KDSS ride more firm vs. non-KDSS

[dtbingle]

A used 2018 TRD ORP w/ KDSS and a 2018 TRD ORP W/O KDSS popped up near me. Was able to test drive them back-to-back.


On crappy michigan roads with tons of bumps, expansion joints, cracks, potholes, etc, here's my updated summary/opinion:

Below 45mph'ish, you feel a lot more of the little bumps in the road. I wouldn't describe it as harsh, but definitely more firm than the non-KDSS setup. Similar to the level of firmness of current mid-size trucks, but without the bounciness of an unloaded pickup.

Above 45mph, the feedback from the road was pretty much identical in my opinion.

There is no question that KDSS 90% eliminates body roll when cornering and when maneuvering at highway speeds. It feels almost "car-like". Quite impressive really.


It really comes down to a trade-off between a slightly more firm ride below 45mph'ish and feeling more small bumps in road and the amount of body roll the vehicle has.


Overall, I will be going with an SR5 model (no KDSS) due to lower cost of no KDSS + SR5 vs. OR trim + KDSS, no hydraulic lines/components to get rusty during the salty winter months, and MY preference in ride of the non-KDSS suspension on crappy michigan roads and expected vehicle usage.

 

[02SE]

A used 2018 TRD ORP w/ KDSS and a 2018 TRD ORP W/O KDSS popped up near me. Was able to test drive them back-to-back.


On crappy michigan roads with tons of bumps, expansion joints, cracks, potholes, etc, here's my updated summary/opinion:

Below 45mph'ish, you feel a lot more of the little bumps in the road. I wouldn't describe it as harsh, but definitely more firm than the non-KDSS setup. Similar to the level of firmness of current mid-size trucks, but without the bounciness of an unloaded pickup.

Above 45mph, the feedback from the road was pretty much identical in my opinion.

There is no question that KDSS 90% eliminates body roll when cornering and when maneuvering at highway speeds. It feels almost "car-like". Quite impressive really.


It really comes down to a trade-off between a slightly more firm ride below 45mph'ish and feeling more small bumps in road and the amount of body roll the vehicle has.


Overall, I will be going with an SR5 model (no KDSS) due to lower cost of no KDSS + SR5 vs. OR trim + KDSS, no hydraulic lines/components to get rusty during the salty winter months, and MY preference in ride of the non-KDSS suspension on crappy michigan roads and expected vehicle usage.

Just be aware that if the 4Runners didn't have the same tires, at the same inflation pressure, you could be feeling a difference imparted by the tires alone.

 

[?????]

I test drove both with and without before purchasing my 4Runner and hands down the KDSS equipped model handled EVERYTHING better.

Whether it be right hand turns at a stop light to simply driving on the highway the entire chassis felt more planted.

With that being said If I were to go back I would probably purchase the one without as the KDSS gets in the way of the upgrades I would like to do.

Also, I am one of the unlucky folk who have a faulty system and my front piston is seeping.

What would be the best example for me is driving two 4Runner's with identical lift kits as the road behavior changes SUBSTANTIALLY.

Gotta admit, I do love how it handles at high speeds.

 

[ESS4RNR]

I had a 2012 Trail with KDSS and now have a 2021 Trail/ORP w/o KDSS. Yes, the KDSS feels more rigid on the road, most noticeably on curves, on and off ramps etc. However, it seems the 2021 suspension is improved over what the standard suspension was in 2012. Not KDSS stable, but improved. In the end my decision to not go KDSS on my 2021 was based on simplicity when I decide to upgrade the suspension (no lift, nothing hard core) and because of fear that if the KDSS has a problem it is very expensive to repair, most dealerships around me have little to no knowledge of how to repair, and based on feedback from others on this forum upgrading the struts/shocks can get you close to KDSS stability. I also had the KDSS lean in my 2012 that frustrated the heck out of me. I also live in central Ohio. In the 5 years I had the 2012 Trail I could not believe the amount of rust and corrosion of the KDSS connections and cylinders. If you go with KDSS in the rust belt , on an annual or twice a year basis I strongly recommend removing the KDSS shield under the drive side and spraying down the connections with a heavy duty rust protectant. A friend of mine has a 2018 with KDSS and I help him do this twice a year. At the 3 year old mark there is no corrosion/rust on the connections/fittings. It looks like new. We use Amsoil heavy metal protectant. Just my 2 cents and experience.

A used 2018 TRD ORP w/ KDSS and a 2018 TRD ORP W/O KDSS popped up near me. Was able to test drive them back-to-back.


On crappy michigan roads with tons of bumps, expansion joints, cracks, potholes, etc, here's my updated summary/opinion:

Below 45mph'ish, you feel a lot more of the little bumps in the road. I wouldn't describe it as harsh, but definitely more firm than the non-KDSS setup. Similar to the level of firmness of current mid-size trucks, but without the bounciness of an unloaded pickup.

Above 45mph, the feedback from the road was pretty much identical in my opinion.

There is no question that KDSS 90% eliminates body roll when cornering and when maneuvering at highway speeds. It feels almost "car-like". Quite impressive really.


It really comes down to a trade-off between a slightly more firm ride below 45mph'ish and feeling more small bumps in road and the amount of body roll the vehicle has.


Overall, I will be going with an SR5 model (no KDSS) due to lower cost of no KDSS + SR5 vs. OR trim + KDSS, no hydraulic lines/components to get rusty during the salty winter months, and MY preference in ride of the non-KDSS suspension on crappy michigan roads and expected vehicle usage.

 

[hallcs]

For those of you who have drove both non-KDSS vs. KDSS systems, how would you describe the on-road ride difference aside from the body roll difference?

Vehicle inventory is so limited, I've haven't been able to drive new vehicles with and without KDSS back-to-back. Eventually stumbled across a used one with KDSS to test drive with ~40k miles.

My thoughts:
The 2018 ORP w/ KDSS was more firm and you felt more of the small bumps in the road, especially around 25mph going down neighborhood streets. However, there's no question that it greatly reduces body roll and feels very planted while cornering. On the other hand, the SR5 package I drove felt very soft/plush over similar roads, but had a lot more vehicle sway / body roll.

Is this normal for KDSS vs. Non-KDSS? Or was this increased firmness felt on the KDSS setup due to worn shocks @ 40k miles?

I've had 3 4runners 2003 SR5, 2016 TRD (non KDSS) and 2021 Venture with KDSS. The 2003 was out right dangerous on the highway with 33" tires. The 2016 TRD drove fine but had to slow down on curves and the 2021 with KDSS is best of the 3. I did upgrade the mushy struts and shocks to Dobinson IMS but I could tell the difference in the sway on curves right away when I got it new. I'm very happy I got the KDSS, and despite what some people say it is not hard to upgrade your suspension with KDSS.

 

[dtbingle]

Just be aware that if the 4Runners didn't have the same tires, at the same inflation pressure, you could be feeling a difference imparted by the tires alone.

This is true. The tires were the same - factory 2018 TRD ORP, but cannot confirm tire pressure one way or the other. However, this is the second KDSS vehicle I've drove that I've noticed this difference compared to the SR5's that I've drove. Might be a coincidence that the tire pressures on both KDSS vehicles that I drove were higher, but you bring up a good point.

In the 5 years I had the 2012 Trail I could not believe the amount of rust and corrosion of the KDSS connections and cylinders. If you go with KDSS in the rust belt , on an annual or twice a year basis I strongly recommend removing the KDSS shield under the drive side and spraying down the connections with a heavy duty rust protectant. A friend of mine has a 2018 with KDSS and I help him do this twice a year. At the 3 year old mark there is no corrosion/rust on the connections/fittings. It looks like new. We use Amsoil heavy metal protectant. Just my 2 cents and experience.

I noticed this as well. The most recent KDSS vehicle I drove was a 2018 and the hydraulic lines were basically 100% covered in surface rust when looking along the driver side frame rail.

 

[Pedro367]

If you go with KDSS in the rust belt , on an annual or twice a year basis I strongly recommend removing the KDSS shield under the drive side and spraying down the connections with a heavy duty rust protectant. A friend of mine has a 2018 with KDSS and I help him do this twice a year. At the 3 year old mark there is no corrosion/rust on the connections/fittings. It looks like new. We use Amsoil heavy metal protectant. Just my 2 cents and experience.

I think it goes without saying how much of a necessity FluidFilm or the like is when living in salt road areas for any vehicle. Certainly a game changer.

 

[baldrik78]

Biggest downside to KDSS so far - the outside edges of my front tires wear fast due to all the corners I take at high speed.