KDSS, how common on which 4Runner models? (1 Viewer)

[Eli]

Is it true that not ALL 4Runner Trail models have KDSS?

What about 2010+ 4Runner Limiteds?

If it's not always installed on Trail and/or Limted, how common is it?

 

[titanpat57]

No...it's an option....although I'm not 100% sure about Limiteds

Some dealers do order them on some models, just as some folks really like the ride improvement and oder it on their new trucks.

When I ordered my truck I felt I'd rather use the money towards improved tires and suspension.

 

[ssmathis]

KDSS is only an option on trail editions. As for availability, that depends a lot on region. Here in Colorado, more of them have it than don't.

 

[thzpcs]

Does anyone here have the KDSS on their truck? If so, how is it?

 

[Jetboy]

I have it on my 15 4runner. I would not own a 4runner without it. After test driving a few I said no. Then a few years later I drove a KDSS and thought - okay, I could own one of these. Some people hate it, some love it. I think you really need to test drive one with and one without to make the call. For me the highway handling was so much better that it wasn't a close call. Offroad it works well too, but I think you can do better with good aftermarket suspension if offroad performance is what you're after.

I have Fox 2.5 Factory front coilovers and fox 2.0 long travel rear shocks and about 1" lift front and rear with KDSS. I swapped in GX460 rear air springs for about a year and didn't really like them and went back to coils in the rear. (They're an easy swap with a few custom parts) I may go back to air springs, but not the OEM GX460 ones. With the fox shocks and small lift it's perfect for me as far as being a very good highway cruiser, but also does great at moderate speeds in the desert and crawls around moab pretty well too. It's no FJ40 - but it always amazes me how good it is as multitask vehicle.

I don't totally understand Toyota's models. The trail premium with KDSS is IMO the best of the 4runner models. I'll take a trail with KDSS over a TRD Pro for offroad use any day of the week. It's just better at everything. Why the TRD Pro lacks KDSS I cannot figure out. I really wish you could buy a Limited with KDSS. That is what I would buy. But I suspect the price would eclipse a base model GX460, so maybe that's the problem?

 

[Jetboy]

One more thing to keep in mind;

KDSS on a GX460/4runner is identical. The KDSS system on the LC200 is a LOT better. It's a linkage based system that offers about double the travel of the sway bars so the LC200 has quite a bit more flex than the 4runner. If you were comparing the two the LC200 KDSS system is really cool!

 

[titanpat57]

Non KISS and ordered ('16) it that way....just one more thing to deal with down the road. First 4runner ('10 Trail) didn't have it

I drive 22,000 miles a year....98%on pavement, and yes, there is improved handling, but I'd rather put the money towards LT tires and lift...which also dramaticly improve handling ( but do decrease mpg's)

 

[thzpcs]

Non KISS and ordered ('16) it that way....just one more thing to deal with down the road. First 4runner ('10 Trail) didn't have it

I drive 22,000 miles a year....98%on pavement, and yes, there is improved handling, but I'd rather put the money towards LT tires and lift...which also dramaticly improve handling ( but do decrease mpg's)

What kind of lift are you running on your DD?

 

[titanpat57]

I'll be installing the OME BP-51's....probably no later then spring.

 

[crikeymike]

I just got a 14 Trail with KDSS. It has the wrong suspension on it now, so I'll let you know when I get it changed out what I think about it. I've experienced KDSS actively in a 200 series, on and offroad, and thought it was pretty cool.

 

[stilespendleton]

I have KDSS on my GX460 and absolutely love it. If you plan on going long travel there is no point in getting KDSS, but if you just plan on a normal lift, KDSS is the way to go in my opinion.

 

[crikeymike]

I changed out the rear coils yesterday, took 25 mins with a friend helping me, so that wasn't bad at all. The KDSS system is so strange, how it has the piston on one side... Now I need to take some corners super hard just to see how it works!!