10-02-2017, 09:27 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 28
|
2018 TRD Pro or Offroad and KDSS question
I know this has been asked before, and I have read all the threads and dont think my question is clearly answered. As I see it the 2018 TRD Pro does not have KDSS but does have other suspension features, but what does that mean? I dont care about the moonroof, pretty badging or superficial bling, and will worry about price separately. Which is better off road, the TRD Pro without KDSS or the Offroad with KDSS. Any specific details on differences in ground clearance and wheel travel would be nice, I cant find that anywhere. Many thanks.
MBM
__________________
MBM
2007 Limited - 2012 Limited 7 Passenger - 2013 Limited 5 Passenger
2018 TRD Offroad. OME BP51 lift. 275/70R17 BFG KO2 (wrecked)
2022 TRD Offroad (Stolen)
2024 TRD Offroad
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 09:32 PM
|
#2
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 855
|
|
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 855
|
Here we go again....
__________________
2016 SW TEP, 3" BP-51s, 4.56 ECGS Gears, SSO Bumpers, Gobi, ARB Snorkel, CVT Mt Baker, CVT Awning, JBA UAA, Rezfab RLCA, Optima Blue Top, Fridge, Airbags, full RCI skids, Borla cat-back, and KDSS
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 09:38 PM
|
#3
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Reston, VA
Posts: 277
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Reston, VA
Posts: 277
|
If I were you I'd buy both and do a direct compare. Only way to really know. If you can document with video, post here and let us know. Thanks.
__________________
2015 TuRD Pro -- Attitude "GLITTER" Black
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 09:41 PM
|
#4
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NE US
Posts: 305
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NE US
Posts: 305
|
2018 TRD Pro or Offroad and KDSS question
“It all depends what you want and how you will use it.” From my personal experience and what I’ve read on here, (no disrespect) the Pro is only worth the money if you’re going to run stock and/or get the unique color for that year (one color per year is TRD Pro specific). Too many people buy them and then rip out the suspension and wheels and they are left with an overpriced bunch of accessories that we can buy from the dealership. I knew I was going to lift my ‘17 so I did not have interest in KDSS or a Pro. I would love a Pro specific color, but not in the budget for me just for the paint job. Most people do love their KDSS. I for one have never driven one and I refuse to, because I knew I wanted to lift and I’m sure I would sadly love the KDSS. I am probably wrong here, but I think that if you’re properly lifting and using quality springs, you won’t notice the benefits of KDSS as much. In my simple mind, seems like money wasted; hence my TRD Off Road without KDSS and lifted by ICON.
I’m far from an expert, just sharing opinions based on research. Best of luck.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 10:11 PM
|
#5
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 18
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 18
|
I test drove both with and without kdss and think the kdss is awesome and was reminded how awesome doing some switch backs the other day. Will only be lifting 3 inches or less so I don't need to worry about ripping out kdss.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 10:23 PM
|
#6
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Keller TX
Posts: 443
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Keller TX
Posts: 443
|
Sorry to say this topic has been covered... quite in depth... many times. Use Google, type in "5th gen 4runner KDSS vs no KDSS" or something along those lines... you should get several hits at least.
Short answer - only you know if you need/want it or not. I like mine, but I'm a pavement princess most of the time. If you're serious about hitting the dirt with some major upgrades to suspension, then I wouldn't spend the money on it. Dig a little more on Google... you'll find what you're looking for.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2017 Porsche Macan GTS - Carmine Red w/ matching side blades
2014 Black TEP w/ KDSS / nFab steps / Yakima Cross Bars / Bilstein 5100s (front at 1.75) / 1 inch rear Cornfed Spacers / FN Countersteer Type X / Nitto Terra Grappler G2s 265/70/R17 / RCI Aluminum (front) Skid - sold
2011 Silver Limited - sold
2007 SE Shadow Mica - sold
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 10:35 PM
|
#7
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 489
|
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 489
|
Ditto what this guy said. I like my KDSS, I'm mainly onroad and it's awesome, if I do lift it'll only be 3". Just get the KDSS, you'll be happy you did.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mybabydaddy
Sorry to say this topic has been covered... quite in depth... many times. Use Google, type in "5th gen 4runner KDSS vs no KDSS" or something along those lines... you should get several hits at least.
Short answer - only you know if you need/want it or not. I like mine, but I'm a pavement princess most of the time. If you're serious about hitting the dirt with some major upgrades to suspension, then I wouldn't spend the money on it. Dig a little more on Google... you'll find what you're looking for.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
__________________
2016 T4R Trail - Rogue
Nitto TG2 285/70/17, Toytec Ultimate Lift, AFE CAI, Borla CAT BACK, URD MAF Cal, Sprint Booster
Pepe 2008 T4R V6
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 10:37 PM
|
#8
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 28
|
Keep the comments coming
Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. So many other threads on this and none really answer the answer on which is better off road. Talked to 3 different sales guys that couldn't explain KDSS vs. TRD Pro. Also incidentally where I live in Toronto area no dealers stock either. They are all special order and so no opportunity to test drive - they expect me to simply pay and order - so I am in your hands. My principal need is to be both a daily drive that can also go up and down an ATV trail to a hunt camp, hauling way too much gear then I really wont use.
__________________
MBM
2007 Limited - 2012 Limited 7 Passenger - 2013 Limited 5 Passenger
2018 TRD Offroad. OME BP51 lift. 275/70R17 BFG KO2 (wrecked)
2022 TRD Offroad (Stolen)
2024 TRD Offroad
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 10:48 PM
|
#9
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 335
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 335
|
I did the TRD Off Road without KDSS. When I drove both back to back I didn’t find it as worthwhile. When I upgraded the suspension to heavier duty shocks and springs, it felt as good as the KDSS if not better. Feels wayyyy more planned now. If I planned to leave stock I would’ve gone Pro or KDSS.
__________________
2017 MGM TRD Off Road - Method NV w/ 285/70r17 Toyo R/T, Toytec Boss 2.5 Performance w/ Reservoir Front, Bilstein 5100 w/ Toytec Coils Rear, TC UCA's, Budbuilt Sliders
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:01 PM
|
#10
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 103
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 103
|
This has been covered before on the forum so a search can get you more detail.
In a nutshell, you should test drive an off-road with and without KDSS to see what you prefer or can tolerate. I can't stand the on-road handling without KDSS, I can deal with the on-road manners with. I test drove both before buying.
In terms of TRD Pro, I agree with the earlier comment that it only makes sense vs. a TRD Off-Road Premium if you are going to run stock. Otherwise, you will throw away the suspension if you do a major suspension lift (not a spacer lift), which is the main benefit of the TRD Pro over the Off-Road, IMHO.
The Pro does have some minor other improvements/differences - TRD Pro wheels, better off-road tires, autodimming dash, auto headlights, better front skid plate, and different grill. You can get the different grill later, but it is $800 or so. Wheels are about a $1,000, tires are about $1200 or so. You can fairly easily make the dash autodim too, there are threads on this. You can also get the skid, but if you have KDSS you'll have to cut the skid plate to fit around the KDSS sway bar. Auto-headlights are doable but look like a pain.
I think that's about it
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:15 PM
|
#11
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roseville
Posts: 216
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roseville
Posts: 216
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbmellis
Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. So many other threads on this and none really answer the answer on which is better off road. Talked to 3 different sales guys that couldn't explain KDSS vs. TRD Pro. Also incidentally where I live in Toronto area no dealers stock either. They are all special order and so no opportunity to test drive - they expect me to simply pay and order - so I am in your hands. My principal need is to be both a daily drive that can also go up and down an ATV trail to a hunt camp, hauling way too much gear then I really wont use.
|
You won't get a clear cut answer as to which is "better" off-road so you will probably continue to be answerless. There is no answer to this question because it's personal preference and really boils down to how YOU operate the vehicle off-road. But hey, keep hoping; and this topic has been discussed many times before and it usually ends with written arguments and someone's feelings getting hurt.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:17 PM
|
#12
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 103
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 103
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbmellis
Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. So many other threads on this and none really answer the answer on which is better off road. Talked to 3 different sales guys that couldn't explain KDSS vs. TRD Pro. Also incidentally where I live in Toronto area no dealers stock either. They are all special order and so no opportunity to test drive - they expect me to simply pay and order - so I am in your hands. My principal need is to be both a daily drive that can also go up and down an ATV trail to a hunt camp, hauling way too much gear then I really wont use.
|
Oops, I missed the fact that you can't test drive. If you are mostly on-road, I'd get the ORP with KDSS and at the minimum swap to a proper A/T tire like a BFG TA/KO2 or Duratracs, or Open Country C/T or similar. Both vehicles are extremely capable off road and can be modified to be even more so.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:27 PM
|
#13
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: CO
Posts: 403
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: CO
Posts: 403
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbmellis
I know this has been asked before, and I have read all the threads and dont think my question is clearly answered. As I see it the 2018 TRD Pro does not have KDSS but does have other suspension features, but what does that mean? I dont care about the moonroof, pretty badging or superficial bling, and will worry about price separately. Which is better off road, the TRD Pro without KDSS or the Offroad with KDSS. Any specific details on differences in ground clearance and wheel travel would be nice, I cant find that anywhere. Many thanks.
MBM
|
As others have said, the answers are all here in this forum, I found them before I decided to buy my Trail Premium and turn it into a TRD.
That being said, KDSS has a bit less ground clearance in the area around the lower shock mount, but is otherwise the same (diff height, etc.). KDSS affords some additional articulation of the suspension under low-speed conditions, though I can't recall exactly how much (I do recall it being surprising how much it was). Some report KDSS to be harsh in washboard, but KDSS rules on-road (odd to me that Toyota markets it only as an off-road advantage).
Without knowing the exact kind of roads you'll be frequenting, it's impossible to say what you 'need'. If you're not planning on doing any fancy lifts, KDSS isn't a problem, though finding someone to work on it in Canada would likely prove difficult (not that your'e likely to need it).
If I were you, I'd get the Pro or non-KDSS Off Road.
__________________
[1986 Toyota XtraCab, 1990 4Runner SR5, 2003 Seqouia SR5] 2016 SuperWhite 4Runner TRD Trail
ToyTec 1" TRD Spring Seats, both set at top perch (2" lift) | Wheelers/Eibach T-13 1.5" rear coils | Cooper AT3 275/70-R17 tires | TRD Skidplate KDSS mod (cutouts) | Smittybuilt BeaverStep w/grip tape | Rola Vertex cargo basket w/AT Low-Profile mounts | ARB Differential/E-locker Breathers | Rotopax 2x 2gal fuel, 2x 2gal water
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:31 PM
|
#14
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Myrtle Creek, OR
Posts: 2
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Myrtle Creek, OR
Posts: 2
|
Suspension differences
It is my considered opinion (after viewing many videos),the main difference in the suspensions sited is that the KDSS is a form of hydraulic ride leveling system - you know, make your ride less violent while off-roading. The suspension on the 2018 TRD PRO 4Runner, I just bought one, is fitted with Bilstien nitrogen charged shocks. It is my understanding that the shocks on the PRO are designed to handle serious off road obstacles without failing due to overheating.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-02-2017, 11:37 PM
|
#15
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Arizona
Posts: 213
|
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Arizona
Posts: 213
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TRDnonPRO
It is my considered opinion (after viewing many videos),the main difference in the suspensions sited is that the KDSS is a form of hydraulic ride leveling system - you know, make your ride less violent while off-roading. The suspension on the 2018 TRD PRO 4Runner, I just bought one, is fitted with Bilstien nitrogen charged shocks. It is my understanding that the shocks on the PRO are designed to handle serious off road obstacles without failing due to overheating.
|
Ride leveling system? No.... It has nothing to do with ride level. It's a sway bar system that affects body roll due to body "sway" on road and also helps with low speed off road axle articulation. Ride level is not a factor.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|