Newwwwbie….help!

Hey all! I’ve been lurking in this site for years, fueling my dreams of having a 4Runner again (had an 03 SR5 for 12 years but had to give her up about 6 years ago). My time has finally come! Just bought a 2021 Venture. I can’t wait to lift her and put some new tires on her. However, I have KDSS, which seems to be a controversial thing! I truly did not realize that it would be limiting me in lifting. Admittedly, I am pretty new to all this and reading thru the forums has me feeling a little confused so hoping I can get some direction from all you experts!
I contacted a local, and very reputable shop and this was their response to me when inquiring about a lift (specifically Eibach or Bilstein):
“The only kit that works with that is a puck lift kit.
There are no coil over or shock replacements kits for kdss because that is what kdss is
it is an oil fed adjustable ride shock if you were to replace that with a coil over you would get error messages and all sorts of issues with the vehicle”

Based on what I’ve read and watched, this does not seem accurate. any insight from you all would be so helpful.

Thanks!

 

Welcome. Some KDSS owners will chime in shortly.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from AZ!

 

I went with KDSS because i didn't think i would want or need a lift but i also wanted the benefits of KDSS on and off road, it's a really awsome system. Why do you want a lift?

I also knew that at some point (~100k+) I would need new shocks and springs so i could always remove KDSS and do something special if needed. But i will be pricey to do.

 

I think you have been given some bad information by that shop.

Yes, there are shocks with coilovers that allow your truck to be lifted a reasonable amount without hurting you KDSS. My truck has KDSS. I love it for the stability in cornering on the road without body roll. I am not a serious off roader, but I do play around a bit, and I am happy with KDSS does for me.

I had Bilstein 6112s with ToyTec adjustable coilovers installed back in early 2020 with the adjustments set to level my truck - which means the front is lifted just under two inches. KDSS trucks should not be lifted over 3 inches. I replaced the factory shocks in back with Bilstein 5100s and left the factory springs installed. I am quite happy with the results. The 6112s in front pretty much eliminated the annoying nosedive under braking. Nothing will prevent nosedive during a panic stop, but otherwise I am very satisfied.

There are other vendors that offer upgraded shocks with coilovers - and I am sure that others will chime in. Be careful which shop you choose for the install. There is no reason to disturb or disconnect any KDSS components to replace suspension components. If KDSS is disturbed - in other words opening valves or disconnecting hydraulics - it is super expensive to fix. A good experienced off-road shop will know how to accomplish the work while leaving KDSS alone undisturbed.

 

Every time I see two people on this site talking about KDSS. I think of this scene:

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

I honestly want the lift 90% for looks, 10% for light off-roading.

 

lol, a great movie!

 

Thank you for your response! Very helpful!
I’m not wanting to go crazy, I would like 2.5 max in the front but would be ok with 2 and 1-1.5 in the back. The rake drives me crazy! And I just want 275s BFG KO2s, so again, nothing crazy.
I will definitely be contacting another shop!

 

I have kdss and lifted 1.7” front and 1” in back with 6112/5160. No problems - much better than stock. Kdss plus bilstein makes for a very good ride. Just got back from a 4k mile trip which included some significant off-roading. No complaints on interstate or on the trail.

 

If you remove the side steps that will increase the look of it being lifted. You can even go with sliders which will keep the higher look while providing a step. KDSS is awesome for off roading and certainly provides really good on road feel.

I do some light off roading as well, but i need to get their so KDSS has been a great have my cake and eat it too feature. That said you can lift about an inch or so with KDSS, but IMO its not worth the sacrifice.

 

You can lift a kdss 4Runner. Some brand make kits specifically for kdss.

 

Bilstein 6112 front for KDSS 1.7” lift, 5160 rears for KDSS with B8 1.5” rear lift springs for KDSS. You won’t and shouldn’t eliminate the rake but you’ll get a nice lift.

I didn’t buy KDSS because of all the complexities associated with it and expense, especially around maintenance in the long term. But, lots of people have them and love them, and experienced shops can do things right. Shops that have specifically dealt with it.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I got KDSS with a lift without any issues.

 

2-2.5” front and 1-1.5” rear is good lift height