I recently purchased the 2013/2014 springs and struts to install on my 2012. There are several threads on this already with the differences, but it's difficult to articulate how something feels through words. Alas, I have a few videos directly comparing the 2012 suspension, installing the 2014 suspension, and then initial impressions on the 2014 suspension.

Cliff notes: 2008-2010 were Tokico and generally regarded as a bumpy ride. 2011 still Tokico, but brought some improvements. 2012 changed to Sachs with a smoother ride. 2013/2014 had final tweaks making the front coils approx 2.5% softer and the rears 13% stiffer than in 2012. Shock differences were as follows:

ISF shocks absorbers are supplied by German supplier ZF affiliate Sachs. In their 2013 iteration both front and rear shocks (or dampers) are retuned for increased damping force in compression at mid- to high-speed motions. There are changes to the rebound springs inside the Sachs shocks, which resist motion of the shock at large extensions. The front rebound springs have lower rates and the rear rebound springs discontinued, which increases ride comfort during low piston-speed motions. The 2013/2014 IS F rear shocks may well be the only ones in the Lexus lineup without rebound springs.



Initial drive with 2012 suspension and power steering ECU. (2013/14 power steering video review coming soon)

You Tube

Swapping the parts

You Tube

Drive after installing the 2014 springs and shocks

You Tube

 

Keep in mind, you replaced used parts with new(er) parts. A lot like going from worn tires to new tires, the difference will be larger than if you were comparing new to new.

 

Correct. I mentioned this at 3:50 in the third video. The new stuff was brand new from dealer, 0 miles. Makes it even harder to accurately compare before and after. Although the biggest unexpected change/improvement with this whole swap was fixing that rear sag.

 

That's odd. The IS F always came from the factory with a negative rake. Strange that it leveled out with this setup.

 

How much did the whole setup cost you from the dealer?

 

$1333.68

48231-53390, Coil Spring, 2qty, $197.94
48131-53460, Coil Spring, 2qty, $175.28
48520-09Y90, Strut, 1qty, $227.79
48510-8Z072, Strut ,1qty, $227.79
48530-09X70, Shock Absorber rear, 2qty, $504.88

 

Post some close ups of front and rear fender gap. Your car looks lower in the front by a lot, and higher in the rear by a little, in comparison to my OEM 13. My car has 39k miles, so suspension is not at all worn out.

I love how the 13 rides. If it sat like yours, I would be hard pressed to change it. Only down side is that the OEM springs arent really great for hard cornering on a track. Their good for street use though.

 

revised/see below

 

Not too bad! Thanks for sharing.

 

Ok, looks like things have settled a little. I'm back to a finger gap in back and two finger gap in front.

25.5" ground to fender rear, 26 3/4" ground to fender front.

 

2014 power steering ECU installation and review

 

Hi guys, been reading up on LilEvo’s post on how to upgrade my 2011 ISF suspension to 2013-2014. I understand these are the parts required:

48231-53390, Coil Spring, 2qty (Rear Springs)

48131-53460, Coil Spring, 2qty (Front Springs)

48520-09Y90, 1qty ( Shock Absorber, Front LH)

48510-8Z072, 1qty (Shock Absorber, Front RH)

48530-09X70, Shock Absorber rear, 2qty

My question is- are rear shock absorber cushions required or no? I’m looking at Part #90948-01089. Thank you!

 

The rear struts come with the bushings.