KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

Agree that the RSG KDSS skid is easy to remove. I didn't know that C4 makes a KDSS skid. Do you have a link?

 

Here is where I found it: https://trail4runner.com/2019/10/18/c4-fab-diff-skid-4runner-install/ and now I see it's for a rear diff and I am embarrassed.

 

I thought each one had 2. I know the accumulator skid only has 2.

 

After checking, I see you are correct. I am going to be quiet and sit in the corner and contemplate my life for a while now.

 

In looking at the RSG KDSS skid, it definitely offers more protection against rocks flying up due to its heavier construction. On the other hand, IMO I don't believe it offers any more protection against crud accumulating in there around the unit itself, as it is open not only on the front, but doesn't go up as high on the side as the oem skid does.

 

I was just checking. I actually think that skid looks like a great product.

 

You will do such a big favor to this board and to the Future drivers if you make a small tutorial with the tools and photographs next time when you are cleaning up your kdss system. Please do

 

Will this cheap toolkit be enough to handle opening and putting back those two KDSS plates?

 

@Thatbassguy If you make a little video showing us how to open those plates and clean up the KDSS, we will venmo you some cash , at least I will. I am kind of a layman when it comes to cars.

 

Go back to page 1 post 30. Two 12 mm bolts on each plate. I’d buy a better quality socket set than that.

 

What about this?

 

I have lots of Craftsman tools.
Lowe’s has a sale on now, until Oct 31.

 

Great. Thanks!

 

Hello everyone! I've got a 2010 Trail edition I bought used a few years ago, it's got KDSS The previous owner put a 3" lift and Bilstein shocks all the way around (sadly i don't know anything more about this "Kit"). My KDSS light is now on, the truck leans to the driver's side about 2 inches. The Dealership wants $8000 to replace the KDSS. I never heard of KDSS before my light went on! I don't know anything about the lift kit, or what they did when they installed it. Despite it being a NY vehicle since 2010, the frame is in excellent condition and so is the body.

Within this thread, or another thread, i read that someone wrote that a KDSS vehicle shouldn't be lifted over 2", which mine is. I really cannot be getting a new vehicle or putting 8k into a new KDSS system. I need to get this fixed and move forward with all the other projects and problems i need to fix around the house! So, unless i remove the lift AND replace the KDSS (lots of money to do this), i am now wanting to keep the lift kit, and ditch the KDSS.

If anyone has successfully removed their KDSS and replaced it with a non-KDSS 4runner suspension, can you please post information on what you did, maybe parts list, tips and tricks, how to's etc.?

Thanks a ton!

 

WRT the RSG Skid Plate... I'm planning to install one to my 22 ORP at the same time as the Hefty Sliders. I like the way its is open at the top, allowing for easy hosing out of mud and crud, and applying Fluid Film to prevent that nasty "Swiss Cheese" effect. If I feel like there isn't sufficient space open at the bottom for said mud and crud to exit, a bit of angle grinder action may be needed. Fortunately, SE Virginia doesn't see much road salt... I have no desire to drive on the beach... and I figure good old San Juan mining trail muck is OK so long as I flush it out.

 

Ouch! $8K is a lot of lettuce! Does the whole KDSS really need replaced, or is your dealer trying to hose you? From what I've read, if the only issue is the lean, a set of KDSS Spacers (I'm going to use Treaty Oak) and a "re-leveling" might be all you need. If it were me, I'd try to get more detailed info for the forum folks... they have loads of experience with this stuff, and might be able to save you a bundle, and hassle...

 

Anything hydraulic can leak. For KDSS leaks since Toyota dealer is the only one doing it its expensive for now. When front or rear stabilizer start leak it not that expensive (as far as I've seen in our CO 4R owners group) but this is the first case I've seen the main unit 'effed. Wish he could check with other dealers and get a quote. If got lucky aftermarket shop willing to fix KDSS would definitely help.

 

Still curious about what precisely is "wrong" with the Manifold... Is it rotted out from salt?

I've not ever looked for one, but what about a used module from a junkyard runner? Labor is costly, but I'd bet that the $8k would be a lot less to just install the used module, bleed and re-adjust the system.

Of course I could be chock full of wild blueberry muffins too...

 

Oh man - I put a deposit down on a deposit for a Super white or Lunar Rock with KDSS, now I'm a bit concerned about this because I live in MN where we have a bunch of salt. Wouldn't this be a huge issue for those Lexus models that have KDSS if salt is eating module?

 

If you live in MN and maintain the underside of your vehicles because of the winter road salt, it would add about a minute or two if you added cleaning out the accumulator skid to your routine.

If you don't maintain said underside, you'll be replacing a lot more than your KDSS system.

 

I like the KDSS on my 4R and removed the shield and cleaned the accumulator of dirt twice and put a light coat of fluid film. Result is no problems. I wonder why Toyota has not designed a better protective enclosure to prevent the dirt buildup. I have thought about working with my welder friend to come up with one. It is the poor design of the cover that allows the dirt buildup.

 

If your going to leave the vehicle stock KDSS is nice for overlanding , when salt is brought into the equation it just sucks , especially if your planing on lifting the vehicle its just a pain in the butt and sucks .
I have have had it on 4runners and my LC 200 land cruisers hate it , it gets in the way and rust as vehicles get older just a pain in the butt in my world .
Glad my new Pro does not have it . Down the road maybe FJ cruiser lift does not work with KDSS

 

Like @glwood54 mentioned, it just requires a little maintenance. Remove the little skid after off-road trips and clean the accumulator. Definitely keep up on it in the winter as well. Some folks have coated them with Fluids Film as well.

I'm lifted. No issues here.

I'd say it's nice for off-roading altogether, personally, not just overlanding.

I don't think salt is the biggest issue. It seems that dirt and debris will collect in the accumulator skid if not maintained and corrode the electrical components.

I'll take better articulation and less body roll, even if it comes with a little extra maintenance.

 

I recently lifted my 2018 with KDSS. It’s up around 3in now but will settle to 2.5 after I get the CBI bumper on.
One thing I did was install the Treaty oak spacers and I really seems to keep the KDSS system properly oriented. It also made the install of the lift easier because the front and rear sway bars didn’t have to be loaded so much to get them back together after installing the taller springs on the vehicle. I did a reasonable amount of research before lifting this vehicle due to the KDSS. I really think these are necessary if your going to lift more that than 1.5in IMO
https://www.treatyoakoffroad.com/product/kdss-spacer-kit

 

As far as I've seen kdss has more articulation than non kdss as stock but when lifted kdss doesn't have articulation as non kdss (per accutune & r4t kdss videos).

 

That's not correct. Articulation is limited by the sway bars. The KDSS sway bar flexes (at the hydraulic piston), allowing greater articulation. Lift doesn't change that.

The only way for a non-KDSS 4Runner to acheive greater articulation that KDSS is to delete the sway bars. Anyone who intends to delete their sway bars should not buy a KDSS equipped 4runner.

Edit: I do understand that it limits down travel at some point. Anyone going for long travel should avoid KDSS as well. But, I believe this is a moot point as anyone planning a long travel setup will likely delete their sway bars as well.

 

Take a look at 2 videos they have.
R4T got TRDPRO shocks & Accutune got Fox2.5 DSC shock. So standard lift kits.

https://youtu.be/ROJ3V1yfqLQ

https://youtu.be/T82D5BFJ92g


Update- Anyways not going to talk much on this topic as some get angry. Unlike you where we can have a good conversation.

 

The problem with the Accutune video is that those guys don't seem to realize that as the driver side tire goes up, the passenger side Tire gets more down travel. Overall travel is limited, but articulation is not.

Thr R4T guy sounded like an idiot, so I didn't get far with that video.

Edit: I looked at the R4T video again and; holy shit that guy is an idiot! Please disregard anything that guy says in that video. Wow!

I know we agree that KDSS is not right for hardcore builds, ie long travel, rock crawler type setups. But, as long as lift is kept reasonable it does serve a purpose for off-road use.

 

He kept referring to the KDSS cylinders on the sway bars as 'electronic rams', so it's apparent he doesn't know what he's talking about, and shouldn't be putting out 'how to' videos that deal with KDSS at all.

 

I noticed that, too! I thought I heard it, so I rewound and, sure enough. He also said KDSF at one point.

This kind of supports my theory that "just because you have a youtube channel does NOT mean that you actually know what you're talking about". Plus, half the time it sounded like he had no idea what he was about to say and was just making it up as he went

It took about 3 words for me to decide he was probably clueless.