KDSS on 2WD models?
- Thread starter gcon22
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Thanks. Can anyone comment on the on-road handling of a 4x2 4Runner compared with a 4x4 with KDSS?
Here's some information I've dug up in case it helps. From what I've read, the front stabilizer bar diameter on a 4x2 is 1.22" and 1.68" on a 4x4 with KDSS. Don't know the rear thickness for a 4x2, but the rear on a 4x4 with KDSS is 1.18". I've also read that in between the front and rear KDSS hydraulic cylinders are accumulators which allegedly helps prevent vibrations from entering the chassis, but I cannot confirm this.
My goal is on-road comfort (but not interested in X-REAS). Before you ask, I will probably never off-roading. So why would I consider a 4Runner? I am interested in it's simplicity and reliability. And why consider a 4x4? Because it wouldn't hurt resale value, and just in case KDSS is perceived as more comfortable than a 4x2. Also, I know sway bars technically do not improve comfort, but rather reduces body roll which makes for a more stable and confidence inspiring drive that many rave about. If I can beef up the sway bars on the 4x2 to match that of KDSS's to improve handling/comfort, I would consider it. Though, there are the accumulators that I mentioned earlier which I would also like to know if they do anything to help in handling/comfort, or any other part of the KDSS system for the matter.
Hope someone can chime in!
Here's some information I've dug up in case it helps. From what I've read, the front stabilizer bar diameter on a 4x2 is 1.22" and 1.68" on a 4x4 with KDSS. Don't know the rear thickness for a 4x2, but the rear on a 4x4 with KDSS is 1.18". I've also read that in between the front and rear KDSS hydraulic cylinders are accumulators which allegedly helps prevent vibrations from entering the chassis, but I cannot confirm this.
My goal is on-road comfort (but not interested in X-REAS). Before you ask, I will probably never off-roading. So why would I consider a 4Runner? I am interested in it's simplicity and reliability. And why consider a 4x4? Because it wouldn't hurt resale value, and just in case KDSS is perceived as more comfortable than a 4x2. Also, I know sway bars technically do not improve comfort, but rather reduces body roll which makes for a more stable and confidence inspiring drive that many rave about. If I can beef up the sway bars on the 4x2 to match that of KDSS's to improve handling/comfort, I would consider it. Though, there are the accumulators that I mentioned earlier which I would also like to know if they do anything to help in handling/comfort, or any other part of the KDSS system for the matter.
Hope someone can chime in!
Why not buy a Highlander or rav4? Seriously.
I don't understand wanting a track car body on frame gas guzzler. I'd put a non KDSS King/Fox outfited rig against a KDSS car any day unless you're autocrossing a 4runner lol. If you really are buying a 4runner for supposed reliability don't get kdss too. Get a cherry 3rd gen
I don't understand wanting a track car body on frame gas guzzler. I'd put a non KDSS King/Fox outfited rig against a KDSS car any day unless you're autocrossing a 4runner lol. If you really are buying a 4runner for supposed reliability don't get kdss too. Get a cherry 3rd gen
Comfort is subjective. I enjoy our TRD ORP W/KDSS for what it is. Some people consider the softer, perhaps floatier feel of the non-KDSS 4Runner, to be more comfortable. I prefer the more controlled ride of KDSS. It handles corners better than non-KDSS, but that doesn't make it a sportscar. It does have better axle articulation off-road too, in slow crawling situations.
Firmer shocks can make the ride of non-KDSS 4Runners firmer. But again, some people consider a firm ride to be the opposite of a comfortable ride.
Firmer shocks can make the ride of non-KDSS 4Runners firmer. But again, some people consider a firm ride to be the opposite of a comfortable ride.
Jeremy556
New member
If you're not going off road, a 4runner is stupid. KDSS corners nicely with the huge roll bars but the ride quality on bumpy roads is horrible unless you are crawling along at <13mph.
I deleted my KDSS to improve ride quality. If I want to go fast on curvy roads, I have proper vehicles to do so. The 4runner, even with KDSS, does a very poor job of it.
I deleted my KDSS to improve ride quality. If I want to go fast on curvy roads, I have proper vehicles to do so. The 4runner, even with KDSS, does a very poor job of it.
Captain Spalding
Member
Your information is good up until the vibration part. KDSS has hydraulic cylinders on one side of each stabilizer bar, with an accumulator between. On flat ground when the axles are parallel the system restricts the articulation of the stabilizer bar. On uneven terrain where the axles are “crossed up” the system permits more articulation. The result is that when going around flat corners the stabilizers are stiffer and mitigate body lean. When on uneven terrain the ride is more supple.
Here is an excellent and thorough article on KDSS: LINK
KDSS is one of those polarizing issues. People seem to love it or hate it.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Comfort is subjective… to a point. I think it could be broken down further. I’m going to rant (not about your comment) but my main gripe is dealers telling us something is normal or within spec when that behavior would absolutely kill a deal on a test drive.
No one would specifically request that a vehicle nose dive more when braking, so if a KDSS equipped 2WD vehicle were to exist, it would alleviate a common gripe experienced on many trims of 4Runners today.
I can’t say I’ve heard anyone specifically request for the 4Runner to pull more to the right, or to shimmy more on the interstate. Objectively we know that more positive caster will alleviate both. Owner feedback can be categorized into “subjective” - a driver preference of which neither choice is bad or indicative of malfunction, or “objective” - discovering that there is an underlying issue or engineering flaw that didn’t catch a glaring “opportunity” in their design.
The objective parts being “does the vehicle wander on road / do the rotors warp within 1000 miles of new” whereas the subjective (preferential) aspects of comfort would be described as normal in either bias, such as tighter or looser steering.
For example, a vehicle can have a higher or lower steering ratio by design, and it’s not a repair problem. A vehicle driving in a direction different than the way the steering wheel is turned is a black and white objective problem that should never occur in a vehicle in good repair.
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