KDSS - worth getting or not?

I am currently looking at getting my first 4runner, and was wondering about KDSS which comes on some of the 4runners. It seems that it might be useful, but I am seeing reports of it breaking and resulting in expensive repairs. Is this something worth getting on a new 4runner or should I skip it? Is this system generally reliable and will last a while? Does it have to be maintained?

 

Search will give you lot of valuable info vs just one new thread

 

I like having it for when I need it and will repair it when I need to.

 

Search is your friend. This subject comes up quite often. Doesn't seem another thread is necessary...

https://www.4runners.com/threads/to-kdss-or-not.28131/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/2022-kdss-vs-2023-non-kdss.28312/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/kdss.28683/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/kdss-opinions.26489/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/kdss-or.25568/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/kdss-existing-or-new-owners-beware.12050/

https://www.4runners.com/threads/stock-kdss-equipped-vs-non-kdss-with-good-aftermarket-shocks.23473/

And more besides.

 

Love mine, no issues so far. Have a lift, so added spacers to correct the angles. Installed the dr kdss switch for washboard roads and such.

 

What is this?

 

Dr KDSS / Blackgate Customs KDSS Control are KDSS by pass systems. This will release the KDSS ram. The idea is not to have a firm ride KDSS has with its rigid sway bar.

Edit -
Adding this pic for better explanation -

 

Basically the switch turns off the active part of the system. Good for moderate speed off-road or rough road use, smoother ride less stiff.

 

Magic.

Essentially sway bar disconnect. Makes a huge difference.

 

Pretty cool never saw it mentioned here before.

 

"Worth getting" depends on how you're going to use your 4Runner. It's a brilliant concept, but not perfectly executed.

The added articulation is nice. The loss of ground clearance in front, not as much.

It does require some special attention to keep the accumulator clean to avoid corrosion, which is the most common cause of failure.

 

I think best is to drive with it and one without it (excluding Xreas versions). If you don’t really notice it missing in various “on road” conditions then opt out. In order of preference for on road driving for me: Xreas; KDSS; non KDSS but on Pro model only. That is based on factory set ups, as aftermarket properly applies improves non KDSS suspensions.

 

I've owned 5th Gens with both KDSS and non KDSS. I found the ride way too stiff when running washboard roads over 12mph with KDSS. That hack to keep it disconnected when running fast looks neat but I wonder about the long term viability of the system when it's run that way. It wasn't designed for that and there's certainly heat and wear to the components when it's being beat to death in a way it was not designed to operate.

At the end of the day an all stock non-KDSS 5th Gen is sort of sloppy on the highway. Throw on a set of Bilstein 5100s and C-Load LT tires and it feels exactly the same as a stock KDSS truck.

 

My 2023 TRD ORP has KDSS. Had to go in the shop and they gave me a 2022 W/O KDSS.

I really missed the KDSS and thought the non-KDSS was all over the place and "sloppy".

That being said I don't off road so it was all highway/local...but dang there was a big difference in cornering and nose dip when braking.

I am very happy I got the KDSS on mine but I see why guys would opt for the non-kdss model

 

Non-KDSS here. When I want suspension travel, I'll drive my TJ, with a very pliant suspension. Which would probably scare the
go-kart crowd.

 

If it is mechanical, there will be breakage and issues. I only have a couple hundred miles on mine and have not been off road yet, but I enjoy the ride. test drove an SR5 and the suspension was too soft and more body roll than I would like when driving on the roads.

 

For comparison. 2016 Trail owner since new. Luckily no KDSS issues, but honestly most people don't have KDSS issues. Best of both world's in my opinion is install Dr.KDSS full kill switch kit w/ oem dash sw, and disengage KDSS whenever you like.
Hell I just took KDSS skids off for cleaning first time recently, it had held up well even tho there's salt used in my region.

 

I own a 2020 4R off-road premium with KDSS. I have never regretted getting it. I have put on an OME BP51 lift kit. It works just fine with KDSS and I got 2.75 inches of lift.

KDSS greatly reduces body roll in turns. If you are a hard core off-roader Dr KDSS even makes a switch to deactivate the KDSS. I do not have that and don't know that I would ever need it.

I pull a small 5x8 off-road trailer. One time a person came into my lane when they didn't see me. I made a very quick swerve to left and back to the right. I honestly do not think I would have been able to make such an aggressive move without losing control had I not had KDSS. Yes it is expensive, but for me and my off-road adventures it has been worth it.

 

Cool another "is KDSS worth it" thread. Can't wait for "should I change oil at 5K or 10K/which oil to use" followed by "what PSI".

 

When you're buying your first Runner and spending a good chunk of change, maybe you're also new to KDSS..

 

No its not worth it. Especially if your going to upgrade the suspension

 

And yet you clicked on it anyway, knowing full well what it was and then took the time to post something nowhere near resembling helpful.

OP: I opted for no KDSS, I was looking to keep my initial cost down and also mitigate potential for expensive repairs down the road. From everything I've read, it help the 4runner handle better on road and off (at low speeds). I'll admit, the handling is definitely worse than anything I've driven in the past 20 years (2 crew cab F150's, a Nissan Frontier)...whether it is worth it depends on your finances and what you are looking for. I'm ok driving something that handles like a barge.

 

I've driven shitboxes for over a decade. This thing drives like a Cadillac to me!

 

I was happy to get an ORP without it. I have no desire to raise above 3" but if I do not having KDSS helps.
I do find 4Runner suspension awefuly soft however. Perhaps owners with KDSS already have a bit firmer ride, that does not make the vehicle sway/nose dive when turning/braking?
I definitely plan to upgrade suspension to something firmer just havent decided what.

If I had to do it again, I will probably choose the same and not spend on KDSS. However it also depends on availability :-/

 

OP must've gotten the desired information. One and done.

 

holy hot damn, are you orbit!? Just kidding, nice to see another burqueno around these parts.

 

Sorry you had to go 19 hours there and back to pick up a 4R, but I'm sure it was worth it. I picked mine up locally pre-pandemic, when they were everywhere.

 

how so? a lot of 4Rs and GXs are successfully "upgraded" on the regular.

 

ended up getting a trd offroad premium without kdss. the decision was made easier by my wife who liked (for non-kdss reasons) the one without kdss installed. not that many 4runners to choose from after all.

 

It really depends on the individual, and their needs and preferences.

There are plenty of people with modified suspension and KDSS.