higher it translates to higher resale and people on the used car market most have no idea. When I sold my 2013 the person asked me about KDSS I said mine did not have it , he said he was looking at one that had it and he was thinking about buying that one. I said do yourself a favor call the dealerships Toyota and Lexus and ask them how much to repair a small leak and service your KDSS system now that it's out of warranty. He said that's a good idea. After two days he called me up and said that was very frustrating nobody knows what it is and the people that did scared me with the prices, why would anybody buy that? I replied yeah but it rides better on the street and he said I'm not buying it for its street ride there's a lot better vehicles for that. I said I agree he bought it at my asking price because he could not find another one. Remember big expensive complicated options on the front end sometimes hurt resale on the backend.
In the future when these trucks are worn out and people want to modify them they're going to be looking for the 4Runner with the locking rear axle without any of that complicated suspension junk xreas and KDSS That's just common sense

Originally Posted by EddieV4runnin

I doubt it's complicated to repair. You want dealership techs you're gonna pay dealership money (Not always the best). There are plenty of good shops out there with the experience to service the system.

I have it on my 4Runner and love the damn thing.

Originally Posted by 05Rrunner

I'm actually grateful for the pro KDSS fanboys and Toyota, I've had 5 5th gen 4runners , trail editions and now TRD off-road and I special ordered each one without KDSS. The reason I'm happy that most of them have it is it drives the overall transaction price higher it translates to higher resale and people on the used car market most have no idea. When I sold my 2013 the person asked me about KDSS I said mine did not have it , he said he was looking at one that had it and he was thinking about buying that one. I said do yourself a favor call the dealerships Toyota and Lexus and ask them how much to repair a small leak and service your KDSS system now that it's out of warranty. He said that's a good idea. After two days he called me up and said that was very frustrating nobody knows what it is and the people that did scared me with the prices, why would anybody buy that? I replied yeah but it rides better on the street and he said I'm not buying it for its street ride there's a lot better vehicles for that. I said I agree he bought it at my asking price because he could not find another one. Remember big expensive complicated options on the front end sometimes hurt resale on the backend.
In the future when these trucks are worn out and people want to modify them they're going to be looking for the 4Runner with the locking rear axle without any of that complicated suspension junk xreas and KDSS That's just common sense

Originally Posted by 05Rrunner

I'm actually grateful for the pro KDSS fanboys and Toyota, I've had 5 5th gen 4runners , trail editions and now TRD off-road and I special ordered each one without KDSS. The reason I'm happy that most of them have it is it drives the overall transaction price higher it translates to higher resale and people on the used car market most have no idea. When I sold my 2013 the person asked me about KDSS I said mine did not have it , he said he was looking at one that had it and he was thinking about buying that one. I said do yourself a favor call the dealerships Toyota and Lexus and ask them how much to repair a small leak and service your KDSS system now that it's out of warranty. He said that's a good idea. After two days he called me up and said that was very frustrating nobody knows what it is and the people that did scared me with the prices, why would anybody buy that? I replied yeah but it rides better on the street and he said I'm not buying it for its street ride there's a lot better vehicles for that. I said I agree he bought it at my asking price because he could not find another one. Remember big expensive complicated options on the front end sometimes hurt resale on the backend.
In the future when these trucks are worn out and people want to modify them they're going to be looking for the 4Runner with the locking rear axle without any of that complicated suspension junk xreas and KDSS That's just common sense

Originally Posted by wfo9

I'm not a KDSS hater, It has pros and cons... and it makes some good sense on a brand new vehicle... I might even choose it for certain use cases.. But you will never find an independent shop willing to touch it.

After 150k or so you are rolling the dice with it... Overall it is a good system. It's just the cost of repair and lack of parts and experience with it that sucks. It's also generally awkward to deal with for other suspension related repairs.