Upgrading Shocks from 2010 (Bilstein or 2013 OE)
06-23-17, 02:07 AM
#1
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Upgrading Shocks from 2010 (Bilstein or 2013 OE)
Hey All,
I have a 2010 ISF with blown OEM shocks and probably worn out springs.
I've been doing research for weeks now.
I'm looking for the smoothest and most comfortable ride possible (must pass wife's approval) for the Lexus.
My understanding is that anything prior to the 2011, the OEM suspension was not very refined compared to the 2012 and 2013.
I would like to run lowering springs as well, although that would place the setup further away from comfort.
My question is, which would be closer to what I'm looking for? There's so many different reviews out there, it's been difficult to determine. Especially when there's a differences in OEM shock design throughout the years.
Bilstein B6 OE Replacement Shocks? But with which lowering springs?
or..
2013 OEM Shocks? But with which lowering springs?
Any help, advice, input, or experience would be greatly appreciated!
I have a 2010 ISF with blown OEM shocks and probably worn out springs.
I've been doing research for weeks now.
I'm looking for the smoothest and most comfortable ride possible (must pass wife's approval) for the Lexus.
My understanding is that anything prior to the 2011, the OEM suspension was not very refined compared to the 2012 and 2013.
I would like to run lowering springs as well, although that would place the setup further away from comfort.
My question is, which would be closer to what I'm looking for? There's so many different reviews out there, it's been difficult to determine. Especially when there's a differences in OEM shock design throughout the years.
Bilstein B6 OE Replacement Shocks? But with which lowering springs?
or..
2013 OEM Shocks? But with which lowering springs?
Any help, advice, input, or experience would be greatly appreciated!
06-23-17, 08:13 AM
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06-23-17, 08:22 AM
#4
I have 2012 ISF, as much as it is an improvement over the older shocks.. I still couldn't really stand it for comfort.. I upgraded to BCR + Swift Spring.. although the ride comfortable improved.. the setup just felt cheap in ride quality.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
06-23-17, 12:13 PM
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I have 2012 ISF, as much as it is an improvement over the older shocks.. I still couldn't really stand it for comfort.. I upgraded to BCR + Swift Spring.. although the ride comfortable improved.. the setup just felt cheap in ride quality.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
06-23-17, 12:52 PM
#6
I have 2012 ISF, as much as it is an improvement over the older shocks.. I still couldn't really stand it for comfort.. I upgraded to BCR + Swift Spring.. although the ride comfortable improved.. the setup just felt cheap in ride quality.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
If I had to do it again.. I would have considering going with Bilstein instead.
06-23-17, 01:24 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Springs very rarely "wear out" unless you are in a climate with salted roads. I would skip replacing with anything that is OEM shocks. Bilstein B6 are your best best if not going to a coilover setup (which I don't recommend based on your description of goals). If you would like a mild lowering I would absolutely recommend the Swift springs. Bilstein/Swift should make a great combination for a cost effective daily driver with low maintenance and a wife acceptable ride quality. That is what I will put in my 2008 when I get around to that point. at 73k mi my suspension still rides like it did when I bought it new (rough).
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06-23-17, 04:15 PM
#8
Several reasons it feels cheap
1. Adjustment of hard/soft.. there is a non-linear change.. adjusting just a click or 2 has large change on how it handles.. instead of a incremental change. I could never get a perfect level of comfort because of the huge change just by 1 click. My adjustments only produced a comfort level best described as "fair" or a 6/10, stock oem 2012 was probably a 4/10.
2. No matter what I adjust.. at low speed.. any decent bump/hole in the road is felt and not handle in a smooth manner.
Last edited by jadeboy; 06-23-17 at 04:22 PM.
06-23-17, 06:23 PM
#10
RR Racing has new coilovers setup cost 2k, you can also talk with FiGS Engineering. Or go with Bilstein B6 with swift springs. What surprised me after all these years no one has tried this combination yet of the Bilstein B6 as with the Swift spings in theory they should work well, had they made the B8 that would really have been Optimum for us but unfortunately they don't make them for our car.
06-25-17, 05:32 PM
#12
Tech Info Resource
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If the goal is a comfortable ride, this is the wrong platform. You would be way ahead to get a late model IS350 or GS350 to end the pain.
This car was never, ever, setup with a "comfortable" suspension. It got compromised over the years to reduce complaints about the stiff ride of the original iteration, but it has never been comfortable, much less plush.
If you want the car to be something it was never intended to be, you can try lots of things, but it will never perform the way it was intended to perform, and it will be hamstrung every time you ask it to do what it was designed to do.
This car was never, ever, setup with a "comfortable" suspension. It got compromised over the years to reduce complaints about the stiff ride of the original iteration, but it has never been comfortable, much less plush.
If you want the car to be something it was never intended to be, you can try lots of things, but it will never perform the way it was intended to perform, and it will be hamstrung every time you ask it to do what it was designed to do.
The following 5 users liked this post by lobuxracer:
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06-25-17, 05:44 PM
#13
RR Racing has new coilovers setup cost 2k, you can also talk with FiGS Engineering. Or go with Bilstein B6 with swift springs. What surprised me after all these years no one has tried this combination yet of the Bilstein B6 as with the Swift spings in theory they should work well, had they made the B8 that would really have been Optimum for us but unfortunately they don't make them for our car.
