KDSS questions

4R ORP should be here in a month or so... Opted to go with KDSS for a couple reasons A) its what was coming available and B) I will be using this as a daily driver 90+% of the time. However, I do have a few questions for those that have and understand KDSS:

1) some folks say the KDSS softens below 12 MPH, and other say it only softens if you are in 4 Low and below 12mph. Can anyone confirm if its only in 4 Low or if it any time 2W, 4W.. etc. below 12 MPH?

2) There will be times where I might spend the day or weekend on rougher logging trails and will probably average 30+ MPH. Has anyone installed Dr. KDSS switch to allow softening the ride above 12 MPH? If so, what has your experience been... is it worth it? When softened, is it like a 4Runner without KDSS, or is it even softer?

any feedback/suggestions are greatly appreciated.. I can't wait to get my rig!

 

As far as I can tell, the valves open below 12 miles per hour no matter what drive mode you are in.

I don't personally have the doctor KDSS controller, but I hear good things about it.

 

I don’t know exactly when it softens. Definitely at the lower mph. I will say having owned a few 5th gens as a daily driver the one with kdss is the smoothest on road. You don’t feel it roll as much with corners and turns. When you try to turn 90 degrees the thing cuts it like butter. This is true in both 4hi and 4 lo.

My daughter in my wife’s rav says she feels like she falling when my wife takes corners hard. In the 4runner with kdss she doesn’t even notice.

Hope that helps a little

 

I have Dr. KDSS and it makes a big difference on dirt and washboard roads. Install is super easy and regret not getting it sooner.

 

@AChar great questions, I'm wondering the same things. I'll reach out to you very soon, I just opened the kit

 

Awesome.. love to know how it works, how hard it was to put in, and where you put the switch

 

The gentleman I met with on Friday to do the tune on my 4R has the Dr. KDSS switch, and he loves it. He also said on long highway drives with no major curves or turns it rides much better with the KDSS turned off. FWIW

 

Installation is easy. The supplied instructions are very detailed. I put my switch in the second spot from the left by my left knee.

 

My DR KDSS order is on the way (KDSS switch, harness, front sway bar stuff for lift). Really curious about non hwy driving, especially since my ride is a firmer than stock after lift.

 

Interesting. I don’t know if the DrKDSS switch will help in your case as much as it would with a softer stock suspension.

 

I am considering getting this switch and have some questions.

1. Should I have a KDSS problem before my 4R is three years old I expect this will void the warranty for the KDSS. I know it can be removed but once it triggers the error I think my 4R will tell on me through its data transmission. Has anyone had an issue with this?
2. Will this notably shorten the life of any components? I'm thinking seals on the hydraulic rams and sway bar bushings. Anything else?

I'm curious to hear from more people who have it installed and what they experienced. Especially those who have had it installed for a longer time/more miles.

Thanks fellow 4R folk.

 

Good questions! I can’t help but wonder the same. So far, in a year and a half, no problems for me. But, I don’t engage nearly as much as other folks.

 

My apologies for not responding, I just seen this.
Install was quite easy. Keep in mind when you install aftermarket dash switches sometimes they fit/operate better if you add a rubber O-ring from an autoparts or hardware store.
I located here:

 

I have the DR KDSS Switch. The light goes off but nothing happens, or if it does it's so minor that I just don't feel it. Off road/on road doesn't matter. I'm surprised at some of these comments. It turns a highway ride much better?? How?

 

KDSS alone makes the highway ride better. As the swaybars dynamically adjust so you have better road feel when cornering.

The Dr. KDSS disables KDSS by opening the valves making washboards less harsh at higher speeds than 12mph as well as effectively disabling the swaybar for more flex.

 

I know how KDSS works. What I don't understand is how can turning KDSS "off" improve highway comfort because that is not the case. All it does is it makes 4Runner feel like a boat when taking corners on the highway.
I don't want people to have these types of expectations and be disappointed after getting the switch.

 

I think what @ID_Yeti is saying is that it makes washboard roads more comfortable at speed by keeping the sway bars disengaged above 12 MPH. Not highways.

 

You're undoubtedly referring to the post above by me, even though you didn't quote it. My point in that post was the fellow I spoke with said the ride was a bit cushier on long straight highway drives with no major curves with the KDSS shut off. I was only pointing out what he told me, I have no experience with this as I don't have the Dr. KDSS switch. The drive from where he lives to Albuquerque is pretty much a straight highway for 180 miles or so. Take it for what it's worth - I'm not telling anyone the highway ride is better, only reporting what he said. Although I imagine if the KDSS was off, and no turns were being made, it might soften up the ride...

 

My hope for this switch is to take some of the edge off impacts on rough roads. I've read differing opinions as to how effective the switch is at doing this, possibly due to more complex operation characteristics beyond simply being open or closed with a 12mph transition.

I have a back injury and the stiff nature of the KDSS system is stirring up issues with every bump. This is unfortunate because I love literally everything about my 4R except this. I drove a friend's non KDSS 4R and realized it would have been much better suited for me.

I'm not bashing KDSS at all. I know it's a cleaver system with significant benefits.

Edit: I test drove multiple 4Rs with and without KDSS but must have subconsciously overlooked the stiffness while being impressed with the precise feel of KDSS. The xreas on the limited was very nice.

 

You should definitely try it, it is a pretty simple install and it helps.

 

I'm the guy that @glwood54 is speaking about. With my ICON's set at 3" and turning off the KDSS on the highway does make the ride more plush. Take it or leave it. I can't speak for a stock setup with KDSS off. Another improvement to the ride was using the Dr. KDSS front sway bar ends adapters.
My primary reason for the KDSS switch is for all the desert and forest roads I travel on. Makes a nice difference.