Toyota KDSS EXPLAINED | Is it worth KDSS suspension & is it reliable? | Landcruiser 200 series 4x4

Today we are here to talk about perhaps one of the most underrated systems designed by Toyota for their 4WD vehicles. This is of course KDSS or Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
KDSS is a system used by Toyota to manipulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the vehicle to adapt the vehicles suspension characteristics to the terrain.
Although it might sound confusing and involve additional equipment on the vehicle, today I discuss why it’s a great system and why it effected my choice of model of Landcruiser in the 2nd hand market.
Today, not only do we discuss what KDSS is, but we illustrate how this system work and then get the mighty Landcruiser 200 out on the track in an attempt to demonstrate it’s real world effectiveness.
I hope this video can assist others in understanding how this system works and how it might be able to benefit you when out on the tracks and trails off-road
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[@rodneyrowell7743]

Best explanation of KDSS ever, well done! There's no substitute for Land Cruiser. I'm in love with my Sahara, best 4WD on the planet.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it and I managed to make some sort of sense from it all. I agree, awesome vehicles 👍

[@1malikalik]

The way this Australian dude articulated KDSS was impressively simple. Greetings from 🇺🇸 Love your truck Btw.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video! Hopefully it helps a few people out there. Cheers, Nathan.

[@EPiQ_cR]

Thank you so much for this visual explanation. I generally understood how KDSS was working, but it's so nice to see it in action. A+ resource.

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, thanks mate glad it to hear it was helpful 👍

[@evolusd]

More thorough than any explanation I've seen, great work!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Nathan.

[@PaulJones-pb7pu]

Absolutely awesome explanation of this system! Never really understood KDSS at all until now. Thanks so much. All of your videos are extremely well done.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad this was helpful 👍

[@alromero5685]

Watching from Chicago! Great video. Just bought my 4Runner with KDSS.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy the adventures you will be able to have with your new 4-runner! Cheers, Nathan.

[@peterwestley460]

That was a brilliant well thought out and informative explanation. Very useful for me while I research for my first Prado purchase. Thanks.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the comments. Al the best with your search for the Prado 👍 Cheers, Nathan.

[@loansbytrey]

Incredibly well done video explanation - thank you for taking the time!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks for the feedback, glad to hear you got some value from this 👍

[@tallica8145]

Thank you Nathan. Great video as usual. You’re a legend.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

[@NKPGarage]

very well done video. This is a fantastic explanation of KDSS and how it works.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad it was helpful 👍 🙏

[@gregscarcella519]

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION

[@brianhignett8954]

Well explained, but I'm disappointed that you didn't mention it was an Aussie invention. Invented by a Western Australian Company and sold to Toyota, who then refined it and fitted the KDSS to their vehicles.

[@XploringOz]

Fair enough, I did miss that one. Hopefully other viewers can read this comment and be fully informed. Cheers, Nathan.

[@michaelhermans4753]

@@XploringOz invented in Dunsborough

[@manlaibaatarganzorigt9049]

@@XploringOz pin this comment, mate!

[@gavinpearce1196]

@@thinkingmedia9119 No one said it was a Toyota design and Brian Hignett highlighted that

[@gavinpearce1196]

@@thinkingmedia9119 I stand corrected. I remember seeing the Kinetic system at 4WD shows in Perth years and years ago, I was impressed then! I hope the developers were well rewarded. Great explanation by Nathan

[@seancaulfield9789]

Wow. Excellent video mate. Great explanation.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad it helped 👍

[@Brittasbutt]

After 10 years of window shopping I finally got me a second hand Prado J150 with KDSS. I have some trouble with my system at the moment because of an oil leak, this really helps me with how to attack the issues at hand. Very detailed and informative vid, thanks a lot!

[@XploringOz]

Congrats on your new vehicle! Great choice and I'm sure it will get you a long way. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Nathan.

[@devanrogers3133]

Hydraulic Oil Leak or Engine Oil??

[@vladd5291]

Thanks for all the effort! This is by far the best KDSS explanation. Here in the US, KDSS is an available option on the 4Runner (a more off-road worthy version of the Prado) but not many truly appreciate it because of lack of understanding of the system. Your video is great at fixing this gap in understanding

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad this video has helped 👍 I love the 4 Runner and Tacoma that you guys have available over there. I would love to be able to purchase a Tacoma here. Maybe one day...

[@vladd5291]

@@XploringOz and here everyone wants to buy a 70 and 105 series. All we have are imports.

[@XploringOz]

@@vladd5291 Its a case of the grass is greener on the other side. I guess we just have to enjoy what we do have.

[@s.n.6338]

It’s also offered as a standard option on the Lexus GX460 which is the same as the LC Prado and made on the same assy line in tahara plant. Great explanation!

[@carloaclan6070]

Thank you! Very well explained in depth details! 👌👌👌

[@XploringOz]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@mrkevyn002]

Best explanation of KDSS I've seen yet brah, and on the mark! Good job. Only issue that confused me was your explanation of left vs. right/driver vs. passenger. Then I realized Aussieland is opposite that of the U.S. Lol.

[@XploringOz]

Haha, yes I wouldn't have much control sitting on the other side of my vehicle... Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it.

[@BoresaverAus]

Excellent explanation, thanks for the detail.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers.

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Cracking explanation mate. Love my KDSS, and hope they put it (or an even better version) on their LC300.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate. It sure is a great system. I’m confident Toyota will utilise the same if not a better system than this for the soon to be released 300

[@checkmilu]

The new kdss in the 300 is electronically controlled. I'd prefer this hydraulic system and don't like the idea of too much electronics in the car including new electric fan in the new 300 series.

[@LikeOnATree]

Sir, great explanation of this system, I'm considering a 4Runner and wanted to know if I should add this! Toyota owes you for your effort! Thank you very much!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words and glad to hear that it was helpful for you. Cheers, Nathan.

[@marklaurendet1861]

An excellent overview of the system

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it 🙏

[@bilttokarse5296]

Great video.

[@adityarastogi5420]

The new LC 300 has an improvised KDSS. It would be really great if you could explain what's the difference or how has it further improved! Amazing video ! Loved it

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, maybe one day I'll be given the opportunity to comment on the 300 and talk about some of the systems that Toyota continue to advance in. Cheers, Nathan.

[@vin6455]

AWESOME VID Nathan

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 👍

[@jas4696]

Great job explaining a difficult subject

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 👍

[@rattler4102]

As always Nathan....a great explanation and upload! Looking forward to seeing your new caravan?? Cheers mate!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 👍 So am I! Haha, still a bit of a wait to go.... but it will be worth it in the long run 👍

[@rattler4102]

@@XploringOz The suspense is killing me, so I can only imagine what it’s like for you guys!! Lol

[@XploringOz]

@@rattler4102 Yeah, I hear ya! We are looking at the end of the year at this stage.... unfortunately. It better be worth it! That's all I can say

[@84runner]

Excellent explanation! Thanks!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it and hopefully you found it helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

[@joellewis8320]

Great explanation. Cheers.

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 👍

[@michaelhermans4753]

Another great explanation Nathan I can see the benefit with a loaded 200 series controlling the body roll I have a 2” lift and stiffer coils on my GU Patrol and noticed the body roll on an identical Patrol with std suspension on the freeway on ramp in front of me The body roll was so much more than mine My upgrade cost $1200

[@XploringOz]

For sure, this definitely helps. This is what we did on our Prado 150 series as well, as this wasn’t equipped with KDSS. 👍

[@TonyTundra5.7]

Thank you sir we are buying a 4Runner and we switched from buying one without KDSS to one that has it strictly because of your video and how easy your explanation of it was to make us understand Thank you thank you thank you from the 🇺🇸👍👍😃

[@XploringOz]

Thanks awesome to hear, I really appreciate the feedback. Thank you 🙏

[@TonyTundra5.7]

​@@XploringOzafter having the vehicle for a thousand miles to KDSS is awesome A friend has one without it noticeable difference only took it on a few light trails Thank you keep up your good work

[@trevorsteyn8939]

Great video thanks

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it 🙏

[@insaneitchy]

If anyone was asking about kdss lean issues, this is very common and can be easily corrected with a small spacer on the left front side ifs spring. This is due to the ifs springs being the dominant spring on kdss setup. I used fulcrums who took my stock VX and added a 2 inch left and load support airbags and a small spacer kdss kit - I went from 10 mm out to Dead even with the lift and kdss spacer

[@autocurioso3142]

Awesome informative content

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@davtreloar9236]

Weldone on the explanation.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, hope you enjoyed it 👍

[@HollyHuntty]

Thank you for explaining this

[@XploringOz]

No problems, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@gorankovacevic2217]

Thank you, Nathan. I am from Europe and we have different trims for Prado, only highest trim PREMIUM has KDSS. The way you explained it sits with me. I was thinking to buy Prado for a long time and looked a lot of “experts” journalists saying bad things about Prado and making comparisons with very expensive European brands like Mercedes G class. After this video Prado checks all my boxes, I really like this car, would like LC 300 better, but it is not possible to buy it in European Union.

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, well I'm glad my videos could be of some help! I believe the Toyota Prado is a great vehicle, although it has some downfalls, overall it is a great value for money vehicle! The KDSS is a great feature too, works very well both on and off-road. Cheers, Nathan.

[@ragchaasurengalindev]

Great video. thanks

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 👍

[@ZacTexC]

Have this system on my 4Runner. Driving 70+mph on I-70 in the Rocky Mountains is amazingly nice on turns. I was only able to do a 3” lift but I’m ok with that.

[@XploringOz]

Sure is an awesome system 👍 everything has some sort of compromise, but I guess these styles of vehicle weren’t designed for hardcore rock crawling anyway. Cheers, Nathan.

[@alexd1056]

You should be a teacher. PS Thats a compliment. Now I understand how my LandCruiser works, well this part anyway :-) and great to see its a down under invention, love it. I normally have to watch these videos multiple times, got it in one viewing, thanks to your talent. Going to Subscibe for sure.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate that and I’m glad to hear that you got value from this video. Cheers, Nathan 👍

[@matthewfarrell317]

This is why we ended up with a Kakadu 150, KDSS, rear locker and Crawl control lol (the cooler box was the icing on the cake lol). Finally got to use it last week when we went gold prospecting, so worth it. With the 150 I should note when we were looking, the difference between a GXL and Kakadu was barely 10k, and it also comes with a rear diff locker in the Kakadu. So if you can go for the Kakadu. Oh and one side note, I believe that Toyota in the 2021 version of the Prado's is now Kakadu only for KDSS, VX doesn't get it (why I have no idea). It's a shame you are on the other side of the country, or I would have donated my Prado's time to compare.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, there are some great incentives to upgrade to the higher spec models. I guess it depends on what each person does with their vehicle as to whether they will received that level of benefit! Thanks for the offer mate, would of been interesting to see the difference between the 200 and the Prado.

[@ianmoone2359]

Yes brilliant detailed explanation. I’ve been deliberating whether to buy a new 150 Prado Kakadu with the KDSS or to just buy the VX model without KDSS and spend the $10k saving on a suspension lift & larger wheels & tyres for more ground clearance & a GVM upgrade. The KDSS Kakadu Prado has 65kilo less payload due to the extra mass of the KDSS components over the VX Most suspension places won’t touch a vehicle with KDSS for suspension upgrade lift or GVM Upgrade due to the engineering complexity involved with KDSS So once you commit to KDSS - your stuck with it as the limit to what you can do in terms of gvm upgrade and suspension modifications for increased ground clearance. So it’s an important decision when ordering your new vehicle, that I have been struggling with. Thank you sincerely for this detailed explanation because it gives me more knowledge upon which to base my decision. 👍

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I’m glad this has helped somewhat in your decision making. Each person will have slightly different requirements from their vehicle and will need to determine what they require from their vehicle. I can’t comment on the Prado GVM upgrade, but personally I had no issue upgrading the rating on my KDSS equiped LC200. Also, I don’t believe there is a GVM upgrade kit for the Prado yet with the airbag system? But I happy to stand corrected if I’m wrong. All the best with your new vehicle, I’m sure you will love it 👍

[@ReubenHorner]

What a great system. My first thought was the swaybar disconnect that some safaris have but kdss really does seem to do it all. Surely some performance cars have similar systems (although I don't know about those much, just seems like the sort of thing that might work)

[@XploringOz]

I guess if you were doing some hard rock crawling, then maybe a disconnect system would be beneficial. But it’s unlikely people choose this style of vehicle for rock drawing work. This system is a great choice for this style of vehicle.

[@ReubenHorner]

@@XploringOz definitely agree with that. Kinda wish it came out on more common (cheaper) vehicles

[@erichdiebenow4727]

@@ReubenHorner well I think the issue with that is a robot can’t really thread all of those tubes through the chassis. So you may end up having a person assemble the system, but that’s just speculation on my end.

[@aarongerman7857]

@@ReubenHorner it's on the 4 runner here in the US! my 2017 was $38k US in 2017 :) TRD OFF road with the rear diff locker too

[@andylo6845]

Nathan @XploringOz, if have chance can you use your own way to describe the KDSS lean, what caused it, and how to fix it? Many thanks.

[@XploringOz]

Sure thing mate, I’ll add it to my list of videos and try and get a video done on it 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@iangoodwin345]

Once again, great educational material for us mechanical novices. We have ordered a 150 VX and chose not to pay the extra $10k for the Kakadu which has the KDSS. We also need to fund a caravan, so the $$ didn't extend to the upgraded suspension. It looks great though, and thanks for your detailed and clear explanation. When the car arrives and I start feeling the corner sway, I'll think of this video and wish I listened more to your advice 🤣🤣

[@ReubenHorner]

$10k is like... Lots tho Maybe you could perform a conversion from a crash car or something

[@iangoodwin345]

@@ReubenHorner, my plan is to get the car and see how it goes. No suspension upgrades planned until we see how it rides with and without the caravan. If we feel we need better handling , then we'll look at options down the track. It's an $80k car to start with, so I'm hoping not to be spending too much more.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, I hear where you are coming from and to be perfectly honest, I don’t think it’s worth $10k. You won’t be disappointed with your choice as it stands. One much cheaper option is to perform a standard 2” suspension upgrade and have slightly firmer springs in the rear. This will assist somewhat in reducing body roll, as it did in our 150. Cheers, Nathan.

[@iangoodwin345]

@@XploringOz Another great tip. Thanks mate!

[@dr.stefankurys-romer9316]

The VX has KDSS

[@michaelevangelista6781]

Great video - do you advise servicing the KDSS? My 200 just hit 100k miles and had all the fluids changed, would you recommend I do the same with the KDSS oil?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, so personally I wouldn't be servicing the KDSS system unless there a specific issue with the system. The KDSS is a full sealed unit and does not require regular maintenance. If there is a leak or damage to the unit, then yes, have a technician take a look. Cheers, Nathan.

[@micaaelnunnm82a1]

I live in the US and I have a Lexus GX 460 which would be like a high trim level Prado 150 I use it off-road all the time the kdss works great I've got 250,000 miles on my vehicle no leaks

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, nice vehicle. They are great 4WD’s and it’s great to hear that the KDSS system has been trouble free with all those miles on it 👍 I would love to go over landing through the US one day. Hopefully I’ll get the chance some day. Cheers, Nathan.

[@dentalprofashion2754]

Hi Nathan, Great video as always. I have a question about the diagnostic software you use in your videos. I just bought a LC low kilometres and really want to maintain myself. So if could please let me know what type of software you use and what's the ways to get my hands on one. Thank you.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoy the videos. So the software is called Toyota Techstream. It's designed for Toyota themselves, however there is plenty of free versions able to be downloaded online. The installation of this software onto the computer is difficult to say the least. I'm no IT tech savvy guy and struggled a lot to get it to work and I ended up sending the computer to a family member to install and pre-program for me. There is some good information on some of the forums about the software and installation process (probably better than I can explain). I hope this can help. Cheers, Nathan.

[@dentalprofashion2754]

Hi Nathan, Thanks heaps for the swift reply. I will do some research. On another topic. As I said to you I bought a 2008 LC with 70k on the odo. I don't trust anyone touching my cars so I maintain and fix myself. I found an aftermarkrt air filter installed at the last service. There was a small amount of dust on the clean side. I know the person that I bought from and luckily he is never been off road. 83 year young gentleman. My founding is that the dusting problem is partially from the seal but mainly from dust passing trough the filter element. My solution. I always use genuine parts and consumables. I installed a genuine air filter and instead of doubling up on the seal, I used double sided sticky tape. It has about 1ish mm thicknes. I don't do offroading on this car but I will report the results. I hope I didn't annoy you with my thoughts. Cheers Nik

[@XploringOz]

@@dentalprofashion2754 No problems and thanks for sharing your experience with your LC200. I have experimented with different air filters as I also noticed some light dusting on the clean side of the air box. I have tried both aftermarket filters and the tape on the air box method and so far, I have found the Unifilter to be fairly effective. I am usually one for remaining with standard parts as Toyota have spent millions on R&D, but I just couldn't continue to watch my clean side airbox get dusty, trip after trip. I hope you have seen some positive results with your method. Cheers, Nathan.

[@georgem579]

Sounds great but what about reliability?

[@994pt4]

Sick!...gonna get KDSS for sure!

[@masunan76]

good job mate... I just purchased prado GXL and how I wish I went for kakadu. I was wondering if u can also explain how much it will cost to fix the KDSS once they play up. Thanks

[@XploringOz]

It is a great system. To be honest, not sure of the repair costs. There isn't a whole lot of information out there regarding that information and I would only assume this is because its not a system that fails on a regular basis. In the end it's only hard lines and hydraulic fluid, so it wouldn't be that expensive.... I would have thought.

[@richard-mai]

Can the on road feeling be duplicated with sway bars alone, or is there more to the system that makes the car feel that way? (On-road only)

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, although the sway bars help minimise this body roll in the same manner, the KDSS system is dynamic, which means that it can accentuate the benefits depending on road conditions. This means that it will be more effective both on and off-road 👍 Cheers, Nathan.

[@nathanielcatsicas9792]

Any idea on the differences between the kdss in both the Landcruiser and Kakadu Prado? Ie, lengths, diameter, mounting points etc?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to compare the hardware on a Prado 150 with KDSS at this stage.

[@btoni2957]

thanks

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate 🙏

[@faisalalmannai5747]

G'day mate👋 After installing Fox Suspensions on my Land Cruiser there was a very obvious lean to the right. Amazingly, the lean disappeared after one month. Does the KDSS adjust itself automatically?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, I know of the lean that you are talking about, however the KDSS shouldn't be adjusting itself. It's probably either not KDSS related, or potentially a leak in the KDSS system?

[@Shakshuka69]

Yes and yes unless you're going to go as far as installing selectable lockers and 37" tires. Anything less won't offset the sacrifice of losing it because it really is a brilliant system.

[@XploringOz]

Agreed, great system and well worth the extra cost for the value. Cheers, Nathan.

[@CoastalGX]

Watching from Texas Gulf Coast! I installed a suspension lift on my GX460 and followed the instructions on releasing the KDSS pressure. The bolts were move back to their place after the lift was installed and the vehicle was in a level position. Although it’s not much, I noticed a slight lean to the passenger side. I have several friends with GX’s who have the same issue. Are you familiar with this problem? How can it be corrected? Thanks for the video!

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, yes this can be a problem with some of these KDSS equiped vehicles. The best video I can find on a solution is this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqW4g5eNa5uKg5Y I hope it can help. Cheers, Nathan.

[@CoastalGX]

@@XploringOz thanks for sharing!! I will try this technique!!

[@XploringOz]

@@CoastalGX Good luck with it mate!

[@pjc3163]

So it's definitely an option on the Prado 150 VX models? Toyota doesn't mention it on their web page. Must be one of those hidden option like parking sensors on the Prado GX...

[@XploringOz]

So I must correct myself here. Toyota dropped the KDSS suspension from their Prado VX in 2018. This is a little disappointing and makes the price increase even harder to swallow when upgrading from a GXL.

[@robstone4537]

20 years ago my Landrover Discovery 2 had a very similar system that hydraulically controlled the sway bars called ACE - active cornering enhancement. It had two accelerometers that measured cornering G’s and body roll and locked up the sway bars. It worked very well and gave the car very flat handling in corners. I recently upgraded to a new Prado and took a VX for test drive back to back with a KDSS equiped Kakadu as I wanted to see if the suspension was worth the extra cash. First traffic roundabout I hooked the Kakadu through I was sold on the KDSS.

[@GavinEarnshaw]

LR still use ACE but even more electronics. We could go back to Alex Moulton and hydralastic suspension or even further back to the Citroën 2CV for some of these ideas. Great explanation though.

[@XploringOz]

Some great systems out there and Toyota's KDSS is no exception. Great ingenuity and engineering. I agree though, the Toyota KDSS system is definitely worth the extra coin. Cheers, Nathan.

[@goinpk17]

The VX has KDSS too..

[@robstone4537]

@@goinpk17 VX used to have KDSS (which is why the VX also had 18 inch rims to clear the suspension components). Somewhere around 2015 the VX lost KDSS, now only the Kakadu has it.

[@ericjohnson6802]

Mmm..years ago we used to connect Munroe air assist shocks together front to back to achieve the same effect and to raise the 4wd hight with a regulator and air tank. Worked very well. So nothing brilliant here.

[@traviceo1075]

Great Explanation. I have this on my 2011 200 Series. Can you offer an explanation why the rear suspension get an uneven lean to usually passenger side when the Shock Absorbers are changed from factory ones for the first time and one has to lease the values and do some rectification procedures as explained in Project 200 videos in Australian Images channel? I had to do this on mine twice now and even use a 15mm shim to re level the rear. I would like to know why this happens although I know the fix for it now... Thanks

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video. I can comment on this, but it would probably be better explained in a seperate video. Am I correct in understanding your vehicle is developing a KDSS lean on its own accord (without suspension modification)?

[@traviceo1075]

@@XploringOz I developed a KDSS lean after I replaced to initial ser of Factory shocks at 75k with Bilstein Shocks. The Bilstein Shocks are fantastic on the 200, I have no lift, still using Factory springs. I'm not happy that I have to use a 15mm shim even after releasing the KDSS valve on the fix shown on Project 200. Please do a separate video on why this happens and If there is a better fix without a shim packer being needed.🙏

[@XploringOz]

@@traviceo1075 I will add it to the list. Cheers.

[@tierandonnelly1420]

Hi Nathan I would also like if you could do a video on how to fix the kdss lean. I have the same problem as Travice. Thanks mate

[@traviceo1075]

@@tierandonnelly1420 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqW4g5eNa5uKg5Y

[@jalarcon1061]

Hello, what about the response or acceleration of the 4runner? If I want to pass another car in a highway? Would it be responsiva, will it have enough horse power? I mean, since the second I step on the accelerator will it go? Or maybe it will experience a lag time?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, I wouldn't really be able to comment on the 4 Runner. Unfortunately we don't have them here in Australia and have little to no experience with them. If only we could get them 😢

[@martinlorenzo3193]

Is there any LC 200 version from 2014 model equiped without KDSS system?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, so yes the GX model and GXL models (that haven't opted for the extra upgraded) will not have the KDSS system.

[@jeffhall768]

It's great on stock suspension but it limits travel the more you lift. It's also a bit harsh offroad unless you're crawling. I took mine off after my Icon coilovers went on.

[@XploringOz]

interesting, I've haven't found any restrictions with higher lifts kits or the harshness you mentioned. I've been very happy with the performance of mine, even after aftermarket suspension has been installed 🤔

[@jeffhall768]

@@XploringOz because of the geometry of the system, the front passenger side specifically loses travel after a lift. The more lift, the less travel. The rear passenger does as well but not nearly as bad. Both driver side tires get an increase in travel with the right lift though. And the harshness offroad at speed comes from the hydraulic system of the kdss not being able to move very fast so its a lot smoother if you take it off. If you just do easy offroad stuff, you'll never notice and it's much better to keep kdss on because of its superior road handling.

[@jeffhall768]

It's a brilliant system for 99% of drivers. It's just not good for offroad, but no sway bar is.

[@Machiwi-vo9nb]

How can one fix the infamous KDSS lean?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, so I haven't covered this just yet, but there is a great video explaining how this can be fixed at home. Check it out here if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqW4g5eNa5uKg5Y

[@abirsanu]

OK, so now the question - on a regular city street at left or right turns in intersections that don't have ditches or potholes, only a simple flat surface, and the arms won't go lower or higher than maximum angles on the extremes how is KDSS going to help then? Is KDSS always kept turned on by the control system no matter what angles the suspension arms have? Otherwise, if it's not always ON then it doesn't make any sense to use it in a city with flat surfaces in left/right turns where the arm angles don't exceed a specific threshold or maximum angle to trigger the compression cylinders.

[@insaneitchy]

Kdss is primarily for city driving to counteract the lean of the vehicle for a better ride. Off-road the kdss on dirt also provides a better ride compared to my old 80 when at speed. Obstacle clearing it isn’t perfect as the vehicle does seem stiffer as the axles aren’t articulating as freely but that’s also a given with ifs vs fixed axle. Uneven sand obstacles a kdss vs non Kdss 200 I did notice the No kdss cruiser didn’t get stuck on a river bed crossin with rocks under the sand. The kdss cruiser would have wheels off the ground and lose traction.

[@abirsanu]

@@insaneitchy Primarily for city or not but definitively I will buy one with a KDSS system because I have already seen the difference. On a KDSS vehicle the sway bar is disconnected, and the wheel articulation is much higher than on a standard suspension without KDSS. It can be a 5-inch difference, which means on KDSS the wheel and tire will go much lower to reach the surface and have traction on offroad conditions instead of just having the wheel hanging in the air. So KDSS definitely worths it.

[@nomsolo9935]

How well does KDSS deal with off-camber 4wd trails?

[@XploringOz]

KDSS will have very limited effected on off-camber situations as both the suspension components would be compressing on the same side. The KDSS would just allow for this as per a normal suspension setup. Cheers, Nathan.

[@EvergreenOffroad]

There’s now a wiring kit so you can turn kdss on or off whenever you want kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIrWeJtsnNWUr7c

[@ButterOnMyBiscuit]

2015 4runner KDSS

[@XploringOz]

Awesome vehicles, unfortunately we don't get these in Australia...

[@ahsanashfaq5505]

Lc300 GR has eKDSS, how eKDSS different than normal KDSS ?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, something I haven't looked into at this stage. If I get the chance to experience the new electronic versions, I'll look at doing a comparison 👍

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

Toyota has a video showing what it does and a little on how it works. I guess it's all controlled by an ECU to lock it and unlock it rather than a completely mechanical system. I don't know if there's any button or switch, so the driver can control it.

[@MrBe787]

$1800 option for my OffRoad 4 Runner in USA

[@mikefoster7085]

It's a shame they didn't impliment the full KDSS system, what Toyota have is a "watered down" version of the original. That was something to see, and drive., I luckily had the chance to take one off road.

[@XploringOz]

I wasn’t aware of this. What sort of capability or extra components did this existing system Utilise?

[@mikefoster7085]

@@XploringOz hydraulic rams instead of springs and no control arms all running through a computer controlled hydraulic block. Depending on how you wanted it set up from the on board systems you could have full articulation or sports car handling. Full articulation put equal weight on all four wheels. Unfortunately was sold to Teneco (US co.) There are some samples of the full system around, but these are the developers own vehicles from memory, I drove a Jeep which had one of the systems in, ran 2 wheels over a roundabout, could only just feel the feedback from the suspension.

[@mikefoster7085]

Sorry I meant sway arms not control arms.

[@XploringOz]

@@mikefoster7085 wow, sounds like an awesome system. Too bad they did t implement a system like this into the LC200.

[@mikefoster7085]

@@XploringOz this will give you an idea of what it was like, but still nothing like the full system kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH7FkJ2XeZZpmrc

[@bdubs1967]

The problem I’ve had is it’s not serviceable and has to be replaced when the shocks start to leak. It’s incredibly expensive so I replaced with regular shocks. I fell zero difference.

[@XploringOz]

Interesting to hear that you didn't notice much of a difference. Saying that, I haven't heard of many leaking. How many kms did you do before it started causing issues?

[@bdubs1967]

It was around 80k miles. I didn't have any problems I could hear or feel and it was around 100k miles that it got really bad and I had to replace with normal shocks. I had a 2010 that started leaking around 90k miles as well. @@XploringOz

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

This system also used by WRC cars

[@XploringOz]

It’s a great system that benefits many disciplines. 👍

[@frankpino7854]

You forgot to mention if it's reliable. Is it?

[@XploringOz]

Good point. Well it has been in my experience. I've never had problem with it and it always appears to work as designed thus far 👍

[@tracktearer]

Wrong demonstration of how sway bar works. When one end sway bar is forced upward the the opposite end goes up also. They don’t twist opposite ways.

[@XploringOz]

Yes this is true, I'm demonstrating the effect on the swayer in a 4WD scenario whereby the opposing wheels are 'flexed' up or pushing against each other. This is when the KDSS system provides additional benefit.

[@tracktearer]

All is good.