The Lexus GX 470 was the first vehicle to use the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) technology, and the 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser followed. Kinetic Pty Ltd, a small R&D business situated in Dunsborough, Western Australia, created and developed the technology. [1] It uses a system of connected hydraulic cylinders to adjust the front and rear stabilizers optimally. A control cylinder situated at the frame rail and hydraulic piping make up the interconnection. [2] The entirely mechanical KDSS system has the ability to disconnect the stabilizer bars (the bars are jointed, allowing movement independent of one another). [2] When hydraulic pressure is equal during typical driving situations, this system will not engage. KDSS turns on in off-road situations when it detects a fallen wheel. [2]
Since it was exclusively sold in North America, the Lexus GX 470, a sport utility vehicle based roughly on the 120 Series Land Cruiser Prado, was the first vehicle to offer the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System as an option. A similar version of the technology debuted on the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. The 2008 Lexus LX 570 uses an electro-mechanical suspension that keeps the KDSS design’s functionality while also incorporating electronic components. [2]
In This Article...
Can you disable KDSS?
The KDSS On/Off Switch for the 5th Generation 4Runner, GX460, and GX470 will now be discussed.
The main advantage of this mod is the ability to quickly turn on or off KDSS at any pace. It’s a switch that, as its name suggests, lets you turn the valves in your KDSS system on and off. KDSS is disabled when the switch is switched on. The system valves remain open at all times when KDSS is turned off. They won’t close faster than 12 mph, in other words.
Without the switch, a typical KDSS application would have the system’s valves open for speeds under 12 mph and closed for those over 12. Under 12 mph, the KDSS valves are open, allowing pistons and oil to freely circulate through the network of associated hydraulic lines. Over 12 mph, the valves close, applying pressure to the lines and making your ride firmer and more controlled. As a result, the valves remain open at all times when the switch is turned on (KDSS off).
Although KDSS is excellent for on-road use, When driving off-road at speeds greater than 12 mph, especially if you are not inflated down, the stiff sway bars provide some rigidity to your ride quality. The path is stiff, slightly rocky, and may be fairly unpleasant on the body when KDSS is engaged over 12 mph. But while off-roading at speeds exceeding 12 mph, the ride is significantly more forgiving and enjoyable with KDSS disabled. When KDSS is disabled, hitting whips, dips, and ruts is a lot more delightful experience.
Has the Lexus GX 460 KDSS?
To fully benefit from an extended travel coilover system or a rear long travel system, KDSS does not offer enough flexibility.
Not all options for skid plates and sliders will fit (vendors do have KDSS-compatible options; you just have to be careful).
Larger spare tiresthose that are larger than 265/70R17 or 255/75R17may not fit in the stock location and may need to be pushed into place with the aid of a floor jack.
Although usually rare, KDSS failure will necessitate an expensive repair. However, this would offer the ideal justification for getting rid of KDSS and switching to extended travel suspension.
swing bars that are absurdly huge. A KDSS-equipped GX will therefore corner much flatter than it should.
increased off-road articulation. A GX with KDSS will have about four inches longer suspension travel than a GX without KDSS (with swaybars).
Can KDSS be used off-road?
Whether you travel off-road or not, you need KDSS. The system basically consists of two stabilizer bars that are larger and more effective at reducing body roll (and upset tummies) on twisting roads. But off-road, when wheel articulation is paramount, such high roll stiffness is typically bad.
How is KDSS refilled?
To bleed the air out of the front stabilizer control cylinder, loosen the upper chamber bleeder plug. To enable pressure to be applied, tighten the bleeder plug. Till there is no more air in the fluid, repeat these processes. Tighten the front stabilizer control cylinder’s upper chamber bleeder cap.
With KDSS, can a car be lifted?
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.
What exactly does KDSS mean?
video tutorial for the Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is the abbreviation. Watch the video guide below to see why the KDSS is an excellent solution for both on- and off-road driving. At Briggs Toyota in Fort Scott, Kansas, you can find a Toyota car with a KDSS.
What does KDSS mean on a car?
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.
How do I get rid of KDSS?
Deactivate 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.
What serve as KDSS spacers?
After a lift has been installed, these spacers will restore the angle of the sway bar to OEM angles by balancing the pressure in the system that is used within the KDSS system itself. Your lean will consequently be drastically reduced or eliminated as a result. This will improve ride quality as you adjust the geometry after raising your car and will also improve off-roading vehicle articulation.
From the Canadian Rockies, an outdoor enthusiast, a novice photographer, and a do-it-yourselfer for you.
Is premium gas required for a Lexus GX 460?
Don’t worry if you accidently fill up with regular fuel; just keep driving as usual and use premium fuel when you fill up again.
For its performance vehicles, such the coupes, as well as the more upscale sedans and SUVs in its inventory, Lexus calls for high octane fuel.
These cars’ high compression engines may have problems if you fill them up with fuel of a lower octane.
When an engine has a high compression ratio, more gasoline and air are crammed into the cylinder than when an engine has a low compression ratio, according to Jalopnik.
Your car’s performance and fuel economy will deteriorate if you continue to use ordinary gas. Even worse, conventional gas increases the likelihood of long-term problems with your car’s engine.
The Lexus GX 460 is air-sprung, but is it?
The Lexus GX460 was everything a person could ask for in a luxury SUV: a reliable, energetic vehicle that can accommodate the entire family (and then some), a stunning interior upholstered in soft leather and fine wood, and an air suspension that rode like a dream.
Has the Lexus GX 460’s suspension been adjustable?
With premium models, the adaptive variable suspension system comprises Normal, Sport, and Comfort modes, and the adjustable height control aids in maintaining the vehicle’s level while towing.
The TRD off road’s suspension 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.
How is KDSS suspension bled?
To bleed the air, unplug the bleeder plug from the stabilizer control with accumulator housing. To enable pressure to be applied, tighten the bleeder plug. Till there is no more air in the fluid, repeat these processes. Adjust the stabilizer control with accumulator housing’s bleeder plug to its tightest setting.
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.