4Runner w/ KDSS Suspension Upgrade

Hello Everyone,

I'm in the market to upgrade the front & rear suspension for my 4runner w/ KDSS.

I got two quotes for two types of setups: Bilstein/OME/SPC UCA & Kings/OME Rear Springs/Camburg UCA. For the Kings, there is a 3-month backorder waitlist, and will cost extra to be on the list. I'm leaning towards getting Bilstein, but would like to know if anyone on the forum has a similar or better setup? Open to any other brand's setups.

Thanks in advance.

 

If you're planning to spend the $ for Kings, hit up @Oldtoyotaguy for advice. He swears by Elka, and can fill you in on the details...

 

I went with full Dobinsons IMS set-up. The specs are in my sig. No regrets and Mike @ Exitoffroad (forum vendor) was a pleasure to deal with. There is going be a wait with whatever set up you go with unfortunately unless you get lucky.

 

King or go home. King/Dobinson rear springs/ Total Chaos UCAs. Buy once cry once

 

What are you using the 4runner for? A high end suspension might not be worth the money. Bilstein 6112's are a good upgrade from stock. Eibach makes a setup that's reasonable and very popular here. You can spend a little more and do a Fox 2.0 setup that will be similar to what the PRO comes with.

Big, rebuildable coilovers are the top of the line. But, they are expensive, and some require rebuilding every few years. If you want the Absolute best performance with no compromise, this might be the best option. If you can afford the price and the maintenance, look at King, Elka, or a Fox 2.5 setup.

Also, if you're in the salt belt, consider upper control arms with a ball joint, as opposed to a uni-ball. The uni-ball is excellent for performance, but not likely to hold up as well in the snow and salt.

...and cry again every time you need to remove and rebuild them.

Edit: sounds like this could be as much as 50K miles of use, maybe more or less depending on how hard you use them. Still something to consider.

 

Using it to off roading and road trips (50/50). My knowledge on suspension systems is still new. What do you mean by rebuilding? Does the bilstein 5100 require rebuilding?

For the UCA, I was looking at getting the Icon billets Uni ball version.

 

Some of the higher end shocks need to be rebuilt periodically. This is good, but requires removing them periodically. I don't know exactly how often, but I get the impression that it's more frequent than you would need to replace a regular shock that is not rebuildable. So, they're generally the best for performance, but you need to maintain them.

5100's are throw away shocks. They will last longer, but once they're shot, they need to be replaced. I'm pretty sure 6112's are the same.

Icon UCA's are probably as good as any. If you don't live where corrosion is a concern, the uni-ball joints are supposed to be really nice.

 

https://trail4runner.com/2019/02/09/bilstein-5160-complete-guide-review/

 

I’ve never had re-buildable shocks, but my impression is that you need to take them off and take them somewhere to be rebuilt. Can they be rebuilt in a day? I can’t afford to be without my daily drive for any Length of time. I guess I’d rather take them off and throw them away to avoid the wait. Curious to hear what others do.

 

It appears to be a fairly simple process for a person with the right tools. The hardest thing is that they need to be filled with pressurized gas, which you would need to have done at a shop. I believe a good shop could easily get them all done in a few hours.

 

I saw the Bilstein 8112’s are “Factory Rebuildable” that sounds like one to avoid if you are in a hurry! Good to know you can have others done in a shop in a day.

Update: read more- looks like most Rebuildables can be sent back to the factory, done in a shop or DYI if you have a bottle of nitrogen.

 

3+ years and with no need to rebuild according to my King shock technician when I was at King

 

Loving my Ironman 4x4 Stage 2 foam cell w/UCAs. My rig is predominantly used for overlanding, and this setup has been perfect.

 

That's great! How many miles driven? And how often do you off-road? I was under the impression this would need to be done every 25K or so.

I'm honestly curious because this was part of my decision to not splurge for them. The other was concern that progressive shocks would feel mushy on the road compared to digressive shocks like Bilstein.

The fact is still that they will require service sooner than regular throw away shocks. And so, the "buy once, cry once" mentality is false.

 

45k miles on them with 50/50 road and off road. I was shocked too.

 

Dobinson would be my 2nd choice. I like their many selections for springs rates for different setups.

 

I'm in a very similar situation OP. Where did you get the 3 month wait time from?

 

Been looking for King myself and went around asking various dealers (Filthy, Rogue, TotalAutomotivePerformance, etc) and all said the same thing order now and they'll ship in Jan/Feb.

I got lucky and a installer here had them on the shelf - I get them installed on the 20th!

 

I got it from 88rotors garage located in SoCal.

 

We have 6112s and like them. I have heard going higher than 3 inches in the front with KDSS can cause problems and serious damage if you are actually going to go off road and flex your vehicle. 2“ to 2.5” is supposed to be pretty safe. We set ours to 1.75” in the front and stock rear height. We can fit a 32.5” tire with no issues. We have taken ours through some pretty legit trails and never had a clearance or angle issue.

 

I’m now leaning towards getting Dobinsons. What’s your front and rear lift?

 

3"F/2"R

 

I had 6112/5160 and while it was an improvement over stock, it felt harsh on road. Ironically my rear shock reservoir leaked over time (known issue), so I moved over to Dobinsons earlier this year (purchased from Exit Off-road) and wish I had went this route to begin with. If I had need for rebuildable I would go Kings, otherwise Dobinsons is best in my opinion. I did a 2”/1”

 

Look into Radflo squishy bits. I've been running them for over a year now. I'm at about 50% Mall and 50%off road. Family run business, Made in SoCal, Fountain Valley to be exact. I like that they're local to me.

Made to order for your application. I went with the 2.5 external resi's front and rear, Total Chaos UCA and Icon rear springs.

https://www.radflo.com/

 

Does the KDSS system need to be recalibrated if I do a 1.75" lift on the front of my 4Runner and keep the factor hight in the rear?