IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Any advantage of aftermarket LCA bushings over the stock GSF /RCF?

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Old 11-23-19, 09:38 AM
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Restomod
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Default Any advantage of aftermarket LCA bushings over the stock GSF /RCF?

Reading the numerous threads, I see most are installing RR racing or Figs LCA over the OEM GSF/RCF despite double the price of OEM. Is there any advantage to justify paying double for aftermarket ?

Thanks

Last edited by Restomod; 11-23-19 at 11:44 AM.
Old 11-23-19, 11:40 AM
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tom_s
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I have no experience with aftermarket RR or Figs as I did not want to think about bushing lubrication. I changed my LCA bushings to the stock RCF / GSF lower control arm brackets 17,000 miles ago and am completely satisfied. The only thing I hated about my stock IS350 was the bump steer and these RCF bushings made this problem disappear. FYI, these bushings are the only modification to my otherwise stock IS350.
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Old 11-23-19, 11:45 AM
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s3v3n
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OEM GSF/RCF -
1. Prevent inner tire wear (not completely but tremendously)
2. Same lexus-like steering response.

RR Racing USRS -
1. Prevent inner tire wear.
2. Improve steering response especially on corners. Some people claim that it's almost the same as BMW steering response.


On a side note, I do have the GSF/RCF bushings but I'm already considering buying the USRS for I know car will need another alignment after the PPE headers installation. I still have that slight front tire side-jerk that happens on sudden braking.
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Old 11-23-19, 12:12 PM
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The GS-F/RC-F bushings are not that expensive. I did not want a much stiffer ride, which from reading other threads, the Figs and RR Racing provide, the RR's being
even stiffer than the Figs, from my reading. I got mine from Monster Parts. I see they are having a 25% off sale for in stock parts currently. https://monsterparts.com/
Old 11-23-19, 12:21 PM
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Sasnuke
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RCF/GSF bushings are direct replacement without any specific setup process on install.
Aftermarket ones require periodic lubrication, specific install (as per the RRRacing ones), are twice the price, and some feel the road feedback is too much.
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Old 11-23-19, 01:03 PM
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swaangin
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as people stated above, not tryna lubricate repeatedly
Old 11-23-19, 04:58 PM
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Jeff Lange
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As far as I know, I was the first person to install the RC F/GS F bushings into a different car, at least that I've seen, and so I can tell you my reasons for why I did it, and why I didn't go with RR or FIGS.

RR or FIGS will definitely provide a more direct feeling, as well as better control of dynamic toe change under loads such as heavy braking. The downside is that they will require periodic maintenance and simply cannot hold up nearly as well in adverse conditions. Put simply, they are intended for track use. There are certain climates where they will hold up really well, but not everywhere. When do you drive your car?

The Lexus bushings are a good compromise that can be installed and forgotten about for an extended period of time. They won't squeak or seize and they don't require lubrication.
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Old 11-23-19, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff Lange
As far as I know, I was the first person to install the RC F/GS F bushings into a different car, at least that I've seen, and so I can tell you my reasons for why I did it, and why I didn't go with RR or FIGS.

RR or FIGS will definitely provide a more direct feeling, as well as better control of dynamic toe change under loads such as heavy braking. The downside is that they will require periodic maintenance and simply cannot hold up nearly as well in adverse conditions. Put simply, they are intended for track use. There are certain climates where they will hold up really well, but not everywhere. When do you drive your car?

The Lexus bushings are a good compromise that can be installed and forgotten about for an extended period of time. They won't squeak or seize and they don't require lubrication.
another good thing about OEM RC-F ones is that they look like stock, unlike figs or RR.
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Old 11-24-19, 08:51 AM
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The RCF/GSF bushings did the trick for me to mostly rid myself of the inner tire wear issue. I didn’t notice much of a difference in steering response, but I already find the 3IS to have very good steering response for what it is: a slightly sporty luxury sedan. I didn’t want to deal with the extra hassle of the aftermarket options, nor do I need it for a daily driven car that doesn’t see competition or track action haha.
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Old 11-24-19, 09:16 AM
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Thanks everyone for the info. I just ordered OEM GSF/RCF 48075 and 48076 bushings from Lexus Parts Now. ​​​
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Old 11-25-19, 12:46 PM
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ISTreeFidi
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Unfortunately I do not have the space to do this swap myself. Anyone had luck getting the dealer to install these bushings? Is neighborhood mechanic good enough?
Old 11-25-19, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ISTreeFidi
Unfortunately I do not have the space to do this swap myself. Anyone had luck getting the dealer to install these bushings? Is neighborhood mechanic good enough?
Anyone with jack and jackstands, preferably jack lift can do this. Much better with a neighborhood mechanic.
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Old 11-25-19, 01:18 PM
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My regular mechanic did it. Easy, especially for them with a lift. Should take a half hour. Have your alignment checked as well, though it shouldn't change anything I was told.
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Old 11-25-19, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Restomod
Thanks everyone for the info. I just ordered OEM GSF/RCF 48075 and 48076 bushings from Lexus Parts Now. ​​​
what was the offset for those?
Old 11-26-19, 03:50 AM
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Originally Posted by sunamer
what was the offset for those?
I kept it stock with "0" offset


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