Is KDSS really worth it?

[Throwback]

I actually traded my '14 with KDSS in for one without. It definitely rides stiffer and for spirited winding highway driving it's great.

Otherwise I don't like how much bumpier normal daily driving is with it, and especially how much bumpier off road driving is if you're not crawling.

Riding 15mph on washboard dirt roads will rattle your fillings out in a KDSS truck.

 

[JuanMorales84]

I have a new 18 4Runner TRD Off Road KDSS, does any one know if adding a suspension lift voids manufacture warranty?

 

[SirWilliamGoes]

NO!!

I have driven 50k with 70 30 split on road and off. It handles good but I can't tell a huge difference between the standard 4runner trail (Ive also worked selling Toyota since 2011). I also feel as if it is stiffer to one side over the other. as far as off road, I have seen some pretty good flexibility but I'm not sold that the amount given is that tremendous. Due to the KDSS the front sits a good bit lower vausing it to scrape everything and makes it harder to equip with skid. If the system breaks or goes out I've been told $2800.

If I had it to so all over again I would have gotten the standard trail, the sunroof is awful idea for heavy off-road, I've had my track replaced as well as the glass itself due to leaks. The price is better too!

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[SirWilliamGoes]

I actually traded my '14 with KDSS in for one without. It definitely rides stiffer and for spirited winding highway driving it's great.

Otherwise I don't like how much bumpier normal daily driving is with it, and especially how much bumpier off road driving is if you're not crawling.

Riding 15mph on washboard dirt roads will rattle your fillings out in a KDSS truck.

I have been considering this myself. I'm wondering if I could remove it someway?

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[Jetboy]

NO!!

I have driven 50k with 70 30 split on road and off. It handles good but I can't tell a huge difference between the standard 4runner trail (Ive also worked selling Toyota since 2011). I also feel as if it is stiffer to one side over the other. as far as off road, I have seen some pretty good flexibility but I'm not sold that the amount given is that tremendous. Due to the KDSS the front sits a good bit lower vausing it to scrape everything and makes it harder to equip with skid. If the system breaks or goes out I've been told $2800.

If I had it to so all over again I would have gotten the standard trail, the sunroof is awful idea for heavy off-road, I've had my track replaced as well as the glass itself due to leaks. The price is better too!

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The front does not sit lower. The TRD Pro skid fits on both models. It's an option on the 18 model to have the TRD Pro skid installed by the dealer. This is a myth that just won't die. All you have to do is look at the bottom.

The spring rate is similar side to side. There's no difference.

If you've had the sunroof replaced in 50k miles I think you're the only one. Lots of 4runners and land cruisers with hundreds of thousands of dirt miles with sunroofs.

 

[CO86T4R]

I'm in the market for a 2014-2016 Trail Premium, sort of on the fence about KDSS. Regardless, it seems most dealers around here (Colorado) are not totally aware of KDSS being an option. I have inquired about 3 different vehicles, asking whether they had KDSS (it was not listed as an option in the Autotrader ads). They all replied that they did in fact have KDSS. Now I'm wondering if I should ask at least $1750 off the price if I find one without KDSS...

 

[mscot]

I'm in the market for a 2014-2016 Trail Premium, sort of on the fence about KDSS. Regardless, it seems most dealers around here (Colorado) are not totally aware of KDSS being an option. I have inquired about 3 different vehicles, asking whether they had KDSS (it was not listed as an option in the Autotrader ads). They all replied that they did in fact have KDSS. Now I'm wondering if I should ask at least $1750 off the price if I find one without KDSS...

I went through the same thing. Salesmen just don't know much about these trucks and what is offered. Try calling Stephensens West ask for Brad (sales mgr) to connect you to someone knowledgeable.
That said, you're not going to get an extra 1750 off a new 4R. I assure you that KDSS is listed on the sticker price if its included.

 

[Islandchanel]

I wish the train came with a 3rd row

 

[Ripper238]

I'm planning on buying a TRD with KDSS mainly because it's been 15 years since I've had a truck/SUV. And I tend to drive spiritedly on the highway but still want off-road capabilities so it seems like the best option.

It seems like the consensus is that it's a great option if you're not doing any major lift to it, or suspension changes.

Sorry again for bumping an old thread but I still haven't reached the 15 post count to make my own thread. Lol

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[SpeedyKevin]

I'm planning on buying a TRD with KDSS mainly because it's been 15 years since I've had a truck/SUV. And I tend to drive spiritedly on the highway but still want off-road capabilities so it seems like the best option.

It seems like the consensus is that it's a great option if you're not doing any major lift to it, or suspension changes.

Sorry again for bumping an old thread but I still haven't reached the 15 post count to make my own thread. Lol

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I personally am pleased with it.

Also, I have seen several folks who have KDSS lift and make space for 35s with no issue. I'm not ready for that yet but have done a 2" lift on mine. But one day...

 

[Ripper238]

I personally am pleased with it.

Also, I have seen several folks who have KDSS lift and make space for 35s with no issue. I'm not ready for that yet but have done a 2" lift on mine. But one day...

Good to hear!

Cool, i would only want to lift it 2" or so sometime in the future for 35's.

 

[KCZ**]

I'm looking at new 4Runners and yesterday took a couple of test drives. I'm coming from an Xterra PRO-4X and my normal driving is about 50% winter crap, 40% rutted up dirt roads, and 10% highway. I took a 4R ORP out first, no KDSS (salesman didn't even know what it was), and did some highway driving along with a bumpy secondary road. I found the suspension to be really mushy and bouncy to the point that I was feeling a little queasy and I never have motion sickness. I tried to make allowances for the fact that my Xterra suspension is really firm so you kind of rattle over the bumps, but this ORP felt like I was driving an old sedan in comparison. Salesman said the suspension was supposed to have a lot of travel because it was designed for off-road(?) Then I took an SR5P over the same route and this felt firmer to me compared to the ORP, not as much as my Xterra but not nausea-inducing either.

Is this normal for an ORP? Does the KDSS firm up the ride on pavement? I can't find one with KDSS to try out here but I'm wondering if I should hold out until I can find one.

 

[mteolus]

SR5 and TRD OR have the same suspension, wheels (a little different design), and tires (unless you get the Wilderness package, I think that is what it is called). So the ride should be the same.

If you want to try one with KDSS, test drive a Lexus GX460. They all have KDSS. Not 100% sure but suspension should be the same. I do know the GX460 is the same platform as the 4Runner.

 

[hatidua]

I can't find one with KDSS to try out here but I'm wondering if I should hold out until I can find one.

When I was in the market to buy, I looked far and wide, essentially nationwide and found that KDSS and certain other features were somewhat regional: some areas didn't have any with KDSS, some areas didn't have any without.

As others have stated, many dealers don't know diddly about what they are selling. I had a dealer in TX flat-out tell me that 2019 Toyota 4Runners are not available without sunroofs (no-sunroof was a must for me so that was a critical feature). I told him my local dealer had three of them and he essentially said I was lying.

I'd try to drive one with KDSS and one without before making the decision.

 

[KCZ**]

SR5 and TRD OR have the same suspension, wheels (a little different design), and tires (unless you get the Wilderness package, I think that is what it is called). So the ride should be the same.

If you want to try one with KDSS, test drive a Lexus GX460. They all have KDSS. Not 100% sure but suspension should be the same. I do know the GX460 is the same platform as the 4Runner.

The ride in those 2 vehicles wasn't even close. I think that ORP had some issue with its suspension system because I can't believe anyone would voluntarily buy something like that.

Unfortunately, there aren't any Lexus dealers within a reasonable distance for a test drive. Nor can I find a 4R with KDSS.

 

[4v power]

I have KDSS on my GX 460. Seems to work fine. I can feel the suspension drooping further than end links would normally allow.

 

[Daluvian]

Kdss isn’t all that great I think the money you would save you could put into something better like king shocks

 

[johnbt]

After 30k miles I still love KDSS. I'd buy it again without a doubt.

 

[Thai]

Kdss isn’t all that great I think the money you would save you could put into something better like king shocks

So, do King shocks improve on-road handling AND disconnect your sway bar off-road for more articulation? Basically, have cake and eat it too?

That would require more than just shocks........and then you add in springs and disco sways........how much is all that?

 

[Thai]

Is this normal for an ORP? Does the KDSS firm up the ride on pavement? I can't find one with KDSS to try out here but I'm wondering if I should hold out until I can find one.

KDSS allows for Toyota to use a THICKER anti-roll bar than regular non-KDSS vehicles. So, this will firm up the handling around corners.

At same time, when off-roading, it will basically disconnect the front and rear sway...so, although you have a thicker anti-roll bar (for on-road handling), when off-roading, it does not matter because the roll bars are basically relaxed...maximizing articulation front and rear.

The ONLY system that i know that can come close is Range Rover's cross-linking shocks, but in concept (and reliability view), KDSS is the better design.