Question on KDSS

[Cruuzer]

guys- i had my Kings installed along with the new tires, i had the front leveled out (approx 1”)

I told them about the KDSS system, and i want to “assume” they did the install correct (they are a well known shop)

But what would be the tell tales issues if they didn’t open the KDSS valves to let it adjust during the install?

I don’t believe I’m not having any issues, the ride is firmer (Kings and E rated tires did that)- but what would be the give away if they didn’t adjust the valve. I’m going back in tomarrow to have everything looked over, and adjust one side that settled a bit-

If they didn’t adjust it, can they just open the valves now and let it compensate? What happens if this is not done with 1” of leveling?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Willy beamin]

Check it for your self.
KDSS tips - you're welcome
might as well get familiar with the system if you're going to pay shops you don't fully trust. its simple to use and not the boogie man you may think it is. Just don't turn the valvemore than three turns when opening - visually index where you start your initial turn.

 

[Cruuzer]

Thanks,

So my next Question is, how would you tell if it was wrong or not done correctly?

 

[Markuson]

Thanks,

So my next Question is, how would you tell if it was wrong or not done correctly?

There isn't much to "break" with KDSS except for opening the valve too far adn depressurizing...which requires a specialized tool from Toyota to correct. You'd know it if they did that. The main danger is that they open the valve too far...and they shoot 600PSI liquid all over the place. Unless your truck is wobbling loosely in turns, or during slight lane corrections, etc., or there's a huge mess of fluid sprayed underneath your left (driver's side)...they didn't make that mistake.

If it's significantly off-level right to left or left to right, etc...follow the link in Willy Beamin's post above to correct.

KDSS has nothing to do with general firmness of the ride. It's all about reducing body roll in smooth turns, and releasing individual corners when off-road over uneven ground where you need your suspension (and KDSS) to allow flex at each corner as they encounter bumps/dips, etc.

 

[tominboise]

When I installed my lift, after we were done and it was on the ground, I measured and the truck was leaning one to one side. I opened the valves again and drove around the block a time or two. Then I shut the valves. My truck is leveled within 1/16" side to side.

YMMV, of course, and anything you take a wrench to on your truck, you own the results.

 

[Willy beamin]

I've had a shop DUMP my hydro fluid out of my KDSS before. I warned them, explained it to them and you know what, accidents happen. Toyota charged the local shop around $600 to correct it. Normal price would be higher. Next time you're going down the road, alone and no oncoming traffic, give the wheel a jerk to one side or the other****Not erratic and not going fast***** If the fluid is gone you'll feel like you have a loose skate board truck going down wipe out hill. If the truck rebounds as expected then I wouldn't worry about it. Trust in the integrity of those who you are working with. If they seem unethical then ditch them and continue looking for a better shop. I would encourage you to read up on KDSS and how the system works, try it out and get over the intimidation factor. I have learned that more mechanics that are not familiar with this system than those who are, let alone a 200 series. If you have confidence and knowledge when speaking about the system with a shop then that just puts more of the liability on to them. I have handed the KDSS print out to my shop before - I'm shameless

 

[Markuson]

I've had a shop DUMP my hydro fluid out of my KDSS before. I warned them, explained it to them and you know what, accidents happen. Toyota charged the local shop around $600 to correct it. Normal price would be higher. Next time you're going down the road, alone and no oncoming traffic, give the wheel a jerk to one side or the other****Not erratic and not going fast***** If the fluid is gone you'll feel like you have a loose skate board truck going down wipe out hill. If the truck rebounds as expected then I wouldn't worry about it. Trust in the integrity of those who you are working with. If they seem unethical then ditch them and continue looking for a better shop. I would encourage you to read up on KDSS and how the system works, try it out and get over the intimidation factor. I have learned that more mechanics that are not familiar with this system than those who are, let alone a 200 series. If you have confidence and knowledge when speaking about the system with a shop then that just puts more of the liability on to them. I have handed the KDSS print out to my shop before - I'm shameless

x2 to handing them the KDSS print-out. I've done it several times, and in my experience, it's appeared to be their first time seeing such info.

 

[HunterBoy9]

I have had the same concerns. My 2013 with 100K had a new OME 2.5 standard rate kit installed. Truck has a side to side shimmy. Nothing dramatic, just an unsettled feeling. Shop said tie rod ends were in need of replacement but wouldn't think that would cause this but maybe so. Need new tires horribly now b/c alignment wasn't proper and fronts are wearing on the outside.

 

[Rex9802]

I just had TJM shocks and coils installed on my '11 w/ 106k miles to level the front end.

I don't think the shop did anything with the KDSS system because I tried to do the work myself, couldn't open the valves (rust) and decided to take it to a local Land Rover Specialist (there is not Toyota LC guys around here, so I was hoping this was the next best thing).

I gave the local guy the .pdf referenced above but I don't think he touched it. Valves are still rusted in original position.

Now, the truck has a noticeable side to side sway when I make the jerk motion or even when I hit a large bump. It has lost the firmness and feels a little like a rolling sway w/ rebound, then a correction. I'm not sure if this is KDSS or the new shocks?

I was going to wait until I go to Toyota in a few months (have a discount oil change), but figured I throw it out here. Any advice?

 

[HunterBoy9]

I just had TJM shocks and coils installed on my '11 w/ 106k miles to level the front end.

I don't think the shop did anything with the KDSS system because I tried to do the work myself, couldn't open the valves (rust) and decided to take it to a local Land Rover Specialist (there is not Toyota LC guys around here, so I was hoping this was the next best thing).

I gave the local guy the .pdf referenced above but I don't think he touched it. Valves are still rusted in original position.

Now, the truck has a noticeable side to side sway when I make the jerk motion or even when I hit a large bump. It has lost the firmness and feels a little like a rolling sway w/ rebound, then a correction. I'm not sure if this is KDSS or the new shocks?

I was going to wait until I go to Toyota in a few months (have a discount oil change), but figured I throw it out here. Any advice?

My exact situation. Going back to shop Friday so if anyone knows what to do please post it up.

 

[Willy beamin]

measure all four corners. Put the tape lined up from the floor inline with your wheel hub and to the dead center in your fender (s). If its off by more than an inch follow the kdss valve opening instuctions. Clockwise closes the valves counter clockwise opens them. Remember where your starting point is as a reference, so you dont open them to far. No more than three turns. While open take a nice easy drive atound your neighborhood and try to cycle the suspension, driveway curb, speed bumps, whatever is available. Go back home and park on a level surface. Leave the valves still open and wait twenty minutes. Take another 4 corner measurement and see if the system has releveled itself. I usually get the front within 1/4-1/8” and same for the rear. My rear sits a bit higher and yours may to so keep that in mind. Close the valves three turns clockwise. Put anti seize on the threads of the valves that are exposed. Cover the shut valve heads with grease to ward off any rust. If its not changed then you may have an issue and let the dealer sort it out. Call ahead as ive found most dealers have one tech whos gone through kdss training but rarely utilizes that method or has the equipment. The dealer may have to bring the gear in which could take a day or so.

 

[HunterBoy9]

measure all four corners. Put the tape lined up from the floor inline with your wheel hub and to the dead center in your fender (s). If its off by more than an inch follow the kdss valve opening instuctions. Clockwise closes the valves counter clockwise opens them. Remember where your starting point is as a reference, so you dont open them to far. No more than three turns. While open take a nice easy drive atound your neighborhood and try to cycle the suspension, driveway curb, speed bumps, whatever is available. Go back home and park on a level surface. Leave the valves still open and wait twenty minutes. Take another 4 corner measurement and see if the system has releveled itself. I usually get the front within 1/4-1/8” and same for the rear. My rear sits a bit higher and yours may to so keep that in mind. Close the valves three turns clockwise. Put anti seize on the threads of the valves that are exposed. Cover the shut valve heads with grease to ward off any rust. If its not changed then you may have an issue and let the dealer sort it out. Call ahead as ive found most dealers have one tech whos gone through kdss training but rarely utilizes that method or has the equipment. The dealer may have to bring the gear in which could take a day or so.

Willy, can the system actually be broken? If no fluid has leaked out does this pretty much tell you it is functional?

 

[Willy beamin]

No, but someone could have turned the valves more than three turns, dumped the fluid and just shut it back for the next guy to figure out. Anything is possible so don't rule it out.

 

[TexAZ]

@Rex9802 it sounds like your front coil springs are too soft. I had that issue running stock springs/shocks with a large spacer.
I'm in the middle of a different project and have been driving with the KDSS valves open for a couple days. it doesn't feel as unsettled as the truck did with soft front springs.

contact TJM and ask what the spring rate is.

just for good measure, read up on the steps NLScooby did to free his KDSS valves. I would put some work into breaking them free just to have the ability to release the system for future work.