King Suspension with KDSS Opinions Only

[brtnstrns]

I know there are a lot of King suspension threads and a lot of KDSS threads.

I'm just looking for subjective opinions from people that have installed King shocks/struts on KDSS-equipped vehicles only.

1) What is your overall impression on the "feel" difference between OEM and King?

2) Does it seem like going over washboard type or rough roads is smoother/more comfortable even though the KDSS is still part of the system?

3) Are potholes as jarring with the King suspension as they are with OEM since the KDSS is still active?

Basically, everyone I've spoken to absolutely loves King suspension but I'm not certain any of them are in conjunction with KDSS. I'm just specifically wondering if those 20-50 mph daily driving situations on shitty roads where KDSS can be quite rough feeling become more or less "comfortable" or no change at all after switching to King?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrblah]

1. Stiffer, handles like its on rails even when lifted.

2. Washboards sill jarring without airing down

3. Potholes and speed bumps don’t exist


I heart my kings

 

[nb rob]

I agree with mrblah

I do fishing trips of days of rough, sometimes fresh graded gravel roads every year, and I air down to avoid flat tires. Feels amazing at speed at 20psi. I’ve never noticed the washboard roughness, but I air down often.

Potholes and speedbumps really don’t exist. It’s easy to forget when you’re driving another vehicle and it feels like the end of the world.

 

[brtnstrns]

3. Potholes and speed bumps don’t exist


I heart my kings

So when I hit a pot hole, for example, on OEM suspension at like 20-30 mph with the KDSS, I'd describe it as like a "heavy bang" feeling. If that description sounds about right to you or familiar to you, you would say the Kings are an improvement in that department?

 

[llDemonll]

If anything KDSS would make potholes smoother because the wheel isn't able to drop as far as quick in comparison to the other due to the larger swaybar.

 

[brtnstrns]

If anything KDSS would make potholes smoother because the wheel isn't able to drop as far as quick in comparison to the other due to the larger swaybar.

Yeah maybe I'm just struggling to put into words what I'm describing.

Like, for example, test driving a Tacoma the other night on familiar residential streets where the 4Runner with KDSS is super rough feeling, the Tacoma made it seem like the rough road wasn't even there. Just kind of "glided" over a spot where in my 4Runner my head is trying to bounce off my shoulders, and although I know it's a completely different suspension design, I'd assume some of that is from the KDSS, since without the KDSS, I'd think the coil spring suspension would be slightly more comfortable than typical leaf spring empty truck suspension.

I'm wondering if the Kings might calm some of that feeling down or if the KDSS will continue to inherently make that kind of surface still feel super rough even with the technology of the Kings.

 

[osideplayer]

So there’s a KDSS wire harness right behind the front driver side wheel that you can unplug allowing you to turn off KDSS. Disconnecting allow the sway bars to loosen up giving you that softer feel over obstacles at speed. Furthermore, A few of us are working on creating a switch so KDSS is on demand.

 

[brtnstrns]

So there’s a KDSS wire harness right behind the front driver side wheel that you can unplug allowing you to turn off KDSS. Disconnecting allow the sway bars to loosen up giving you that softer feel over obstacles at speed. Furthermore, A few of us are working on creating a switch so KDSS is on demand.

Eh, it's not that I'm unhappy with KDSS or trying to figure out a way to make it optional. My 2016 didn't have it and I was intent on having it on my 2019, but as most of us know, KDSS does have some subjective downsides.

I'm mainly just curious if it kind of prevents getting the most out of a top-tier suspension system like King since suspension components of that caliber are meant for desert running and the like, whereas KDSS is obviously not meant for that.

 

[Toyota.ARK]

Eh, it's not that I'm unhappy with KDSS or trying to figure out a way to make it optional. My 2016 didn't have it and I was intent on having it on my 2019, but as most of us know, KDSS does have some subjective downsides.

I'm mainly just curious if it kind of prevents getting the most out of a top-tier suspension system like King since suspension components of that caliber are meant for desert running and the like, whereas KDSS is obviously not meant for that.

Seriously, when your truck is parked on level ground, above the gas pedal, there’s a white connector, reach down and unplug it. Then go and drive 10-20 over those rough spots. See if that makes a difference. There will be a notice on the dash or monitor, just accept the notice. When your done, if you like it with the valves left open above 12 mph over bad roads, then I’d recommend you get the @Dr_KDSS kit. It’s a kit that helps your rig feel like it shifted the suspension to an SR5 on the fly and it becomes more forgiving. It’s totally worth it. The setup comes with an on/off switch and is super easy to install. Contact Dom direct if you have any questions. He’s awesome. Btw, he runs Kings too.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lttwrVL0Dk&feature=youtu.be

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

Seriously, when your truck is parked on level ground, above the gas pedal, there’s a white connector, reach down and unplug it. Then go and drive 10-20 over those rough spots. See if that makes a difference. There will be a notice on the dash or monitor, just accept the notice. When your done, if you like it with the valves left open above 12 mph over bad roads, then I’d recommend you get the @Dr_KDSS kit. It’s a kit that helps your rig feel like it shifted the suspension to an SR5 on the fly and it becomes more forgiving. It’s totally worth it. The setup comes with an on/off switch and is super easy to install. Contact Dom direct if you have any questions. He’s awesome. Btw, he runs Kings too.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lttwrVL0Dk&feature=youtu.be

Reviving a thread that's been dead for 2.5 years...nice haha

 

[RobS10]

Eh, it's not that I'm unhappy with KDSS or trying to figure out a way to make it optional. My 2016 didn't have it and I was intent on having it on my 2019, but as most of us know, KDSS does have some subjective downsides.

I'm mainly just curious if it kind of prevents getting the most out of a top-tier suspension system like King since suspension components of that caliber are meant for desert running and the like, whereas KDSS is obviously not meant for that.

Dr. KDSS makes a dash mounted switch that disengages it above 12mph

 

[borfoo3]

1. Stiffer, handles like its on rails even when lifted.

2. Washboards sill jarring without airing down

3. Potholes and speed bumps don’t exist


I heart my kings

Ditto this..

In reality, I find that spring rate, compression setting on the shocks, and tire pressure have more effect on general ride "feel" vs the KDSS itself..

Only time I clearly tell KDSS is making a difference in ride "feel" is when I'm turning on a roundabout much faster than I should in a lifted truck. Impressively composed body roll.