To KDSS or not to KDSS that is the question.

Hello all, I am on the hunt to purchase my first ever 4runner! I have been doing quite a lot of research, reading, and youtube video watching over the last several months to guide me but I still have some major questions I need answered before I pull the trigger on such a large and hopefully long-term purchase. Any help or insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

First, is the question on KDSS or no KDSS. I am leaning heavily toward KDSS as the majority of my driving will sadly be on normal paved roads and I would like the comfort it will provide (currently driving a BMW 3 series). The problem I am having is finding something that has KDSS in the first place. Most of the 4runners I find for sale do not have them equipped, and those that do are priced not far below what a brand new one would cost. I am fine with ordering a new one from the dealership if that is what is the best option, but I am also worried that with the placement of the toyota safety sensors on the new 4runner models that it will severely limit what mods I can do when it comes to bumpers... Which leads me to why I am thinking maybe I should not do KDSS as I do want to do mods down the road. I am okay with only a 2"-3" leveling kit which from all the reading I have done should not be an issue with the KDSS. However, I will also most likely want 35" tires at some point as well and I am unsure if the KDSS will get in the way of mods I want to do.

tl;dr: KDSS or no KDSS? New 4runnner (2020/2021) with toyota safety sensor or used 4runner (-2019) with no safety sensor?

 

Yes to KDSS.

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO to another one of these threads.

 

Just get it with. It’s a cheap upgrade as far as factory add ons go.

 

Get KDSS.
If this is your first 4Runner, just drive it stock. You’ll be surprised what it can do.

 

Get it now because if you change your mind later, it’ll cost a lot to add.

 

Mil or moa...

 

I'd say you should buy one with KDSS and one without KDSS.

Drive them both for about a year or so and then keep the one that you like the best and sell the other one.

 

Basically for what you paid for it.

 

Our first two 4runners didn't have KDSS. Our new one does and I would never go back.

 

You are both not wrong lol

 

Welcome to the forum!

This is why I bought new. If you want a newer used 4runner, your best bet is to look at higher mileage vehicles. If you don't want high mileage, new generally makes more sense, to me at least

If you're thinking 35's and hardcore off-roading, you should probably skip it. If you get into rock crawling, you'll probably delete the sway bars anyway.

If you're thinking 35's just for show, I might reconsider. 33's look great on a 4runner, and don't automatically require a regear.

With a smaller lift, and minor modifications, I still benefit from KDSS. My lifted 4runner on 33's handles very well for what it is. And, it's very stable over uneven terrain off-road. I have no regrets about it.

But, if you're planning major suspension work, (lifting beyond 3", sway bar delete, long travel), you might want to go with a non-KDSS 4runner.

 

I wa on board for KDSS, until I started reading about long term use. Essentially, KDSS uses hydraulics, consequently, seals eventually go, and repairing KDSS is expensive.

 

also keep in mind that not all models come with KDSS, and you coming from a bmw, i bet you want the limited which (i think) comes with xreas
if it is was an option, i would get one without kdss, without tss, less things to go wrong and easier/cheaper to lift, to get a bumper for, mod in general.

 

Have you read of a failure? I would be interested, if you have a link to where you read that.

I don't doubt the possibility. I just hope Toyota engineered this for long term reliability. It would surprise me if they were to equip the Landcruiser with anything that isn't pretty much bulletproof.

 

I am interested in anyone's insight on towing a trailer with KDSS? I am wondering how it impacts or does not impact towing a 3,500lb boat trailer around? I plan to order a 4Runner in a few monhs. Sadly I have not been able to find one with KDSS around to test drive. I also worry about maintenance (a little anyway) I plan to keep this vehicle 15-20 years (but will not drive in winter).

 

I have towed a handful of times. It doesn't affect towing.

 

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

 

I researched far and wide before purchasing our new 4runner with KDSS. I saw that thread as well and took it as it is- just a reminder not to let salt pile up and sit against any part of your vehicle. However, I'm not saying that KDSS is a perfect system or is guaranteed to last for eternity.

 

That was caused by not cleaning out the skid for the accumulator.

I looked, and did read of a few issues. Some seem to have been caused by people messing with the system. Others seemed random, but not enough to be really concerned about.

 

I just went through the same situation. I wound up with a KDSS Venture model and am picking it up on Tuesday. It took about a week but the local dealer found one with KDSS. Not one dealer had one with KDSS in stock.

 

Poster who came on this forum last January to warn us of this impending danger -
KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

Made that one post, but did not post again. It was not a failure of the KDSS system on its own, it was due to a buildup of salt and/or road chemicals from driving in a northern state that uses those in the winter. It was a good thing to point out, but hardly proof that the KDSS system is failure-prone and should be avoided. We never heard back from the OP as to what he did. That was his only post.