KDSS or PRO?

Clrems77

New member
Looking at upgrading my 2015 2wd limited to a newer 17/18 TRD pro or brand new Off road premium w/KDSS. My question to you seasoned guys is the suspension worth it? From my understanding, the suspension is the main difference correct? Am I missing anything?
Some light off-roading, but will mainly need the 4wd for camping/hunting trips.

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
KDSS is a personal thing, some like it and others (myself) aren't a fan. I'd go for the newer vehicle with less miles if the money is the same. You can make the TRD OR look like a Pro if that matters to you. I own a Pro and while I like it, the only advantage it has over the TRD OR/Trail is a better resale value, but you pay for that up front, so six of one.....
 
KDSS is a personal thing, some like it and others (myself) aren't a fan. I'd go for the newer vehicle with less miles if the money is the same. You can make the TRD OR look like a Pro if that matters to you. I own a Pro and while I like it, the only advantage it has over the TRD OR/Trail is a better resale value, but you pay for that up front, so six of one.....

Curious on why you are not a fan.

I haven't heard much *****ing if any about it. Besides it limiting the lift.
 
I personally would buy the Off Road Premium with KDSS and add Bilstein 6112 shocks (or better) after the fact.

The 6112 shocks are pretty awesome, for most people, a very respectable middle ground between regular suspension and the typical 2.5 RR performance shock. I like them a lot.

Plus changing shocks on these trucks is pretty trivial, you can do it any point in time. KDSS, not so much.
 
Last edited:
Curious on why you are not a fan.

I haven't heard much *****ing if any about it. Besides it limiting the lift.

Height limitations in regards to lifts and long term maintenance/failure. Read up on the system long term and its failures. Before the bandwagon jumps in and starts talking crap, yes I have owned a vehicle with it in a 200 series, we now have a new 200 (LX570) with AHC which we prefer.

Is it better on the road than a model without KDSS, well duh, but it isn't mind blowing like some here will have you believe. Your money best spent would undoubtedly be a SR5 with a quality lift and an aftermarket rear locker.
 
Height limitations in regards to lifts and long term maintenance/failure. Read up on the system long term and its failures. Before the bandwagon jumps in and starts talking crap, yes I have owned a vehicle with it in a 200 series, we now have a new 200 (LX570) with AHC which we prefer.

Is it better on the road than a model without KDSS, well duh, but it isn't mind blowing like some here will have you believe. Your money best spent would undoubtedly be a SR5 with a quality lift and an aftermarket rear locker.

No bandgwagon just a simple question.

OP didn't sound like he was doing crazy stuff so I assumed he wouldn't need anything more than a 3".

I wouldn't say mind blowing but still better than a 4R without it. SR5 wasn't part of his original question so never brought it up.
 
I wouldn't say mind blowing but still better than a 4R without it. SR5 wasn't part of his original question so never brought it up.

I guess if I was going to ask a follow-up question… does that statement apply to on-road or off-road performance?

I am curious if KDSS works better than the standard mechanical sway bar on-road?

If it only adds to off-road compliance, and there is an option to just use a mechanical quick disconnect like many have in previous generations, you can pretty much have the best of both worlds at that point.
 
I recently considered both models then purchased a new 2019 TRD Off Road with KDSS. I’ve already added RCI skid plates, RSG rock sliders, Victory 4x4 roof rack, rear window storage panel, Clazzio leather seat covers and Wildpeak AT3W all terrain tires.

I plan to add a winch bumper and winch and upgrade the suspension with a small lift (Dobinsons springs and shocks). With all of that added crap I’ll still be under the sticker price for a TRD PRO.

Dealers in my area refused to negotiate on TRD Pro prices, so the price difference between OR and Pro was substantial. The single used T4R Pro I found was ridiculously priced as well. Between the price difference and KDSS, the TRD OR was a no-brainer for me.
 
Last edited:
Off-Road Premium with KDSS. You'll be fine and save money in the process. You can always add most of the TRD plastic bits if you like and still save a bunch of money for your other mods.
 
unless you need some special paint (that you probably will F up anyhow if your offroad) get the offroad.
i love my offroad and money was not an object to me. i just could not justify the cost difference
 
I guess if I was going to ask a follow-up question… does that statement apply to on-road or off-road performance?

I am curious if KDSS works better than the standard mechanical sway bar on-road?

If it only adds to off-road compliance, and there is an option to just use a mechanical quick disconnect like many have in previous generations, you can pretty much have the best of both worlds at that point.

Way better on road.

I'll be honest and in the year I've had mine I haven't had a chance to take it off road yet.
 
Looking at upgrading my 2015 2wd limited to a newer 17/18 TRD pro or brand new Off road premium w/KDSS. My question to you seasoned guys is the suspension worth it? From my understanding, the suspension is the main difference correct? Am I missing anything?
Some light off-roading, but will mainly need the 4wd for camping/hunting trips.

Thanks in advance.

LOL KDSS rides like its on rails around corners... for a lifted, light armored, 5500(+extras)lbs body on frame truck. We have a few pitched 3 lane marked 45 freeway turns, I have tested (no one else around of course) summer night, same lane, no line crosses @80... wouldn't go much faster but it stays planted, no squeal. I can only compare to my 3rd gen same corner same size tires, no lift, 70 and just starting to squeal.
 
Way better on road.

I'll be honest and in the year I've had mine I haven't had a chance to take it off road yet.

Interesting… I didn’t think to consider the on-road improvements. I don’t want to derail this thread, but now I am even more curious as to how to compares to XREAS because that drives VERY street centric. For an SUV it feels very flat though turns. Might have to take the time to find one and play with it to compare.
 
Doesn't KDSS disable above a certain MPH? If so then it wouldn't help much for cornering.

My Runner has it but I do high speed desert running so KDSS doesn't help there.
 
Doesn't KDSS disable above a certain MPH? If so then it wouldn't help much for cornering.

My Runner has it but I do high speed desert running so KDSS doesn't help there.

Pretty sure no. But it is probably felt less at high speeds.

But for normal cornering it sure as hell can be felt. My lifted 4R handles better than my wifes Highlander. I've also rode in my friend SR5 can you can tell. Its not a fix all but I think its worth it. wasn't an option down here either all TRD OR comes with them unless you want to special order.
 
Had a 2011 SR5 and now a 2018 ORP with KDSS. There is no doubt that the ORP handles and corners way better and has a much smoother ride. Not sure why, but I can tell you that the tires were the same, so it has to be suspension or KDSS....dunno.... my guess is it has to do with the KDSS but I have read it disables over 12 MPH. Again, dunno....I like it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,068
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top