Is KDDS worth the money?

KDSS replaces the standard front and rear sway bars with thicker ones. The mounting points are different, also. On one side, the mounting link is a hydraulic ram. The sway bar mounting points are completely different than the standard sway bar setup, and are welded to the frame. It is installed in Japan, during manufacturing.

 

I guess that makes it of good quality then, better than Fox stuff

 

Apples and oranges.

 

I meant build quality. Like I have more fate in Made in Japan 4Runner than Made in Mexico Tacoma

 

There have been some Lemon Tacomas out there.

 

Like @Captain Spalding said; apples and oranges. I did see that you're referring to overall build quality, though. But, the Fox suspension on the PRO is good stuff.

True. The 3rd gen has certainly had some issues. But, they're still pretty solid. I hang out with a bunch of Taco drivers, and really don't hear about any problems.

 

I think 1750 is way worth it especially if you get Dr. KDSS. The KDSS hydraulic ram is active and stiff after 12mph and can be very jarring on bumpy roads. With Dr. KDSS you can turn it off on forest and washboard roads. Game Changer. I use it all the time.
https://drkdss.com/

 

I test drove this and hated the interior. 4Runner is way more spacious and comfortable. 4Runner feels more solid too

 

KDSS is Toyota designed and manufactured, not an aftermarket add-on life Fox shocks on the Pro. If you have concerns about 4Runner quality, watch these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSTM13fSwws&list=PL5rs9UwNr5Tn2T6Q-_uB-pBXsJHN4GCXF&index=4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qQ2Oxan3rQ

 

More moving parts, more issues. If you want a smooth driving and willing to do the maintenance, then go with kdss. I was disappointed when my 4runner did not have it, but over time, I refer the simplicity, and I do want to get an sr5 instead orp. The a good engine and a 4wd system and that enough.

 

I have it, I like it. Dr KDSS is going in this spring though. Too much time on washboards and dirt forest roads where I want it off. My one recommendation is to remove the skid plate twice per year, clean it out and apply your choice of corrosion preventative to the valve box.

 

I have it and I like it. I originally didn't want it and was on a waiting list for one without it. Frankly, I just didn't want to spend the extra money. One was coming into the dealer with everything I wanted including the color I wanted but it had KDSS. The dealer was awesome and offered me a deal to split the cost with them (half off the KDSS cost) if I wanted it. I went for it and I am really glad I did. In addition to the other benefits mentioned like it handles well, there is a 360 camera system that I love! I'm glad I ended up getting it.

 

Deliberately got KDSS on my 4Runner since I do a lot of highway driving but also like to do some off roading. I also came from a little sporty car to my 4R so the potential for better highway handling was nice.

In the end KDSS provided some great benefits on my multi month overlanding adventures and some really nice handling since I drive a little spirited still.

As for the price, everything is all messed up. A 3k increase over old prices is not bad, hell my 4 R increased in value so much in 2020 I could have sold it for more than I bought it for in 2019 and things aren't getting better.

 

@Thatbassguy learned quite a bit going back reading your posts, I gotta full Dr. KDSS kit arriving soon up in beautiful British Columbia. Best of both worlds after this mod. Thank-you

 

Great setup! Make sure to inspect your bushings to see if they have moved and get the clamps if necessary. If you are lifted the sway bar adapters to fix the geometry in front and the BOTCK to fix the rear track bar.

 

I'm glad I could help!

I must admit, I was very biased early on. I think I have a better outlook after having experienced the pros and cons firsthand for a few years.

The DR KDSS mods/accessories will definitely help you get the most out of it.

Most of what I know, I learned here. There are some very smart people on this forum.

 

Do you have the DR KDSS setup?

 

Actually, no. But, it seems like a good concept. I think if I did more high speed stuff, I'd get the controller.

 

i learned through chatting with drkdss is that the sway bar clamps are the most important correction needed for the KDSS system. lifted or not the sway bar may begin to shift and can result things like the ram making contact with the frame.

 

I test drove KDSS and Non-KDSS rigs back to back on street/highway. There was such a difference I was sold on the thicker bars and KDSS. After watching Tinkerers Adventure on youtube I added Ironman CellFoam Pro shock and replaced my bushings (mine were squeaking). My rig handles like a sports car on the highway and drives off-road just fine. Next up is a Dr.KDSS switch for the fire roads in my area. I have the KDSS clamps but have not installed them yet. Since I am mainly on road and the pistons are locked up I don't see the clamps as uber important. Once the weather improves and I start wheeling more I can see the need to limit the lateral movement.

 

What does this thing do?

 

Mine doesn't have it, and when I was looking for a used one, two different Toyota techs told me to avoid KDSS. There are two recent threads on here where some owners have been hit with some very expensive repair bills over KDSS issues. I'm sure it's great when it works, but to me it takes away from the simplicity of the 4Runner and I would not pay extra for it. I'm happy that I do not have it.

 

Are these the same Toyota techs that are so distrusted that nobody wants to take their 4Runner to the dealer for service?

 

If one followed this line of reasoning, it would be advisable to not buy any 4Runner newer than 2019, due to the addition of more sophisticated electronic safety systems, which, if they stopped working, would also result in hefty repair bills. If you don't have 'em, they won't quit working, so better to not have 'em.

That hasn't stopped too many from buying 2020 - 2023 4Runners with increasingly complex electronics.

But, to your point, if I was shopping used 4Rs, I would actually stay with <2019. Used buyers can be more selective

 

It allows you to manually open the valves, allowing the fluid to flow freely at higher speeds. Some say that this improves the ride quality in high speed off-road situations.

I think it really comes down to how you drive it. But, I definitely agree that it's probably not worth it for most buyers.

I honestly still think it's awesome for weekend warrior types, who plan moderate modifications and mild to moderate off-roading. It's definitely going to become a limitation for those more hardcore wheelers, though.

 

Just for fun. I keep files on my vehicles and still have the file for my 2015 Trail that my husband totaled in November 2021. The KDSS was $1750. Guess how much the KDSS was on my 2022? You got it! $1750. Seven years later. What a deal!

 

Any problems with KDSS all those 7 years?

 

Nope, none. Of course, in all fairness, it only had 86k (or close to that) when it was totaled.

 

A totalled 4Runner. WHAT happened?

 

Interesting. What's ya'll thoughts on Dr. KDSS kit with dash switch?