KDSS and spring selection-keep the lean or correct the lean?

C

Catskill4RNR

Member
****New updated info-lift installed**** Tried the search using "KDSS lean", title only and got many random threads with nothing that sounded like it would answer my question but I'm sure this has been discussed multiple times, I just can't find it.

I purchased the FJ TRD Pro suspension kit and am considering a preload spacer in the front and 1" springs in the rear. My question is: should I buy the Dobinsons KDSS rear springs that correct the lean or go with something else that is evenly matched and retains the lean?

Is the truck delivered that way for a reason? What am I missing?

Again, I apologize for something I'm sure has been discussed before, but no offense, the search feature on this website lets in way too many threads.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Short version is that KDSS cylinders are pressurized and asymmetrical in force up/down the system is asymmetrical left/right. The result is the KDSS cylinders tend to push down on the driver's side giving it a lean to the passenger side.

I've been happy with the Dobinson's KDSS springs. I have adjustable coilovers, so I also compensate up front that way.

The effect on handling or performance is negligible. But I like it visually level.
 
A stiffer after market suspension will correct a lot of the lean. I used the Icon overland spring, and it sits almost perfectly level. Then adjustable coils in the front.
 
There's a thread on here that details out how to recalibrate the kdss system. try searching for that. also theres a youtube video recalibrating the kdss system on a landcruiser in austrailia?

or you buy shims to offset whichever side is leaning.

If you search there is a thread about our stock shocks/struts being kdss specific but i dont know how true that may be. a check of the part numbers would prove otherwise.

if you get a coilover system you can adjust accordingly. the rear, dobinsons usa has specific kdss rear 2 inch springs. or if you go any other brand you can get a 14mm spacer to offset the lean in the rear.
 
What is this lean you speak of??? I wouldn’t go around opening valves and attempting an adjustment, might end up with some warning lamps on. I’ll measure mine tomorrow, but I’m pretty sure I don’t a lean.
 
Jetboy said:
Short version is that KDSS cylinders are pressurized and asymmetrical in force up/down the system is asymmetrical left/right. The result is the KDSS cylinders tend to push down on the driver's side giving it a lean to the passenger side.

I've been happy with the Dobinson's KDSS springs. I have adjustable coilovers, so I also compensate up front that way.

The effect on handling or performance is negligible. But I like it visually level.
Click to expand...
I thought KDSS lean was to drivers side

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Kdss lean

I have just been through this on my 2018 off road w/KDSS

They do lean! I didnt even notice when I bought it, it took about a week then I was agravated because I kept checking air pressure in the right front even though I couldnt feel it I could see it ( dash angle ).

So Yes they do lean to the RIGHT

The Fix: Dobinson's all the way around.
they offer FRONT and REAR springs dedicated to KDSS

I stood my springs up next to each other and the springs marked RIGHT side were visably guesstimate of 1/2" taller.

Installed all the goodies (Long Reach Struts, heavy springs up front, Upper Control arms, heavy springs in the rear with long reach dual chamber schocks)

no more lean and I love love love the lift. and still rides pretty smooth not like a brick I was worried about
 
:rant::mad::ybrick::cry::wtf: son of a B$tch!
I didn’t even know about this, go outside and sure as sh$t, I have the lean.
 
My #1 favorite topic on this forum. Have had the lean for the past 2 years or so, am now finally going to try to correct it by going up one notch on my front passenger side Bilstein 5100. Already have a 10mm OME spacer in the back on the right.
 
1.5cm is acceptable tolerance for the KDSS lean as per Toyota specs. Just been through a KDSS flush and they still cant balance it perfect. Just how it is I suppose.
 
borfoo3 said:
1.5cm is acceptable tolerance for the KDSS lean as per Toyota specs. Just been through a KDSS flush and they still cant balance it perfect. Just how it is I suppose.
Click to expand...

Was this threw the dealer, and if so how much if you don’t mind me asking? I’m a full inch difference.
 
Tuc4R said:
Was this threw the dealer, and if so how much if you don’t mind me asking? I’m a full inch difference.
Click to expand...

In American dollars it was around $600

I'm in Kuwait though, and there's only 1 dealer in the country so can't shop around for reference
 
So fast forward to 2019. I finally got my kit installed and used the Dobinson correction springs in the rear. I left the clips on the front shocks in the factory position, top slot on the drivers side, bottom slot on the passenger side. I have 1/2" of lean right now (driver's side high).

If I jack the passenger front up approximately 1/2" everything settles in to be close to perfect, which means if I raise the clip on the passenger front I should be able to eliminate most if not all of the lean.

So back to my original question, should I do that or leave it alone? Is there a reason for it to come with the lean from the factory?
 
I’m pretty sure a lot of these lean from the factory. I have a non kdss and I’ve got driver side lean. Used OME rear trim packers and it evened out. Honestly a half inch I wouldn’t spend a lot of time chasing it unless you’ve got ocd and really want it level.

But the trim packers worked for me and was easy to do. They’re like $15 for a 10mm packer

But if yours is the front....try adjusting it and see how it goes. If it settles then problem solved. My front coil overs aren’t spaced the same to account for the lean and it causes zero issues

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Well. I’ve got one logical application for this. When you get big “mama” sitting next to you then you front will be leveled. LOL! Now seriously, I just swapped my suspension and I put 2 front shocks on the floor and looked at it. Those are OEM shocks . I count amount of coils on each of them. Right had 10 and left had 9. I think this is where that leaning coming from. Since I drive an 18 wheeler for living and my truck (18 wheeler) has 1.5” shim under right leaf spring to keep it leveled when you drive in right lane, as most trucks driving. Just to keep it leveled when you are in the right lane, since the shape of the road is slightly oval , for water to escape during the rain. I geese


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
By the way. The new suspension that I installed has the same amount of coils. 10 coils each side, no more lean


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Interesting theory, seems like that would work nicely in your 18 wheeler but the KDSS makes the T4R higher on the drivers side, which would tend to push you toward the shoulder.

That would explain why all the idiots camp out in the left lane, they must be running shims on the left side LOL!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 437 (members: 0, guests: 437)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,050
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top