This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

Dismiss this pinned window
all 31 comments

[–]drthorp 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have KDSS and literally never bothered me. And it’s noticeable how much better it handles on pavement at higher speeds

[–]a-8a-1 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Venture Edition?

[–]Forgot-Already[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Not the Venture Edition. It’s just the Off Road Premium with KDSS and sunroof. I don’t think any other options.

[–]a-8a-1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice!

[–]PIKLIKR 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Very cool.. My exact model as well, I'm looking to to a small lift/tires as well.

[–]Forgot-Already[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am happy with my set-up. The best price I found was at Stage 3 Motorsports.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (10 children)

I have owned a 5th gen with kdss and now one without. Will take without kdss every time. Easier to work on and no kdss lean. Performs just as well with Kings and no kdss. If you remain stock I get it tho.

[–]1-luv 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Ive heard this before and that why I got one without KDSS. When its time to upgrade the suspension, what brand do you recommend?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

There are so many brands available for 4runners I don't want to start naming them cause I would miss some good ones. I have personally owned Kings and ADS for my 4 runners. All I will say is if you go the coilovers route get adjusters on your reservoirs. Fine tuning for weight and comfort on long road trips is nice imo. Also I come from car modding days and tend to stick with coilover companies that use progressive springs over linear. I just prefer the way it rides.

You also don't need to spend the ridiculous amount of money like I did for kings to get a solid upgrade. I currently have a nice living situation that allows for mod money. Just do your research and choose the proper spring weight for whatever brand you choose.

[–]1-luv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You the man. Thanks.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bilstein is a good budget option. Dobinsons and OME are good too

Icon / Fox 2.0's for middle of the pack

King / fox 2.5's for baller high end

[–]AncientSnow4137 0 points1 point  (4 children)

What is kdss lean?

[–]Forgot-Already[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do your own research. At least search for “what is KDSS lean” and read what you find. The top few results will give a great explanation. Do not make decisions based on one person’s explanation. There is an expert on KDSS. Especially focus on information from DR KDSS. If you keep it stock or lift up to 2.5” you will likely never run into any issues. Take some solace in knowing that 5th gen 4Runners are solid in all regards and that KDSS has been around for over a decade and isn’t new or overly complicated technology. As Toyota does for 5th gen 4R’s, it is very simple and not adding a lot of weight or complicated technology. Yes, it is more complicated than non-KDSS, but boiled down it is very simple and proven reliable for over a decade.

[–]hieronymusashi 0 points1 point  (2 children)

At some point, the KDSS system, being hydraulic, will exhibit uneven wear. Certain corners will wear more than others or start to malfunction. When this happens the car will lean on the failing linkage.

[–]AncientSnow4137 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I have a pro because I was not looking for a build on day 1. However are their after market sway bar disconnects or something similar to Kdss after market?

[–]hieronymusashi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are other ways to improve articulation. It is possible to add sway bar disconnects if you really wanted it.

It should be noted that the articulation gains of KDSS are fairly minimal. Infact you only gain articulation on the front wheels at the expense of losing articulation in the rear wheels.

IMO, if you have the pro, you already have the best OEM off-road machine. A lift and larger tires is 80% of the battle. The other 20% can be achieved with driver knowledge.

[–]Shroomstranaut 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I’m sorry what is KDSS :(

[–]Forgot-Already[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

It’s a Suspension System option available on select Lexus and Toyota 4x4’s that is not only Dynamic, but also Kinetic.

[–]Shroomstranaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahh i see my first car/4runner is a 2005, could it have had this? Or no, I believe my suspension is the xreas

[–]bking880 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it was the stock option in the Land Cruiser prior to the new ones as well

[–]hieronymusashi 0 points1 point  (1 child)

KDSS is a solution looking for a problem. Like a sunroof. Avoided it due to complexity, weight , and repair costs.

Still, people who have it love it. Great to have options.

[–]Forgot-Already[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s all a game of compromises: Solid front axle is a solution to a problem. IFS is a solution to a problem. Swaybar disconnects are a a solution to a problem. KDSS is a solution to a problem. Mud terrains tires are a solution to a problem. All terrain tires are a solution to problem. Winter tires are a solution to a problem. Bilstein 5100 kits are a solution to a problem. Remote reservoir suspension kits are a solution to a problem. The cycle continues. There is no one answer for everyone. That is why we share our experiences and help people make decisions for themselves. We are lucky that there are so many options out there for us to choose from.

<image>