KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

"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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

All great points throughout t

DAAAAMMMMNNNNN......... Smokey!

 

That looks disgusting for a 2015.. that frame rust starting too

 

Possibly 6 salty winters with no rust proofing usually looks far worse than that where I live

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

I just ordered a 22 Off road premium with KDSS and am wondering if this mod is a good idea for this particular problem: https://trail4runner.com/2020/05/28/rsg-offroad-kdss-skid-plate-install-review/

 

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.

 

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.

 

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)_/¯