KDSS Flex Capability

For all you 4R owners who have KDSS, as do I, here is a short writeup with pics showing the flex capability of a KDSS equipped 4R.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/06/03/toyota-4runner-suspension-flex-test/

 

That's a good article. Thank you for posting.

 

KDSS ftw

 

Interesting article. So if KDSS is so good, why doesn't Toyota use it on the Pro?

 

I think it is primarily due to the fact that KDSS limits lift height to 2.5" in the front and 1" in the rear.

But that is just my guess.

 

So the selling point is an upgraded Fox suspension with a lift up front, but they expect buyers to throw that away and buy a new suspension with a bigger lift?

 

Or may be due to the TRD Pro skid. If you have that cut for the kdss it may not have its strength.

Or may be it's not ideal for heavy duty. Tacoma/ Tundra have swaybay connected to frame vs an hydraulic arm and a pin kind of thing.

Either way none of members work in Toyota to give the correct explanation. It will all be stories..

 

A non-KDSS ORP is roughly $4K less than a ORP with KDSS. I recently saw a new Pro at the local dealer priced at $59K add KDSS to that and you’re looking at a price point of $65K. If I had that kind of $ to spend on a vehicle I would be looking at the Lexus GX that comes equipped with a V8. Toyota isn’t dumb they know they would price themselves out if they MSRP’s Pro’s for $65K. That’s my opinion, it always comes down to $$$$

 

KDSS option is $1750

 

It's cheaper (seriously, that's the only reason)

They were supposed to put it on the PRO, but the bean counters said they could make more money if they didn't.

Not really. Most people who actually off-road know that these things don't actually need lift to be capable off-road.

And, anyone who plans to modify the 4Runner for off-road use would never buy a PRO.

EDIT: maybe not never, but it doesn't make sense in general because the suspension is the main upgrade the PRO has.

No. They expect people to pay a premium for a decent off-road suspension and never actually use it.

Or, drive it exactly as it's equipped from the factory. It's plenty capable right out of the box.

 

Bingo

 

It would be interesting to see him perform the same test on a Pro to compare with a non-KDSS 4R.

 

I thought I had seen it somewhere, but I can't find it. I thought the PRO came up about 5" short of the KDSS equipped ORP.

I just can't remember where I saw it.

 

I have had the KDSS on a few of my 4runner and all of my LC200 , in stock form KDSS is a great option but if you want to do any type of lift the higher you go the more problems you run to .
We just removed the entire KDSS off my buddies 2018 we did he FJ cruiser 6” lift and KDSS was just in the way , just put a regular sway bar .
It’s even worst with the LC200 Land cruisers , any tire over 32” wants to rub on the KDSS arm and have to use a relocation bracket to pull the bar forward and all that does is wear out the bushings and you can squeeze a 34” but have to do some trimming .
Glad my Pro does not have it .

 

It's definitely not a good option if you're building a rock crawler. Then again, a 200 series Landcruiser isn't the greatest platform for hardcore off-roading to begin with.

 

Nice.

 

I guess this is every 4runner owners pic when ever they see a rock


** OP, pls ignore this pic as it's not KDSS. Just posting because Yotaholic's pic reminded me of this pic.