Can a 2021 4 Runner with KDSS be lifted?

Hello everyone
Hope everyone is doing well. I am working with a local auto place here in Yonkers, New York. My 18” black rhino wheels i ordered back in June have been delivered to them. They told me they have “engineers” working on ways to lift my truck. Apparently most lift kits are not compatible with KDSS.. Toyotas kinetic dynamic suspension system.
Is the place I’m working with just lazy n not doing their job, or is there a system/ kit out there that allows my 2021 4 Runner Venture to be lifted/ leveled.
I been waiting months to hear from them and thus far, nothing!

any ideas that I can share with them would be fantastic..

Thanks so much
James

 

As far as I know almost all known brand lifts have KDSS version. Eg - King, Elka, OME BP-51, Toytec Aluma, etc..

Sometimes there are little limitations but KDSS is not a problem. Ex -



My advice, check for other 4x4shops around you.


Also why 18" wheels? Was it your choice or that shop ask you to buy 18" wheels vs 17in wheels?

 

Lots of info to plow through and you'll learn a lot in the process.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lifiting+a+4runner+with+kdss

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LOL.

Short answer yes...the process hasn't changed since 2010. Tell those engineers they suck at engineering, but the good news, it's already been engineered.

I'd pick someone else to touch your truck mate.

 

^ what he said.

 

I'm lifted and I have kdss



Just lifted the rear springs and added the kdss spacers for my setup: roof rack, hardshell RTT, drawers, and rear steel bumper

 

Definitely take it someplace else...

 

I have a lifted KDSS.

 

Like everyone has said so far; I would not trust a shop that claims to have "engineers" trying to figure out how to do what's been done numerous times. I would be worried about them trying to tamper with the system and causing issues.

Plenty of options for lifting KDSS. There are some limitations and extra considerations, but it's totally doable.

Welcome to the nut-house!

 

Yes, find a different shop.

 

The shop recommended that usually people move up one inch. I wanted New rims anyhow, as i am not a fan of the typical Toyota stock rims.

 

Thanks everyone so much for all your replies and help. It’s good to know that they can lift my 2021 Venture 4 Runner with its KDSS. i have not paid them yet for the Black Rhino 18” Baker Rims, despite them having been made n delivered to the shop. So it’s really on them to figure this out b get it done, other wise I’m not giving them my credit card.
The place is called De Dona, and it’s been there for over 30 years. Car/ Truck mods is all they do. I can’t understand why they are delaying me.

 

If the shop recommended 18 inch wheels vs 17 in wheels for functionality is a clear indication that shop lack in knowledge. The only reason people change from 17 in wheels to 18 / 20 or more is for the looks. Only for the looks.

The bigger the wheel size you are loosing the amount of rubber you have. This will be a limitation

1. If you want to air down your tires when you want to go on a trail with sharper rocks. More air pressure you will risk of punctures.
2. Lesser the rubber you have lesser the cushion to absorb bumps
3. Lesser the rubber increase the chance of damage to wheels even by a curb or a poth hole.

A good shop should advice you to have the smallest wheel (or rim, how you call it) and increase the tire size.

 

The shop recommending to go to an 18 inch wheel vs a standard 17 inch wheel would be a red flag for me, besides them trying to figure out how to put a lift on KDSS when a 5 min Google search brings up a ton of options for KDSS compatible lift packages lol

 

Right?
A Toyota 4x4 shop should be able to give ton of lift options for KDSS 4Runner. A shop doesn't know to work on KDSS is 100% guaranteed to induce problems like KDSS lean, KDSS bracket hitting track bar etc..

 

I agree with all the comments. Go elsewhere. 2020 4R venture with KDSS, Dobinsons lift.

 

Can't decide if I love my green Ironmans or those Teal Dobinsons more. Also, after riding in both, I think the ride in the Dobinsons might be slightly more progressive in a good way, but they are both really close in quality and price.

 

Hi
I’m sorry i don’t know if i mentioned earlier in the thread that i own a 2021 4 runner Venture. It has the KDSS, kinetic dynamic suspension system. let me also point out that i know nearly nothing about trucks, cars, mechanics.. etc. sure i know the basics about how an engine works but when it comes to suspensions etc, i am blind.
the place I’m working with already ordered my wheels, 18” black rhino baker.
They told me that most of the lift/ level kits stAte that they are not compatible with the KDSS.
If there are specific leveling/ lift kits can you kindly tell me exactly which ones so i can pass this information on to them?

this place has been doing cars/ trucks for over 30 years. I can’t imagine they actually can’t figure it out. I think they are just not making my business a priority.
I could go there, purchase the 18” wheels and tell them I’m taking my business elsewhere. The issues there is i don’t know who to go to. How does one search for an auto places that specializes in car/ truck modifications- lighting, racks, etc. i live in yonkers New York.

any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Here are a few images of my truck now n the several mods i have done so far. Mostly lighting and small details

 

If these guys can't figure this out, I wouldn't let them touch my truck with a 10' pole.

ALL worthwhile manufacturers have options for KDSS equipped 4Runners.

Another reason to find a different shop.

You might be able to check in the regional threads. Also, it might be worth checking on Tacomaworld as there's a lot more traffic over there.


As far as recommendations, it will depend on your budget and intended uses. Best bang for the buck is probably Eibach or Bilstein.

I would recommend picking out what you want and finding a shop that specializes in 4×4's or Toyotas. You might have to travel a little further, but it will save you headaches down the road.

 

OP, I know it seems intimating especially if you're not familiar with vehicles, and our intent is NOT to shame or make you feel bad, but we do tend to be blunt at times to just save on typing.

A few things. KDSS can be intimidating to someone who's never messed with it, so I understand the hesitation. The good news, it's not a complex system to work around, just keep all lift heights to 2.5" or less to avoid some issues.

Also, 18" wheels are fine, but industry standard is 17" for the majority of the All Terrain and Offroad size tires. 18's will work, 17's will offer more selection of types and sizes of tires, and tend to cost less comparative to 18" tires.

I'm sure we have some New Yorkers on here who might be able to point you in the right direction, I'd even consider starting a new thread asking for a quality shop for your area and see who here chimes in.

As far as specific lifts for KDSS, if you're keeping things 2.5" or below, you can usually use just about any lift out there from the Bilstein 5100s to the Kings. Most of that will depend on your springs you choose to ensure you aren't going above 3". Personally, I never see the need to go that high anyways, I prefer more 2" than 3", but that's opinion there.

Other KDSS and New York people, speak up, help this guy out.

 

I have a 2020 TRD ORP w/KDSS. I had it lifted 3” in the front, replaced the front UCAs, and lifted 2” in the rear. The springs are Toytec. The UCAs are SPC. The shocks are Bilstein 5100s. It sits perfectly level. 285/70/17 tires on TRD Pro wheels. No tire rub AT ALL. I did not have to cut anything. The ride quality is fantastic.

The 2021 has the same suspension as the 2020 so to answer your question, yes, it can be lifted. I work for the parent company of Southeast Toyota so I had it done by a Toyota Master Technician at a Toyota dealership.

 

What tires are you running?

 

Does lifting the 4Runner too high cause any problems with the radar in front for automatic braking and cruise control Etc?

 

Sure yoi can...

 

2"- 3" lift, works just fine.

 

Michelin LTX M/S 285/70/17

 

They suggested i move up an inch. But now it’s been 11 months while my wheels sit there and they have no solution to lifting my truck. i think it’s because they only work with a company called Ready lift. Ready lift does not have any lift kits designed to work with KDSS…
I don’t know what to do. Should i just ask for my wheels and get out?
I’m not very good with this science.. and i get no straight answers from them.

why they won’t lift my four runner with all these options you mention is Something i can’t figure out.

 

You have gotten plenty of straight answers from us in this forum. Cut your losses, take your wheels and go to a different shop that actually knows what they are doing. And do some more research to educate yourself so you know what you are wanting to do when going to a different shop. There are plenty of lift kits available that are compatible with KDSS, other members have mentioned them in this thread already. My advice, buy on of those and take it to a different shop who can install it. It's honestly not as difficult of a process as that shop is making it seem...

 

As many said its a good idea to get out of that shop. I would say don't even take the wheels. Get full refund for not knowing what they are doing. ReadyLift is a very basic lift and clearly say KDSS is not supported. Some members install these basic spacer lifts on their driveway. Get out from that shop before they screw you..!!