I am purchasing a new 4R and wI have spent several months researching which truck would work best for my needs. I am a landscape and wildlife photographer with a considerable amount of gear which can range from 100lbs-300lbs. My desire is to get into deep areas of the back-country where trying to backpack in would be to difficult.

Here is my confusion lies; I have test driven the Off Road w/out KDSS and the Off Road Premium w/ KDSS. Bone stock the Off Road w/out KDSS is way more supple over the road imperfections. Today's test drive between the two different models I was comfortable at 40mph going in and exiting off ramps at 40mph. I have read the Non-KDSS vs. KDSS threads and on paper the KDSS wins, but after driving both stock versions I prefer the Non-KDSS. But after modifying it, how will that change things?

What I don't know and would greatly appreciate is, those 4R owners with experience and knowledge would offer their help. After modifying the 4R with a lift and either some or all the mods listed below will the Non-KDSS ride stay the same quality, improve with a good suspension lift or will body roll worsen? Same questions for KDSS model? My thinking is not how the 4R it is setup from the factory, but what I will be doing with it.

From the onset I will add a small lift- 2"-2/5" King suspension lift and 285/70/17 tires.

The rest of my build ideas at this point are unfinalized and are under consideration and added as needed and as budget allows:
Body Armor
Front Bumper w/ winch (C4 Fab Lo Pro)
Roof Rack
Lighting
Rear Bumper
Dual Batteries

Additional weight for my trips will include camping gear, cooler, snowboard gear and I will build a platform for sleeping inside the 4R along the trip and gear storage below. I plan on pulling out the rear seats to increase storage space.


TiA,

Doug

Go with non-kdss if that’s what you feel drives better. KDSS is most noticeable when cornering at speed when the system limits body roll. During my test drives the firmness at speed and the supple articulation at low speed sold me on KDSS. I’m running around 900lbs of stuff and KDSS is a huge help on the hwy.

I'm lifted on KING coils, with 285 tires, rear bumper, 2nd batt...etc. and my T4R is with KDSS. On-road manners are still impressive given what's on the truck, and I know I drive into ramps and turns way faster than I should be... so +1 for KDSS

On washboards and road imperfections I somehow get the feeling it could ride more supple without KDSS (in my mind the stiffer sway bars being active by default at this speed are transmitting the harshness to both wheel sides).. I may be splitting hairs and can't/ haven't proven this is true in any way.. so possibly a -1 for KDSS.

verdict: get the one with the better deal. If you can save a pretty penny without KDSS, yes, if not, why miss out?

There is no clear answer. Both work, both have pros and cons depending on your priorities.

- The KDSS will handle better on the road when cornering and making abrupt maneuvers. So if you live up in the mountains with lots of aggressive switchback high speed turns, KDSS will shine. It also helps with body roll when you have the roof loaded up. And if you like to drive a 5k SUV like a sports car (most don't).

- The KDSS will articulate more at low speed off-road trails, this typically results in more traction and stability in technical terrain.

- The non KDSS will ride better over uneven terrain at speed. So if you spend a lot of time over 15mph on rough dirt or even paved roads... the non-KDSS will shine in those conditions.

Since you are buying a brand new truck.. the reliability of KDSS is not that much of a concern as it should last for at least 100k trouble free, but if you plan to keep the truck for 10+ years... I would consider potential failure a concern as it can be very problematic to get serviced or repaired. Dealers just don't know anything about it and it is a one off system unique to each vehicle.

I personally prefer non-KDSS. But I'm not the avg buyer and I cheat in a way in that I can quick disconnect my front sway bar for extended offroad use. This allows my truck to really soften up at all speeds when desired.

Also, suspension choice could change slightly with or without KDSS. KDSS should do a little better with more progressive dampening and a softer (taller) spring. Non-KDSS would work a little better with digressive heavy spring.. It's splitting hairs, but it turns out each result is different depending on these seemingly small differences.

If I could make a small suggesting on your build plans...skip the rear bumper if you can. All that weight hurts and you gain very little upside. If you must. go aluminum. Keep the tire weight down low and under if possible. Just a suggestion.. obviously everyone gets to build up what they want.

if you prefer the ride without KDSS, get it without KDSS, seems like an easy decision for you

Good advice, x2 on that!
In my case I prefer the controlled ride with KDSS -could not stand the body roll especially with trailer without it.
Get what you like!