Lift w/KDSS Troubleshoot

[MATTYDIRT]

Open this question up to the masses since I haven't found much on the forum.

So, I called TAP with some last minute questions before installing my 6112/5160 setup on the 3rd clip (2" front lift) and Icon 2" springs in the rear.

After mentioning my 4R has KDSS, I was told that if I were to lift the rear 1.5-2" I will need to replace the traction bar with an adjustable height traction bar in order to allow the KDSS to function. If not, the truck will buck/skip after hitting a bump.

Anyone lift their truck w/KDSS having issues or experience this? Or, NOT experience this? I'm wondering if this mitigation measure is critical or what?

Cheers!

 

[rochmpr]

Absolutely not needed. That amount of lift will not impact anything. The only thing to do is be careful of the ABS wiring as not to stretch out. Search, there's a thread about lifting a KDSS, quite simple. You can check my build to see 3" still works.

 

[jbjones85]

have an ICON lift on mine (coils in the front and 2" springs in the rear) and stock bar with no issues. Going on 5k miles. No heavy wheeling but some light stuff and lots of bad potholes, ext.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

Encouraging words of advice guys. Thanks!

 

[sandcrawler]

should be fine, [MENTION=117783]MATTYDIRT[/MENTION]. i have ICON front (extended travel CO w/IVD coating and tubular UCAs) and rear (standard 2" rear coils, 2.5" rear resi shocks) and haven't had any issues to date.

seems like the "recommendation/requirement" of a new track bar only materialized relatively recently. prior to that it didn't appear to be a widespread issue, so i don't know what to make of how that came to be.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/154230-how-lift-installation-kdss-equipped-vehicles.html

 

[tral]

This is interesting as I was told the opposite from Toyota... the guys at the local dealership were more like "can't wait to see it".

I will say that I do hear something in the rear sort of clattering if I'm railing a left hand turn with a bump in it. My thought is that it is the OEM spring and the 1.5" spacer just wiggling but who knows, doesn't happen on right turns. All in all not too worried about it and there are no KDSS errors or anythign popping up.

Good luck with the lift and post pics! We all love pictures:thumb:

 

[MATTYDIRT]

Thanks [MENTION=29376]sandcrawler[/MENTION] and @tral. With this encouragement, the truck is in the shop now (good buddy of mines shop). I'll post pics once I get 'er back and cleaned up.

Cheers

 

[rvdb]

We have run ours with no issues, icon used for crossing the desert to a bit of rock fun. Enjoy

 

[marshal]

wtf is a traction bar? when did we get leaf springs in the rear

 

[carlomagne]

You'll be fine with the stock one.

 

[Engineer]

wtf is a traction bar? when did we get leaf springs in the rear

Second this, What is the shop referring to as an "adjustable height traction bar", is this the same shop you are having install the lift?

 

[tral]

bet he's talking about the panhard bar.

OP - Just found this ironically regarding the sound i am experiencing.

How'd the lift go?

 

[MATTYDIRT]

[MENTION=96665]tral[/MENTION] - Thanks for the response and posting that reference thread.

He's correct - I was referring to the panhard bar. My mistake.

I have the lift installed as of mid day yesterday. I decided to lift the front 2" and add a 2" icon spring in the rear. As for the lift - the ride is great! I'm a little un-sure about the stance since it basically still has the factory rake, but I really wanted to experience the ride quality of the icon springs vs factor springs and a spacer. I might end up lifting the front to 2.5" later down the road.

I've only put 120 miles of mostly highway and town driving and so far, no issues. I'm hoping to get off road this weekend and will let you know if I notice anything. I'll also see about putting it through it's paces as far as a hard left hand turn with bumps and keep an ear open for any clunk noise.

Truck is filthy and I haven't had a chance to get it cleaned up. Pics soon.

 

[rochmpr]

The only ill effect you should notice is the fact the KDSS will limit suspension travel. There is only one way to remedy this and it's to remove the KDSS.

 

[SierraMare]

So, I called TAP with some last minute questions before installing my 6112/5160 setup on the 3rd clip (2" front lift) and Icon 2" springs in the rear.

After mentioning my 4R has KDSS, I was told that if I were to lift the rear 1.5-2" I will need to replace the traction bar with an adjustable height traction bar in order to allow the KDSS to function. If not, the truck will buck/skip after hitting a bump.

Hey Matt, I ordered essentially the same kit from TAP in late November for my 2015 KDSS TE. I worked with Chas describing my set up and plans for the 2" front lift and using the 2" Icon rear springs and he never mentioned changing the panhard bar. Wonder who you talked to and whether [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] will provide some clarification on your thread here???

Glad it is working out for you so far. I'll be installing my lift in February after I get back to Wisconsin... :yo:

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

I talked to someone yesterday regarding the track bar.. If you are using the 6112/5160 combo you have no worries. If you plan on adding 2"+ rear lift and you have KDSS... ICON recommends the #54200 this is something they found out and added it on their website.

2010 - current toyota 4runner suspension system - stage 2 - 53062T


If you need to purchase it use this link: Icon Accessories - Total Automotive Performance - Your Source for Auto Parts and Accessories

Contact us if you have any questions.

Hey Matt, I ordered essentially the same kit from TAP in late November for my 2015 KDSS TE. I worked with Chas describing my set up and plans for the 2" front lift and using the 2" Icon rear springs and he never mentioned changing the pan hard bar. Wonder who you talked to and whether [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] will provide some clarification on your thread here???

Glad it is working out for you so far. I'll be installing my lift in February after I get back to Wisconsin... :yo:

 

[MATTYDIRT]

Nice SierraMare! I have to admit, the ride quality is great. I don't have much to compare it too, but with ride being a big concern of mine, I'm digging it so far. My setup - 2" front (3rd notch) and 2" icon spring in the rear, puts it pretty nose down. Without much weight in the back (or settling yet) I'm running about 36" in the front and about 38 7/8" in the rear. I'm hoping the springs settle a bit since it seems pretty far raked forward. If not, I may explore a different spring (although the Icon spring feels great) or changing the front to the 4th notch (2.5" lift), which would be great. I'm not 100% sure how that will then affect the KDSS - most information regarding lifting w/KDSS seems to mention everything 2" or under shouldn't be an issue, which makes me wonder what would happen at 2.5" in the front.


Good luck!!!

Hey Matt, I ordered essentially the same kit from TAP in late November for my 2015 KDSS TE. I worked with Chas describing my set up and plans for the 2" front lift and using the 2" Icon rear springs and he never mentioned changing the pan hard bar. Wonder who you talked to and whether [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] will provide some clarification on your thread here???

Glad it is working out for you so far. I'll be installing my lift in February after I get back to Wisconsin... :yo:

 

[adam2562]

yeah, that's definitely not needed.. although over time i developed a squeak going over bumps and when i replaced my traction bar/panhard bar with a sonoran steel adjustable one, i never had a squeak again.. was it just a bushing squeak? a squeak from it being pushed to the limits? i don't know... just food for thought

 

[MATTYDIRT]

Thanks for the input [MENTION=45721]adam2562[/MENTION].

I did get a pretty good thunk when I rolled over a sizable bump at 15 mph turning slightly left. This would typically concern me, but I do not plan on hitting large bumps that big at that speed. Perhaps over time, but for now it seems to be a non issue.

Finally washed the truck. Here's a pic of the stance. My driveway slopes slightly and may enhance the forward lean a bit, but overall I'm pretty happy. I may lift the front end to 2.5". Anyone know of any additional implications for going 2.5" in the front with KDSS?

Thanks for all the info on this thread. Cheers!