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KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by ColinClive, Jan 8, 2020.

  1. Sep 7, 2021 at 9:50 PM
    #151
    Sixgunz

    Sixgunz Gold Member

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    Kings front and back, RSG sliders, GOBI ladder BFG AT 285s, OEM phone dial wheels, KDSS
    I don't understand your suggestion? The switch on the site I visited is inside the vehicle. I can't find a website for "dr_kdss". Can you assist so I can see what he/she is selling?
     
  2. Sep 7, 2021 at 10:24 PM
    #152
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    The switch is inside but the harness is connected to the kdss unit on the outside.
    This video explains how the dr_kdss works. There is no website just contact him on ig re ordering.

    https://instagram.com/dr_kdss

    https://youtu.be/rYsGh6gpayU
     
  3. Sep 8, 2021 at 3:17 AM
    #153
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Did you look at the product in the link provided by @Sixgunz ? Everything is plug and play also, with an OEM style switch on the dash. And, they have an actual website like a real business.
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  4. Sep 8, 2021 at 6:11 AM
    #154
    the_great_white

    the_great_white New Member

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    "but if you're off roading or hitting bumps or potholes at 25mph, you don't want your KDSS system fighting your suspension "

    Alignment shops will definitely love this...lol
     
  5. Sep 8, 2021 at 7:10 AM
    #155
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    Yeah I've looked at both before getting the dr_kdss version. This video shows the installation of the blackgate custom version.
    https://youtu.be/T82D5BFJ92g.
    Vs dr_kdss
    https://youtu.be/rYsGh6gpayU.
    Dr_kdss is a much simpler installation. Took less than 10 mins and everything is done on the inside of the vehicle.
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  6. Sep 8, 2021 at 8:00 AM
    #156
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Ok. It appears that the other guy split off from Blackgate. Apparently there wasn't a no compete clause signed.

    I'm still hesitant to work with a business that doesn't have a real website. I would have a hard time trusting them.
     
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  7. Sep 8, 2021 at 8:03 AM
    #157
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    The funny thing about these products is that KDSS is supposed to automatically go into bypass mode in harsh terrain. If I'm not mistaken, it should automatically disconnect without these switches. Maybe it's better to disconnect it ahead of time rather than waiting for the system to respond.
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  8. Sep 8, 2021 at 8:33 AM
    #158
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    I think the point is to have the ability to disconnect/turn off KDSS >12mph. My understanding is that in stock form KDSS will be active >12mph regardless of the terrain.
     
  9. Sep 8, 2021 at 9:40 AM
    #159
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    The primary function of KDSS is the sway bar disconnect, which is active below 12 MPH. Above that, when the sway bars are locked in position is what I would consider the "off" mode.

    It seems that the bypass devices put the accumulator into bypass mode, allowing fluid to flow freely at any speed. The purpose of this is to free up the suspension for rough terrain (I think).

    But, the accumulator is supposed to sense hard bumps and do this anyway. So, I'm guessing that the idea is to keep it in bypass mode so you're not relying on the accumulator to react to the terrain.

    I'm interested in hearing people's reviews on these.
     
    onaquest likes this.
  10. Sep 8, 2021 at 10:44 AM
    #160
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Have you gotten a chance to drive an appropriately rough section of road/trail yet to see yet to do back to back comparison with the kdss on and off via the button?
     
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  11. Sep 8, 2021 at 10:50 AM
    #161
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    I tried to do it over the weekend at the beach but too many people/cars around to drive over 12mph to really test it. With KDSS off it kinda felt smoother but I think that was mostly in my head. I asked my passengers and they didn't feel any difference lol.
     
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  12. Sep 8, 2021 at 11:27 AM
    #162
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    I guess a really dangerous way to check if it works is to take a corner at speed, then hit the button. JUST KIDDING!!! Dont do that! Seriously dont. No use finding out it works if you just end up keeling over hard and flipping the damn truck over lol. Sheesh, the thought give me goosebumps. Actually maybe you should put one of those red safety covers on that switch lol

    Sand might not be the best place to tell if it works, just because it’s so soft to begin with. Im thinking you might be able to tell the next time you are over choppy paved roads or trails with embedded rocks.
     
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  13. Sep 8, 2021 at 11:50 AM
    #163
    BroRunner

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    Or just try it on dry pavement at about 40 mph with some light swerving from side to side to get a feel for the amount of sway. I'm curious now...
     
  14. Sep 8, 2021 at 4:52 PM
    #164
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    i dont know man. Ive never driven a car without swaybars, much less an suv. The transition from on to off might really catch one off guard. I’d start at 15mph lol
     
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  15. Sep 8, 2021 at 6:45 PM
    #165
    lrizzo

    lrizzo New Member

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    Don't hesitate. I just got mine in the mail last week from KDSS. He's very responsive and the kit looks to be of good quality. The install seems much more cleaner than the black gate custom kit.
     
    LA260 and Thatbassguy[QUOTED] like this.
  16. Sep 9, 2021 at 8:32 PM
    #166
    lincmarkv

    lincmarkv New Member

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    I got the Blackgate Customs one before dr_kdss started selling his over IG. Install of the Blackgate solution was actually easier for me because I tied it into my SwitchPros which is mounted in the engine compartment.

    Driving around town I really tried to notice a difference and couldn't. Went over rough pavement, potholes, etc, nothing. Was really frustrated, thought it was a waste of money.

    This past weekend did some light offroading at Hollister Hills. Actually forgot about the switch for most of the trip (remember, was frustrated by it, not thinking about it). Finally remembered on our way out of the park.

    OMG.

    We were driving down the roads at ~25mph. Dirt roads, nothing too serious, little rutted, some bumps. No washboarding. Truck has 8100's in the front and 5160's in the rear, and I was aired down. Otherwise mostly stock.

    Turning the switch on was night and day. It went from "comfortable but bumpy" to "riding on a cloud". I didn't believe it so I tested it several times. It was amazing.

    So worth it. Maybe not in many settings, but for that - it was awesome.
     
  17. Sep 9, 2021 at 11:24 PM
    #167
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Thanks for the report! Cool Beans! So it seems that if there is modulation of the hydraulic flow above 12, the system still leaves enough “flow” on the table to make it noticeable. Just dont forget to reset it when your back on pavement!
     
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  18. Sep 10, 2021 at 10:31 AM
    #168
    lincmarkv

    lincmarkv New Member

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    Yup. Pretty easy to not forget because there's a glowing "KDSS" light on the dash when it's enabled. On my 2021 you also have to dismiss an alert that takes over your CarPlay screen briefly when you enable it.
     
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  19. Sep 10, 2021 at 1:06 PM
    #169
    kailuakona04

    kailuakona04 New Member

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    In-Progress.
    All great points throughout t
    DAAAAMMMMNNNNN......... Smokey!
     
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  20. Sep 10, 2021 at 1:21 PM
    #170
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    That looks disgusting for a 2015.. that frame rust starting too :(
     
  21. Sep 10, 2021 at 3:39 PM
    #171
    Northern 4runner

    Northern 4runner New Member

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    Possibly 6 salty winters with no rust proofing usually looks far worse than that where I live
     
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  22. Sep 10, 2021 at 5:58 PM
    #172
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    Ouch!! I love in SC where salt isn’t an issue unless it’s from dipping the rear end in at the boat landing
    I’m really glad I love somewhere that doesn’t destroy metal… it’s a sacrifice though- we have lots of heat, humidity, and mosquitoes that qualify as birds of prey
     
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  23. Sep 10, 2021 at 6:19 PM
    #173
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    We have plenty of heat and humidity up here, too! Mosquitoes can be pretty obnoxious as well. One thing we don't have up here is no-see-ums, and I'm thankful for that! In Florida, they are thick in the evening.
     
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  24. Sep 11, 2021 at 1:36 AM
    #174
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    Hahah glad to know I’m not alone.
    we have the noseeums here - can get pretty annoying at times. Don’t run with your mouth open :laugh:
     
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  25. Sep 11, 2021 at 8:33 AM
    #175
    BroRunner

    BroRunner New Member

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    Yeah I’m not accustomed to having to rust proof a car. Growing up they only put sand (more like pea gravel) on the roads which causes a ton of rock chips and broken windshields. It seems like in the last 15 years they started putting pickle (sand and salt) down with a big emphasis on the salt. The people here can’t drive in the snow and complain to the city. The city responds with more salt. It’s terrible now.
     
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  26. Sep 12, 2021 at 8:17 AM
    #176
    Northern 4runner

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    Living on the North east coast of Canada I know what you mean. Ruins good vehicles long before their time. I see 4-5 year old 4runners for sale now for $40k plus that have rust issues starting already.
     
  27. Sep 13, 2021 at 9:47 AM
    #177
    slowzen

    slowzen New Member

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  28. Sep 13, 2021 at 9:57 AM
    #178
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    It looks like it will offer better protection from damage on the trail. However, I don't see any drain holes, so it might collect even more dirt that the OEM skid.

    The biggest cause of failure I'm aware of is corrosion on the accumulator electrical connections caused by mud, dirt, and probably snow and salt collecting in the accumulator skid.

    So, keep in mind that you'll want to remove that after every off-road trip and periodically regardless of whether you've off-roaded to clean off the accumulator and check it for any corrosion.
     
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  29. Sep 13, 2021 at 10:14 AM
    #179
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    I have the RSG KDSS Skid. I don't think this having this skid will do anything as far as dirt and other crap getting in there. You would still need to take out the skid to clean periodically.
     
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  30. Sep 13, 2021 at 10:33 AM
    #180
    slowzen

    slowzen New Member

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    TRD tires and wheels. Leveling kit. TRD grill. Black out badging.
    Right, but three bolts instead of 6, protects the hydraulics lines, and looks a heck of a lot easier to install and remove than the C4 fab KDSS skid plate. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
     
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