Toyota KDSS Ultimate Test | Legit or Gimmicks?

Technical review and comparison of how much the swaybars limit Toyota's articulation; how effective KDSS actually is and how it works with aftermarket suspension mods. KDSS is available on Toyota 4Runner, Prado and Lexus GX460. The Land Cruiser 200 series is also equipped with KDSS, but it has different construction from the Prado platform.
Check out this video for a deeper testing on KDSS switch, solenoids and factory logics. • How KDSS logic Actuall...
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0:00 KDSS Connotation/Intro
2:13 Articulation Results
5:16 KDSS Drawback
7:34 KDSS vs Suspension Mods
7:51 Front Extended Travel
9:45 Front Long Travel
11:03 Rear Extended Travel
12:09 Rear Long Travel
12:51 Recommendations

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

I been saying this forever. We LOVE our KDSS. It's basically zero sway bar off road and an amazingly thick swaybar on road. Car on road, truck off road. KDSS is a gamechanger...love it!! The refinements of the GX and LX are no joke or gimmick...

[@tr0nix1]

Lx does not have kdss, only the 200 series land cruiser does. The LX has hydraulic shocks

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@tr0nix1 Lexus LX570 has KDSS standard. KDSS has nothing to do with shocks.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@tr0nix1 semantics! lol same end result on either KDSS or AVS...

[@tr0nix1]

@GX460 OFF-ROAD there are no semantics. Just facts. LX570s only with traditional sway bars here in the USA. No KDSS.

[@radio9730.]

We currently own a 200 series Land Cruiser and are very familiar with LX570. The US spec LC uses KDSS while the LX does not.

[@adamsmidkiff1]

Getting an engineers perspective on these types of upgrades is rare in the KZbin world. Keep up the good work and hope to see many more videos from you!

[@danmangan7408]

As an owner of a KDSS vehicle this was by far the best explanation and comparison I've heard of how the system works and how it compares to non-KDSS vehicles. Nice job!

[@Desertpunk1986]

Most underrated Toyota channel HANDS DOWN. I wish I saw this before I made my purchase 4 years ago. I remember dealing with a buddies KDSS and being very curious about the system.

[@TrailTape]

Man your content is incredible. Easily the most knowledge-dense videos on the subject. I frequently have to pause and even rewind just to digest what you said, even though your presentation is clear and thorough. I love it. Thank you so much for not only explaining but SHOWING and often PROVING your points. Thanks for making these!

[@FunnyMuffler]

I've learned a lot about Toyota IFS since coming across your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@Wolfgang51501986]

Yep, love the KDSS… had a chance to compare the ride dynamics in technical off-roading between my 2015 TRD Pro 4R and my brothers 2016 Trail/Off-road 4R with KDSS… definitely noticeable. It really works well. This is a terrific and thorough video with valuable data points. Really great work here. Thanks for the many hours of testing and video production.

[@MrRoskoPeko]

By far the most thorough tests I’ve seen online. Awesome stuff.

[@yugbe]

Please, Please, Please don't ever stop making videos!!! By FARRRR the best off-road videos out there when talking about performance. Thank you for your time, information sharing, and love for the sport and the science contained within.

[@vernonb5024]

Love the detail of your work! we need more people like you in the community willing to put in this amount of effort just for the betterment of us all :D

[@AdventuresofPanda]

Love the attention to detail and thorough explanations of your testing

[@sonnycruz7032]

I can appreciate your in-depth analysis and how you present it all. Coming from 3 Toyotas without KDSS to my current truck with KDSS, you've confirme what I've thought about this setup. Thanks!

[@jacobharouny]

This page has been so helpful. I bought a 4runner without knowing it was kdss. I spent so much time thinking I was stuck with something I didn’t want. Thank you!

[@diligentefforts8172]

Wow, you answered every other possible question that would've developed in days of research, and turned i to just a couple of mins of ultra packed straight to the point content and Info. You're a gentleman and a scholar. CHEERS!

[@hpduster8961]

I'm glad I found this video. I've been looking into buying a new 4runner and the only stumbling block has been whether or not to get KDSS. Your video clarifies all the questions I had about it. Thanks!

[@G5Hohn]

Just got a GX and this was super helpful! Thanks for the amazingly helpful visual illustrations. Amazingly well done video. Brilliant!

[@tygum]

Love your videos! Consistently high quality and while informative you remain open minded and help us understand that one option is not good for all. I love that approach.

[@artofhomes]

True offroad enthusiast content is informative and non biased. You are the best at this Kai. Thank you

[@dougcunningham8146]

I’ve got a 2022 forerunner on its way with KDSS. This was a informative video well done!

[@MC4D.]

Thanks for this vid, I appreciate the work you put into creating these videos. I understood that that KDSS helps with onroad suspension stability but never really understood it (if that makes sense lol). Watching this helped understand the purpose for it on and offroad.

[@chad9971]

Just bought a 2017 4Runner 4x4 and your content is very helpful to actually learn the facts (mechanics) of lifting and suspensions

[@junfenggao]

Really enjoyed the technical insights offered by this video. I started to know more about my own truck. Nice stuff! Post more!!

[@davidcook1057]

Great video - best break down of KDSS I have seen. I have a TRD Off Road with KDSS and specifically went for that middle due to the KDSS.

[@tunakpreston8240]

I just got a GX 460 and am doing research on some of the off-road capabilities! Thanks for this insightful video!

[@johnb-ke9xi]

your videos have been nothing short of awesome, please keep up the good work! i would love for you to be able to dispel or confirm the KDSS myths about how much lift can be installed vs inducing KDSS lean from the lift kits. curious if you could dive into that one of these days? also you brought up the front KDSS spacer for the front passenger side, and honestly, i don't know if it would ever be needed for a mid travel lift. hope you can get your hands on one to test and compare. JB

[@Flawdaboi239]

You did a great job with this video. I had no idea what KDSS was but I kept seeing it on the Lexus GX460 forums (I recently purchased a 2013 GX460 Premium with KDSS). This was very enlightening!!!

[@joeleelee7003]

I stumbled on your videos at 9am, am super glued to them.Its 4pm now. I have Gx470 and this information is gold. I love my KDSS. It's very effective on cornering in the mountains.

[@stephensmalling]

Great video man. Top to bottom. Lots of great information, presented with excellent footage showing the articulation you speak of on multiple vehicles. Clear graphs. No bullshit. Thank you.

[@TheTwiggysmalls]

Been waiting for your next video to come out. Thanks for the fix! Great videos

[@g.fortin3228]

Very good explanations and examples !! I actually feel that I understand it a lot better. Thank you! And thanks for the 2" lift vote. I like it !

[@DucatiDad]

Bro, your content is so well done. I've got a 1st gen Sequoia on 35s and had to sort out everything but damn you are doing such a good job explaining everything I would have struggled at. Well done.

[@VanceSparks]

I have a 2016 LC200 with 34.5’s, lockers and KDSS. Love it. Thanks for the video. It tells me I’m on the right track

[@rubicon4wheeler]

I wish everyone's KZbin videos are as great as yours! Thanks for providing actual technical information rather than marketing fluff!

[@sterlingburk3790]

Absolutely wonderful video. I'm happy to see other people understanding and explaining real wheel travel and what KDSS actually does. They make an electric shut out switch that allows you to keep the KDSS valves open or closed at any speed you want with a push of a button. Its wonderful.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! The switch can only overwrite-open the valves, not overwrite-close the valves. This is achieved by faking a fault signal in KDSS so the ECU goes in fail safe mode (valves open), which is why the KDSS dash light comes on.

[@sly9263]

wow glad I found this channel- super informative and completely objective. great job!

[@josh1804josh]

Amazing video my man. Keep them coming. Makes me feel better about my KDSS 4Runner, thanks brother.

[@davidgoedde8170]

Great job breaking it down. Awesome content. You’re a G in the community bro. I have a KDSS 4Runner and it’s been great so far. I love it. Keep up the great work.

[@EstasLaVida]

I plan on building up a pre runner style 4runner so I am glad I am without KDSS. Thanks for all the great information in this and other videos 🤟🏽

[@weecho27]

I'm really enjoying your videos and how you present information. Keep up the great work!

[@kaitroester7386]

Your videos have been amazing. I opted for KDSS when I got my 4Runner and for a while had buyers remorse thinking that it would prevent me from adding lift. I was able to lift the front by 2.5 in with no problems. This video shows that I made the right choice and your other videos helped me understand the Toyota suspension much more. Reconnecting the KDSS sway bar after shock install was a pain, though. Keep this kind of content coming.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

I ordered an Off-Road Premium with KDSS. What lift did you get and do you like it? How much on the back?

[@kaitroester7386]

@@skoolynugenator1802 2021 Venture Edition. Probably like yours with a roof rack. 1 inch lift in the back. It took all the rake out. After adding 275 tires I'm going to drop the front by .5 inches to get some rake back.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

@@kaitroester7386 any rubbing with the 275’s?

[@kaitroester7386]

@@skoolynugenator1802 yes. I needed to "mold" the mudflap plastic closer to the body mount. I'm running Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws C-load on 17x8 rims with +5mm offset. I could have put the tires on my 17x7 stock wheels but was planning to get 285 tires before the tire shop talked me out of them. They had a recent 4runner that wanted them too and they could not make them work w/o excessive rubbing. 285s would have been a problem and the 275s look great. More rugged than stock but not excessively large. Also less additional stress on the drive train.

[@jyo8914]

Good video! Thank you for all of the hard work and detailed analysis. I really love the KDSS system. It suits our 95% on-highway driving by keeping the truck driving flat thru corners and abrupt maneuvers, even while loaded down with camping gear (evading a homeless guy taking swings at cars in the road with a bat).

[@MudPuppyOffroad]

I have now watched all of your videos they are outstanding please post more. I'm also an engineer and a KZbinr and it's very rare to find somebody who tries to take the opinion out and give you just the facts. Learned a lot from your videos going to try to make mine more organized LOL

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! I’d like to try some more fun videos like yours. Looks like great times!

[@benjurmind1318]

I don't know crap about off road stuff and i haven't even finished this full video but I love the way you lay out information and show examples and overlays and I sure love Toyotas. I want to see more content like this.

[@wb5plj]

another excellent video. no one I know of is providing research, imperial data, and analysts in the way you are. please keep it up.

[@TubeDobs]

I chose the OF instead of PRO solely because I wanted KDSS, glad I did. Very nice vid by the way!

[@d51d_46]

Thank you Kai for these great videos. I have KDSS on my 4runner and I'm happy with the system. I do overlanding and up to moderate trails. No desert racing, no crazy rock crawling. 4runner is a 2018 TRD Offroad and has a 2.5"/3" OME lift, and spacers on the rear sway bar.

[@Allen_Yuon]

Nice set up, I got a 21 TRD off road with lift. I haven’t gotten the spacer for the rear quite yet. Im at 2.75 in front and 1 in rear

[@alxti]

sounds exactly like what i want to do with a 4runner, jealous!

[@craigjennings4038]

I absolutely love these your videos. You explain everything so well thank you!

[@royluo9067]

great vid! nice analysis on kdss, looking forward to the aftermarket upper control arm~

[@chadsmall9447]

Mate you are brilliant I love your efforts please keep it coming no one does this stuff and it is very much appreciated thank you

[@kyleolson4509]

Awesome video!!!!! I’m in the market for a GX and wasn’t sure if KDSS is worth it, but you sold me. Keep bringing us great videos. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Mrche626]

Holy hell!! Why am I just now discovering this KZbin channel? Great info. Well, let me get my pretzels and beer, time to binge watch!

[@VikingsGarage]

A must watch if your in the market for a 4runner TRD off road or if your a car guy like myself. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you for making such a great video!

[@ejshelby5460]

instant subscription, great work man, well balanced, articulated (pun intended) and produced.

[@JBRion22]

Incredible video. Your thoroughness, testing and data are fantastic. Keep it up!

[@cuttercorn]

Great video! Thanks for the info! Just picked up a LR ORP 4runner with KDSS. Can't believe the difference between it and my 2020 Venture without KDSS.

[@ryanschmid7940]

KDSS is a pretty cool system for a daily driver that also goes off road. I'm looking into the DrKDSS type switches for my GX as I feel like there are certain trails where the 12mph threshold for soft/stiff is just a little slow. You want to go 15, but instead go 11. There are also more prepared dirt/gravel roads where KDSS shines. It's not a Raptor, but can maintain quite a bit of speed without feeling sketchy. The only other thing is just making sure your aftermarket parts like skid plates, sliders, and lifts don't cause interference with the sway bars. Tons of companies have these parts now.

[@Ironman4x4America]

Fantastic explanation, Kai. Keep up the good work!

[@hantang1668]

Nice video! Waiting for this one long time.

[@roypoomiwatracanont7762]

This guy is straight genius! Love all the technical info~!

[@JoeSmith-fr3hl]

Extremely helpful, I’m about to order an ORP 4Runner and the KDSS was my last decision point.

[@ladwenjang]

I have a 2019 4R KDSS. I kinda knew what KDSS is for, but not so much in detail. Thank you for your video.

[@ManuelRodriguez-qq3pn]

Bro I just finished seeing all your series about IFS, thanks this info will helps a lot to do a Suspension kit for my Tacoma.

[@2010gt1]

Sounds like KDSS is the one for me now. I want a 3 inch lift with 33’s and do decently hard rock crawling and camping. But I also want it to be comfortable on the way to the trails and trips. Thank you for your well conveyed education

[@gpaolino]

Wow, thanks for these vids! I have a 2016 4runner with KDSS and the amount of marketing crap is astronomical. Between this one and your UCA vids 99% of my questions just melted away! Subscribed!

[@johneden7975]

This is some really great analytics here. I’ve got a ‘12 GX460, 1.75” spacers with stock struts and 2” Icon springs with stock shocks. A lot of people asked me why I did this. Because of the math! My GX has KDSS, which most people think is a limiting factor. But here’s proof right here. Limiting yes, if you wanted to lift it 6” but I find. With my setup, full wheel droop and my articulation is better than if I had a swaybar. Great video!

[@cpenv]

This is the best explanation of KDSS!

[@josephpark421]

Love your vids! Thanks for all the tests and comparisons… your other vids helped answer some IFS thoughts i had on my LX470. Im still trying to figure out the best work around for sway bar disconnect on my LX. I have HD whiteline sway bars on it since removing AHC…. And love the onroad handling, but would love more articulation without sacrificing on road manners. So far i get through all the trail obstacles, but lots of fr tire air waving 👋

[@gammaboxer9765]

Another great video, thank you for breaking things down so all can understand. Cheers

[@klinatoc]

Love how your letting your personality out. Great vid so far 😱

[@rickcorlett]

Well done and very clear. We are buying a new 4Runner in the coming days and was against KDSS until I watched this. I think it will work better for us than non-KDSS with what we do.

[@chadb6018]

Great video, definitely helped me decide on a direction to go with my lift next year.

[@XenoRacing]

Great channel, watched a few of your videos and know you mention the prado platform in most videos/descriptions, but would love to see more stuff specifically on 4Runners specifically.

[@franklonyai4278]

Thanks for the great review of the KDSS on the GX. I have one and I really enjoy the ride quality although I do only light off-roading. I enjoy your technical, objectiv off-road techncial reviews. I think they are way above par...

[@jeffreymartin8672]

excellent info on fj cruiser i have trail team 14 never breaks down and always starts no matter how cold 👍

[@eyesea123]

Yes I want KDSS! My Jeep has the worst body roll, so much so I'm going back to the 4Runner. I'm just learning about KDSS. Now that I understand it, I absolutely want it. Thank you for the lessons

[@1augustub1]

Thank you sir, your insight and factual presentation is MUCH appreciated.

[@shannonbradley2879]

Big Toyota guy here but never knew about what kdss was. Thanks bud

[@GhostZodick]

Finally someone actually tested it out after so many years.

[@cameronj9890]

Thank you for good solid information and example. Please keep doing videos.

[@leethomas3278]

Thank you for this informative explanation. Based on your video about sway bars vs no sway bars, it sounds like a KDSS system that would only disconnect the front sway bar while utilizing stiffer sway bars both front and rear would provide the most balanced front and rear articulation off road, while providing better on road maners. Thanks again for your awesome content.

[@daveh.4990]

Excellent work, thanks for such a concise and thorough breakdown. Another consideration is a KDSS solenoid switch, which you can use during high-speed offroading to reduce the jarring suspension. I will be adding one to my setup. Otherwise, concur with your assessments, I have a GX470 with KDSS + 2" lift and 33" tires. Front and rear KDSS spacers are a must.

[@senglee2330]

That GX has a face only a mother can love. Love your videos! Learned so much!

[@ATiredRyan]

Great information as always! I will agree that for me, long drives are no fun without the sway bar. The ride feels smoother without it due to each side working independently, and the flex is great, but the sway during long drives and even heavy winds make me hate the trip of trying to stay in my lane. Would be nice if there was a quick disconnect kit out there.

[@RobS123]

Dr KDSS makes a disconnect switch a couple folks above have mentioned.

[@ATiredRyan]

@@RobS123 would be nice but I don't have KDSS. Neat that y'all can do that with a flip of a switch though.

[@IAM-xf9ir]

Mech E here, great video dude! We need more engineers making videos like this to provide thorough explanations and test sets. Keep up the good work!

[@PennywiseM3]

Great video, very informative!👍

[@eddygallegos73]

Awesome video like always! Just want to mention the kdss switch that turns off kdss system for that high speed off roading.

[@michaelmullins7920]

Thanks for making this video. I always learn something from them. I have KDSS and really like the on road handling. I was pleased with your conclusion regarding its Offroad capabilities. Bonus points for talking about the KDSS Spacers and aftermarket rear sway bar! Someone already mentioned the Dr KDSS switching kit. I've also been wondering if a front passenger KDSS spacer would cause it to hit my CBI front skid plate (maybe lower with longer bolts without cutting)

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! I don't think the front spacer will change clearance to skid plate. The spacer is not added to the driver side cylinder, which is still the lowest point when it fully extends.

[@botashs]

Keep up the great content, your subscribers will come!

[@FourLowAdventures]

I love this research based approach to information. Also great to know regarding KDSS. Only thing I would challenge is regarding off camber and the sway bar, in that it's only better if your vehicle doesn't have to articulate. If you have to drop into the off camber section on an angle then you're probably better off without it. At least that has been my experience.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! I see what you mean here and I agree with what you described. I did encounter many situations where I need to go up on to a side bank to avoid deep wash out or a tree. So not so much as "dropping into" a ditch.

[@tonybe4726]

Thank you for sharing this information. I have learned much from your videos!

[@buzz7927]

just ordered the LC300 GR sport with EKDSS. very happy I did now after watching your video as much of my use will be long distant touring in australia.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you. I really like the LC300. Congrats on the purchase. I wish the US had LC300. The LX600 and the new sequoia have the same platform, but both are missing the E-KDSS.

[@donkahl63]

Great video. Thanks for the objective approach

[@bobo1106519]

非常棒的分享，让我有机会了解到了KDSS这套拥有魔法一般的稳定杆动态控制系统，它确实如你所说，很神奇，更兼顾全局，而且很可靠。

[@Mallrunner]

Should do a video about maximum rear solid axle travel with stock links/location. If panhard bar correction is needed or not (if so, how much more travel will you gain). love the videos. Keep it up

[@williambuford6520]

Awesome! would love to attempt a KDSS retrofit on my 3rd gen 4R but priorities come first in life, front locker and some new UCAs!

[@RockSolidStudios]

I learned a lot. I have a 5th gen 4runner limited (no KDSS) but I dont really do offroading so it's no biggie to me at the moment.

[@JJ-si4qh]

Loving this data driven content

[@TS-xj5mt]

Like who are you? Your so incredibly scientific slow methodical and detailed in your videos. Well done sir. I have KDSS on ORP and love it.

[@diesel112358]

Thanks for the great explanation!

[@dingo4ever]

This is why I was adamant about having KDSS on my 2019 when I bought it.