KDSS - worth getting or not?

How much is the added cost of kdss when ordering a new 4runner?

 

I think it was about $1800.

But, if you don't even know the cost, how can you answer this question?

 

$1,750
KDSS has been an option on the Land Cruiser since 2008 and the GX470 since 2004.
It has been around for quite awhile.

 

Kdss just complicates the suspension imo. Its a "luxury" feature in a 4runner. But the suspension is so subjective to the driver.

While I feel its a waste, I do recommend driving one with kdss and one without. And decided for yourself.

 

Yes, it does add complication. But, it is not a "luxury" feature. It is an off-road feature with secondary on road benefits.

As you said, and I mentioned above, it really comes down to the individual driver.

 

A standard in the USA. Outside of USA its optional for Land cruiser & Land cruiser Prado only on 1 trim for both.

Congratz..!! You will have better reliability, comfort & easiness in mods.

Even smaller thinks like sliders you now don't need to think about cutting and chopping stuff. You can add skids without any issues, even A-Arm skids to protect lower control arms. For lifting you can even start with spacer lift until your are ready with finances not having to worry about pan hard bar issues. Its a big win when it comes to mods.

IMO, Rigid sway bar is for on road handling and would be real bad off pavement. So I think Toyota use KDSS as a work-around to loosen it on one side at slower speeds. The biggest reason places like Asia and Australia people don't like KDSS is there are lot of rough roads, so traveling under 12mph is not an option.

In the rear with restricted travel looks to me it reduces the benefit of having solid rear axle when I measured my buddy's stock 4Runner with KDSS. With this I'm thinking of rear long travel with not much money been non KDSS. Front I have to think about it as long travel is little expensive but love that fact its still an option for me.

 

If it was an offroad feature you'd think it would be offered on the trd pro.

 

I guess this is weird but my ORP with KDSS seems to feel smoother on the dirt roads here than my Outback Wilderness going over 12 MPH.

 

It was originally supposed to be. It's been discussed here before.

It is offered on the top trim Prado, though.

What do you think KDSS is?

 

It enables more articulation under 12mph and more roll stiffness at higher speeds.
Essentially a automatic sway bar(s) disconnect or variable sway bars, however you want to to think about it.
The Pro is more for higher speed fire roading with the Fox Suspension, think factory pre runner.
It is really not all that complicated, mostly just a mechanical/hydraulic link for one end of the front and rear sway bars.

Edit: a utube video comparing KDSS and a non KDSS on ramps for
articulation.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueshf401B0k

 

Really? I have KDSS. And sliders that bolted right up to the frame with no modification whatsoever.

 

Same for me. It was a little more fiddly on the driver’s side where the KDSS plumbing is. But it only added a few more minutes to the installation.

 

That's awesome guys not having to do any cutting. I would be scared to cut that to reduce cover and don't have metal cutting tools either if I had to do it.

 

You just have to shave a tiny bit off the skid for the hydraulic lines. I would bet that 99% of people who do their own mods will own a grinder.

 

What brand sliders are those? This is the first I’m seeing of having to trim to install KDSS specific sliders. That might be a brand I avoid.

 

I had to trim the little factory skid that covers the hydraulic lines. It was easy.

 

I have an angle grinder so wouldn’t be a big deal. I’m shopping for sliders now and am curious if all brands require the grinding.

 

↑ also def curious about this looking for sliders w/ no kickouts

 

I can't say whether or not they all do. But, I'd probably buy RSG again regardless.

 

Cool, thanks. I’m looking at RCI and CBI. Neither reference any grinding in their install instructions.

 

stigma and misinformation about kdss is real. it’s proven that kdss offers superior overall articulation. total chaos offers LT arms that accommodates kdss sway bars and rear long travel builds are similar to non-kdss in complication.

to each his own in the end fine. but helpful information is what people are looking for who want good information on kdss vs non-kdss.

 

I haven't looked at CBI, but RCI was also top of the list for me before I ordered RSG. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

 

RSG sliders for a KDSS-equipped 4R require a small notch in one corner of the KDSS accumulator skid so it will fit around one leg of the slider. 10 minutes tops with painting the cut portion. That skid needs to be taken off and checked for crud periodically anyway, so there you go.

 

The notch can be easily cut with a hacksaw.

 

I have RCI sliders and no issue mounting with KDSS.