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On the left is part that came from Partsgeek.com (a guarenteed replacement) on the left is the OEM strut assembly.
At 200k I thought it would be time to replace the main suspension parts of my 1998 LS 400. Seems simple enough. I went on line and found the part on one of the internet parts sites. I thought the price was fair knowing that no boxstore or dealership could match it. A sad reality but that is for a different discussion. The parts arrived and with my tools in hand I started the process.
NOTE the back of the rear seat is held into place with 7 bolts, 4 at rhe base and 3 on top, 1 behing the middle armrest and 2 behind the head rests.
I did everything by the book with the exception of removing the axles which yielded plenty of room. After removing the OEM I did notice a difference (see photo) in the OEM and replacement. I however pressed on with trying to install the new strut assembly. Bottum line it does not fit! There is interference with the wheel well.
After many searches on here I did find a very good illustration that indeed shoes a tapered spring, which by the way would have a more progressive characteristics than a parallel spring.
I am now 0 for 2 in my search as I ordered from O'Reilly auto parts, again what according to their catalog a guarenteed replacement. I called the closest Lexus dealership and Andy confirmed that the spring is indeed tappered. Their price is $600 a wheel!
I am trying one more source and will update this post as soon as they arrive.
What exactly did you buy? Removing the axle shouldn't be necessary to replace the shocks, they should come right out. But if the new ones don't fit, they don't fit. Are you able to re-install the original ones without issue? Maybe you don't know how to specifically ka-jigger them back correctly.
Everyone runs the KYB Excel G aftermarket replacement shocks. You re-use the springs since they should be lifetime to the car, though you need a spring compressor or someone to rebuild them for you. Make sure you replace the mounts, bump stops and insulators when you're doing this!
$600 is insane for an OEM shock. You need to shop online, calling up over the phone you will get the **** you price.
P.S I think this is the right PN for you - I'm like 95% sure I didn't pick the RHD or South America SKU's or whatever. But do your best to double check me!
What exactly did you buy? Removing the axle shouldn't be necessary to replace the shocks, they should come right out. But if the new ones don't fit, they don't fit. Are you able to re-install the original ones without issue? Maybe you don't know how to specifically ka-jigger them back correctly.
Everyone runs the KYB Excel G aftermarket replacement shocks. You re-use the springs since they should be lifetime to the car, though you need a spring compressor or someone to rebuild them for you. Make sure you replace the mounts, bump stops and insulators when you're doing this!
$600 is insane. You need to shop online, calling up over the phone you will get the **** you price.
P.S I think this is the right PN for you - I'm like 95% sure I didn't pick the RHD or South America SKU's or whatever. But do your best to double check me!
Thanks for the reply. I had no trouble getting the OEM back into position. If the ones arriving Thursday than I will buy the shocks and reuse the springs, which do decay over time as all heated metal fatigues over time.
Rear struts (less springs) from my local dealership. Are they still available? They have two different spec'd parts depending on where the car was delivered.
Thank you to A-Premium. They had the exact right part! New strut installed on drivers side. New strut assembly in the box. New Strut lable. New Strut part number. Web page acreen shot.
So far the instalation has been straight forward. I can't wait to drive her, and get the fronts done. I will certainly be using http://a-premium.com/ again!
Anyway - hope they fit and work for you. That brand has only ever been posted one time in the history of this forum; about an unrelated ball joint kit. So you are solo testing these shocks as I have no idea if they are any good or not. For 110 bucks each they better be half decent.
05-21-24, 06:13 AM
Rear struts replacement, finding the right part?
