JerseyMike
Member
It was just a simple bleed/recharge of the system. I'll track down the paperwork.
Edit: Looks like it was only $500 for the recharge:
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Shall I get the KDSS on my Future T4R?
- Thread starter Biznitch15
- Start date
It was just a simple bleed/recharge of the system. I'll track down the paperwork.
Edit: Looks like it was only $500 for the recharge:
Hi welcome to t4r i also joined this forum this month to get advice on my kdss system. I have the 2010 trail with kdss. Its my daily drive and off road cabin vehicle the vehicle is solid,smooth on highway,great 4x4 roads.i have never lifted my trail so cant speak for that.
The cylinder did wear out prematurly at 98000 kms and a pain to deal with and expensive but i believe rare according to this forum. Kdss is worth it
I decided to get KDSS based on all I read from research online.
I drove an non-KDSS equipped SR5 for several days until my TP with KDSS came in. I thought while I had the SR5 that maybe I had made a mistake as I thought the suspension was pretty damn good for what it was.
Boy was I wrong. I found the KDSS to make a HUGE improvement.
I live on a curvy road, and the Trail with KDSS feels like a sports car in comparison. It really does handle like its on rails (for a tall SUV).
I drove an non-KDSS equipped SR5 for several days until my TP with KDSS came in. I thought while I had the SR5 that maybe I had made a mistake as I thought the suspension was pretty damn good for what it was.
Boy was I wrong. I found the KDSS to make a HUGE improvement.
I live on a curvy road, and the Trail with KDSS feels like a sports car in comparison. It really does handle like its on rails (for a tall SUV).
Whiplash Willy
New member
Here is what it costs to replace an actuator and bleed the system in the US(See Last Line):
*Ignore the quotes for the Shock replacement....GX470 AVS shocks are insanely overpriced (Fronts are $300 each ; Rears are $600 each!)
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sandcrawler
Senior Member
It was just a simple bleed/recharge of the system. I'll track down the paperwork.
Edit: Looks like it was only $500 for the recharge:
big difference between those $$ billed—$500 -vs- $1600—for what looks like the same repair: bleed, fill, and re-pressurize system. what gives?Here is what it costs to replace an actuator and bleed the system in the US(See Last Line):
*Ignore the quotes for the Shock replacement....GX470 AVS shocks are insanely overpriced (Fronts are $300 each ; Rears are $600 each!)
Whiplash Willy
New member
big difference between those $$ billed—$500 -vs- $1600—for what looks like the same repair: bleed, fill, and re-pressurize system. what gives?
JerseyMike's bill was for a simple bleed/recharge.
Mine is for a new rear actuator install + a Bleed, Fill and re-pressurize.
Mooney
New member
Here is what it costs to replace an actuator and bleed the system in the US(See Last Line):
*Ignore the quotes for the Shock replacement....GX470 AVS shocks are insanely overpriced (Fronts are $300 each ; Rears are $600 each!)
For clarification . . . your talking about repair costs for a LEXUS not Toyota correct?
Trying to figure out how you needed to replace all four shocks and requrire substantial work to the KDSS. Did you run the Baja, have a million miles on the truck or loan it to your wife?
Riddler6.7
New member
At first I was set on KDSS, but ended up ordering our TEP without it because I plan on owning this vehicle for a long time, as well as upgrading the suspension all the way around. Possibly even long travel rear...
It would be nice to have a vehicle with a little less body roll, but so far I dont regret the decision at all.
It would be nice to have a vehicle with a little less body roll, but so far I dont regret the decision at all.
sandcrawler
Senior Member
so ~$1000 for the actuator + ~$600 for the bleed, refill, and pressurize?
Whiplash Willy
New member
Yes, this qoute is from a Lexus Dealership, but I don't think the cost from a Toyota Delearship would be too far of, if I could find one that has the equipment, and would do it.
We bought the GX470 about a year ago with 81k miles on it. It now has 90k miles on it, but has had the suspension issue from the beginning. It may even be why the PO got rid of it. From what I can tell it has never been off-roaded or abused. It has just been on pavement duty like most lexuses. And like most lexuses, it has had all maintenance done at a the lexus dealership.
The KDSS rear actuator leak is just due to normal use and age, and is the source of the suspension clunk. The shocks do have some seepage, but I don't think it is bad enough to justify replacing they yet. If it came to it though, I could replace them with a set of Bilstein 5100s for the cost of just 1 rear Lexus/Toyota AVS Shock....
The real problem is the work the KDSS System uses, as you need to have a Lexus or Toyota dealer to do the work, unless you want to buy a $500 tool, and try and do it yourself.
The Rear Actuator is about $500 for the Part, and as JerseyMike showed, the labor for bleeding the system is $500 (including the $50 in fluid). I would imagine the labor for installing the actuator would be in the neighborhood of $500. And since the rear actuator lasted only 80k miles, who knows how long the front actuator will last, and when that goes, it will be another $1500 to fix.
The huge KDSS Swaybars do make the GX handle almost sports car like in the twisty backroads, and is very nice, however at this point, I wish I had gotten a non KDSS GX470.
txbonds
Senior Member
Granted I haven't researched this subject yet but reading through these 3 pages I'm wondering if the standard sway bars a non-kdss model comes with could be retrofitted in place of the kdss if that system fails? Might be the best course for a lifted truck financially down the road. Just curious if anyone has looked into that option and priced it out.
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SandyUT
Guest
I am torn between the TRDPRO and TP wth KDSS seams like a common debate. I will not be making susp. mods. I love the look of the pro, but for a daily driver with limit off roading the TP with seems like the way to go. I have a 1994 T4R for 10 year and then have had 2 Tacos. Ready to go back to the T4R. Upfront cost is not the issue - its what will ride the best and get me the options I want.
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SandyUT
Guest
I am more of leave it stock kind of owner. Most of what I have read indicates the KDSS does quite a bit for the on road handling. We drive up and down a steep canyon all winter and limiting the roll would be a big plus.
I drove a limited last summer and it was ok (hate the body style tho). They didnt have any trail premiums at that time. Driving one tomorrow with the KDSS. so we will see.
I drove a limited last summer and it was ok (hate the body style tho). They didnt have any trail premiums at that time. Driving one tomorrow with the KDSS. so we will see.
jrandom
New member
Assuming you are talking either Big or Little Cottonwood, I have driven both frequently having skied here all my life, more recently lived and worked a dozen+ years up both canyons. The transmission is geared nicely for Big, not perfect but plenty capable for Little, the KDSS is great in both assuming you haven't got someone in front of you smoking their brakes. 
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SandyUT
Guest
You know it! We moved to SLC about 10 years ago and made the rounds looking for our fav resort. The Bird won it. Its a weekly addiction and a good one.
I am getting very excited to order up a trail premium just how I want it. I have enjoyed my Taco, but I need 4 seats and more secure cargo area.
I am getting very excited to order up a trail premium just how I want it. I have enjoyed my Taco, but I need 4 seats and more secure cargo area.
FrontRange4Runner
New member
I got KDSS because I like the way it drives. It's Just a lot more tight on our winding mountain roads. When it breaks, Ill just show the old lady the repair bill, and then start talking about the aftermarket options that will replace KDSS and will cost a lot less. Get what I want now and later.....win/win. (I see no way this plan can fail....knock on wood)
Dirty Brigade
New member
I went with KDSS for a few reasons. My wife will be driving the 4runner some when we take our trips to Michigan every year. I bought the extended warranty, so why not. My build plan did not have any crazy suspension upgrades, mainly just a few inches in order to keep a little more drivability.
I did get to test out the KDSS a few weeks back at Turkey Bay OHV park and it was a pretty cool system. I used all of the options and was pretty impressed with the crawl control.
I did get to test out the KDSS a few weeks back at Turkey Bay OHV park and it was a pretty cool system. I used all of the options and was pretty impressed with the crawl control.
I purchased my 2015 Trail Edition and initially did not want KDSS because I knew it made things more challenging to add aftermarket lift, sliders, and such. I have now installed a three inch lift, the BOSS Ultimate Kit from Toytec, and it does great. I also have installed the White Knuckle sliders and while the lines are close, they do not touch and everything fits. Personally I plan to use mine on moderate trails but I also drive it as a daily driver. The interesting part is my wife also has a 2015 SR5 Premium without KDSS and having driven both I would take the KDSS hands down because it just handles a lot better on the road. If you have any specific questions I would be glad to answer them.
