TE w/ or w/o KDSS...Should I go new?

[1engineer]

The onroad benefit you get from having KDSS is the fact that you get a thicker sway bar so you get less body roll. So on the road KDSS is actively not disconnecting the sway bar. KDSS does not connect the shocks only the sway bars.

This is an example of incorrect information. I don't even know where to start except it's all wrong. Please, if you are going to post something technical as fact at least understand a little about the technology in question. Please watch this link 4Runner Trail Edition - YouTube and then ask questions. This video is about Toyota's KDSS and how it works correctly. It is also the same on the LC.

 

[smilycook]

This is an example of incorrect information. I don't even know where to start except it's all wrong. Please, if you are going to post something technical as fact at least understand a little about the technology in question. Please watch this link 4Runner Trail Edition - YouTube and then ask questions. This video is about Toyota's KDSS and how it works correctly. It is also the same on the LC.

Still a newbie on this forum, but I respectfully disagree.

I have seen the video. In the video they specifically say the KDSS "suppresses the suspension stroke" and this is done by preventing the swaybar from becoming disconnected. If a KDSS system was installed on an SR5 with the smaller sway bar you would get the same amount of body roll as a standard SR5. The important thing about the KDSS is the ability to use a beefier sway bar. The KDSS does not tie into the shocks it is simply connected to the sway bar. The sway bar on a TE is bigger than the SR5 and LE and that is made possible by KDSS. So on the road KDSS is simple holding the sway bars at one setting.

In theory to match on road performance on a TE w/o KDSS you could simply upgrade to a bigger sway bar. Of course it would suck offroad.

 

[ssmathis]

:redbrick:

 

[rocklighting]

To the OP, the only true way to see if it is worth it, is to test drive a TE with, and a TE without. It was almost impossible to find a new Trail with KDSS on a dealer lot by me. I was getting a great deal by buying one on the lot at the end of the month at the end of the year. I wasn't willing to give up the deal just to have KDSS. Plus, as someone said you can easily change the suspension to get the similar results.

I'm sure it would be worth it, but the only one you should listen to is someone who has driven both. I have not, so technically, don't listen to me haha

 

[real84]

kDSS

My kdss light is on any clue? 2005 gx470 thanks

 

[Mick1]

:hurt: for once I totally agree with 1enigineer (over smilycook)

watch the video again cook :behindsofa: around 1:30

 

[BocaIvan]

I drove both versions of the TE and I am glad I went with the KDSS.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

I drove both versions of the TE and I am glad I went with the KDSS.

I test drove SR5, TE no KDSS and TE with KDSS (in that order). From SR5 to TE no KDSS I didn't notice much difference. Maybe TE felt a little firmer. Going from TE no KDSS to KDSS was a total "aha" moment. Dramatic difference. I knew I had to have it. Ride was firmer and so much more controlled on all kinds of pavement.

Honestly, tests drives were not long enough for a totally fair assessment. Emotion probably played a part in my impressions. What I do know for sure is that I totally don't regret it and if bought another Runner, it would have KDSS.

 

[BocaIvan]

I think the type of offroading should be taken into consideration.

If you need a lot of articulation, then KDSS may not be for you since you will likely be upgrading the suspension significantly.

If you are the average weekend warrior that is basically going camping and hitting mild trails, KDSS has your name all over it!

 

[Intruder]

If you need a lot of articulation, then KDSS may not be for you since you will likely be upgrading the suspension significantly.

Only if your significant suspension upgrade includes long travel.

 

[adam2562]

If you are planning on going new. Maybe a good question is how much serious off roading do you plan on doing? Or are you just concerned about road manners? The KDSS system will not engage during normal driving conditions. In off-road conditions, KDSS activates when it senses that a wheel has dropped. You could install a set of blisten shocks on all the corners for a lot cheaper than KDSS.

On the road the XREAS is the best stock system at preventing body roll and brake dive.

XREAS isn't as good as the KDSS on turns.. i owned a 2010 limited then got a 2011 trail with KDSS.. i have noticed that the trail seems to have a softer ride.. mainly more nose dive than the limited with XREAS.. but in turns its tighter than a XREAS equipped t4r.. XREAS definitely is better in turns vs a non XREAS/KDSS equipped t4r..
...my $.02