Questions re: KDSS

Hey all, two questions for the group:

1) KDSS operation - my '23 has KDSS and I've been trying to learn more about it. My understanding is that the system is 100% passive, and that vehicle speed is what engages the system; >12mph and the system turns on, <12mph and the system is disabled. Ive been looking for confirmation from Toyota about speed thresholds for activation/deactivation of KDSS and cant find anything. And there is nothing in the manual that speaks to this. Can anyone confirm this speed threshold?

2) KDSS vs E-KDSS - I was reading that the new LCs will have E-KDSS. From my research, the two differences b/w E-KDSS and the KDSS on current 4Runners is 1) KDSS is a passive system, whereas E-KDSS is electronically controlled using a computer, and 2) E-KDSS manipulates the front and back sway bars electronically and independent of each other, where KDSS the two bars work in tandem, and are inherently linked by the passive actuator unit.

Just wondering if theres a consensus amongst the group with respect to which system works better, KDSS or E-KDSS? And is there any confirmation from Toyota that the 4Runner might switch from the current KDSS to the new E-KDSS system in future model years?

For what its worth, Ive had my new truck for about a month now, and KDSS helps a ton on big mountain highways and winding passes. That being said, part of me wishes I didn't have it; I'd like a small lift on my truck, maybe 1-2 inches, but the more I learn about KDSS the more I realize that it complicates lifting options, and can put things like UCAs and driveshaft at a weird angle and can promote uneven wear over time. Lifting a stock Runner w/o KDSS seems so much more straightforward and carefree (and cheaper).

If only you could get the rear locker w/o KDSS on an Off Road, but alas it's not possible on Canadian models unfortunately.

 

I understand that the forums have a search function. I used it and did not find discussions on these two topics, so I made a thread.

Thanks

 

1. Its on this forum not going to type it all out again. other can if they want.

2. Its not out yet. So opinions are like you know what. Real world experience is what really counts.

 

1- it's actually active when the valves are open at low speeds. But, the accumulator is said to open the valves on harsh bumps at higher speeds to improve ride quality as well.

There are numerous YouTube videos and articles about it. Some are more informative than others. Tinkerer, on YouTube, has a great video about it.


2- as @Dillusion said, nobody really knows yet.

But..

I expect E-KDSS to be an improvement. At this point, though, we don't even know if it will be an option on the 4Runner.

 

KDSS is a great option to have! You can also lift the truck with no issues. There is plenty of information about it online and support for it as well. Check Dr.KDSS for some knowledge and his product.
The owner story is also remarkable when I met him. He always owned 4Runners non-KDSS, he ended up getting a KDSS 4Runner and never looked back!

 

Real world experience? Speak with anyone who has owned a LR Disco with ACE. My experience? Run. Far. Run...

 

I would run from any LR.

 

I wouldn't expect it to be problematic. The current KDSS system is pretty solid. We're talking about Toyota, not Land Rover.

 

I was curious, so I looked up the ACE system on a Land Rover forum, and it seems like the people who have it actually really like it. Weird.

 

If E-KDSS is more serviceable, like in parts to replace rather than the whole thing. It will be an improvement. But noone will know till its released and hase many miles on it.

 

You can absolutely install a small lift without jeopardizing KDSS functionality.

 

Hmmm. Most of the folks I wheeled with didn't care for it. It is/was notoriously unreliable and if any part of the system was touched during off roading, it is basically a 2 ton hunk of metal with no roll bar suppport and drove like a pig. It was inactive below 10 mph, so when off roading it was basically a disconnected sway bar which was nice. Modern upgrade was Active air suspension, and VSC. Not reasonably replaceable. I guess to each their own.

 

Maybe it is perceived as "notoriously unreliable" in the same way KDSS is perceived as being problematic by a handful of people who mostly don't even have it. They see a few threads about system failures on a forum and assume that the system is delicate and prone to failure. Meanwhile, those failures can mostly be attributed to a lack of vehicle maintenance.

It does appear that ACE is a bit more complicated than KDSS, and it requires more maintenance. There were also issues caused by improper torquing of parts during the manufacturing process. But, it sounds like it has similar, or perhaps greater benefits in terms of off-road performance and on-road stability.