KDSS experiences

Waiting to pick up my new Silver 4Runner TRD OR. It's waiting for me until the retail lockdown here is over. The new ride has the KDSS system, which I've never experienced. My Wrangler (1994) has been without any swaybars for 25 years, and I never missed them and have been spoiled by the traction created by good articulation on uneven surfaces. I drove a new Wrangler last summer in the Rockies backcountry for a few weeks, and appreciated the swaybar disconnect that was available via a dash switch.
How do folks who wheel their Runners with KDSS on gnarly surfaces a bunch feel about the 4Runner's KDSS system?

 

I like mine but don't expect the same articulation you get with a Wrangler or no swaybars. You are going to lift wheels off the ground. But, in 4lo with the rear diff locked and ATAC working you are going to get through all those same obstacles and look way rad doing it. At least that's what my jeep buddies tell me.

The TRD OR with KDSS is a bit low though. I went wheeling with my buddy in his 2011 Tacoma. Both rigs had completely stock suspension at the time and I was pretty sure we were both taking the exact same lines. At the end of the day my front skid was beat all to heck and his was clean.

I have since added a lift.

But I only wheel 00.001% of the time. MOST of my driving time is on the road and I LOVE the KDSS.

 

Thanks Rich. That gives me some feel for it. Clearance is rarely an issue for me in daily life these days, but traction is always a factor. It's a very wet and muddy place, with steep slopes and rough ground.

 

I have been very happy with it so far. As @rkwfxd mentioned, the skid plate does sit fairly low. This is the only disadvantage I can think of, though.

Keep in mind that you will need to confirm compatibility with any modifications you're considering.

 

Jonathan, I think from a traction stand point you are going to love the Runner. I went wheeling with built jeeps and my Runner was COMPLETELY stock. I didn't even bother to air down that day on loose dusty fairly steep trails. They were blown away at how my soccer mom/grocery getter just drove right up the same trails on the same lines.

 

How much do you feel the KDSS reduced ground clearance?
I've been looking for bolt-on front tow hooks, something that is usually an easy do, and the KDSS makes it difficult to find a conforming hook or eye.

 

I don't know that it really reduced clearance. But, it seems to bring the lowest point further forward. The stock skid plate held it's own, but got beaten up pretty bad last year.

Are you planning any modifications?

 

Not at this point, but...

 

Haha!

 

Yeah! Tis a very slippery slope. Stock shocks don't usually last me very long, even if I don't do a lift. Skidplate?

 

I would recommend a skid plate if you're going anywhere with rocks. Just be sure it's compatible with KDSS.

 

Does anyone sell one that doesn't have to be cut down?

 

Yes. I know that @SOS CONCEPTS is working on one. I think Budbuilt does. And RCI.

 

That is correct we are going to have them set soon

 

Apex overland makes a Kdss compatible recover points.

 

This very much this. Even mix matching aftermarket companies can pose some conflicts. At that most aftermarket companies don't do a lot of cross compatibility testing.

 

Greenlane

 

I just ordered the new RSG front skid and KDSS skid. Should be here later this week.

 

The front skid does not look to be KDSS compatible.

 

Hmmm. I see what you are saying and I hope you are wrong. However; if you are correct, I own not one but TWO angle grinders, a multitude of cut off wheels, a jigsaw, a sawzall, a crowbar and several BFHs. Plus, like everyone else I am stuck at home and many before me have made the necessary mods to install a non-KDSS skid onto a KDSS Runner.

Either way I will post up when I am done.

Thanks for the heads up.

Stay healthy.

 

I would confirm compatibility with the manufacturer.

I ordered a non-compatible front skid, and no amount of grinding or cutting was going to solve the problem.

I ended up having a local shop cut off the front section of the skid plate, and fabricate a whole new part. It cost several hundred dollars.

 

Doesn't really matter at this point as it has already been shipped. I'll figure it out once it gets here.

 

I just looked at it. This picture appears to show the KDSS sway bar, so it might be OK.

 

Jerk!

Thanks for making me feel STUPID! I must have looked at that photo 50 times and never noticed that. LOL.

Good catch.

In my defense I was focused on the other images that show the side edges, looking to see how they were cut and how far they went up.

I not smart man.

 

I looked at it twice before I noticed.

At least you know that you're going not going to have to do any customization.

 

Good eye, thatbassguy!

 

Not eve sure this is a good thing now. What am I going to do for the other 23 hours and 30 minutes that day?

I only hope it goes that smoothly. : -)

 

I see a reality TV show in his future:

"Good Eye on @Thatbassguy"

 

RSG has all kinds of info on their website regarding their sliders being compatible with KDSS, so it's odd that their front skid plate page doesn't have that particular detail. A call or email to Jason @ RSG (remotestartguys@gmail.com) would clear things up in that regard. He was great to work with when I ordered my sliders.

 

Checked out Greenlane, very interesting option...for around USD460 powder coated (+ shipping) and only weighing 26 lbs., hard to beat.