Toyota.ARK 5th Gen TRD ORP with KDSS Thread

Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum, but not new to the Toyota/Lexus brands. Over the past 20 years I’ve experienced the following vehicles with not a single issue that wasn’t covered by the manufacturer. There have been no fought over claims or complete failures to name whatsoever.

Just smiles and miles of memories.

The Rundown
2000 IS200 RWD
2003 4Runner Limited 2WD
2009 IS350 RWD
2014 RX350 F-Sport
2015 IS350 RWD
2021 4Runner ORP with KDSS

Because I’m new to this forum, I figured it would be fun to have a build thread for my new 2021 Off-road Premium.

So far, after the first 1000 miles and taking dash and mirrors apart: From rock chips to broken flimsy tabs, I must say I’m pretty worried about the longevity of this one. Time and care will tell though.

cheers!

 

2.26.2021
Installed the Acessorides Remote Start for the 2020-2021 4R with PTS.

The install was very simple while following along with the following video. Overall it took about 35 mins. Three piggyback connectors in total. Every panel, pin, and bolt was in the process was solid and didn’t break or crack.


Install Instructions:
https://youtu.be/WkgWx46Da4s

My Remote Start after Install:
https://youtu.be/6ZLdyzanPfY

 

2.26.2021
Installed the Auto Ventshade (AVS) 894027

The install was very easy. Opening the package, there was a ton of plastic shavings that clung to the plastic panels (looked like fine fingernail clippings). I used a soft scratch resistant cloth to wash the truck window frame and then to wipe off the shavings. After that just pealed the red liners off and stuck it in place.

Packaging:


Walk around after install:
https://youtu.be/1m0pa4TGCG4

Before and After Comparison:

 

2.26.2021
Trimmed the rear mud flaps.

Used a fine hand saw to cut off second tier section and then smoothed it over with the dremel tool.

Before Cut:


After Cut:

 

Do those window visors mount in the window channel, or stick to outside on the frame? Looks great! How is airflow when vehicle is moving?

 

They are mounted outside along the frame of the window holding on for dear life. I haven’t rolled my windows down yet.

 

3.6.2021
Installed stock size 265/70r17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W and 1.25” Spidertrax spacers.

I was able to buy the 5/new tires at Mavis for $815 out the door with free installation on the spacers.

 

3.15.2021
Added Toyota OEM Rock Rails

Installed PT228-89191 and PT228-89190 with just a 12mm ratchet and wrench. Used the box to place just underneath the truck. Wiped the surface clean and placed the three bolts loosely in the bottom of each of the three braces, lined up the rail and then tightened them all down; finally added the two top bolts for the two outer braces.

One note on the KDSS, these surrounded all of the lines and I did not have to remove any hose bolts. The braces wrapped perfectly around them all. Literally placed and bolted. I’ll also add, I’m glad to have added these for extra protection for the KDSS housings and hoses. It makes total sense after seeing them surround that system.

 

That's a really nice look..!!

 

3.16.2021
Installed Bilstein 5100 Struts, set at .85 in front and no lift in rear.

 

3.16.2021
Installed Blind Spot Side View Mirrors.

 

Fun Fact or Heads up, I found out today that you don't have to continue holding the third click down to have it start. The button sequence is 1st click = beep, 2nd click = beep, 3rd click = beep then it blinks and then the starter turns.

 

You have to be careful with those tabs, if you’re referring to the same ones that hold the plastic shield over the radiator, you just have to push the little button in and they will pop right out.

 

Truck looks great! I've been heavily considering these OEM rock rails - Any feedback on how it effects entry/exit?

 

They are seamless on entry/exit. They only really show as you walk up, where you can see the braces, but as soon as you open the door they are out about only an inch or so and the rocker panel hides the braces. They are really a great build. You can find them cheap ($195/each) through some online Toyota parts dealers. Check for one in your area, mine offered free pick up at Parts.Smithtowntoyota.com.

You can also get 10% off shipping at OEM Part Source. Code is 10off

 

Appreciate the feedback, just ordered them through BAM Wholesale...had an additional coupon they had offered me via email, came out to $443 shipped. Can't go wrong!

 

Here’s a quick video of the walk-up and entry I made for you.
https://youtube.com/shorts/8E51P2VyEmo?feature=share

 

Awesome! Doesn't seem to get in the way...thank you for taking the time to make that.

 

You bet.

 

Thanks for the PN for the oem rock sliders. Just picked up a set for my gx460. $470 out the door. Can’t beat that

 

4.12.2021
Reinstalled Tokico’s with 1.5” front Cornfed Spacer.

Everyone has their own situations, likes, and needs. In my case, my wife and I noticed the tenseness of the bilsteins straightaway to make the truck react more out of control, especially over multiple bumps in a row, and so we opted back for the factory feel over the deteriorated ride quality we experienced. I’m sure they shine over factory in the off road department, but we are 80% highway, 15% city, and 5% off road. So the 95% of the quality need won us over.

The best analogy I can give on the factory kdss vs Bilstein kdss is this...

Factory KDSS with Tokico is like sitting in a commercial airplane where you hear and feel the sound of wind noise below your seat height. And the bumps that resonate above the seat feel like slight turbulence. Nothing to complain about because the feedback feels like it’s contained below the seat level.

KDSS with Bilstein 5100s is like sitting on a school bus back in the day, where you see everyone’s head and shoulders shifting back and forth over large bumps and then their heads bobble over small multiple bumps in a row. The feedback from the suspension reacting is all transferred to the height of above the seat level and you feel it above your kidneys in your shoulders and your neck mostly.

Basically the bilsteins send all of the repercussion rebounding upward fast; while the Tokico’s dissipate it way before it can rise to that height.

This is only my wife and my opinion on the loss of quality we experienced. We immediately felt the road issues as physically feeling it vs hearing it mostly. We had the alignment checked and it passed at the dealer and had the tire pressure checked down from 39 to 34, then finally to 36 and that helped a ton, but not enough considering we are adding a Gobi and Roof top tent here soon. We need that up high type of gear to be as stable as possible and believe the Tokico’s will help in that area.

Immediately after getting it swapped out today I noticed the road drag was gone, the road feedback was gone, and my mpg increased back to where it was before. I was averaging 17.7 on my tank to the shop, and then 20-30 miles after coming home it was 19.4. A huge difference all around.



Something to note potentially as a root cause is that the Bilstein center bolt is really long and I think that causes the 9 ring springs to be over compressed. It’s at least a quarter inch longer than the Tokico’s. See image below. Bilstein does not differentiate between 9 ring springs vs 8 ring springs or if there’s a stabilization system such as KDSS, and so as a one size fits all, we are subject to making every thing fit as one height on springs since there isn’t a left or right shock for the kit.


However there is a right and left for the Tokico’s, which is indicated by the dots facing forward and is noted in the repair manual for installing the spring in the correct direction by making sure the pigtail exits toward the rear and outward. Also, the factory Tokico’s have a fixed seat to ensure the direction, while on the Bilstein the seat can be turned to any direction allowing the rear of the spring and pigtail to end forward and facing inward.


Here are the three height differences I’ve experienced between the stock KDSS Tokico’s, .85” Bilsteins, and 1.5” Front Cornfed spacer.

New ride height center hub to fender:
21” front
22” rear

Checked it with the level and all is good there too.

 

4.17.2021
Installed Rear Cargo Canvasback Liner with red stitching and a 20” bumper flap.

$250 total shipped. It came in the clear bag you see in one of the photos, no box. Fits like a glove and the install was easy.

 

And it looks good also.

 

Been considering these for the dogs. Does the rear flap velcro to the carpet or the canvas? In the photo it looks like it'd be the carpet but on their website it says if you order it all together that it would connect to the canvas to avoid wear on the carpet from the velcro.

 

any way you'd be able to post a photo of the side w little further away and also of the front? I also have KDSS and am weighing different options on leveling the nose as I am happy with the port installed factory sized Ridge Grapplers. For now at least....

 

You bet!

 

I didn't even know OEM rock sliders were a thing. Looks great man. Keep it up.

 

You have to order them together and they add a Velcro strip onto the end of the cargo piece. I’m under the impression if you add it later the cargo piece doesn’t haven the Velcro.

 

5.22.2021
Installed Rigd Ultraswing with Wheel-plate, Rigd License Plate Mount, Rigd Table Mount by Frontrunner, and Anytime Backup Camera.

The total install took from 11-4 with a lunch break and one trip to the hardware store. Overall, I’m really pleased with it.

Rigd Ultraswing with Wheel-plate:
This was easiest part. Lube the anti-wobble, insert into hitch, install lock, and torque. I wouldn’t have known from the pics or text on their site, but the frame has a textured grip to it. Nothing to extreme though. On the wheel-plate, I used an extra wheel lock on the top stud for added security for the wheel.


Rigd License Plate Mount:
For some reason, I really enjoyed installing this one. The cabling and plate (not-wobbly at all) are well constructed and routing the cable was a perfect fit. The lighting is LED white.

Rigd Table Mount by Frontrunner:
The table came with two cutting boards; the wood and the fda food grade plastic one. The mount was easy breezy but once the table was mounted, those bolts to the plates are annoyingly hidden for torque checks. I trimmed the back corners and sides of the wood
-board to make a snug locked-in fit to set on the metal portion of the table and will use it as a working wood surface for added longevity of the metal table itself.


Anytime Backup Camera Relocation:
This was not as daunting as it appears on the surface. Install the camera first by fishing the cable through the camera mount, then up and along the undercarriage (did not have to lift the truck) and through cabin hole at the passenger b-pillar. Then from there all the trim is pop-off until you remove the 4 bolts at the head unit. Plug and play the two harnesses, ground the wire and then refit all the trim. Shoutout to the technical rep who answered right away Saturday at 2pm and shipped me a replacement harness for free after we noticed a weld was torn apart from the thin 22ish gauge wire.


Thoughts:
As a former 2014 FJ owner, the swingarm-ultraswing takes our family back to the days of old. We really enjoy and appreciate the add ons it incorporates. The quality is above my expectations, it’s ease to install, and versatility it offers. Next items to throw on are the maxtrax and a shovel.

5 side notes
First of all, the FedEx shipment was a disaster. They literally took the longest way possible to get here and then they never attempted to deliver it for two full days, even though it showed loaded on vehicle for delivery. I eventually had to convince the tracing agent to allow me to go get it on Saturday morning at the non-public facing facility. Literally felt like a prison. Upon the FedEx lady carting my box out I was blown away by the box damage. It was infuriating because the “in my mind” clean perfect unshipped box from the install video I had watched a dozen times. The frame took some serious hits but I was ready to get going after waiting 5 weeks for it to arrive.

The second issue is that the when you unlatch the handlebar, you have to be aware to realign it in the locked position when opening or shutting the hatch. The handlebar will nick the edge of the door if it’s in the unlocked position. I found out the hard way assuming it was fitted to not impact in anyway.

The third issue, is how the weight being more extended out now, does change the feel of the 4R over dips in the road. Feels like you are towing and you have tongue weight. Also, I’ve felt as if I’m pressing the pedal a tiny more to keep maintaining the speed.

The fourth issue is with the reverse camera; though a solid option for open visibility of the ground and rear objects, it’s view is really low to the ground. TBO, it appears that you are about to possibly bottom out. The height perception is no where close to factory. I find myself feeling almost disoriented when backing over rough terrain and my caution becomes paranoia quickly.

Finally, the fifth issue was that when comparing the install video packing vs my swing arm’s packing, I was blown away to find no protection around my ultraswing. Not sure how this got out, but every video/photo of unboxing had a layer of taped on padding, but not ours. The bag was even open in areas around the edge. Really disappointed when I saw that and snapped a shot of it. I went back and rewatched the install video and took screen shot; and the closed caption says it all. But not for mine, I guess.

 

5.26.2021
Installed Victory4x4 4Runner Hatch Molle

This is probably one of my favorite add-ons. It really is solid and light. 3lbs according to UPS, but that includes the large box. I first found its orientation and then chose the layout for the items. Then removed the rear hatch, which is easy; just one bolt and a few edge snaps, then remove two clips on the lights. Drilled out the four holes on the body molding and placed the nuts & bolts through the molle and reinstalled the molding pretty quick with a total of 25 minutes.


Extra Thoughts
The really nice feature is that with the gear loaded, it didn’t require the new struts (I will install those when I get the Gobi rack in), however it’s solid for now and not in the way overhead or closed; on that note, the items aren’t restricted by the factory cargo-net either.