Just figured out my trail prem doesn't have kdss :(

STX4Runner said:
I'm sorry, but this is complete BS. Lots of members on here (me included) have lifted KDSS vehicles and used them heavily off road without problems. If you're going full LT or some other wild suspension, it may not make sense, but for most people it's just fine even if you modify.
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Brandonium said:
Where is your proof to back this up? Really.. send it over since it seems there are many who want to spout out misinformation in regards to KDSS today.

We'll be waiting....
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I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the KDSS owners are the ones that have trouble looking at this objectively. If you can't admit that modifying a KDSS vehicle is more involved, more expensive, and more prone to "complications" ... I really don't know what else to say.

All I'm trying to say is that at the end of the day, KDSS is a very small thing that is not going to play that large of a role in the vehicle's off-road ability (i.e. things like A-Trac, a locker, and proper tires will get you 99.5% there) and that if you do want it to do more (i.e. modify), it will be easier to do if it doesn't have KDSS.

Like has been said all over this forum and the internet as a whole, KDSS is great system on paper and it's great out of the box and while the truck is new. However, if you put on lots of miles or lots of mods, it can start to be a headache.
 
minimalist said:
I didn't think I'd want it. I had no idea how much id love the car, not to mention I didn't know about kdss at the time. But that's not really the deciding factor. How much I love it and kind of want a brand new one now is.
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Let me preface this whole thing by saying I have and love my TRD Pro.

In my opinion, if you plan on keeping the vehicle and plan on modifying it, a non-KDSS Trail is probably the best 4Runner platform out there.

If you plan to keep the truck stock, I would then ask you if plan to sell it down the road or not. If you don't plan to sell it, I think the KDSS Trail or even a Limited (if that's your thing) is the best bet. If you do plan to sell, a limited edition model like a TRD Pro (especially in a limited production color) is going to hold it's value better.

Figure out which way you want to go, and stick with it.
 
I can't even spell kdss!

my .02 since nobody asked is that if kdss were the end all for trail rigs, then there would be people clamoring to get it aftermarket. Like the SAS, it's an option and has it's place but doesn't make or break a 4Runner. Personally, if I had it I'd do whatever I needed to do to make the most of it. Since I don't have it, I'm glad that it'll be one less thing to service down the trail.

OK, that's all I have to say about that. Carry on.
 
SierraMare said:
I love the KDSS ride on my 4Runner, but when I bought my new 4Runner in January of 2015 it was a $1750 option (though I would love it even more if it was only $1000).
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Uh no, please reread my post (more than likely yours was part of a package). I realized this is a "sale" price. It is generally $1300, that is what my sticker said. EDIT: I was wrong mine said $1750

Bumbo said:
lol... every KDSS thread that's started literally turns into a shit show...
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Lol got that right.

KDSS or not all I can say is, while impressive for purpose built, I like my truck better than a Jeep JK :D
 
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jrandom said:
Uh no, please reread my post (more than likely yours was part of a package). Just in case you don't believe me, I have attached an image (I realize this is a "sale" price). It is generally $1300, that is what my sticker said. :D
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No, mine wasn't part of the package - in general KDSS is a stand alone option on the Trails. Indeed, my line item KDSS was listed as $1750 on the Monroney window sticker, as well as the CR TruCar quote ($1500 dealer cost). Indeed, if you look at the image you posted, you will see that the $1000 "cost" for your KDSS is part of a package that simply INCLUDES the $750 Keep It Wild discount (interesting they "package" it that way - they didn't do that with my $500 30th T4R anniversary discount last year, just took it off the total asking price). That discount applies whether you apply it to the KDSS or to the general sticker price (note that your image shows that as an option, KDSS or not). Last I checked, $1000 + 750 equals 1750.

:fencing:
 
Dammit I hate it when you're right! I just checked my sticker and it was 1750 :doh::caked: to much sun today! Now I am just making excuses...

Lol still not 2k :biggrin1:
 
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Gclark949 said:
It is not misinformation on the lower clearance of KDSS. I smack that low end front all the time with stock height. Even simple dirt roads with a crown and rocks running down the middle can be a problem. When I air down, clearance is a major consideration of how much air to let out. Just saying........
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see here for a comparison of clearance at the front skid on stock vehicles both with and without KDSS. you can see there is no difference.
 
Gclark949 said:
It is not misinformation on the lower clearance of KDSS. I smack that low end front all the time with stock height. Even simple dirt roads with a crown and rocks running down the middle can be a problem. When I air down, clearance is a major consideration of how much air to let out. Just saying........
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Same here. I'd delete it if I could.
 
Have to confess that I almost did the same since i bought mine used from a Toyota dealership that had no clue about KDSS.
Fortunately I was able to research the forum and ended up with a KDSS-equipped TE.
 
Bumbo said:
Don't take this the wrong way... but it literally takes 10 seconds to look under the front fender / wheel well to figure out if you were buying one with or without...
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Not always possible!!!

My 16 Trail is Canadian and should have KDSS as standard. I bought it without ever driving or looking at 4Runner.

My last truck, a 12 Xterra, got totaled by a drunk driver who smacked me head on on highway. When the bones are healing and muscle mass is reduced, I'd need help getting down on the floor to look under it and to get up. So I just assumed it's there.:clap2:
 
TejasRunner said:
My non KDSS Trail Premium rides great.
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minimalist said:
So does mine! It's why I was shocked to find out I didn't have it. I didn't think it could ride any better, but then again, I don't know too much about this stuff.
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I'll third this sentiment. 16' TEP 4Runner rides close to or as good as my wife's 2015 MB GLE350. I knew about KDSS but thought I'd save a few coins instead. I knew before buying the 4Runner I was lifting away and would make up some or most of the difference.
 
cryption1 said:
I'll counter that I got mine WITH KDSS, and now regret it. It rides better, yes, but I'm hesitant now on adding suspension upgrades etc for a couple reasons.

1. Most shops wouldn't touch it, know what it is, or just break it attempting to do anything (including the Toyota dealership I bought it from that had no idea what it is)

2. Expensive maintenance IF I add aftermarket suspension and something breaks - and the warranty is voided.
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That's probably because you're from Texas. There are a ton of KDSS vehicles up here in CO and many shops and most dealerships here know about KDSS and work with it, even when it comes to upgrading suspension. I think the region you live in probably is a determinate factor. Maintenance probably would be expensive, but having after market suspension does not void my warranty. Could be because the shop that does the after market suspension has a close relationship with the dealership.

At the end of the day personal preference I think is what matters the most when it comes to KDSS or not. After all it's all subjective anyway... I love mine! :peace:
 
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sandcrawler said:
see here for a comparison of clearance at the front skid on stock vehicles both with and without KDSS. you can see there is no difference.
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You do lose some clearance with KDSS. Not a huge deal as it is in line with the tires, but it does make a difference here and there and most of the aftermarket skids have KDSS and non KDSS versions. The difference is about 1" lower and a bit more forward.
 
adaml said:
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the KDSS owners are the ones that have trouble looking at this objectively. If you can't admit that modifying a KDSS vehicle is more involved, more expensive, and more prone to "complications" ... I really don't know what else to say.

All I'm trying to say is that at the end of the day, KDSS is a very small thing that is not going to play that large of a role in the vehicle's off-road ability (i.e. things like A-Trac, a locker, and proper tires will get you 99.5% there) and that if you do want it to do more (i.e. modify), it will be easier to do if it doesn't have KDSS.

Like has been said all over this forum and the internet as a whole, KDSS is great system on paper and it's great out of the box and while the truck is new. However, if you put on lots of miles or lots of mods, it can start to be a headache.
Click to expand...

Trust me, I'm not a raving blind KDSS fanboy. I'm looking at it pretty objectively. Does it slightly complicate things? Yes, but it's not huge issue. I put my own lift on in my driveway with no help and it was fine, and I don't think it was any more expensive or difficult. The shocks and springs are the same, KDSS or not. For 95% of people on here it will be fine, even if they modify their 4Runner and off-road it. You're right about the locker and a-trac being more useful off road, KDSS really is a better on road system. I can scream around corners and stay pretty flat most BOF trucks would be heavily leaning in.
 
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