KDSS or not?

Hello everyone,

So, I finally decided to let go of my Bronco reservation and I'm getting ready to place my order for a '21 TRD Off Road Premium. My main question before submitting my order is in regards to KDSS.

From everything I've been reading about it, and watching on Youtube, it definitely seems like something I would want since this 4Runner will primarily be a daily driver and hitting some lighter trails to start with, (heading to Big Bend national park is definitely on my list) as I'm new to the off-roading world and have no intention of rock crawling.

However, at some point I may want to put a slight lift, probably nothing more than 2", and have heard some mixed things about lifts and the KDSS system. Would I be okay doing a smaller lift like that with KDSS? Or would that still be problematic, and I should skip the KDSS? Thank you all in advance!

 

There are some good points discussed on this thread. I see everyone having KDSS like it.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/new-to-the-4-runner-world.17119/

 

Welcome to the forum!

KDSS will not have any issues with a smaller lift. I am lifted 2.3" in front and 1.5" rear and have been off-roading all year without issue.

I firmly believe that this is the ultimate suspension for the weekend warrior.

There are several threads like the one linked by @kmeeg

I surely wouldn't dismiss it because of anything you read here.

Here's a good article that explains the system pretty well, if you're interested.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/23/toyota-4runner-suspension-deep-dive/

 

the autoblog article above, great read.

 

A friend here in town rocks kdss feels outstanding Buuuttt its true he can't go and taller than 2ish"
Also, if it ever fails out of warranty, might as well rip it out
And side note ask you local 4x4 shop...they take them out all the time for any lift 2.5 or taller

 

I've heard of some going 3" trouble free.

It can be repaired. It's not cheap, but failures are few and far between.

I wouldn't work with a shop that insisted on removing it.

 

Yeah... good points James, beer time

 

Thank you guys for the information and the articles. Greatly appreciated! I think I will end up opting for the KDSS, the improved handling for both on- and off-road will be great, and if a smaller lift is no problem, then all the better!

I'm not sure when it'll actually arrive after I place my order, but, I'm definitely excited to be getting this vehicle...First order of business will be to get some better tires on it, though. Thinking either some General Grabber ATX, or Falken Wildpeak A/T3Ws.

 

Good call Jim
You know your life style more than anyone, if it works for you than all the better. Good luck with the purchase enjoy it man hope it all goes well
Excited to see you on the trails!

 

I dropped my badlands reservation when I found out the transmissions was made in China. I was disappointed with that news. A week later, I bought a silver ORP with KDSS. Probably not as capable as the badlands. But, I am 110% satisfied and loving it! Not to mention, the ecoboost 2.3 is questionable.

 

2.75” front- 1.5” rear with KDSS

ZERO issues. 2018 TRD-OR

 

Did you do a 1" spring and a spacer in the back?

 

Bilstein makes 1.5" lift coils. That's how I got 1.5".

 

ok thank you. The set I'm looking at on runnin4tacos only allows a 1" spring. I'm hesitating because I don't want a 1" spring if I have to buy another one.

 

How often do you go off the beaten path? A spacer will work fine. Some of the ppl I roll with have only have spacers and can handle most of the rock trails at the off-road park

 

Not a ton, so a 1" spring and 1/2" spacer would probably work for me.

 

I'll ask the magic 8ball...
My sources say yes

 

I might try this too. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

 

Look like very effective bump stops

 

Also...now you have to do it!

 

Dobinsons KDSS springs F and R. Dobinsons struts and shocks. Added Wheelers top plate spacers for additional 5/8” up front.

 

I also let’s go of my bronco reservation and got the ORP and could of not been happier.