Looking for installer in Central Texas area that knows wtf KDSS is

[deejayshag]

I am desperately wanting to upgrade the suspension on my 2011 TE w/ KDSS, but don't feel comfortable learning how to do that as I go, so I have been trying to find a local shop to help.

As far as what I'm wanting to install, I'm thinking along the lines of an OME, or Bilstein 5100 suspension with lift, but I'm holding off on purchasing anything until I can find an installer.4

The problem I've found so far is that none of the shops in this area have any clue what KDSS is, although a number of them have tried (and failed) to make it sound like they know exactly what it is. In those cases, it quickly became obvious they were speaking out of their nether-regions, and had to fess up that they had no idea how to deal with it.

If anyone has any suggestions for an honest shop that truly knows what they are doing in the Central Texas area I would love to hear them. Short of that, if there is a shop in San Antonio, Houston, or even Dallas that anyone swears by, and could turn the install around on the same day, then I could probably be swayed into making that trip as well.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[The Waco Kid]

I am desperately wanting to upgrade the suspension on my 2011 TE w/ KDSS, but don't feel comfortable learning how to do that as I go, so I have been trying to find a local shop to help.

As far as what I'm wanting to install, I'm thinking along the lines of an OME, or Bilstein 5100 suspension with lift, but I'm holding off on purchasing anything until I can find an installer.4

The problem I've found so far is that none of the shops in this area have any clue what KDSS is, although a number of them have tried (and failed) to make it sound like they know exactly what it is. In those cases, it quickly became obvious they were speaking out of their nether-regions, and had to fess up that they had no idea how to deal with it.

If anyone has any suggestions for an honest shop that truly knows what they are doing in the Central Texas area I would love to hear them. Short of that, if there is a shop in San Antonio, Houston, or even Dallas that anyone swears by, and could turn the install around on the same day, then I could probably be swayed into making that trip as well.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Last resort: Lexus Dealer?

Or Try your hand at it, with Eddiebx's how to thread....

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

 

[Rtar]

Honestly, if you are that concerned with a shop messing up the KDSS (and I was too) start your research on this form, then head over to harbor freight to get a few tools, grab a couple of friends and a pack of beer (for celebration) and get to work!

SoCal had lots of good advice on the instal as well as a few others. As for KDSS, just don't touch it. Don't open any valves, leave it alone. Disconnect the battery, lift the truck on all 4's and go for it. I didn't disconnect anything when doing the front and only removed the sway bar in the rear and tied it up. You have to get a little creative at some points to move things out of the way, but that is what 2x4s are for.

Good luck, and have fun with it. Oh, and check out Icon with TC UCAs.

 

[Jeremy556]

Most any shop should be fine doing it. Just tell them not to touch any of the hydraulic stuff, and to remove the ABS sensor wire and tuck it away before doing anything.

 

[STX4Runner]

Good luck with your search. I have found that all the shops in San Antonio only know how to work on full size pickups and maybe some Jeeps. Went over to 4Wheel Parts a few times to talk to them and came away very unimpressed. Same with the independent 4x4 shops I've seen online. This being Texas, it seems like the only thing people are lifiting are Super Dutys so they can complete the urban cowboy image. You might try the FJ forums as there are lots of Central Texas members on there if I recall. Or do it yourself. I'm only somewhat mechanically inclined and was able to change my front and rear lift recently in a day following [MENTION=85512]eddiebx[/MENTION]'s instructions.

 

[deejayshag]

I guess I should have added a bit more background on why I'm not really up for attempting the install on my own, when normally I'm not afraid to dive right in... Pretty much all of my non-work time is tied up at the moment with repairing all of the termite damage in our new-to-us home. Although I would prefer to work on my 4R, for the sake of not having our house collapse, it's probably better for me to focus my energy there.

As for the thought of having any shop do the work, while making sure they don't touch the KDSS, I honestly don't know whether any of the local shops are good or not, and the dishonest comments from some regarding their knowledge of KDSS certainly has me wanting to avoid those folks.

 

[STX4Runner]

OK. That makes sense. Gotta take care of the house first! I wuold reccomend going over to the FJ forum then. Lots of Texas members with lifted FJs. I can't imagine that all of them did them themselves.

 

[The Waco Kid]

As for the thought of having any shop do the work, while making sure they don't touch the KDSS, I honestly don't know whether any of the local shops are good or not, and the dishonest comments from some regarding their knowledge of KDSS certainly has me wanting to avoid those folks.

As far as knowledge goes, unless you find a mom and pop shop that specializes in Toyota suspensions, I don't think anyone but your local Lexus dealer will have any knowledge what-so-ever...even then, it's a bit of a stretch. You're Geographical location has a lot to do with this issue.

It's bad enough none of the dealers know what the heck it is...

 

[STX4Runner]

I need to clarify...I know FJs don't have KDSS and my responses might make it seem like I think they do. But, shops that work on FJs at least should have a working knowledge of Toyotas.

 

[kowski49]

[MENTION=54511]AutoRotate[/MENTION] bought his OME kit from Toyota of Dallas and had them do the install on his TE. I talked to him about it a year or so ago and he was happy with their work. Shoot him a PM. Nice guy who's willing to share experience.

 

[AutoRotate]

Thanks for the kind words. Yep, contact Jacque at TRD Parts 4U. He will help sell you the gear and setup the installation at Toyota of Dallas. No complaints here.

 

[Ryan1975]

I am desperately wanting to upgrade the suspension on my 2011 TE w/ KDSS, but don't feel comfortable learning how to do that as I go, so I have been trying to find a local shop to help.

As far as what I'm wanting to install, I'm thinking along the lines of an OME, or Bilstein 5100 suspension with lift, but I'm holding off on purchasing anything until I can find an installer.4

The problem I've found so far is that none of the shops in this area have any clue what KDSS is, although a number of them have tried (and failed) to make it sound like they know exactly what it is. In those cases, it quickly became obvious they were speaking out of their nether-regions, and had to fess up that they had no idea how to deal with it.

If anyone has any suggestions for an honest shop that truly knows what they are doing in the Central Texas area I would love to hear them. Short of that, if there is a shop in San Antonio, Houston, or even Dallas that anyone swears by, and could turn the install around on the same day, then I could probably be swayed into making that trip as well.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

1) Post up in Austin Crew thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/texas-oklahoma/137382-whos-austin-yall-4.html

2) Any competent tire shop can handle this. This is not rocket science. Look for a reputable 4x4 if not. I know there's probably four such shops in Copperas Cove alone.

3) There's a wrenching session coming up with the San Antonio Off Roaders Facebook group. Join that group.

 

[J Hoss]

I'm just here to say I'm in round rock too and recommend [MENTION=62425]Ryan1975[/MENTION] s advice and I'm not too far behind you in terms of getting a lift on my TE

 

[deejayshag]

I appreciate the responses from folks. From the sound of it, there are no specific shops in Central Texas that anyone here has experience with, so I may need to expand the search area... or heaven forbid, wait until the house is all fixed, and take a crack at it myself (I really hate waiting, though).

 

[seymore]

I'm in the same boat, have an Icon kit sitting in the garage and not many free weekends to do the work. I've used Bearden Automotive (they only work on Toyota/Lexus) in the past but they quoted ~$1k for labor (coilovers, springs, shocks and UCAs) so I'm going to try to make time for it...

casey
'78 fj40
'12 t4r te

 

[Ryan1975]

I'm in the same boat, have an Icon kit sitting in the garage and not many free weekends to do the work. I've used Bearden Automotive (they only work on Toyota/Lexus) in the past but they quoted ~$1k for labor (coilovers, springs, shocks and UCAs) so I'm going to try to make time for it...

casey
'78 fj40
'12 t4r te

I paid $500/labor. I'll google a shop in the area and post it here tomorrow.

 

[Rubberdown]

I'm in Houston, I'll help you do it if you bring beer. I have all the tools we would need.

 

[Ryan1975]

I e found an installer in Lampases that quoted $400-$800. If you all bring him 3 trucks I'm sure we could negotiate $4-500. I'll send everyone a PM.

 

[Tengu]

I'm in Houston, I'll help you do it if you bring beer. I have all the tools we would need.

Hell I'LL take you up on that one. Have you done one with kdss?

 

[Rubberdown]

No, but what could go wrong? Just don't touch it seems to be the general idea.