TRD Pro or Trail Premium with KDSS

[jpachard]

Hello All, looks like I'll be ordering a 4Runner in the near future and wanted to get some input. I've narrowed my choices down to the trd pro or the trail premium with kdss. I'll be using the truck for towing my racecar(3600lbs total with trailer) as well as commuting and off-roading/camping as I'll be installing my roof top tent on it. Given my uses, which is the better option? I'm leaning towards the trail premium due to the kdss but would like to hear how it works while towing?

Thanks in advance for the input!

Cheers, James

 

[1engineer]

Welcome to the forum. Please read the new or prospective owner sticky thread above. Good luck and enjoy all the reading on KDSS and TRD PRO suspensions!

 

[Diesel_Dog]

Hello All, looks like I'll be ordering a 4Runner in the near future and wanted to get some input. I've narrowed my choices down to the trd pro or the trail premium with kdss. I'll be using the truck for towing my racecar(3600lbs total with trailer) as well as commuting and off-roading/camping as I'll be installing my roof top tent on it. Given my uses, which is the better option? I'm leaning towards the trail premium due to the kdss but would like to hear how it works while towing?

Thanks in advance for the input!

Cheers, James

Either will work for your uses. Do you plan to lift it or play with the suspension at all? If not TRDP would work. If you want to lift it get the TE.

There are a bunch of threads on here about this very subject. Here is one with more info: should I buy a trail premium or TRD pro

 

[jpachard]

Thanks fellas, appreciate the guidance. I'll take a look at the links!

Cheers, James

 

[carlomagne]

What happened to the 10 post rule?

 

[1engineer]

What happened to the 10 post rule?

Started in August. If you were a member before then you get grandfathered in and can start a thread with less than 15 posts.

 

[thomasj1107]

I love all the people who complain about new people and the post rule etc as if somehow there is going to ACTUALLY be an infinite about of topics that can be discussed, and no thread will ever be repeated lol.... I advise all of these people to never watch a presidential debate, don't ever allow a loved one to develop alzheimer's (good luck with that), and don't have any kids...

I mean this with as little seriousness possible...your useless responses to people really are making a difference.

 

[carlomagne]

Started in August. If you were a member before then you get grandfathered in and can start a thread with less than 15 posts.

Ahhhh ok.

Stock for stock, TRD Pro should be better than the Trail Premium in offroad conditions. If you plan to upgrade the tires and suspension, trail premium with kdss will give a little advantage. It'll be a little more planted on the road and should give a little more articulation offroad from what I've read.

If a sunroof is a must, trail premium it is. If a trd pro exclusive color is a must (quicksand), then trd pro it is.

 

[carlomagne]

I love all the people who complain about new people and the post rule etc as if somehow there is going to ACTUALLY be an infinite about of topics that can be discussed, and no thread will ever be repeated lol.... I advise all of these people to never watch a presidential debate, don't ever allow a loved one to develop alzheimer's (good luck with that), and don't have any kids...

I mean this with as little seriousness possible...your useless responses to people really are making a difference.

I bought my trail and decided to go with kdss based off searching and reading threads. A simple search with some reading should net most people exactly what they're looking for.

 

[TPH4R]

Neither if you're pulling a race car with gear. Get a new Taco with tow package and mount the RTT over the bed (rails or on a cap). More room if you're planning on staying at the track.

 

[1engineer]

I love all the people who complain about new people and the post rule etc as if somehow there is going to ACTUALLY be an infinite about of topics that can be discussed, and no thread will ever be repeated lol.... I advise all of these people to never watch a presidential debate, don't ever allow a loved one to develop alzheimer's (good luck with that), and don't have any kids...

I mean this with as little seriousness possible...your useless responses to people really are making a difference.

...as is yours my friend.

 

[jbjones85]

Tep +kdss add the fancy grill and still have $ left. I am a little biased though.

 

[SKP-4R]

Trail Premium KDSS is the better deal. TRD PRO if you want looks and don't want to mess with it. For the money of a PRO, you can get a TEP and a very nice suspension and tire setup that is far superior than the PRO.

 

[live_discover]

I had the same debate with myself. I ended up with a trail for the moonroof and the fact that the stock wheels, tires, and suspension, would probably not last to long on the vehicle anyway.

 

[SirBarton]

I didn't think I wanted or needed KDSS, but after driving a trail with and without, I decided it was worth it. I drive my 4Runner 90% on paved roads and the KDSS is a significant improvement over the stock handling when turning.

The TRD Pro is great, but I'd rather have a TEP with KDSS.

 

[Wild Duck]

I went through the same debate. 1) I had to have the sunroof. 2) I wanted the kdss and 3) I knew I wanted a better lift than the TRD Stock suspension. I am really glad I went this route! My .02$.

 

[rpontbriand]

I went through the same debate. 1) I had to have the sunroof. 2) I wanted the kdss and 3) I knew I wanted a better lift than the TRD Stock suspension. I am really glad I went this route! My .02$.

Not to start the debate again, but a simple question. How has the KDSS behaved after the lift and what looks to be spacers? Still as smooth on tight turns? Been going back and forth on that one for a while on my Runner.

 

[Wild Duck]

rpontbriand,
The kdss works great post lift and with the Icon lift it is wayyyy better than stock as far as body roll and nose dive. I also put the HD overland springs on the rear and have yet to tow my 3,700 lbs trailer to tell you how it handles it. I'm not concerned, I think it will do great! I'll post after I do. No spacers btw, I've read about too many weird issues and don't think the risk is worth the reward.

 

[wfo9]

Hello All, looks like I'll be ordering a 4Runner in the near future and wanted to get some input. I've narrowed my choices down to the trd pro or the trail premium with kdss. I'll be using the truck for towing my racecar(3600lbs total with trailer) as well as commuting and off-roading/camping as I'll be installing my roof top tent on it. Given my uses, which is the better option? I'm leaning towards the trail premium due to the kdss but would like to hear how it works while towing?

Thanks in advance for the input!

Cheers, James

Do yourself a favor. Not sure if a dealer will allow this... but see if you can test drive one and tow your trailer before you buy. Many owners are very disappointed in the way these trucks tow. Some are OK with it. Pretty much depends on the individual and the conditions they town in. If you are dealing with any grades....

Any suspension related issues can be addressed via (airbags...) but the motor and trans are something you are stuck with.

 

[Quentin]

As much as I love the Pro, my next runner will likely be a trail premium. One of my favorite things is having the moonroof open and the tailgate glass just opened 6" or so. I'll buy the pro wheels (in grey), some A/T tires, and the pro grille. Fin.