What Is Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System?

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...

What model Toyota features KDSS?

To date, the following models have used the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System:

Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition, 2010–2016.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, 2017–present.
Toyota Land Cruiser, 2008–.
Lexus GX, 2004–present.
Toyota Prado, 2010–present.

How can I deactivate KDSS?

When installing the switch, you should test it as soon as possible. Turn “accessory” on your 4Runner (on but without the engine running). Unplug the KDSS module’s white connector. The cluster will receive KDSS light. Connect it to the controller for the KDSS harness. Reconnect the factory connector to the KDSS module using the harness. The KDSS light will stop flashing. Just testing your unit here. If the KDSS light does not go out, your device might be broken. The relay will return to stock if it malfunctions for any reason.

Cable Loom
Heat Swell
Plastic Pliers
Practical Knife
Cutters for wire
Metric Plugs
the Kline Crimps
Wire cutters
18AWG Wire
Medical shears
a heat gun

UPDATED FEDERAL 2022 REPORT on NEW SWITCH WIRES

You will use the red wire from the dash switch to return to the fuse box and use the fuse tap to obtain power.
New wire colors are used on the updated switch’s dash switch (red, green, blue, and black )
The fuse box bolt receives the black wire from the KDSS harness.
The green wire on the dash switch is connected to the red wire from the KDSS harness.
The lighting + wire on the next switch will get the blue wire from the dash switch.
The black wire will connect to a switch’s variable ground wire next door.

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.

Have all TRD off-road vehicles KDSS?

At $40,395 MSRP, the TRD Off-Road Premium is only somewhat more expensive than the TRD Off-Road trim and includes all of its features. The TRD Off-Road Premium includes SofTex seats for further comfort in addition to the CRAWL control, multi-terrain choose, and optional KDSS of the TRD Off-Road.

What kind of suspension is on the Land Cruiser?

Look no farther than the Toyota Land Cruiser if you’re searching for a potent car with a superior suspension system that enables you to travel over varied terrain. The Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which has received praise, is included with the Land Cruiser (KDSS). The Toyota Hilux Invincible variant is also equipped with this distinctive suspension technology.

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 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.

Describe 4Runner KDSS.

All GX 460s have KDSS, right?

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 tires—those that are larger than 265/70R17 or 255/75R17—may 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).

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.

What is a fifth-generation 4Runner?

The Toyota 4Runner was initially a modestly sized, two-door SUV but over time developed into the mid-size, tough SUV that it is now. The first models were essentially Toyota 4×4 pickup trucks with a roll bar, a hard shell over the bed, and rear seats placed inside when production began in 1983. The 4Runner has amassed a ferociously devoted fanbase over the course of its existence and developed a reputation as one of the market’s more capable and tough SUVs.

Present Toyota 4Runner (N280 5th Generation)

The fifth-generation 4Runner had its public debut in 2009 with the 2010 model year. Its exterior styling departed from the previous generation’s more rounded lines and instead drew inspiration from the 4Runner’s truck-based past. Initially, this generation had three trim levels, two of which were carryovers from the previous generation. The new model was the four-wheel-drive Trail Edition, which included a rear locking differential and the automaker’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The 2.7-liter 2TR-FE inline-four and the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 were among the engines available in this model. In 2010, the inline-four was the sole model with a four-speed automatic transmission; the other versions all have a five-speed automatic. The majority of this generation’s safety ratings were excellent, with the exception of one questionable grade in the small overlap frontal offset category.

The Toyota 4Runner received a full complement of improvements for the 2014 model year. Projector headlights and LED taillights were added, along with a completely new body shape, which was reflected in the front and back fascia. It also had a totally rebuilt dashboard and Optitron instrument cluster in the inside. The 4.0 liter V6 used in earlier iterations of the drivetrain, however, was still present.

The TRD Pro trim level was introduced for the 2015 model year. Compared to more recent iterations, this vehicle was built with an increased emphasis on off-road performance, and it was equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers, TRD off-road-tuned front springs, a skid plate, and other off-road-enhancing features. The new Entune infotainment system, which featured a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a backup camera, was also installed in 4Runner models this year.

The fifth-generation 4Runner received its biggest improvement for the 2020 model year. The Toyota Safety Sense-P system, a comprehensive driver awareness system that includes a pre-collision sensor, pedestrian detector, lane tracing aid, and more, was standard equipment for all trim levels this year. Additionally, they got a wireless capability upgrade and a higher-resolution display for the Entune infotainment system.