skydiver
New member
So the Pro doesn't come with KDSS, so I'm assuming it's going to roll more on the street, no? Doesn't the upgraded suspension components make up for that or not?
4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium vs. TRD Pro
- Thread starter skydiver
- Start date
So the Pro doesn't come with KDSS, so I'm assuming it's going to roll more on the street, no? Doesn't the upgraded suspension components make up for that or not?
ToyoT4R
Member
The Pro has softer suspension and will roll a little more but I won't be commuting with this car so it didn't matter as much to me.
A sway bar is detrimental to articulation and wheel travel when going off road when it gets gnarly. You want the option to disconnect. Think of KDSS as automatic sway bar disconnect under proper conditions.(kind of)
The Pro will still have sway bars to combat roll. The upgraded suspension may give you more travel and clearance off road, negating the need for KDSS.
I have KDSS and a little lift...this works well for me.
mcox522
New member
By no means am I trying to chase off new people. The fact that you started a new thread asking a question that has been beaten to death is why I did that. I was being sarcastic, hard to tell though sometimes on forums. I linked you to that search hoping you could find the info you are looking for. Believe me, it's in there. I had the same questions as you and that is where I found my answers. FYI, if our moderator didn't just retire, he probably would have merged this thread it, closed it, and provided a link for you to follow.
BTW, I have a red tail premium with kdss and it rides great. I don't think you'll be upset if you go this route and you can find one.
skydiver
New member
Right right. Ultimately the problem is that there are no black or red's with KDSS without having to drive 15-24 hours away. And it's a 5-6 *estimated* wait for an '18. So I'm more or less relegated to getting an Off-Road Premium without KDSS and doing some aftermarket suspension work done.
ToyoT4R
Member
Unless you get really lucky, seems that many people travel far, often out of state to get the 4Runner they want. My dealer has had people fly in from the east coast to pick up their cars. I got lucky but still had to buy sight unseen as it was still on a ship on the Pacific when I paid for it. I still haven't received the car yet.
Whether you go with a Pro or Trail Premium I'm sure you won't regret getting a 4Runner.
skydiver
New member
It's all good. Just researching around it's funny. In some areas/regions people love the KDSS and in others they don't. I'd like to get it, it just doesn't like it's going to happen unless I drive across the country to get it, heh.
RedSled
New member
My wife has been looking for a 4-Runner, so we were out today looking at some. We did see a TRD Offroad in silver, we both fell for it, but the sticker said $42030.00, and another sticker saying dealer marked up $2999.00 so $45,000 + tax, lic. and so on. We did not buy this, but she did get a SR5 Premium 4x4 in silver so she is a happy girl, and that makes me a happy man.
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mcox522
New member
I was looking for two months until I found mine. I originally wanted white, but I found the red for about 2500 less and had to jump on it. I'm glad I did because in my area I see so many white ones. Take your time and don't settle, it's a huge purchase.
I test drove a TRD Off Road w/ KDSS and one without pretty much back to back. The KDSS feels more planted for sure, but I still opted out of it.
After about 1000 miles I installed a full new suspension with firmer 650lb front springs and not only do I have the 3" of lift, I'd compare the ride very comparable to a KDSS 4Runner now. I'd say it matches it in cornering, but is probably not quite at that level on bumps. I'm very happy and have no regrets going with my non KDSS.
Only if you plan to mod the suspension. Otherwise it offers a slightly better on road ride even though that's not its purpose lol
skydiver
New member
What made you go without it? That's kinda where I'm at, I know I can get the red in Premium and then I could just do some suspension mods and it'd be a lot better than stock.
Just looking around, it looks like when the KDSS breaks, it's fairly pricey to fix.
I've also toyed around with maybe a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V8. But just looking at them I am just not feeling the whole body style, you know?
It sounds like the KDSS is pretty reliable, but having done some desolate adventuring via motorcycle and knowing how anything breaks can wreak major havoc, I didn't find it worth it. I did a 3000 mile trip through Baja with my wife on a motorcycle and plan to do the same on a 4runner eventually. Stuff like that was in the back of my mind.
A lot of people with KDSS really seem to swear by it and that's fine. It's really just a personal preference and ones goals for the vehicle. I paid cash for my 4runner so it certainly wasn't a $ issue.
I personally couldn't tell anyone what they do and don't prefer in regards to KDSS as it's a personal choice. I am surprised how many people that do have KDSS seem to feel as strong as they do about it. If I wasn't going to lift it and had no major plan of actual desolate adventuring, I would have KDSS.
I understand the keep it simple method and generally agree.
That said, kdss was developed for the land cruiser. There aren't many places I wouldn't feel comfortable driving a well equipped LC200 except maybe tight trails. KDSS doesn't have a reputation for being fragile in any regard.
I wish I had it on my pro.
That said, kdss was developed for the land cruiser. There aren't many places I wouldn't feel comfortable driving a well equipped LC200 except maybe tight trails. KDSS doesn't have a reputation for being fragile in any regard.
I wish I had it on my pro.
Nostrathomas
New member
I dealt with the same issue a few months ago.
TRD Pro - MSRP + $$$ if you can find it.
Trail - MRSP +/- and a great platform to build what you want/need.
TRD Pro - MSRP + $$$ if you can find it.
Trail - MRSP +/- and a great platform to build what you want/need.
Spudgey
New member
I miraculously found a Red 2016 Trail Premium on the lot last month up here in Denver. It had exactly the build I wanted too! Sunroof, non-kdss, and rubber floor mats. MSRP was around 40k and I ended up buying it for 36500.
I chose to not go with KDSS for two reasons.
First, because you lose an inch of ground clearance in the front with the KDSS.
Second, due to ease of working on the vehicle. I want to be able to work on the suspension as I see fit and in my opinion the kdss added extra complexity.
Don't get me wrong, KDSS is great and it works well. I was able to test drive a KDSS 4runner and a non-kdss and the effects of the system were noticeable. At the end of the day though the better handling wasn't enough for me to justify getting it.
I briefly looked at the Pro model, but for me I couldn't justify the extra expense and I wanted that sweet sunroof/rear window down driving experience. It's seriously one of my favorite things about this truck.
Anyway, best of luck in your search. Just know that your truck is out there somewhere. I was looking for about a month before I found mine.
I chose to not go with KDSS for two reasons.
First, because you lose an inch of ground clearance in the front with the KDSS.
Second, due to ease of working on the vehicle. I want to be able to work on the suspension as I see fit and in my opinion the kdss added extra complexity.
Don't get me wrong, KDSS is great and it works well. I was able to test drive a KDSS 4runner and a non-kdss and the effects of the system were noticeable. At the end of the day though the better handling wasn't enough for me to justify getting it.
I briefly looked at the Pro model, but for me I couldn't justify the extra expense and I wanted that sweet sunroof/rear window down driving experience. It's seriously one of my favorite things about this truck.
Anyway, best of luck in your search. Just know that your truck is out there somewhere. I was looking for about a month before I found mine.
Jetboy
New member
FWIW - There's no difference in ground clearance. It's an illusion.
Glad you found a 4runner that was right for you!
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