KDSS

So what is the life span of the kdss, and if it does go what do you all recommend please advise... thanx

 

It should last the life of the vehicle. However, there have been a few failures. Some a caused by people messing with the system. Others are just premature failure.

It can be fixed, but it costs a lot to fix.

Are you debating whether or not to get it?

 

I have 121,000 miles on my 2011 with KDSS. Lifted, no problems so far with it.

 

I have been debating KDSS also. I live in Michigan (dont plan on it seeing salt though). I plan mostly to tow my fishing boat with my 4R and hope to keep it at least 15 years. I just worry about some hydraulic failure costing big $$. Still have not been able to find one to drive.

 

I saw a post by someone who's KDSS failed because the reservoir area got packed full of mud and road salt (East Coast). I checked mine out last month, and found it packed full of four years worth of dried mud, rocks, plant material.... The poster said the cost to fix was something like $3500, IIRC.

 

So basically after playing in the mud it's best to drive thru the car wash

 

You have to get a jet of water underneath the armor, which most washes miss.

I'm curious, though, how common this is. Because I have other dirt-related issues in my 2016 TEP. I've been to the shop three times because my rear hatch won't roll up all the way. And now it's doing it again. Mechanic asked if I was doing deep water crossings, FML.

 

Like @Bodie the Dog mentioned, you need to get in the little skid plate. After a good outing, I always spend a half hour or so getting under the truck with a pressure washer.

If someone doesn't really off-road much, it's easy to neglect this area. And, honestly, I have only been so thorough because I read about a failure caused by this here.