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.

This guy is a natural teacher. Love this dude!

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!

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!

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.

My son’s 2006 sport edition has x-reas with 170k miles. No problems. Rides nice, even off road.

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.

I unplugged the Xreas and installed some Bilstein 5100. Best desicion ever.

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.

Thank you so much for explaining this, gonna get a 2024 4 runner with KDSS!

Put on regular shocks that is good to know.... This channel is saving me money all the time'

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!

4Runner 4Ever 💪🏼 Thanks for this series!

KDSS is simply amazing 👏. Like a car on road... but full articulation off road 😃

KDSS is really awesome especially on road in reducing the roll over while turning , I don’t feel conscious now on curvy roads.

1 shock on the front, 1 shock on the rear on KDSS. Awesome vids, loving the series!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Thank you for this 4runner series - well done.. longtime subscribed + 👍

When my X-Reas started leaking I removed it and installed Billstein 5100s. Probably doesn’t handle quite as good but it was by far cheaper to fix.

I’ve got like 115K on my XREAS. Plus I have 2” spacer lift. So far so good.

The content is amazing. No BS and all facts. May you continue to show us your wisdom!

Thank you for your usual honest review of 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.

this video helped me choose between the SR5 and limited

Thank you master tech AMD this 4runner series is a great information about 4runner owners.

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.

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👍

While after the fact, you affirm I made a good decision selecting the KDSS. Thanks for sharing.

And once again thank you for this series, I love my 1 year old 4runner, and this information.

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 so appreciate you and this channel. Thank You so much!

Thanks for a very honest and helpful video. Your hard work is appreciated!

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.

Great series. I have a 2021 4Runner and love it

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.

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.

Can’t wait to see 100K subscribers, you deserve it!!!!

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.

This guy is a genius

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.

Thank you for the detailed information!! I have been trying to figure out the differences with those two systems!

Great 4 Runner videos, I continue to learn and appreciate. Thanks for sharing..

Life is good for sure,especially considering the alternative.

Love this series. Toyota keeps what works.

Picking up my new to me 2016 4runner trail premium with kdss with a cool 198.430 miles on her. Fingers crossed

Great video and informative….I just replaced my X-REAS on my 2016 Limited 4x4 a 49K. I couldn’t justify the $4K replacement with no guarantee and happy with my replacement shocks and my ride quality didn’t change. Toyota needs to kill this system.

AMD - Attention to Minute Details! Thank you for this awesome series brother!

You did nice job explaining this suspension system and how it works, thank you

Thanks for this info. Can you do a video on the TRD PRO and TRD OFF ROAD suspensions ? If you don't mind. Thanks.

Great info on 4Runner suspension systems. Thank you AMD, God bless you.

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.

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

Some of the best info that I had no idea about...thanks AMD 👌😊👍

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.

I have 2006 sport edition with x-reas and working very good. 210000 miles.

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.

Looks like recipe for reliability is keeping it ancient and keep developing it year over year the same thing

Thank you for this info. Never knew about this.

Great video explaining pro’s and cons

LOVE this series

Appreciate your great help I have been watching your all videos

Thanks for the video. Now I will get the trd offroad with kdss.

Love these series.

Excellent video, very informative! Thank you!

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.

Mr.AMD Great Review and information 👍👍🗽🇺🇲 The Vermonter

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I have learned SO MUCH!

Thank you so much for these videos. PRICELESS STUFF 🙏🙏🙏

I love this guy too!

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.

Good info! Going to Billsteins this spring.

Thanks for all these great videos!

Base SR5 4wd is all I need.

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 🙂.

Great explanation… will help me decide which model to buy!

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.

Pretty sure the KDSS only has one front “shock” and one rear “shock”, but otherwise good explanation.

That was very helpful. Thank you

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!

The Toyota guru.

Would greatly appreciate it, if you can do a trans oil drain and fill on 4Runner. Thank you so much

Wife’s ORP (2020) doesn’t have KDSS, my 2021 has KDSS, it’s night and day! I would rather drive my ORP than the non KDSS.

Great video by the way!

Love your series. Very helpful. Can you tell me the difference between a 4runner SR5 and the TRD

Gosh he makes you want to go buy a 4Runner!

Replaced my springs and shocks with dobinson. Way better no nose dive no lean in curve. Suspension was my only complaint on mine.

Very very informative.. thank you !!

Thanks for sharing my friend.

My 24 TRD Sport does have the X-Reas. I guess I will replaced them if I ever need to however I don't keep cars more than 5 years and drive about 5k a year so hopefully never have to deal with it.

Thanks. Very good video.

I have a 2015 Tacoma 4×4. I see alot of videos about people changing the CV axles to get rid of the needle bearings and replace with a different type of bearing. Wondering what your opinion is on whether to stick with the needle bearings or change to the different style.

Great video very informative thanx 👍

Oh man, if I had watched this video before I purchased my 4runner, I would definitely not chose the limited trim. But now it is too late.

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.

Very informative Thank you

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

Great video!