Educate me on KDSS and the GX (1 Viewer)

[bhicks]

I have owned quite a few Toyota SUVs over the years but never a GX470. My buddy came to me this week and asked if I would help him find a GX470. He loved the LX470 I drove and wanted something just like it but a little smaller. The GX seemed like the perfect answer. He wanted 4WD and a V8 with under 150k and a clean title on the GX. There is about a 1/2 dozen in my area that meet his requirements and we will check them out this week. First off, I need to know what the KDSS is? I see that everywhere on here but didn't find a description of it. I also have a few more questions. Is the v8 the same 4.7 that came in the 4th gen 4Runners? Do these all come with the AHC system like the LX470? Timing belt every 90K? Head Gasket issues? Any other areas of concern I should be looking for when I go to look at one? I know the obvious stuff like oil leaks, exhaust leaks, rust, damage, hard shifting, engine knock, etc. etc. I just want to know if there are common issues specific to the GX470 that I wouldn't think to look for.

 

[orion]

KDSS is a hydraulically controlled anti-roll bar "performance enhancer"...adds complexity, but increases flex.

Same 4.7 in the 4Runner, yes. The GX470 is basically a luxury 4Runner...same chassis, can use '03-'09 4Runner suspension (also FJ Cruiser).

Great vehicles.

- Brian

 

[bhicks]

KDSS is a hydraulically controlled anti-roll bar "performance enhancer"...adds complexity, but increases flex.

Same 4.7 in the 4Runner, yes. The GX470 is basically a luxury 4Runner...same chassis, can use '03-'09 4Runner suspension (also FJ Cruiser).

Great vehicles.

- Brian

Thanks for the info. So if it's the 4.7 then we are looking at a timing belt job at 90k correct? Is AHC standard on these?

 

[bhicks]

After a little digging in the classifieds I see that cracked dashes is a thing. Lots of cracked dashes on craigslist. Looks like that will be something to look for. What else?

 

[orion]

Thanks for the info. So if it's the 4.7 then we are looking at a timing belt job at 90k correct? Is AHC standard on these?

Yes, timing belt at 90k...

They have an adjustable height rear suspension, but it's not AHC. They are airbags. Ditch them and convert to coils if (I mean when!?!) you lift it.

- Brian

 

[bhicks]

Yes, timing belt at 90k...

They have an adjustable height rear suspension, but it's not AHC. They are airbags. Ditch them and convert to coils if (I mean when!?!) you lift it.

- Brian

Good. The AHC in the LX470 was a real PITA and crazy expensive to repair. Was awesome when it worked but horrible when it failed. Good to know it's just air bags and easy to yank and swap out with springs. So the front suspension on all GX's has no adjustability?

 

[orion]

No front height control/adjustment...

There is a "sport" mode for the shocks (electronically controlled)...but that system will be rendered useless with any aftermarket shock (no real loss there).

- Brian

 

[bhicks]

No front height control/adjustment...

There is a "sport" mode for the shocks (electronically controlled)...but that system will be rendered useless with any aftermarket shock (no real loss there).

- Brian

So there is no weight on the front shocks? The AHC carries a large amount of weight of the vehicle in the shocks. If you simply replace the shocks you also have to replace the TBars from a non AHC 100 that has the much beefier bars that hold 100% of the weight. The AHC bars hold maybe 2/3rds of the weight while the AHC holds the rest. Same logic applies to the rear coils springs. They are pathetic and totally useless when the AHC fails.

 

[bhicks]

Going back to the KDSS topic; how would I know if the system is not functional? If it does fail, will the vehicle still drive and function without issue?

 

[JLee]

Going back to the KDSS topic; how would I know if the system is not functional? If it does fail, will the vehicle still drive and function without issue?

There's a KDSS warning light on the dash that should be illuminated if the system has failed. You can look for leaks at the pistons on the sway bars and the lines/pump along the driver's frame rail.

 

[bhicks]

There's a KDSS warning light on the dash that should be illuminated if the system has failed. You can look for leaks at the pistons on the sway bars and the lines/pump along the driver's frame rail.

Perfect. Thank you for that info.

 

[thatcabledude]

Go for non navigation if possible.

 

[bhicks]

Go for non navigation if possible.

Will do. I'm assuming it's the same reason why we avoid the Nav in the 100 series world which is no option for aftermarket stereo with Nav? Is the KDSS desirable or something we should try to avoid?

 

[thatcabledude]

I would avoid. Especially if not staying stock.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

KDSS is great and nothing to avoid, unless you're going to going to put a lift on the truck. If your friend is just going to drive it like a normal person, it's a fine feature to have.

 

[JLee]

KDSS is great and nothing to avoid, unless you're going to going to put a lift on the truck. If your friend is just going to drive it like a normal person, it's a fine feature to have.

You can lift a KDSS truck too.

Is the KDSS desirable or something we should try to avoid?

KDSS provides superior articulation off road (RTI score goes from 428 to 519) and superior handling on road (more info).

There was a time where getting sliders and skids for KDSS trucks was difficult or impossible, but there are bolt-on options available now. If you are planning on removing sway bar(s) during your modification process (e.g. going long travel), skip the KDSS option. If you are planning to retain your sway bars, having KDSS provides you the best of both worlds with superior performance both on and off road as opposed to traditional sway bars.

 

[bhicks]

You can lift a KDSS truck too.


KDSS provides superior articulation off road (RTI score goes from 428 to 519) and superior handling on road (more info).

There was a time where getting sliders and skids for KDSS trucks was difficult or impossible, but there are bolt-on options available now. If you are planning on removing sway bar(s) during your modification process (e.g. going long travel), skip the KDSS option. If you are planning to retain your sway bars, having KDSS provides you the best of both worlds with superior performance both on and off road as opposed to traditional sway bars.

Thank you for that detailed info. His plan for the GX is to be a daily driver for his wife and kids. He currently has a 2002 3rd Gen 4Runner that is his personal daily driver and weekend mild wheeler. I think it has a 2"-3" lift and 32's. He seems fully content with that set up.

 

[aznxfactor]

KDSS basically is a large sway bar underneath the car that stays tight during hard corning on pavement to minimize bodyroll. On off road, it can detach to allow greater wheel articulation. Youtube has great videos on the topic. I have a gx470 without it and depending on what you do for lift wise you will be limited with it on because the bars will make it hard to fit larger tires in the front.

My gx470 i have 285/70/17 with no KDSS and 2 inch lift. My 200 series has kdss and it's challenging to find the right build with it due to tire limitations....

 

[alia176]

So, the KDSS is an "active" system since there are fault codes associated with it? For some reason, I thought it was a passive system.

 

[JLee]

KDSS basically is a large sway bar underneath the car that stays tight during hard corning on pavement to minimize bodyroll. On off road, it can detach to allow greater wheel articulation. Youtube has great videos on the topic. I have a gx470 without it and depending on what you do for lift wise you will be limited with it on because the bars will make it hard to fit larger tires in the front.

My gx470 i have 285/70/17 with no KDSS and 2 inch lift. My 200 series has kdss and it's challenging to find the right build with it due to tire limitations....

Eh? They don't impact tire clearance at all.