lifting a trail w/ KDSS

J

jharpphoto

New member
Hi
I've been eyeballing a new trail w/KDSS. Just curious why the TRD PRO doesn't come with KDSS? I also wondered how difficult it is to lift a trail that has the KDSS option. I would probably want to do a small lift on my 4runner (3" or so). The dealer mentioned that lifting a 4runner that has KDSS is kind of a PITA. So I guess another question is do I want the KDSS option? I would ride 85% on the road and wouldn't do any rock crawling etc. I really like the stance of the TRD pro and I've seen on here that some that want that look of the TRD pro opt for a trail and then go w/ larger tires/lift and avoid paying that TRD pro price. Is this the way to go? I'm a long time lurker here and this is my 1st post so be gentle. Sorry for all the questions right off the bat. And go.
 
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jharpphoto said:
still curious why the TRD PRO doesn't come with KDSS?
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Because then it would be just a slightly different looking Trail. The different trims are there to offer different options for different wants/needs.

If you want to lift your 4Runner, I wouldn't get a Pro. You're just pulling out one "upgraded" suspension that you're paying a bit of a premium for just to put in another upgraded suspension. No sense upgrading twice.
 
4R Play said:
Because then it would be just a slightly different looking Trail. The different trims are there to offer different options for different wants/needs.

If you want to lift your 4Runner, I wouldn't get a Pro. You're just pulling out one "upgraded" suspension that you're paying a bit of a premium for just to put in another upgraded suspension. No sense upgrading twice.
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excellent. this is the knowledge I seek. Obviously I'm a 4runner noob. Just trying to get my head around what I want and need.
 
jharpphoto said:
still curious why the TRD PRO doesn't come with KDSS?
Click to expand...

In my experience of owning a lifted 2012 TE w/ KDSS, I would prefer a non-KDSS truck if you are going to wheel and mod the suspension much. I sold my 2012 KDSS in favor of finding a non-KDSS 2015.

I really don't like how the 4Runner KDSS front sway bar is attached to the LCAs. I studied the connection numerous times. And when you lift the truck the sway bar connections are in the end of their range of motion. I would prefer to see mounting connection more like the Tundra or the Lexus. The 4Runner attaches directly to the LCA while the others use a sway bar end link.

It just really bothers me because it looks like it is binding and trying to pull itself apart when the truck flexes.
 
Misterquad said:
In my experience of owning a lifted 2012 TE w/ KDSS, I would prefer a non-KDSS truck if you are going to wheel and mod the suspension much. I sold my 2012 KDSS in favor of finding a non-KDSS 2015.

I really don't like how the 4Runner KDSS front sway bar is attached to the LCAs. I studied the connection numerous times. And when you lift the truck the sway bar connections are in the end of their range of motion. I would prefer to see mounting connection more like the Tundra or the Lexus. The 4Runner attaches directly to the LCA while the others use a sway bar end link.

It just really bothers me because it looks like it is binding and trying to pull itself apart when the truck flexes.
Click to expand...

good to know. I don't think I would be interested in making a rock crawler just maybe a 2-3" coil lift and some larger tires. Do you think a KDSS equipped truck would be ok with this end use in mind?
 
jharpphoto said:
good to know. I don't think I would be interested in making a rock crawler just maybe a 2-3" coil lift and some larger tires. Do you think a KDSS equipped truck would be ok with this end use in mind?
Click to expand...

While I had my 2012 TE with KDSS and Icon Stage II, I wheeled it. On slow speed obstacles it flexed better than my 2010 FJ with a 2.5" OME lift. At that time, I loved the KDSS. But it was not long and I got that clunk while driving over speed bumps. And that really bothered me. And over time I tried wheeling different terrains and I noticed that it didn't like moguls. It seemed as if the sway bar would bind and reduce the flex and travel. It would feel very tight. I wondered if it was just me. So I even had other FJ buddies test drive it. We would run the FJ and 4Runner through the same area. And they even noticed that it did not seem right.

Then this summer I sold my 2012 TE and her 2010 Jeep and we got (2) 2015s, TE and a TEP, his and hers. I lifted my with Icon Stage II and took it to Colorado. I loved it. The best part now is I can do something to mine and compare it to a completely stock truck. Of course, until I lift her truck next week. You cannot convince me to ever buy KDSS again.
 
Yea this is why I bought the wife the TE without KDSS and my TRD Pro. Plus I like feeling like I'm driving a truck and not Lexus.
 
So it seems as if upgrading to slightly larger tires and a small 2-3" lift won't require any special procedures to accommodate the KDSS system correct?
 
jharpphoto said:
still curious why the TRD PRO doesn't come with KDSS?
Click to expand...

Probably because KDSS is intended for low speed off road and effectively disconnects the sway bars for flex, while the TRD Pro suspension is intended for moderate speed off road and playing in the dunes. 2 different driving styles. KDSS would very likely interfere with those high speed/low drag shocks on the TRD Pro package while it leaps tall moguls in a single bound, trying to anticipate and keep the wheels level.
 
jharpphoto said:
So it seems as if upgrading to slightly larger tires and a small 2-3" lift won't require any special procedures to accommodate the KDSS system correct?
Click to expand...
nothing more than detailed in the KDSS-specific lift install How-To linked above. basically you need to disconnect the sway bars before installing new components and be prepared to apply some serious muscle to get the front reattached.
 
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