Should you buy a Toyota 4runner? Is the suspension good?
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- Should you buy a Toyota 4Runner? Why is this ancient truck so reliable? A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes into a deep dive into the suspension of the 4runner to find why it's called Ancient and why it's reliable.
In this brand new series on my channel I will take you on a Journey of discovery if you would on the very popular 5th generation Toyota 4runner expanding from 2010-2021. I will go over most of the major components of the 4runner so we can find out together what makes this truck ancient and what makes it reliable.
In this part of the series I will take you on a tour of the 5th generation 4runner suspension. Including the basic construction of the front and rear suspension.
I will focus heavily on the 2 systems on the suspension that are often misunderstood and confused. The KDSS ( Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ) and the X-REAS (X- Relative Absorber System )
The KDSS being the sway bar control and the X-REAS being shocks.
I'll discuss the basic function of each system, how they work and their common service procedures Including the expensive X-REAS system which requires expensive parts replacements when shocks leak.
In the next part of this series I will take you in a deep dive into the frame of the 4runner and it's common issues with rust.
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#thecarcarenut #4runner #toyota4runner #4runneroffroad
0:00 Intro
1:09 Front Suspension
2:15 KDSS
5:45 X-REAS
10:43 Rear Suspension 
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This guy is a natural teacher. Love this dude!
One of his videos told me what to look for when looking to buy a 4Runner that's used so he basically help me buy a 4Runner hell yeah he's awesome
Protect this national treasure at all costs.
We just bought our first 4Runner and we are totally blown away by the quality of this vehicle! It’s a beast and we look forward to being able to go anywhere, pull our boat or TAB320 with no problems. All the bad stuff everyone says about this car is not there for me. Now in fairness this is two years old, we have a 2023, but we wanted one before the 4 cylinder turbo that everyone is saying is coming. I appreciate all your knowledge, I’ve been watching to learn as much as I can about the 4Runner. Thanks for your no nonsense info!
How's it been working out as a tow rig?
@@trailrunnah8886 I’m having no problems. We just went up into some pretty high mountain, (3K) and it pulled fine. It’s rated at 5000 lbs, and our TAB is really light, but we also have a boat which is a lot heavier and it pulls it out at the boat ramp no problems.
My 2024 4Runner with KDSS is impressive in the twisties. It seriously blew my mind how much you can push it in corners. The limiting factor is now the tires.
My son’s 2006 sport edition has x-reas with 170k miles. No problems. Rides nice, even off road.
After my 16 SR5 got stolen I bought 18 limited with X-REAS, MAN, the difference was day and night especially when you cornering. However, I just traded it in for 21TRD Offroad with KDSS. One thing for sure is behind the wheel of any model of 4runner just magically makes me happy EVERY SINGLE time.
What was better - KDSS or XREAS?
@@erickdiaz6152 I don't off-road although I bought off-road model, for pure city drive XREAS > KDSS>STOCK, but both are significantly better than stock.
I've got the X-REAS on my 2011 4Runner Limited, with 151K on it. I've had it for four years and I'm still impressed by how well it handles for a 4,800 lbs vehicle. It handles better than some sedans!
Relative to kdss X-Reas works in unison with each other. Kdss works individually XReas is the best handling system
And once again thank you for this series, I love my 1 year old 4runner, and this information.
AMD - Attention to Minute Details! Thank you for this awesome series brother!
The content is amazing. No BS and all facts. May you continue to show us your wisdom!
Thank you master tech AMD this 4runner series is a great information about 4runner owners.
Thank you for your usual honest review of systems!
I unplugged the Xreas and installed some Bilstein 5100. Best desicion ever.
At what milage was this done? I am running 5100's on my F-250 Ford. Night and day performance difference. Thank you for any help.
Thank you for the detailed information!! I have been trying to figure out the differences with those two systems!
Thank you Mr CarCareNut sir for all your information And the comments from 4runner owners is very helpful. I hope to buy my 1st 4runner soon in 2023.
4Runner 4Ever 💪🏼 Thanks for this series!
Thanks for a very honest and helpful video. Your hard work is appreciated!
I have a 2005 4Runner SportEdition (all 4th gen SE's had X-REAS, with the system being optional on other trims), and when it worked, it worked pretty well for keeping the vehicle level. But when the shocks wore out (the fronts wore out really bad and the nose was sagging down a bit), I just removed the whole system and put normal shocks on, and it's been fine ever since. My dad also has a 4Runner (a 2013 TrailEdition) that has KDSS and after driving both back to back, his rides and handles better in basically every scenario. Thank you for the 4Runner series, it's really interesting learning things about vehicles that have been in my family for as long as I have been alive (my dad has owned a '95 SR5 V6, my '05 SE V6, and now his '13 TE) Keep up the great work!
You did nice job explaining this suspension system and how it works, thank you
Thank you for this 4runner series - well done.. longtime subscribed + 👍
Per the conversation we had I traded in my FJ Cruiser for a new 4Runner TRD-Off Road Premium. No KDSS and no X-REAS. Sad to see the FJ gone but happy to start my offroad mods on the 4Runner!
Thank you so much for explaining this, gonna get a 2024 4 runner with KDSS!
Thanks for another great video , good to know about the troublesome xreas , i have a 13 SR5 4x2 , the simple beast on it's purest form.
Great 4 Runner videos, I continue to learn and appreciate. Thanks for sharing..
Can’t wait to see 100K subscribers, you deserve it!!!!
I know this is an old video, so you probably won't see this, but I found this, as well as your other videos very helpful. Thank you.
Great series. I have a 2021 4Runner and love it
Wow great video. I went to see a used limited with 96k miles. Both front shocks were red and leaking. They wanted $28k. Now I know why👍
Love this series. Toyota keeps what works.
Put on regular shocks that is good to know.... This channel is saving me money all the time'
Great info on 4Runner suspension systems. Thank you AMD, God bless you.
Your videos keep getting better... this is making me want to trade in my 2015 Tundra to get a 2021 before the redesign. My wife's 2019 Off Road is outstanding.
Better go ahead and pick up that new Tundra while you can still get the V8!
Some of the best info that I had no idea about...thanks AMD 👌😊👍
I so appreciate you and this channel. Thank You so much!
I had off road premium. Never swapped the suspension but would have if I kept it. Traded that in on 2021 TRD PRO 4Runner. I like the FOX suspension. I will do a mild lift though, already have the CORNFED spacers, 2” fnt/1.5” rear, that I will go with for awhile.
Changed soft/worn suspension on wife's 2013 4runner SR5 130,000 miles with Eibach 2.75" lift + level suspension kit ($700 USD) + install. Not as good off-roading as it's stiffer but much better handling on pavement and far less nose dive breaking 👍
I’m about to pick up a gx460 just like you did. Would love to see a series dedicated to your gx and how you maintain in the future. I’ve seen the undercoating and will do the same. Love your videos!
this video helped me choose between the SR5 and limited
KDSS is really awesome especially on road in reducing the roll over while turning , I don’t feel conscious now on curvy roads.
I have 2006 sport edition with x-reas and working very good. 210000 miles.
I just bought a 2022 4Runner TRD Sport yesterday with x-reas. Glad you said, if it fails just replace it with regular shocks. I was starting to get buyers remorse...sort of.
Drove both, decided on non-KDSS on my 21 ORP. Second mod I did (after tires) was ditch the stock struts/shocks. The Bilstein 5100s took care of the body roll and much of the brake dive. Did them myself for $400 plus a $100 alignment. No KDSS reliability issues down the road.
That was helpful because I am concerned about bodyroll. Thank you
KDSS is very reliable
Love my 2015 premium trail. KDSS is very reliable. Best stable drive ever, kicks ass off road.
What KDSS reliability issues? Very Rare you hear of KDSS issues
How are the Bilstein’s smoother ride? Looking now for struts and shocks. Thank you in advance.
Great video and fantastic explanation of the 4Runners suspensions. In my 2019 TRD OR with a regular suspension - I replaced the standard factory shocks and struts with Bilstein 5100's. The 5100's let you adjust ride height on the fronts so you can level out the truck. They also help tremendously with the trucks tendency to nose dive. When the X-REAS system in my Limited wears out I will just replace it with the Bilstein 5100's also.
Excellent video, very informative! Thank you!
Appreciate your great help I have been watching your all videos
While after the fact, you affirm I made a good decision selecting the KDSS. Thanks for sharing.
I test drive a TRD off road and it was a little soft but I didn’t mind it. I decided to go all in and get on the list for the TRD pro. I’m confident it will be a nice ride with the Fox shocks. Have yet to drive one though.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I have learned SO MUCH!
Thanks for all these great videos!
Thank you for this info. Never knew about this.
Love these series.
Life is good for sure,especially considering the alternative.
Thanks for the video. Now I will get the trd offroad with kdss.
Mr.AMD Great Review and information 👍👍🗽🇺🇲
The Vermonter
Picking up my new to me 2016 4runner trail premium with kdss with a cool 198.430 miles on her. Fingers crossed
Thank you so much for these videos. PRICELESS STUFF 🙏🙏🙏
LOVE this series
Another great video and timely! Just pulled the xreas shocks out of the back of my 06 V8 limited and replaced them with Bilsteen 5100s and OME HD coils for hauling around a motorcycle hitch carrier and towing. Went with the meduim duty in the front. Going to get those in tomorrow. Hoping the ride isn't crazy harsh when unloaded but I'm fairly sure ill have less roll than I did with the xreas that was on there 😂. I'm sure it will be worth the heavier coils when I'm all weighed down.
I have the Venture Edition with the KDSS and I love how it performs on and off road. Only thing I miss is that I’d really like to have a factory 2” lift like the PRO but hey.
its not like you cant lift it and have both.
1 shock on the front, 1 shock on the rear on KDSS. Awesome vids, loving the series!
Correct 2 shox on drivers side and solid supports on the other.
KDSS is simply amazing 👏. Like a car on road... but full articulation off road 😃
Thanks for this info. Can you do a video on the TRD PRO and TRD OFF ROAD suspensions ? If you don't mind. Thanks.
Can you please make a video about trd pro fox shocks system and the KDSS system? There are a lot people looking to learn which system is better on-road/off-road and also reliability. Toyota charges more for the pro with the fox shocks, claiming that it’s the best for both on-road and off-road. But is it really true? Which system is more practical and also reliable? Thank you. Love your videos.
I’ve got like 115K on my XREAS. Plus I have 2” spacer lift. So far so good.
@Mctrician2 , it’s from Rough Country. I believe it’s 2” on a front, 1” on a back. I needed to accommodate 275/55r20s. Looks good, imho. Ride quality is about the same.
I had a 2004 4runner with the X-REAS system. It improved the handling over the non X-REAS system markedly. Coupled with the 4.7 V8, my 4Runner was quite a little flat handling rocket. I never had any problems with the X-REAS system. No leaks. No issues. However, I only had my 2004 4Runner about 4 years. I know of several examples of 4Runners with the XREAS system that have had the problems that AMD describes in this video. Especially when the truck gets to be 8, 9, 10+ years. Very expensive to fix. Cheaper to rip out and put traditional dampers. For these reasons, I wouldn't buy a vehicle with this system again. My .02.
That was very helpful. Thank you
Very very informative.. thank you !!
Great video explaining pro’s and cons
KDSS is a game changer only reason not to get it is if you're going to heavily modded or lift it more than three inches
Great explanation… will help me decide which model to buy!
Great video very informative thanx 👍
Thanks for sharing my friend.
Great video by the way!
Good info! Going to Billsteins this spring.
X-REAS gives you superpowers. My 2020 limited corners amazingly.
KDSS controls the sway bars. Allowing greater suspension articulation for serious off road capabilities.
X-REAS …. Connects the opposite corner shocks together through a hydraulic system creating a suspension that reacts to the vehicles body or road input resulting in a well planted …non swaying or nose diving platform.
If you want to have more suspension travel for better crawling capabilities off road, go with KDSS.
If you want cornering ability on the road and still great off road ability go with X-REAS.
Killed the X-REAS on my 2014 Limited after 102k miles. Started leaking oil from both shocks on the rear. Loved the result with regular suspension!
Know this was a long time ago, but would you say it made the car ride better? or was it comparable to the XREAS before it leaked?
@@MarckySportsDenver I would say X-REAS handles noticeably better on street/ highway driving. Especially on the higher speed turns and highway curves. Stability and handling is better. After all it only came in with Toyota LC200, Lexus GX and LX besides 4Runner Limited models. But you wouldn't really notice the difference if you're a average Joe :)
While I realize that since you work for Toyota you may not be allowed to cover certain topics but what we owners need is a good video series on suspension modifications to lifted 4Runners. Specifically I'd like to see you cover aftermarket KDSS Spacers (Treaty Oak Off-road, Black gate Customs and track bars like Sonoran Steel). Thanks in advance
@Mctrician2 I'm in no way an expert, I think the main problem with lifted 4Runners with KDSSS is it limits the amount of articulation if actually off roading. Some heavy off roaders remove the sway bar for the same reason. For light off road or trails I think it's worth it from what I've been told.
Very informative
Thank you
Great video!
KDSS...at 4:53 it is stated that, with this system 'you have four shocks (hydraulic rams) on the sway bars'.
Well technical illustrations show only two shocks, one left front and one right rear.
Great information!!! The 2022 4runner TRD Sport comes standard with xreas. Uh oh! Thanks!!!
Great video, a new suscriber
Good stuff!! Thank you! 🔥🔥🔥If I get new suspensions, would you recommend getting rid of the whole x-reas system? Like getting the whole system out of the car?
This guy is a genius
Great educational video! Which models have which system?
Love your series. Very helpful. Can you tell me the difference between a 4runner SR5 and the TRD
Hi! The designations varied through the years. Basically the SR5 is closer to the base model and the TRD off road is a high trim and the TRD Pro is a special edition and the limited is the highest
Wonderful series on the 4runner and I really appreciate the detail. I hope you do an add-on video(s) for the Lexus GX460. Best regards,
Thanks. Very good video.
Thanks for this. I picked up a really nice 2005 V8 4 runner. It has the X-reas and seems ok as there is no rust and been in FL it’s whole life. Probably never seen dirt either. I didn’t know you can’t check fluids etc so I guess we’ll strip it out for new shock system all around soon and not be concerned about it any more.
My Toyota Camry se 2013 ,I have done a lot of Ubering with, after 40 50 k miles front struts and shocks has been going very bad . I haven't fixed it yet. now it's been 148000 miles, is it dangerous and risky not to fix it. I love your videos . Thanks
Thank you so much for your outstanding videos. I have learned so much. Last month, I purchased a 4Runner ORP. It only has 200 miles and I am experiencing the steering wheel shimmy at 62 mph. When researching this issue online I was astounded to find the number of people who are suffering the same thing. Many of them have tried numerous things and have not been able to solve the problem. I am wondering if you could make a video with some information that could help us out. It seems there is something going on with the 4Runners and Tacomas besides tire balance.
Did you find a fix for it yet thanks
Love my 4Runner Limited...no problems (so far), but the more I see, the more I want to replace the X-REAS with some decent shocks. Had it in about a month ago and thought the suspension was going out. Turns out the hood bumpers were too low 🙂.
Thanks for another great video on the 4Runner. I want to get a 4Runner for it's ability to be a good daily driver and a good off-roader (not rock crawler) in stock condition or near stock meaning adding a better off road tire (tougher side wall, better traction off road, hybrid AT/MT tire) that is still comfortable on the road (not too noisy) and a 2" lift. I don't like the MPG of the 4runner as my only vehicle but it's not a deal breaker for all the other benefits it offers (the elimination of the cost of insurance on a 2nd car makes up for the extra $$$ spent on gas each year) . If I buy new, I'll keep it and take EXCELLENT care it of it for 20+ years as my only daily driver due to the higher purchase cost....unless the price of gas in 10yrs becomes crazy expensive and forces me to sell. I'm struggling right now with buying something used or buying new. The used prices for 5 yrs old and 75K miles are so close to the new price it doesn't make any sense to buy used and not have the upgraded driver assist safety packages and the assurance the previous owner did not abuse or neglect the truck. Buying a 5th Gen 10 years old is still expensive with a lot more miles and again who knows how it was maintained, how much life it has left, what things are getting close to failure due to age in years and age in usage. I'm 65, retired, buying new is a financial stretch but doable, will probably be my last car purchase in my lifetime. With that said, I have a couple of "opinion" and "crystal ball" questions for you. Crystal Ball Question: do you think 5 to 10 years out (2026 to 2031 model year) there will be a 4Runner Hybrid with a decent gas motor, 2 to 4 electric motors and a battery bank with range similar to the current Rav4 Prime with 40 miles of range per charge? If yes will the weight of the battery and the 2 to 4 electric motors with the gas engine add so much weight or be located in such vulnerable areas that it nullifies this future vehicle's off road capability compared to it's off road capability in 2021? Do you think a hybrid as described above will add an additional 20% - 25% to the price tag above a non electric optioned vehicle at that future date? Opinion Question: Assuming I put 10K miles on my vehicle per year, would you suggest getting a 10 yr old 4Runner now to carry me over for 5 years at which time I reevaluate the technological state of the new 4Runner or the same idea getting a 5 year old 4Runner now carrying me for 10 years to then reevaluate the 2030 models? It's hard for me to imagine the 4Runner being 100% electric in 5 years but I suppose it's possible in 10 years when infrastructure is everywhere for "re-charging" while on long trips. Sorry for the long question and if you don't feel comfortable answering any of it I understand.
Hi! Honestly to answer your question without the crystal ball I would wait a bit for the details on the upcoming tundra hybrid. When that comes out we’ll see if a truck hybrid works or it doesn’t really get good gas mileage. With a 4Runner you’re likely better off buying new and keeping it long. At any point if you want to change it they hold their value so well you won’t loose as much
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks for your opinion, I do appreciate it.
You make an excellent assessment of the use case for the 4Runner, that's exactly why I got mine, and how I use it. Just curious what you ended up going with?
@trailrunnah8886 I ended up buying a 2015 Xterra Pro-4 (locking rear axle), low mileage, plush like new interior, fully armored bottom, sliders, steel bumpers front and back, Warn Winch nicely disguised inside front bumper, 2" lift, new 33" BFG's, new UCA's (upper control arms), roof rack, and then tons of goodies that came with it worth a few $K. Everything the previous owner did to this vehicle was part of my long range plan. I got it all, plus some, up front, and for less than half the price I would have paid for an equivalent year and mileage and equipped 4-Runner. The Xterra has basically the same engine, torquey V-6 with the same crappy mileage and awesome reliability. I had never even considered the Xterra and knew nothing about it until stumbling upon some videos of JonDZ Adventuring who welcomes all brands and had some vids with statistics on crawl ratios and friends who came along with 4-runners and Xterra's etc... It was an eye opener. I'm not a Fan Boy of any brand and still think the 4-runner is a great rig but I also think my Xterra is very close to the 2nd most capable trim level of the 4-runner back in 2021 and I saved $20K - $25K that will buy me a lot of gas for a long time. @@trailrunnah8886
Great info 👍
Love the videos you make.
I have a 4runner TRD off road (‘23) with KDSS and want to lift the front to match the TRD Pro look. How many inches should I lift? I have ordered a pair of Bilstein 6112 set at 1.4” will that be too much or too little? Thanks
Pretty sure the KDSS only has one front “shock” and one rear “shock”, but otherwise good explanation.
Great videos! I’ve had three kdss equipped 4Runners and under hard braking the nose dives practically into the pavement! I’d hate to see what an SR5 does! Only after replacing the shocks did that problem go away. Also in northern climates like here in Quebec where they put a ton of road down in the winter, we get a lot of corrosion even if we get rustproofing done. My previous 4Runner had a kdss cylinder leaking in the rear and the cost to replace it at Toyota including labour was over $4000!!! Most dealers here aren’t even equipped to work on let alone know what kdss is, they have to borrow the tools from a Lexus dealership. I ended up trading the truck in for a newer one.
thanks for sharing, I am considering the KDSS model for its on road benefits, however, $4000 is ridiculous for a simple system. Will have to consider without KDSS. How many miles on your 4R?. Do you off road a lot?
@@pall5114 it had roughly 150000 kms on it when it sprung a leak. The previous owner didn’t take good care of the underside though. It was a 2013 and compared to my 2011 which I totaled...😒 my 2011 was in great shape KDSS included! You have to remember also parts and accessories in Canada cost double compared to the states. If you don’t live in the rust belt I’m sure KDSS will be problem free. I off-road occasionally, nothing too rough
Why are you braking hard? If the light is yellow go through it. You are sitting up high, you can see traffic slowing way ahead of time.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q I don’t know 🤷🏼♂️ I guess there are no other situations where one would need to apply sudden pressure, harder than usual on the brakes other than not paying attention to the situation at an upcoming traffic light...
@@timbrown7980 Yeah no one ever pulls out in front of other vehicles or cuts in last minute. 🤦🏻♂️ I’d love to drive wherever “B” drives and not have to deal with idiots on the road. I really don’t like the nose dive either and my 22 OR-P has KDSS. I wish it didn’t come with it as it is an expensive complex system that narrows the number of lift kits available and increases the price.
Excellant, have the "X" system on my Limited. Noted fluid leaks. $800-1000 parts. Bah humbug. Gonna make life simple as recommended. Your a Saint, thanks for info. What would you recommend for a good road ride. Rancho? Live in pothole USA. Again thanks you may friend, Mike
You’re the man!
Looks like recipe for reliability is keeping it ancient and keep developing it year over year the same thing
Color me stupid, but I bought a 2016 Trail Premium new. I don't have a clue which system I have. I put BF Goodrich KO2s on her when I bought it, as I'm disabled, and can't shovel snow anymore. It only has 8600 miles, but should I be worried? Great channel, BTW!
Thanks for this explanation ! I wonder if you could show us how to disconnect the X-Reas system as it is wicked expensive to replace ? Also, what shcks would you recommend replacing after the X-reas system is dico'ed ? Thanks, Ray