Cons to not having KDSS?

Meh either way

 

What are the travel limits in the rear?
Rear suspension travel on KDSS 4runners is limited primarily on the passenger side. In some circumstances the stiff sway bar and fixed mounting point will reach their limit and bind up. In other situations the panhard bar will hit the axle. We have not seen a rear panhard bar that offers a substantial amount of additional rear travel.

KDSS 4Runners can use stock travel or extended travel rear shocks. Extended travel shocks will allow for more articulation on the driver side rear but will let the panhard to hit the axle in droop on the passenger side. The longest shock that will fit without contact is 25” from the upper shock mount to the center of the lower shock bolt. Plenty of KDSS equipped 4Runners have shocks measuring 26” or more without issue, they just don’t use the full shock travel.


Something to think about...I don’t know much about it to be honest but I don’t think it’s a must. Personally I feel the on road benefits are far more than off road. In fact some argue it limits travel in the rear and for off roading you would be better without and upgrade suspension

 

Summary:
The KDSS system can be beneficial to on-road handling but has some restrictions on lift height and rear suspension travel. If you want to lift your 4Runner more than 2.5” in front and 1” in the rear you should consider getting a non-KDSS equipped 4Runner.


All from Accutune which know their stuff...

 

I guess I'm not alone. I prefer no KDSS + good suspension.

K.I.S.S. > K.D.S.S

 

It might limit travel at some point, but it allows better articulation than a non-KDSS suspension. IMO, travel without articulation isn't really that beneficial.

Anyone who really requires long travel is probably deleting their sway bars anyway, so it's kind of a moot point.

Also, many are lifted higher than 2.5/1" with KDSS and no issues. And, lifting much higher than that is generally pointless anyway.

Gene Simmons doesn't have shit on KDSS.

 

Where are these plenty of horror stories about kdss failing after few year? Or failing at all? We should have a sticky for kdss vs x-reas...

 

Google or Facebook group search maybe?

 

I think the point was that they're few and far between.

 

Both your 'gatherings ' are BS. The poll needs one more option - The salesman is an idiot.

 

KDSS is nice, but it isn’t the end of the world not having it.

 

You can duplicate much of what KDSS gives you for "On Road" conditions by installing stiffer suspension with better valving. You just can't duplicate KDSS's benefits for "Off Road" conditions unless you can find some sort of electronic swaybar disconnect system for the front and rear, which I don't think exists for the 4Runner. Stock 4Runner suspension leaves a lot to be desired. I wouldn't worry about it unless you can convince your dealer's management that your salesperson lied to you and they need to either swap out your rig for a KDSS unit or pay for a nice suspension upgrade on their dime.

 

I wouldn't sweat it unless you paid extra for it, and can document that the dealer mislead/overcharged you for it.

Get a quality aftermarket suspension, skid plates and sliders, and some good A/T tires and enjoy it!

 

whoa slow down a little here better check on that C4 Low Pro with Bull bar ... Your 2021 4Runner has the TSS installed (that little rectangular window in the front grill) and the "Bull Bar" part may be a issue So check with the Vendor first anything in front of that "window" will cause the TSS to freak out and not work and a little light will shine brightly on the instrument cluster area saying it is turned "Off". as for the KDSS you won't miss it and don't need it and there are many things you can do for down there that will be far better than KDSS

 

in my experience in life simplicity tends to last longer and generally is more effective. So im happy to not have it. One reason I like the 4runner is its simplicity. Its also why it lasts forever.

 

and yeah...you cant have the bull bar or you need the taller bull bar.

 

That's a very good point. I read that the taller c4 bull bar will not affect TSS on their website.. Can anyone verify this is true?

 

Welcome to the group. I’ve never driven a KDSS 4Runner so ignorance is bliss in my case. I’m going to upgrade the suspension after I wear out my 265 KO’s, but they only have 7000 miles on them so far so I have some time. What part of Texas are you from?

 

I opted against KDSS because of my location in the NE: I read too many horror stories of the components rusting out. I did test drive 4runners with and without KDSS and didn’t really feel a difference (although others swear by the systems, so opinions vary).

 

This is another nonsense statement. There is nothing else that does what KDSS does, so it's impossible to compare anything to it.

Whether or not people need or want it is up to them. There absolutely are pros and cons.

But, it would be nice if people who don't really understand what it is or what it does would refrain from making comments like this. It gives less informed people the impression that an aftermarket suspension can somehow duplicate it's function, which is incorrect.

 

I currently rent in Lubbock because of my occupation in the oilfield and it serves as a good starting location for trips north and west. Although the current plan is to build on some land in Kerville, Fredericksburg area in the next couple years. Sort of waiting on the winds to settle before I'm stuck in the middle of a house build.

How about yourself?

 

Would anyone happen to know if installing the C4 low pro winch bumper will void any of my warranty other than the first part of the "bumper to bumper" warranty?

I'm just curious if I had any front end issues would they try to attribute it to the increased weight of the aftermarket part? At the den of lies the liesperson told me that only parts replaced would be specifically voided and I got the warranty for tires up to 33" + up to 4" lift.

Also, I noticed 285/70 r17 tires are 33.8"

Are these considered 34" tires or do they not round?

Very subjective question but I feel a soured relationship with my dealer so I'd rather ask strangers.

 

I’m in the DFW area so I have a little further to go to get to the mountains. I’m looking at getting some land someday myself, preferably west of I35. Good luck with 4Runner build, I’ve had mine a year now so will be celebrating with a Gobi rack soon.

 

You'll want stiffer springs up front to carry the weight. You can probably get by on stock for awhile, but it will sag. An inexpensive solution would be something like a set of Bilstein 5100's with medium duty springs.

285/70/17's are generally 32.8", so most consider them a 33. I've never heard of a 285 being over 33". For comparison, my 295/70/17's are 33.5" tall.

EDIT: I couldn't tell you for sure about the warranty aspect. If it interferes with the safety sense I would say yes. But, I have no real experience with that.

 

I drive through your area monthly to see folks in Louisiana. Very beautiful country. DFW priced me out but I very much enjoyed Glen Rosen, just to the south. My thinking in buying Southern hill country was hopefully some of those stray free-range axis and audad would wander on over to ol hunter's apple trees.

 

Thank you again for the knowledge.

I'm still operating off what we discussed earlier in getting everything heavy in, then find someone to get it all powdercoated. After that I will go to a gentleman like the one you referred earlier and see about a custom suspension setup for my weight and intended purpose.

- C4 bumper with lights and *tall bull bar
- Currently debating UpTop Overland (favorite look and sturdy) vs Front Runner Slimline II (so many accessories)
- RCI Rock Sliders
- TRD Exhaust
- C4 skid plate (probably will wait on this as we're already at 4500 before tires and wheels)
- Still researching tires and wheels.

 

Good call on the suspension. I realized that the 5100 suggestion contradicted my earlier statement, but it could be a temporary solution if it sags a lot. Otherwise, I think you'll be very happy with waiting and getting a quality suspension.

It's an expensive addiction! Welcome to the madness!

 

Welcome from Arizona! I did not get KDSS simply because it seemed to be something that could go bad and be expensive to repair. I don't doubt that it is a good system but I am pretty old fashioned, old school and hate to rely too much on computerized components.
Hopefully your dealer can help you out. Your new car shouldn't be a stepchild. It is a fine machine that can always be modified.

 

The average salesperson is FAR less informed about the products they well then even a mid-level enthusiast.

 

@Baby_Silverback You got a lot of mods lined up, what you interested in doing? I see a lot of vehicles that look great and drive terrible because they tinkered too much. Right now your MPG will never be higher, ride never floatier (for better or worse), and complexity level never lower.

Not trying to convince you to not mod....this forum's intent is to egg each other on! Just curious what the end game is in your mind.

 

Didn't know what KDSS was when I bought my 4Runner which doesn't have it.
The drive home from the dealer on hilly curvy Ozarks roads revealed the absolutely horrible body roll.

Research led me to an Eibach Pro Truck Lift which cured the body roll.