You KDSS bros are going to be pissed! - Comparison video with non-KDSS truck

You won't really be pissed unless you like fast desert running, but there's some interesting KDSS comparisons in here. Definitely worth a watch!

https://youtu.be/Ueshf401B0k

 

Ive spoke with Kai a few times. Was sub'd to him very early. He does great, non bias vids, that i like. I cant wait for his UCA video. Like me, he thinks the same in a lot of regards. Also, and he even says, kdss isnt the world beater, but, can aid in some situations. Id rather have without and do my own suspension work to gain droop and or net any gain on travel.

 

These are fantastic videos.

The one where he demonstrated the effective travel of the front end made me laugh a little, my mountain bike has more front travel.

Showing the down travel was a good demo of what I've always understood... Lifting is just driving around at (nearly) full droop.

 

100%, non KDSS and good suspension lift is the best way with current kdss option we have. Lift for non KDSS is by far peace of mind. I've been overhearing the conversations at the 4x4 shop I go. Sometimes even when I go for smaller jobs still I work in visitor area till 5pm till I finish my work and overhearing free 4x4 tips..

But if Toyota do a proper sway bar disconnect in front like Jeep does where both sides of sway bar is free things could have changed. Also not having to run hydraulic oil is a plus too.

Also availability is a problem where I think Canadian buyers have no luck getting non KDSS. Around here a non KDSS is very rare. When I checked last week only 1 out of 14 were non KDSS at the dealership.

 

Do you live in socal? Socal dealers allocate mostly kdss

 

I'm in Colorado and same case, dealers allocate mostly kdss. Only 1 is non KDSS out of 14 ORP.

 

Yeah, it seems that high speed running and extended/long travel are where KDSS becomes a disadvantage. I'm still enjoying it for the advantages it has for my use.

I hope the 6th gen comes with the new non-hydraulic version. Based on what I've seen, it could really be better in every way.

 

It's going to be a turbo 4. No way that's better

 

I agree.

Toyota could make the best of both worlds. KDSS on slower, articulating terrain and a KDSS disconnect for fast runs.

 

You didn't like the 22RE?

https://youtu.be/hMt6i13UP7o

 

Right. Who would want more usable power and better fuel economy?

But, I was actually talking about the new version of KDSS being better than the current version.

I believe there's a company who makes a switch to disengage, or open the valves to improve high speed handling.

 

Those first gen look so good with the pinstripes! I'd love to have that with a 22R-TE!

 

Agree on the stripes! When I was a kid I'd draw these all the time, and used a ruler to do the different versions of stripes.

I'll take mine with a LS though.

 

Nice! My 2nd gen had pinstripes on it. I miss that thing!

 

Dr. KDSS makes an On-Off switch. He's out of stock at the moment though.
https://drkdss.com/

 

Ahh, thank you! I couldn't remember who it was.

 

Wasn't the bottom line of the video that Kai would personally rather have it than not?

 

Actually, he said that if he bought another Toyota 4×4 he would buy one with kdss.

Which says a lot to me. He seems like a very smart guy.

 

or Blackgate Customs.

 

That’s the externally exposed wired system, probably not as reliable. It’s the company that DR_KDSS left to build and sell his version.

 

Dang.. Good point. I will discuss with my budd. We were thinking about Blackgate because R4T is local to us so if anything goes wrong we can deal with it personally. Will look at DR KDSS.

 

I bought the Dr KDSS version. Much cleaner install. All done from inside the vehicle.

 

After watching the R4T video about KDSS, I wouldn't let those guys touch my 4Runner with a 10' pole.

 

I did get to know them a little more because of a friend so I believe they know thier stuff. They were even talking about the Bilstien5100 before Tinkerer posting his video and they said KDSS has less rear wheel articulation way before Tinkerer found on his test right? Since CO got ton of KDSS they get more experience than people like Tinkerer. Most likely I will be going their for my next project.

 

Experience doesn't replace intelligence.

The guy on their video had no idea what he was talking about.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone with KDSS use them for suspension work.

 

What is unfortunate is the relative rarity of KDSS means many will never get to drive one back to back. However, if I lived in the plains of similarly flat areas, I would be far less likely to spend the additional money.

It is also telling where KDSS is offered the regions where it is generally not. Just to get to the interstate from Eureka you need to go over the Coast Range and even on the coast the terrain gets pretty twisty.
Likewise, a large number of professional reviews are with KDSS equipped models and I cannot recall a single one where it is recommended.

 

So, are more in your area available with KDSS than without?

 

I am not sure about Eureka as I purchased both my ORP which got crushed by someone blowing through a red light and the replacement Venture in Oakland, but a fair number have KDSS.

 

I would expect it to be better in the twisty roads. Mine feels like a sports car, compared to my Tacoma and previous 4Runners.

 

Since I am not in panning but n doing a lift any time soon, KDSS seemed like a smart investment for the additional travel and improved handling. Unfortunately 1 in 4xx are KDSS in NY/southern new england area, so I wait, and wait.