Stiffer sway bar for an SR5?

Hello. I have a ‘20 SR5 4x4 that is slightly lifted. (Eibach 250# load leveling rear spring kit and Pro Truck Sport rear shocks, Eibach 2.0 Pro Truck front coil over kit and SPC control arms). It looks great, but body roll is terrible; way worse than my Tacoma. I don’t take it rock climbing or aggressive off-roading; mostly just curvy paved roads through hilly areas. It stinks to have to slow way down at every curve just to keep from throwing my cargo from side to side, or risk going on two wheels. I know it’s not a sports car, but my Tacoma can run circles around it. To achieve stiffer, sportier handling, can I replace my SR5 sway bars with OR/KDSS type, and leave off all the dynamic BS? … or can anyone recommend aftermarket sway bar options for the 2020 SR5 to improve on road handling / performance?

 

The KDSS system utilizes the hydraulic sway bar, and leaving out the hydraulic system essentially leaves you in the same boat. Perhaps the coils are too soft? Mine is lifted as well and after it was lifted with bigger tires as well it was a night and day difference when it comes to handling. No more body roll or nose dives.

 

Thanks. Maybe my lift was more designed for off road. What lift did you get? I’ll be installing beefier tires as soon as these stock tires wear out.

 

I just have the super common 5100’s up front with 3” coils, and fox shocks in the rear with 2” icon coils.

 

That’s kind of surprising it rolls so bad. Even though it’s a newish, any chance the shocks are blown? Or a broken swaybar link?

After my suspension lift, mine is very controlled in the corners on dry pavement. My cargo still slides around in those situations, but that’s because of the centripetal force. The body itself stays pretty level in cornering. I’ve heard similar reviews for bilsteins as well.

 

Nothing broken or blown. Low miles.
Maybe I’m just being overly cautious.
. Just hoping someone could recommend an aftermarket sway bar to improve the handling.

 

Sell your 4Runner, market is hot. Find an MSRP dealership and get the 2022 4Runner TRD Offroad with KDSS. Problem solved

 

Might consider that, if an easier solution isn’t found. I’ve already spent a lot of time and $ on mods to this one though.

 

I still say SELL IT. The world is upside down right now. I am at Toyota dealership right now. Look at these two 4Runners. New 2022 4Runners are cheaper than 2019

 

So did you install the suspension during your ownership? Did you initially feel any difference compared to stock?

 

My 2020 only has 9000 miles on it (purchased new). I love the vehicle, and the lift looks awesome. I just don’t like how tippy it feels in turns. It’s probably great for off-road creeping, but I typically use my older Tacoma for that stuff. This one is pretty much a garage-kept pavement princess with zero scratches or dings so far. I’ll find a sway bar for it, or have something fabricated. I just thought maybe someone in this forum had been there, done that. I’m curious if anyone has tried the Hellwig sway bar (for Tacoma) to see if it will fit the 4Runner too.

 

The KDSS sway bars mount in a different location than the others. Without the hydraulics, you'd have to fabricate some links to attach it to the frame.

It would be much firmer around curves like you want. But, without the hydraulics, it would lack articulation off-road. And, your ride would be a bit rough without the accumulator to allow things to flex freely over rough sections of road.

It does seem weird that you're experiencing so much lean. Maybe stiffer springs would help.

 

I prefer what you have right now, trouble free non KDSS sway bar. There are lot of adjustable suspension setup that rides excellent.

Imagine you have to go for KDSS leak issues to Toyota dealer (as far as I know only Toyota dealership fix KDSS leaks or any other issues). They will blame every thing the lift. I see only KDSS lean issues fixed by third party shop / 4x4 shops.

 

The Eibach springs/struts tend to be softer. I actually ran the same setup that’s on my 4Runner (Bilstein 5100 on the front and 5160’s on the rear with Dobinson springs) on my Tacoma and it worked for the Tacoma but is a little too stiff for me on the 4Runner. Granted the Tacoma is leaf springs in the back, it’s the same otherwise. So I ordered the eibach kit to replace my current setup. I’d recommend looking at heavier springs if you want the stiffer ride/less body roll.

Don’t quote me on this, but I believe the 4Runner has two different non-KDSS sway bars. 48811-35450 (regular 4Runner) and 4881135460 (limited). I don’t know that one will fit the other, but there’s a difference one way or another.

 

It's the hydraulics and accumulator, not the sway bar, that have failed. And, most of those failures are due to lack of maintenance. Just because a small handful of people have had issues doesn't mean it's a problematic system. If it were, they surely wouldn't put it in the Landcruiser, and their other top off-road models.

Now there's a man with good taste! Kudos for being willing to take a loss to gain a superior suspension.

 

I feel like most (not all, but most) people that complain of KDSS failure have neither ever had an actual problem with theirs or experienced some odd ball problem that’s not common. Take the shield off every once in a while and clean the unit, make sure the lines are good, and it should last; keeping in mind that it’s hydraulics. Seals degrade through time, it’s normal.

 

Land Cruiser Prado all over the world come with KDSS too. You are right, maintenance is the key. I mean you can kill the 4.0 L too if you don't change the oil for 20k miles. Maybe not just once, but consistent neglect can kill even the best. KDSS on, folks!

 

I (OP) don’t have KDSS. There are plenty of other threads out there to debate it. I’m not trading. Helpful advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

Easy, they are not meant for off-road.

That's why 70 series and 80 series are the top choice for offroad.

 

Plus, even if it dies at 200k miles, we can get it fixed. What is it, like $4000? It is absolutely worth it.

 

Sorry for derailing this thread

 

Oh come on, 200 series LC is a badass offroader. Just look what they do with them in Dubai and Australia.

 

Only Prado "Kakadu" trim has KDSS. I haven't seen any one buying that. All other trims do not have KDSS. GXL is the most common Prado people buy.

 

Maybe. But I yet have to see anyone reporting the death of their KDSS here, except that one guy who neglected it for freaking 5 years, mud and salt killed it.

 

I don't know about Dubai but Australia all my office mates (who are offroad enthusiast) not fans of 200 series when it comes to offroad.

 

So turn assist feature is for onroad use?

 

I don't think its of any use we discuss LC200 features in this tread. If they are practically useful things or not. Let's enjoy what we have and give our thoughts / opinions for anyone who ask help / ideas...

 

200 LC with KDSS getting dirty in Australia

https://youtu.be/XnvdL0BFx6k

 

Sorry, just replying to another post.

The Prado's top off-road trim has it. The PRO 4Runner was supposed to also, but it was too hard for the crew that installs the Fox shocks to deal with, so the PRO got the standard sway bar to save time.

 

While I cant speak for swaybar options (they may be out there, but I havent seen much direct experiences by others discussed in the forum), I can speak to the effect of a good suspension setup. Your may be fine, but just softer than you like. I got Dobinson IMS with their stock weight rear springs, and the slightly heavier front springs…. This setup drives like a well sorted sedan with a good suspension. Lean is very well controlled. So just know diffferent springs and/or shocks can be an option to change the character of your ride (if you happen to strike out on a sway bar options)