I thought i would not want kdss but as an off roader in florida, i starting to re think that after watching a few youtubes. While i know it is not necessary for my terrain, if there is absolutely no negative consequence to the overall ride, im ok with it. In other words, i really like a supple onroad ride and while the 4 runner may not be supple, it is pretty good and i wouldnt want to stiffen the ride if kdss would have that impact. Does it stiffen the ride in any way?
KDSS stiffen ride?
- Thread starter Rdfish1
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Antman
Elite Member
Answer is NO.
Florida is in the Southeast Region so he should be able to find one with KDSS. :thumb:
Supple is definitely not a word I would use to describe my KDSS TE. Stiff is more like it.
So, the answer is YES.
Gabex35
New member
Jeremy556
New member
Put some Icons on it. OEM KDSS feels like an 80s Caddy with blown shocks by comparison.
KDSS roll bars tie both sides of the suspension together to reduce body roll, but don't really affect other suspension movement, much.
UtahSooner
New member
Exactly. If you really want a "supple ride" then you picked the wrong vehicle, KDSS or not. If, on the other hand you are an "offroader" and accept the fact that the trade off for having a kick ass body-on-frame design is that it does sacrafice some on-road "suppleness" then you'll love the KDSS system (i.e. there is zero downside in my opinion).
KDSS has nothing to do with the suspension "stiffness" -- that's purely a shock/strut/spring question (and there are plenty of threads on how the various aftermarket lift options change/stiffen ride quality).
Personally, I'm an occasional offroader and having KDSS on the dirt is definitely a nice feature to have. But the real value I get in having KDSS on my 2010 TE is on highway and the reduced body roll if provides. I'm pretty routinely rushing up and down Parley's Canyon on I-80 in Utah to squeeze a Park City bike ride in after work and KDSS allows me to feel confident pushing 75-80 in the canyon in the summer. It definitely doesn't turn the 4Runner into a sports car, but it most certainly improves the on-highway performance of the 4Runner for the better.
In summary, get the KDSS option and don't think twice!
Sounds like you already found these videos, but figured I'd post them just in case.
4Runner Trail Edition - YouTube
KDSS in the 2010 Toyota 4Runner - Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System - YouTube
Antman
Elite Member
The roll bars/KDSS will have no effect on how smooth the truck rides. It will corner flatter without as much body roll.
Does it ride stiffer than non-KDSS? No. Do YOU think it rides stiff? Yes.
Get your facts straight.
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Stiffer and or body roll ?? I bought my 2010 TE/KDSS because it had a Firmer ride and had better road feel than the SR5. Perception of driving dynamics is in the seat of the beholder. Also, when I put on my new Michelins LTX MS 2's the ride became a little "supple" without the swaying/boat feeling I experienced in the SR5. Not sure if "better" (Icon's whatever) shocks would perform better on the up and down bounce of the vehicle though.
4Run4YourLife
New member
This isn't correct.
eddiebx
New member
This is the problem with asking such a subjective question. Go out and drive one to compare OP! Then you can decide better.
Personally, I felt like my bone stock TE w/KDSS felt like riding on marshmallows, very soft and supple
LandCruiser
New member
I'll weigh in.
I have a Limited and a TE.
The ride in the TE with KDSS is no harsher. The truck just doesn't lean or wallow in corners if driven aggressively.
I have a Limited and a TE.
The ride in the TE with KDSS is no harsher. The truck just doesn't lean or wallow in corners if driven aggressively.
FrontRange4Runner
New member
According to Toyota, KDSS is actually supposed to help absorb smaller bumps, thus making the overall ride smoother. YMMV Changing my tires had a huge impact on ride quality. Going up to E rated tires made my ride significantly more harsh. Luckily my GF didn't notice (or did and kept her mouth shut cause she didn't want to walk home)
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