gawillet

Hello everyone,
After a lot of reading and many searches, I’m trying to gather information or opinions on suspension and wheels/tires for my ’99 ES300. It has 80k miles and runs like a dream. Although the ride quality has gone to the wayside.

I’m starting to buy parts this week so if you could help me at all with exactly what I’ll need to purchase that would be awesome!

First I’m planning on replace most of the suspension (shocks/Strut, springs, strut mounts). I want the ride to stay close to stock except I’d like to lower it 1” with H&R springs.

Can I buy OEM parts and just add aftermarket springs or will I blow the OEM shocks?

What are my options and what are your recommendations? I’ve read about KYB GR-2 parts but I’ve heard good and bad reviews.

I’ve looked at tirerack.com and they have KYB struts, H&R springs , and strut mounts. Does anyone here use this setup?
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/S...lar=&brand=all

For rims/tires I want to run 17x7.5 rim with 215/50/17. What backspacing or offset should I use?
Here are the rims I’m looking at:
17x7.5

Offset: +35mm Backspacing: 5.66" Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 215/50-17
Weight: 22.8lbs.

17x7

Offset: 42mm Backspacing: 5.66" Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 215/50-17
Weight: 22.4lbs.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help you can offer!