TRD Pro and KDSS

I was on the Toyota website looking at the different models of 4Runner and was surprised to read that KDSS isn't available on the TRD Pro. If I read this correctly I can only assume that the TRD Pro suspension somehow makes KDSS unnecessary.

So, it would seem that upgrading the suspension on other 4R models without KDSS might be cheaper than ordering KDSS on the models it's available on.

Please educate this newbie to 4Runners.

 

Sure you can upgrade the suspension on an SR5, or even an Off Road without KDSS, but that won't accomplish what KDSS adds to the vehicle. It won't be duplicated simply by upgrading a suspension. This subject has been beat to death on this and other forums, some love it, some hate it, and others don't care. The fact remains that new struts, springs, and control arms still won't duplicate what KDSS does.

Why they don't offer it on the Pro is the mystery no one but Toyota will ever know the answer to.

 

There is no upgrade or other suspension modification thay can duplicate what KDSS does. The PRO comes without it because it's cheaper for Toyota (at least that's my best guess).

If you intend to do MAJOR suspension modifications, I would not get KDSS. A modest lift is fine, but big lifts, long travel, etc tend to not work well with KDSS. Also, if you were going to attempt hardcore rock crawling, you will likely delete your sway bars making it a waste of money.

I still believe it's the ultimate setup for a daily driven 4runner that is used for mild to moderate off-roading. I have it and love it.

If you decide it's something you want, you'll want to remove the accumulator skid periodically (especially after muddy shenanigans) and rinse the accumulator thoroughly. A few folks have experienced failures due to corrosion. A few minutes of work might have prevented some of these failures.

 

Yeah, I've read the pros and cons of KDSS on this forum. I'm mainly trying to figure out whether there is something about the TRD Pro that makes KDSS irrelevant in that model.

 

The pro is simply an appearance and shock upgrade that allows Toyota to charge a lot more than they do for the off-road model. But it’s still just an off-road.

Think of it this way… you can either get an off-road, an off-road with fancier shocks and some appearance upgrades (“pro”), or an off-road with KDSS. Those are the three versions of the “off-road” that are available.

(there is also the off-road premium, which is basically an off-road with vinyl seats and turn signals in the mirrors; and a few other creature comforts)

 

No. There is not.

As I said, there is no other suspension option or upgrade that can duplicate what KDSS does.

The Fox shocks on the PRO are excellent. That is really the only functional upgrade, aside from better tires. But, it shares the same sway bar setup as every other non-KDSS 4Runner.

This sums it up pretty well.

 

This.

The only other justification I’ve heard is that the PRO model is intended to be more ready to modify into a more-extreme version of itself. In other words, if you want to end up with the most extreme rock-crawler/off-roader/over lander/etc. start with a PRO.

Sounds good for Toyota, but on the other hand, you could start with an OR without KDSS (or even a PRO if they allowed it) and achieve pretty much the same. I suppose it could be argued that the Fox shocks are easier to replace than KDSS when going extreme, but it also seems to be the more expensive option to buy just to modify (if that were the intention).

Thus, I’m left with Thatbassguy’s observation.

 

I'm so glad that TRD Pro does not have KDSS. I'm some someone who like to buy 4Runners with no KDSS. My best choice TRD ORP with no KDSS and get a good suspension setup.

 

Actually you're better off starting with an off-road and upgrading from there. Why spend an extra $7K+ on shocks you're going to replace?

You don't replace KDSS. You can upgrade the suspension and keep the KDSS. I currently have KDSS and a lift and no issues.

 

I agree with you completely, and that’s absolutely my plan. I’m trying to read most everything you’ve posted on the subject in the meantime. I’m grasping at straws to come up with a good reason not to allow the option. Even my “good” reasons aren’t cutting it, lol

 

I'm glad I didn't have to buy a PRO to get it! It's good to know that I have better articulation than the top trim level. And, I was able to lift and add armor for a way more capable 4×4 for about the difference in price from my ORP to a PRO.

 

I suspect the TRD Pro does not have KDSS as an option is because KDSS limits the amount of lift you can achieve. With KDSS I believe it is recommended to not lift more than 1.5 inches. The Pro allows you to do well over that, which also allows you to run 33's and possibly 35s.

 

Nice! There are some informative videos and articles about KDSS that can help you decide whether or not it's best for you. Most of the folks who speak negatively about it don't have it, and generally don't understand it. That said, it can become a limitation on an extreme build, and it can fail if not maintained.

 

Any non KDSS 4Runner has the same suspension, aside from the Limited with XREAS. The PRO only gets a shock upgrade. Anyone wanting a higher lift is better off starting with an SR5 or non-KDSS off-road so they don't waste their money on a set of Fox shocks they're going to have to replace.

 

Agree. It's not worth spending all that money for Fox. For any one wants trouble free lift more than 1 inch in rear better go with SR5 or TRD ORP with no KDSS.

 

I ordered it with KDSS because:
A) I’ll be driving it mostly on the road and I love the improved on-road manners,
B) because when I go off-road, it’ll be light-duty stuff, overlanding and the like,
C) I actually like the moderate lifts (2.5/1.5) and wouldn’t want a larger one anyway, KDSS keeps me from reaching further than my wallet or I need, and finally,
D) it’s unavailable as an option in my region. I searched for awhile and couldn’t find a single one in Texas. I like the uniqueness. KDSS is more rare here than TRD Pros with special colors.

That said, I’ve read a lot of people’s reasons for not getting it, and they’re not (all) rubbish.

Thank God they’re not all identical 4Runners

 

These KDSS threads are as bad as "What Oil" threads.

Just buy the 4Runner you want, KDSS is nice but my non-Pro non-KDSS PoS 4Runner follows people around with 40's, SAS upgrades, etc. It's 1 or 2 inches of articulation offroad, in the grand scheme it means nothing, just lift the tire and keep moving, pick smart lines, don't be a moron, etc.

If you want good articulation, ditch KDSS and Pro Suspensions, get a Solid Axle. Otherwise the point is moot.

<End Tongue in Cheek rant>

<Begin point of post>
My garbage lifted 2020 is out there, doing stuff. Taking my family incredible places. Even the lowly SR5 4x4 open diff Tokio shocks model will do that with decent tires, even if it's unfashionable to be in such a peasant version of the 4Runner.

I can honestly say the nasty stuff I have gotten myself in, KDSS wouldn't have done a damn thing. I needed winches and tow straps. Most of all, you just need good judgement.

 

The only benefit you'll get with KDSS is a bit more articulation - as it works similar to a swaybar disconnect, so in theory you COULD get a bit better wheel traction, but I'd say insignificant.

I bought my 4Runner with KDSS for the ON-ROAD/Highway characteristics. I've got a 3" front and 2.5" rear lift with KDSS and ZERO issues. I could go taller but then I should've bought extended travel shocks, new links, and KDSS spacer blocks to keep the system functioning properly. All the old info on keeping KDSS short was true, but with the KDSS blocks, you can really go as tall as a non-KDSS 4Runner - just depends what you want.

 

Looks like a good setup!

Agreed! I don't begrudge anyone not wanting it. It's a great option for some, but not for everyone.

 

I got a 4Runner because of KDSS.
Can we all just get along??

 

Actually yes.

It's odd that when I meet up with 4Runner (Toyota) people in real life to wheel, wrench, or camp...no one seems to care as much as they do on here about features.

It's an odd social dynamic of online presence. People look for differences so they can justify this or that, or look for meaning in things that rarely have some. We all want so desperately to be right.

But in person, we share a common goal. Hate on Jeepers.

 

Do your research. Know your wants and needs. Make your purchase based on those facts. Then, be prepared to go into selective hearing mode when the haters start hating.

 

It's funny how polarizing some of these topics get.

I have KDSS and love it.

Some don't want it and that's fine.

The thing that bugs me is when people say negative thing about something they don't really know about.

KDSS has real benefits, and has mostly been pretty durable. But, there are situations where someone might be better off without it, like someone who is going to delete their sway bars or do a long travel setup.

 

I read that trd or will now have lunar rock. So it’s like a pro with kdss.

 

If true? So much for exclusivity.

 

Well you can also get cement and army green in a Trail

 

There ya go. I knew that, but memory failed me

 

Thinking out loud here and may be a rabbit hole without an exit, but......makes me wonder if TOYOTA missed their sales projections for these specific colors? Thus offering the colors in another model to fill the forecast void? Or something like that Who knows? just thinking out loud

 

perhaps they ordered too much paint

 

Kinda my point but in a humorous light.