KDSS on LC200 GXL as an option?
Submitted: Friday, Oct 16, 2009 at 21:37
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Member - Wamuranman
HI Everyone,
KDSS is an optional extra on GXL models (standard on VX and Sahara).
Questions:
(1) Is it worth the $$s to include on a GXL purchase?
(2) Is there any advantage with KDSS for black top driving (I know it gives greater articulation off road)?
(3) Is it an advantage/disadvantage for heavy towing (2700Kg +)
(4) Does KDSS work effectively with 280Kg sitting on towball?
(5) Comfort – is there any difference in ride comfort (on & off road) with KDSS? ie would you notice a difference if you had it/not have it?
Any other advice or comments re KDSS appreciated.
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 01:50
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 01:50
Hi Wamuranman,
I have the GXL TTD and went for KDSS option after driving both. IMHO it is definately worth the money and after 30,000kms, I consider it money
well spent. As you have mentioned, it significantly improves the off-road articulation, but on-road it also significantly improves the handling. It is most noticeable when corning as the vehicle stays exceptionally flat, but still has very supple
suspension for bumps.
As for towing, I do not think you will see much advantage, apart from the better ride (KDSS
suspension seems softer compared to a non-KDSS). The towball weight should have no effect on the KDSS, but you will be cornering much slower with that type of weight so the anti-roll benefit will not really be felt in that situation.
On a daily basis, the more supple ride of a KDSS is worth it alone, even if you don't need the off-road articulation or on-road cornering ability. If I was to be buying again, I would absolutely tick the KDSS option, the only reason why Toyota don't have it as standard is that the GXL TTD is their biggest seller and they can squeeze you for another $2,500 big ones.
If you log on to www.lcool.org there is a thread on the 200 section where this very question has been asked and it is a resounding YES for the KDSS option by virtually all 200 owners.
The idea that the KDSS adds significant weight is just one of the misconceptions by non-200 owners. The VX and Sahara get the KDSS as standard, but miss out on the 2nd tank as they have a sunroof, electric seats and leather and this is what adds the weight. The GXL with the KDSS option still has a higher load capacity than the VX and Sahara. The new 2009 VX and Sahara now have a 7
seat (instead of 8), no sunroof delete option to allow the 2nd fuel tank as a factory fit. While the GXL 200 load capacity is lower than the 100, it is rated at 670kg which is still marginally greater than the GU patrol at 665kg.
Cheers
Captain
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387447
Follow Up By: Member - Wamuranman - Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 07:13
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 07:13
Thanks Captain for your info. It is always good to get first hand experience rather than the sales talk from the dealers. Thats just what I wanted -
Cheers
Wamuranman
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654966
Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 14:08
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 14:08
Go for the KDSS. It's better in every way: on road (reduced sway), off road (greater wheel travel and apparently as good as diff-locks), resale value.
Just as an aside. Pay for the KDSS and resist the urge to upgrade your
suspension. I just put the 200 kg OME springs (and shocks) on and Polyair bags in anticipation of needing them for our new van. I wish now that I hadn't. The lifted vehicle made it difficult to select and set up the correct Reese hitch and WDH bars. If I had just installed the airbags there would have been less gnashing of teeth.
By the way the new BT is great. Love it.
AnswerID:
387477
Reply By: RobAck - Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 17:05
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 17:05
We've just finished some testing to see how much difference the KDSS makes and when you watch vehicles fitted with and without it traverse our advanced training track the most noticeable thing is how flat the 200 LC sits when compared to every other vehicle. Markedly different and by that we mean flatter so more comfortable and thus putting less stress on driver and
suspension.
From an on-road perspective the same applies. The vehicle sits flatter and is more comfortable as
well.
The comments regarding
suspension upgrade are worth considering. If you don't need an upgraded one then take your time and learn the vehicle before spending the $2500 approx for an upgrade you may never need.
Also remember that KDSS is not a load levelling device so too much downforce on a tow ball will still create a lowered rear end. All the KDSS will do is help slow the sway
Regards
Rob A
AnswerID:
387492
Follow Up By: Member - Wamuranman - Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 18:49
Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 18:49
Thanks everyone who has responded - this can be a powerful site to get first hand unbiased information very quickly.
Seems like KDSS is the go -
Cheers
Wamuranman
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