Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is the abbreviation. Thoroughbred off-road vehicles like the 4Runner TRD Off-Road are equipped with this suspension setup. The KDSS Suspension, a system with both mechanical and electrical components, provides a driver with a lot of versatility.
In This Article...
Can KDSS be used off-road?
Since KDSS stands for the cryptic feature of automatically detaching the front and rear stabilizer bars, I had to have it. Off-roading benefits from this capacity because it greatly improves articulation.
What model of 4Runner has KDSS suspension?
Vehicles. There are now several models that use the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, including the 20102016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition. Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, 2017present.
How do I turn off KDSS?
1. Disable the KDSS: The KDSS lines connect to a hydraulic valve block that is located inside the left frame rail (driver side). There are two set screws on the bottom that are typically closed. Lengthen the two set screws by two turns each using a 4.5mm allen wrench.
Can 4Runner be lifted with KDSS?
Although 4Runners with KDSS can be lifted, there are two problems that are frequently encountered: KDSS lean and poor ride quality.
We advise raising KDSS-equipped 4Runners a maximum of 2.5 in front and 1 in back due to the limits of the KDSS system. We haven’t experienced any leaning issues with this setup, and the ride is excellent.
What causes KDSS lean?
The most frequent problem that develops when you elevate your 4Runner too high is KDSS lean. The 4Runner will lean to the driver’s side since the electronics and hydraulics don’t appreciate too much lift. We have discovered no other option except to simply not lift them too high.
What are the travel limits in the rear?
The passenger side of KDSS 4runners has the most restriction for rear suspension travel. The fixed attachment point and stiff sway bar may bind up under certain conditions. Other times, the axle will be struck by the panhard bar. We haven’t come across a rear panhard bar that provides a significant amount of extra rear travel.
Rear shocks for KDSS 4Runners come in both stock and extended travel options. The rear of the vehicle can be articulated further on the driver’s side thanks to long travel shocks, but the passenger-side panhard can touch the axle due to droop. From the middle of the lower shock bolt to the top shock mount, the longest shock that can fit without making contact is 25. Many 4Runners with KDSS are equipped with shocks measuring 26 or more without any problems; they just don’t use the entire shock travel.
KDSS Drop Bracket
A KDSS drop bracket is available from Black Gate Customs to prevent the track bar from coming into contact with the sway bar when the suspension is fully drooped. This drop bracket can aid in increasing lift height, but it does push the sway bar further out and could be damaged by rocks when used off-road. You may read more about these brackets here.
Can you disconnect the KDSS system?
Disconnecting the system is not advised because it can result in check engine lights or void the warranty. The dealer should do routine maintenance on the system, which is both electronic and hydraulic.
Summary:
Although the KDSS system has some limitations on lift height and rear suspension travel, it can improve on-road handling. Consider purchasing a 4Runner without KDSS if you want to lift it more than 2.5 inches in front and 1 inch in the back.
Has the 4Runner SR5 KDSS?
Most off-road situations can still be handled by the drivetrain thanks to 4WD and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC).
There are several things to be enthused about despite the absence of leather (SofTex seats), a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and other intriguing features. The under-floor storage department includes the sliding rear cargo deck.
Although there are four distinct audio options available, including: The base SR5 comes equipped with “Audio.”
- High-End Music and Dynamic Navigation
- Audio
- Added Audio
- JBL speakers are included in yet another Premium Audio option.
The new (and eagerly anticipated) Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa are all included in the straightforward “Audio bundle.
The Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation update is available for the SR5 base model, giving drivers access to the most recent map information, routes, and points of interest (POIs) via real-time cloud synchronization.
The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) Pre-Collision System, which alerts you to surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, is now standard on all models.
The SR5 does not come standard with the E-locker, but it does have Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). KDSS isn’t accessible either on the SR5 Premium.
How is the 4Runner’s suspension set up?
The 4Runner has provided a comfortable ride for over 35 years, but the off-road is where it belongs. The independent double-wishbone suspension in the front and a 4-link and coil-spring layout in the back make up the 4Runner’s suspension system. Together, this off-road legend’s tried-and-true body-on-frame structure, cutting-edge off-road innovations, and robust powertrain keep it in the lead.
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
The 4Runner’s available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) makes mountains out of molehills. This technology is intended to automatically disconnect the 4Runner’s sway bars as necessary when tackling challenging off-road terrain, helping to enhance wheel articulation. Additionally, the sway bars are made to automatically reattach when the terrain returns to being flat and slick.
The TRD off-suspension road’s type, what is it?
The Toyota Tacoma, a tough vehicle with four wheels that essentially rules every terrain, will be available in 2021. The TRD Off-Road model, which is designed for off-road use, has a variety of features like an electronically locked rear differential and a specially tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. In terms of features designed specifically for off-road use, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road has Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control (CRAWL), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Tacoma is prepared to face any obstacle thanks to these features.
More about the Toyota Tacoma’s Off-Road-Specific Trims
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road has many characteristics in addition to those described in the previous sentence. The TRD Off-Road has a 32 degree Approach angle compared to 29 degrees for the other models. By increasing the Approach and Breakover angles to 35 and 23.9 degrees, the TRD Pro gains an advantage. You won’t have to be concerned about running into something because to the outstanding 9.4 degree ground clearance. The TRD Pro has a TRD-tuned off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass coil-overs and rear remote-reservoir shocks, whereas the TRD Off-Road has tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks.
KDSS is there in the TRD Pro 4Runner?
The absence of KDSS as an option is the TRD Pro trim’s one significant flaw. Fox shock absorbers are brand-new for the 4Runner TRD Pro model for 2019. It now has new skid plates and a new black TRD roof rack.
Do the 4Runner’s springs have leafs?
The ruggedly stylish Toyota 4Runners of the first generation (19841989) had a fantastic party trick: a detachable roof. These vintage SUVs do have some drawbacks, though. The most typical of these is a sagging back.
The factory-installed Toyota Pickup rear leaf springs on 4Runners eventually give out under the additional weight of the removable top and rollbar. The springs become even more brittle due to corrosion and wear, which causes a squatting back.
Rear suspension overhaul is required to effectively resolve this issue. This indicates at least two fresh leaf spring packs. But if your 4Runner has lived its existence in an environment where road salt has been utilized, like mine did, you’ll probably need much more than that (See bottom for complete parts list).
See the following video for a full explanation on how to replace a leaf spring:
It’s never simple, is it?
You can’t just assume that anything that comes off the automobile can be used again when it comes to rusted undercarriages. This necessitates the purchase of new bump stops, U bolts, front spring mount bolts, shocks, and shackles, in my case.
Speaking of bump stops, I encountered this challenge when replacing the suspension on my 4Runner. The upper spring clamp brackets were no longer equipped with the original bump stops. I had to make my own since Toyota no longer carries the original bump stop/spring clamp component (Toyota part number 48306-35080).
Making a personalized bump stop wasn’t too difficult because I have a MIG welder. I smoothed the bottom of the new bump stops with a flap disc before running a few weld beads to attach it to the top of the spring clamp.
Because the front mounting bolts were seized to the internal spring bushings, removing the old springs was difficult. Bolts that had been a hassle were quickly removed by whipping out the cutoff wheel. The old springs dropped out immediately after that.
Undercarriage makeover
New mounting gear was used throughout, making it simple to install the new springs. In this case, a little additional cash up front would have spared me a ton of difficulty.
The 4Runner’s rear now rides significantly higher than before, and the underneath appears decades younger thanks to the revised suspension. About $550 was spent on this project, which is not chump change. The final outcome, however, gives you a lot more faith in the truck’s back end.
Unfortunately, the 4Runner let me know it had one more trick up its sleeve at the conclusion of this repair. The conclusion of the movie is particularly important because it appears that this 4Runner will be occupying a garage space for the foreseeable future.
What is included with the 4Runner TRD Off Road Package?
The starting price of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road is $41,435 and it excels in all aspects of off-roading. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road has a part-time 4WD drivetrain as standard, unlike any of the other grades. The trim adds Crawl Control, a locking rear differential, and a Multi-Terrain Select system to the off-road specifications. The package also includes floor mats with the TRD Off-Road logo and 17-inch spoke alloy wheels.