2017 TRD OR with KDSS: Toyota dealer or off road shop for lift/wheels/tires?

[benhalleniii]

Hey there. I'm new to the forum and just bought a 2017 TRD OR and working on wheels/tires at the moment.

Since my truck has KDSS I'm wondering if I should be going to a Toyota dealer to install a lift on the 4R since it has KDSS or do you think that it's not beyond a local off road shop's ability? Meaning, does the fact that it has KDSS make it too complicated for a tech who isn't familiar with it? Looking to do the Bilstein 5100 mod.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!


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[kevinb_NJ]

Hey there. I'm new to the forum and just bought a 2017 TRD OR and working on wheels/tires at the moment.

Since my truck has KDSS I'm wondering if I should be going to a Toyota dealer to install a lift on the 4R since it has KDSS or do you think that it's not beyond a local off road shop's ability? Meaning, does the fact that it has KDSS make it too complicated for a tech who isn't familiar with it? Looking to do the Bilstein 5100 mod.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!


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First off, welcome! You'll probably get 100 different opinions on here and also a few people telling you to do a search for wheels/tires and lifts "there's tons of info bro if you only look".

Most reputable 4x4 shops will be able to deal with KDSS, I don't actually think its that hard even for the DIY guys (I didn't have KDSS so I don't know really). The one thing to consider is if you've got a warranty and if going to an outside shop might void said warranty.

Good luck and make sure you share some pictures!

 

[Jivewalker]

I have KDSS and did the shocks replacement myself. There is a write up by SP8BALL somewhere on here. I didn't lift, but the KDSS wasn't hard to work around for the shocks. I'd say it depends on how high you are going.

 

[osideplayer]

There is a detailed write up. Ask the shop first, if they know what KDSS- then follow up if they know how to work on it.

 

[Angelo]

I have KDSS and did the lift myself. Whichever route you go between dealer or shop, the most important thing is to make sure they have experience lifting and aligning IFS- experience with KDSS is a definite plus.

Before you pull the trigger, make sure you are familiar with the procedure to loosen the pressure in the KDSS system by using the bolts underneath the cover on the drivers side frame rail. Metal Tech has a write up on it floating around (pdf) specifically for the 4R, and ARB has a Youtube video where they describe the procedure on a LC to even out a lean after installing a lift, but it's the same KDSS system. It's possible to do the lift without releasing pressure on the KDSS but wrestling with those hydraulics is a bear and will effect whether or not you need a spacer to even out a lean afterwards.

Good luck man.

 

[benhalleniii]

Thanks all!

Hey I will search for the KDSS specific write up. And thanks for not just giving me the "just google it bro" treatment! Looking forward to spending more hours on here.

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[WRM1]

I have KDSS and did the lift myself. Whichever route you go between dealer or shop, the most important thing is to make sure they have experience lifting and aligning IFS- experience with KDSS is a definite plus.

Before you pull the trigger, make sure you are familiar with the procedure to loosen the pressure in the KDSS system by using the bolts underneath the cover on the drivers side frame rail. Metal Tech has a write up on it floating around (pdf) specifically for the 4R, and ARB has a Youtube video where they describe the procedure on a LC to even out a lean after installing a lift, but it's the same KDSS system. It's possible to do the lift without releasing pressure on the KDSS but wrestling with those hydraulics is a bear and will effect whether or not you need a spacer to even out a lean afterwards.

Good luck man.

I installed a 2" front lift on my 2010 Trail with KDSS and never had to wrestle with the KDSS hydraulics. I just unbolted the sway bar and installed the new springs/shocks, then reconnected the sway bar. It's a lot easier to get it all together if you put the wheels back on and put weight on the front wheels. I didn't have any lean at all.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

Hey I will search for the KDSS specific write up. And thanks for not just giving me the "just google it bro" treatment! Looking forward to spending more hours on here.

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You definitely don’t want to mess with the valves on the KDSS. Seems like most that do complain about absurd lean soon thereafter. I’ve had mine lifted for about 40k miles and no lean. Make sure they set the front shocks to the same height and you’ll be good.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

I have KDSS and did the lift myself. Whichever route you go between dealer or shop, the most important thing is to make sure they have experience lifting and aligning IFS- experience with KDSS is a definite plus.

Before you pull the trigger, make sure you are familiar with the procedure to loosen the pressure in the KDSS system by using the bolts underneath the cover on the drivers side frame rail. Metal Tech has a write up on it floating around (pdf) specifically for the 4R, and ARB has a Youtube video where they describe the procedure on a LC to even out a lean after installing a lift, but it's the same KDSS system. It's possible to do the lift without releasing pressure on the KDSS but wrestling with those hydraulics is a bear and will effect whether or not you need a spacer to even out a lean afterwards.

Good luck man.

Fake news

 

[Jivewalker]

I concur, no need to mess with pressure valves. Just put a bottle jack under the piston, unbolt the brackets, and lower the bottle jack a little to roll the brackets back enough for tab to release. Opposite to re-attach.

For the install, try to have 2 jacks. A floor jack for the LCA and a bottle or floor jjack for the KDSS piston. Use some wood to bl;ock the hub up. there is a good write up on here with instructions. See attached. I didnt write these and reccomend you fully understand what you are doing, springs have a good bit of tension on them!!!

 

[Angelo]

Fake news

[MENTION=497568]benhalleniii[/MENTION] Definitely not saying you have to go this way, but it definitely ain't fake news. There are two options- either release some of the pressure in the system, or use jacks or the truck's weight to manipulate the LCA / KDSS sway bar coupling back together. Either way, again, good luck!

https://www.metaltech4x4.com/content/KDSS Instructions Prado_4Runner.pdf

:hatsoff: