OME Lift Install w/KDSS

[-JD-]

So i took my truck into to have the lift installed. Just got a call that they aren't goign to be able to get it done for me today and are going to need it for another day. Said they broke a couple bolts that need to be drilled out, and they were having trouble with the rear sway bar links.

Since I know a lot of guys on here have done the install, just thought I would ask. Did you run into problems getting the rear springs in?? How did you deal with the KDSS?

Any insight would be appreciated as I dont want to have to pay for 8+ hours of labor at $99/hour when I know guys on here have done the install at home in less time...

 

[knc1us69]

I was told by several Yota Tech's that lifting the KDSS was a bad idea. This is why I opted for the non-KDSS TE as I wanted the lift more than the KDSS. This also meant I gave up the NAV and better sound system. I am no expert but that was what two dealers and several Yota Tech's told me. I didn't get into all the reasons why or why not.

 

[Wepps]

When ARB was testing out the OME suspension system on the 4Runner Trail they had I spoke to the Tech installing the suspension. He said that you had to secure the KDSS hydraulic's so they would not expand. IIRC he said they secured the KDSS (ratchet straps) then disconnected the sway bars to install the shocks and coils.

I would email or call ARB to find out.

 

[453030]

I was told by several Yota Tech's that lifting the KDSS was a bad idea. This is why I opted for the non-KDSS TE as I wanted the lift more than the KDSS. This also meant I gave up the NAV and better sound system. I am no expert but that was what two dealers and several Yota Tech's told me. I didn't get into all the reasons why or why not.

While I don't deny you were told that, it is an utter bunch of crap for a normal 2-3" lift. KDSS offers serious handling benefits, and the thicker swaybars are desirable lifted or not.

So i took my truck into to have the lift installed. Just got a call that they aren't goign to be able to get it done for me today and are going to need it for another day. Said they broke a couple bolts that need to be drilled out, and they were having trouble with the rear sway bar links.

Since I know a lot of guys on here have done the install, just thought I would ask. Did you run into problems getting the rear springs in?? How did you deal with the KDSS?

Any insight would be appreciated as I dont want to have to pay for 8+ hours of labor at $99/hour when I know guys on here have done the install at home in less time...

I installed my own OW2.0 kit in one full day, working mostly alone. A neighborhood mechanic helped me safely set the truck on blocks and separate the front spindles and that was it. I did everything else myself. And I had zero automotive experience before attempting it. When it comes down to it, installing a new suspension in the 4Runner is little more than loosening and tightening bolts. Period.

OW included pretty comprehensive instructions. I do not recall any difficulty with the rear. I had my bar disconnected on both sides, controlled the axle drop with my floor jack, and easily swapped the coils. Remember, as you push up one one side the other drops. So if you can't get a coil in push up on the other side of the axle. Reattaching the sway was not hard. After I had one side started I pushed the other side up to within reach of the bolts and that was it.

Sorry for your troubles. It is exactly this kind of story that made me do it myself and take my time. There should be no bolt breaking and drilling.

 

[-JD-]

I seem to remember a post where someone was saying they had to put a jack under the kdss hydraulic actuator, or something, to get it to work. but can't find that post now...

frustrating as its now going to mean missing work tomorrow, and i bet they will want to charge me more since it took them longer...

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I wonder what bolts they broke. Up front when I put in my coilovers, I used the jack and pushed up the front KDSS piston in order to lower the passenger side A-arm.

The rear, you just unbolt the swaybar on the axle, I think I actually just removed the passenger side one, cant remember. It was easier than the front though.

Good luck with everything, Hopefully they don't screw up the KDSS System.

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

Ya doing the suspension on a TE with KDSS isnt the easiest thing in the world, but its not that bad either. There is absolutely no reason why lifting the vehicle a reasonable amount (1-3") would have any negative effects at all on the KDSS system. Just take a look at the system, its actually very simple... Just a hyrdaulic cylinder attached to one end of each the front and rear sway bars. The front is more difficult than the rear but neither should cause issues that would lead to stripped bolts, nuts, or re drilling holes. I would go find a mechanic who didn't strip bolts.... Just me though. Good luck and I hope it works out ok!

 

[Intruder]

While I don't deny you were told that, it is an utter bunch of crap for a normal 2-3" lift. KDSS offers serious handling benefits, and the thicker swaybars are desirable lifted or not.

Yup, complete hogwash. I've had my TE with KDSS lifted 2.5" since July and wheeled it a lot since without a single issue. The install was done by a Toyota master tech and one of the guys I wheel with is also a Toyota tech and neither one ever said it was a bad idea. I think it's a case of some dealerships still having the old "mods are bad, mmmkay" attitude and trying to discourage people from doing any.

 

[jca21]

north shore off road....?

or since you're installing OME's did you go to cap-it?

 

[-JD-]

For those that had the lift installed. how much did you pay?

something tells me the dealership is keeping the meter running on me, even though it sounds like its their own fault its taking so long....

 

[jca21]

you're getting the lift installed at a toyota dealership/?

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

Cost= Free

Took me 3 hours start to finish for the front and about 2 hours taking my time for the rear. It was a fun little project. If I were to do it again I think I could damn near cut those times in half after figuring out how to move the KDSS sway bars out of the way and re attach them

My buddy just bought a 11' TE from a dealership here in So. Cal and they actually offered to install a coil spacer lift for him. I believe they wanted $250 for the front and rear. Didnt seem that bad to me, but then again maybe it was a good price because he bought the truck from them.

 

[-JD-]

you're getting the lift installed at a toyota dealership/?

Ya, there is literally NO off road shops in my area. dont really trust anyone else to touch it. Most of the independent mechanics around here are old guys who would have no idea what KDSS even means....

 

[gamerc]

I was told by several Yota Tech's that lifting the KDSS was a bad idea. This is why I opted for the non-KDSS TE as I wanted the lift more than the KDSS. This also meant I gave up the NAV and better sound system. I am no expert but that was what two dealers and several Yota Tech's told me. I didn't get into all the reasons why or why not.

Side note, adding an aftermarket nav head unit is as simple as a few wire taps, an adapter harness, and a hour or 2 of your time. Also, see my thread on the Scosche vs Metra dash kits.

 

[-JD-]

Just thought I would update. Day 2. Truck is still not done. they say It'll be ready by the end of the day. Im at the dealership, It's now 3:30 so it looks like I'm stuck here for the next two hours (provided they get it done today!)

 

[-JD-]

So....they did not get it done today. We are now going onto day 3.

sigh....

 

[Fo-runna]

Wow! That's pretty sad. I installed an ICON stage two into our 2011 TE (w/ KDSS) in just under six hours. My wife actually came out and held the spindles up while I put the UCA's on. The sway bars took a little finesse but I have actually no idea how you could break a bolt. I did it with a set of craftsmen wrenches and a floorjack. Granted, I'm fairly mechanically inclined but I'm no master tech. . I "Driveway" aligned it that night and popped down to Les Schwab the next day and had it aligned. The alignment tech came out after he was finished and ran through the numbers. It aligned great and he said it was an awesome rig. Then he asked me who put the lift in for me. I told him my wife and I, and he nearly crapped down both legs. :wow:
Just did my 500 mile check up on the lift and it was all good. Everything was still tight and where it is supposed to be.
Good luck with your rig and hopefully everything will turn out okay. My advice is take it somewhere after you get it back and have it checked. It doesn't sound like they have a very good handle on the matter.

 

[Intruder]

My advice is take it somewhere after you get it back and have it checked. It doesn't sound like they have a very good handle on the matter.

Ditto. My first thought is that they screwed something else up during the install and it's either taking longer to fix or they're waiting on a part. Don't let them charge you any more than a day's labour since there's no way it should've taken longer.

 

[-JD-]

So I got it back today. Looks good. Duratracs did great in the snow/ice we had today.
(anyone else's Duratracs come with Baby blue lettering on them? looks terrible)

Found the ride a little bouncier than i expected. Rides a lot like a pickup with an empty box. I'm hoping the springs settle down a little.

Got handed an invoice for $1200!! 4 hours for the front, 3 for the rear, 1 to drill out the bolts they broke, mount and balance tires, and alignment. I mentioned that most people on here were able to do the install in their driveways in less time. He flat out didn't believe me. Best he was able to offer me was 10% off labor, which brought my total to just under $1100... ugh...

Also, he said that they had to 're-calibrate' the ABS sensors on each wheel for the ECU/crawl control/multi-terrain to work properly with the bigger tires. Anyone else heard of that??

 

[Wepps]

That's a lot of money for the lift to be installed. Considering they broke the bolt. The recalibration of the sensors isn't sounding right either.