Is KDSS really worth it?

Vwright14

Vwright14

New member
Just wondering is it really worth it or do I even really need it. I'm an occasional off roader and not even then am I doing anything hardcore. So is the runner capable without it?
Also do you have to have kdss to get the selectable locking rear diff? I've seen some used without kdss missing the button for locking the rear diff. ...unless I'm missing it.
I've seen them with atrac button but not one to lock the rear diff.
 
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rear locker is standard on trail

kdss is an option on trail

kdss has nothing to do with rear locker

drive both to see if you want kdss

there is also a lot of ONROAD benefit to kdss
 
Ok I was about to ask that. ... seems that without a trail model you can't get a rear locking diff. ..... and my main concern with kdss is long term maintenance. I'm seeing people talking about the lean and creaking. Just don't want to have to shell out major repair cost at like 80k miles or something.
Also not having/being able a rear lsd/locker in anything but a trail model just really stopped me from looking at a few SR5's. I don't care what anyone says a rear lsd or locking diff is a godsend... even in 2wd. I won't drive a truck/suv without one.
 
mattleegee said:
rear locker is standard on trail

kdss is an option on trail

kdss has nothing to do with rear locker

drive both to see if you want kdss

there is also a lot of ONROAD benefit to kdss
Click to expand...

I agree completely with what he said here. I have a 2014 Trail with KDSS, and the on-road performance is REALLY nice with KDSS. Handles better than any SUV I've ever owned (and I've owned several). In my case, it was just on the vehicle I bought, but now I'm a little spoiled by it. I drove a friends SR5 the other day just to feel the difference, and it is quite noticeable. That said, you can certainly accomplish the same thing by beefing up the suspension yourself after-market....but I guess it depends on whether or not you want to make it a hobby or not. I don't plan on doing a build, so it just works having KDSS as a factory bonus. I haven't really put the off-road capabilities of KDSS to the test yet, but I'm sure it performs as advertised. To me, it's worth it for the on road handling improvements alone. YMMV.
 
As far as modding goes, the most i would do is a level kit or spacer lift. if you can do those on the KDSS system, to fit 33in wheels and tires(275/70/18) on it. Im not loking to do a super massive build. My main concern was the maintenance and longevity of the actual KDSS system. Like all the cars with electronic/adjustable factory suspensions you see where at 80k miles the entire thing needs replaced and it rides like crap. Im heading to look at a 2012 Trail model now...30k bucks with 23k miles. Its the dark red color...only one ive seen anywhere this color as most are silver around here. So we will see what happens, I wish it had leather but seat covers can fix that and it does have NAV and sunroof. Also has the slider in the cargo area which if i do buy it its coming out as soon as we get it home lol.
 
Well working on numbers now and it already has 285/70/17 terra grapplers on it...and seems to sit higher than any other trail model I've driven. More so than just the tires would make it sit. Maybe it's just me or because Its parked around a bunch of mazdas lol. But idk if they can deal to where I want the numbers
 
Well it better be since I just bought the damn thing lol. .. but got a bumper to bumper warranty good till 85k miles just incase.
 
Vwright14 said:
Which I doubt Ill do...since i dont plan on jacking it sky high as thats not what i need.
Click to expand...

A real lift won't jack it sky high. Its actually about the same as a spacer lift. The benefit with a real lift is the better dampening characteristics for both on the road and in the dirt.
 
Oh I know just saying.... it's already at the height I was going to lift my jeep to so it's actually fine for me lol
 
Welcome from WV too! You won't regret the kdss our 11 TE has it and can feel huge difference after I drive my 08 around 99% of the time and hop in the 11 on trips or for a drive.
 
here it is next to my jeep at the dealership

Of course when the dealer "washed" it they covered the tires and step bars in the cheap plastic/tire shine so I had to wash it the next day we got it home.

 
Vwright14 said:
here it is next to my jeep at the dealership

Of course when the dealer "washed" it they covered the tires and step bars in the cheap plastic/tire shine so I had to wash it the next day we got it home.

Click to expand...

Welcome home! Hope you love it and have it for many years!:thumb:
 
Nice ride, Vwright. Opinion, if I may, protruding cheap plastic running boards must go. Congrats
 
Where you from andy2008, tapatalk doesn't show me member locations under their avatar. But yes at some point those stupid ateps gotta go! I want some metal gaurds with just a step below each door, ill have to find a pic of what I'm talking about.
 
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