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KDSS?? What is it and do I want it?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Milemaker13, Jun 14, 2019.

  1. Jun 14, 2019 at 11:53 AM
    #1
    Milemaker13

    Milemaker13 [OP] New Member

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    Can you explain how the system works and give me pros and cons.
    I dont think its something we want.
     
  2. Jun 14, 2019 at 12:03 PM
    #2
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    It’s a linked stabilizer bar system that utilizes hydraulics to minimize body roll on road and increase articulation offroad.

    Here are some videos on it.

    https://youtu.be/-j5f_kRxNuU
    https://youtu.be/bb7B6h_CNyU
    https://youtu.be/NLF6n3nMwww

    Pro’s.
    Better on road manners
    Better articulation off road
    Can be removed without damage to other systems. Fully independent mechanical sustem.

    Cons.
    Expensive to repair if damaged
     
  3. Jun 14, 2019 at 12:41 PM
    #3
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I say it is something you want for most people.

    Especially if you are going to do more pavement pounding. Minimal off roading for me so no comment yet. But on pavement you can feel the difference.
     
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  4. Jun 14, 2019 at 12:43 PM
    #4
    Milemaker13

    Milemaker13 [OP] New Member

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    So, in the end I shouldnt NOT want it... if the particular vehicle we are looking at has our desired options and has kdss, thats fine, no problem?
     
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  5. Jun 14, 2019 at 12:56 PM
    #5
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    I’d say so. I’m not sure what your intended use of the TRD OR is but I’m not afraid to take it and hit the trails. West coast has its cornucopia of options from rock crawling to high speed runs through the desert.
     
  6. Jun 14, 2019 at 1:03 PM
    #6
    4buggy

    4buggy Relapsing mod addict

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    I had it on my 2005, never had a problem when I traded it in with 210,000 miles. Don’t have it in my 2019 and I’m glad because IF it gets damaged you will probably have to replace the entire system. In the case of a car accident it may total a perfectly good truck, later down the road.
     
  7. Jun 14, 2019 at 1:46 PM
    #7
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    You got a special 2005 4R with KDSS?
     
    4buggy[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Jun 14, 2019 at 2:04 PM
    #8
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    I think you had XREAS. KDSS wasn’t an option on 4R’s until 2010.
     
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  9. Jun 14, 2019 at 3:42 PM
    #9
    4buggy

    4buggy Relapsing mod addict

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    You are correct, sorry, there was taco between my 4buggys and I forgot!
    Is it the concept though?
     
  10. Jun 14, 2019 at 4:05 PM
    #10
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    XREAS is where the shocks are linked together. KDSS is the system that connects the front and rear sway bars
     
  11. Jun 14, 2019 at 5:23 PM
    #11
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    I dunno. I test drove one with and one without on the same road with some very crummy potholes etc. I didn't notice a difference so opted without for ease of lifting down the road(from what I read)
     
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  12. Jun 14, 2019 at 5:35 PM
    #12
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    LOL not much harder to lift with KDSS if going with the typical 3" or less.

    And if you can't feel it I dunno what to say.
     
  13. Jun 14, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #13
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    Just read through these forums options are limited to how you can level or lift. If that's wrong I only know what I read, mostly on that crowded forum.
    As far as feel, with test driving and now 400 miles with mine, on road crappy Chicago roads are just fine without kdss. Maybe my old arse just couldn't tell the difference..chit breaks the older one gets:turtleride:
     
  14. Jun 14, 2019 at 7:14 PM
    #14
    Ozzy52

    Ozzy52 New Member

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    The KDSS is awesome I'm really enjoying the driving in the city
     
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  15. Jun 14, 2019 at 7:26 PM
    #15
    Cpb2019

    Cpb2019 New Member

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    My “off-roading”, if you can even call it that, is camping, driving on the beach, launching a boat, etc. I don’t plan to lift 3”+ or rock crawl. I test drive both and noticed a difference driven back to back, but probably wouldn’t have if I drove them a week apart. In the end I opted for the KDSS as I thought it made more sense for me as 90%+ of my driving will be on road.
     
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  16. Jun 15, 2019 at 7:25 AM
    #16
    Terrapin Runner

    Terrapin Runner New Member

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    When driving on the street you can tell in the corners there is less lean. I have a 3 inch lift no problem and I off road all the time it works great. It is not my daily driver.
     
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  17. Jun 15, 2019 at 8:42 AM
    #17
    ipnpulz

    ipnpulz New Member

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    Do what I did when I test drove one with and without.

    Find a empty parking lot do 40 mph and go from side to side and some 20/30 mph circles you will be convinced to get one with it!
     
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  18. Jun 15, 2019 at 9:17 AM
    #18
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I've read a lot. I also have a TRD OR w/KDSS lifted. I don't think its that limited there is a shit tons manufacturers. Now if you are talking LT and crossmember thata a different story but that also doesn't apply to the majority.
     
  19. Jun 15, 2019 at 12:33 PM
    #19
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    KDSS would not help with potholes. On road it reduces body lean by using thicker sway bars.

    To the OP- as mentioned, test drive vehicles with and without if you can. Also think about what you intend to do with the truck down the road.

    If you plan on doing massive lift, and hardcore off-roading, you might not want it. If you plan on mild lift, or no lift, you might like it.

    Enjoy whichever you decide to buy!
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2019
    ForRun[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jun 15, 2019 at 1:04 PM
    #20
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    It’s a little bit more than just the sway bars. The front and rear hydraulic cylinders, accumulators do the work and the thinker stabilizer bars support the addictions force applied to them. On road the hydraulic action works against itself and reduces the ability of the cylinders to compress and cause body roll. Off road, the hydraulics isn’t working against itself and allows for more wheel articulation and stability in the vehicle.
     
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  21. Jun 15, 2019 at 1:25 PM
    #21
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I know all of that. I was just saying that the biggest difference for on-road driving is the reduced lean due to the larger sway bars. And that it wouldn't affect the handling over potholes. At least not at high speed.

    But, your post explains it a lot better. And I also would not have bought one without it.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2019
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  22. Jun 15, 2019 at 3:19 PM
    #22
    ManBeast

    ManBeast New Member

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    I love how i can corner quickly and it doesnt body roll at all
     
  23. Jun 15, 2019 at 3:43 PM
    #23
    ForRun

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    Maybe I should have got it, that's daily driving on Chicago highways
     
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  24. Jun 15, 2019 at 4:31 PM
    #24
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

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    Love mine on and off the road. Lift up to 3" without issues if so inclined.
     
  25. Jun 15, 2019 at 7:29 PM
    #25
    Doglover2003

    Doglover2003 New Member

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    Love mine with KDSS, the truck climb rocks with no issues. It's not a dedicated rock crawler but even with KDSS it'll hold it own very well. :thumbsup:
     
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  26. Jun 16, 2019 at 3:18 PM
    #26
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Love mine without KDSS. When researching this vehicle before buying I decided against it. No regrets.
     
  27. Jun 22, 2019 at 4:04 AM
    #27
    Ozzy52

    Ozzy52 New Member

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    I have mine with KDSS, and no regrets whatsoever, great ride
     
    Milemaker13[OP] likes this.
  28. Jun 24, 2019 at 6:04 AM
    #28
    VtotheJ

    VtotheJ New Member

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    I have KDSS on my T4R. I absolutely love it. Its my daily drive and my storm chasing truck in the winter. But since Ive been driving it around I am clearly going to take this beauty off road now.

    But as someone who drove sports cars before it felt a bit better driving on the pavement with the KDSS. not like I am going to drive this truck like I would a Mini Cooper but I felt the difference and that is why I opted for it. Also the truck I stole from the dealership (37K ORP :) ) had that option on it and i didnt have a choice lol.
     
  29. Jan 14, 2020 at 2:04 PM
    #29
    more4than2

    more4than2 New Member

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    I do a lot of off road driving and scouting in mountains and deserts. The KDSS is very nice when road conditions are less than friendly, moguls, ruts, rock crawling, finding out what is beyond the horizon.
    I thought it was just a fast talk selling point with little purpose. I was very wrong.
     
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  30. Jan 15, 2020 at 4:49 PM
    #30
    anthonydotb

    anthonydotb ig: @phantom.rnr

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    I test drove both (with and without KDSS) and I can assure you that there's way less body roll with KDSS than without.
     
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