Why is it so Hard!!!!
06-14-12, 05:55 PM
#16
Btw .... I did not question my mechanic but he did remark that the oem replacement part was beefier that the one he took off.... Perhaps a changeover where some cars got one while another got something else.... Makes you think....... Parts are often redesigned for a reason but I have no direct knowledge of this.... Just know I had a slight vibration and now I don't 
06-14-12, 07:47 PM
#17
Lead Lap
I was surprised that the original transmission mount looked like new at 150,000 miles since I had seen photos of mounts that were thoroughly worn out, cracked and collapsed. I should take a photo of it since I have it out in the garage in a box.
Worn strut bar bushings rarely last much more than 75,000 miles on the 98-00 LS400. I had my strut bars and bushings replaced due to incredibly severe front end vibration and sloppy handling at around 83,000 miles (should have had it done much sooner) and will likely have them replaced a second time at around 165,000 miles or at the first sign of a return of the vibration.
06-15-12, 06:26 AM
#18
Hmmm I guess I will have to assume mine were done if I am not having any issues at 123k, good to know though, approx how much was that if you remember, I have been ciphering the various repair cost just so I have a good idea what I am looking at as they materialize
06-16-12, 05:14 AM
#19
Lead Lap
You might as well buy the complete strut bar/bushing assemblies if you are going to have a mechanic do the work. The labor cost of removing the old and pressing the new bushings into the existing strut bars can exceed any savings of buying the bushing separately.
Last edited by Kansas; 06-16-12 at 05:50 AM.
06-16-12, 01:17 PM
#20
to be fair, it was the aftermarket polyurethane bushings that suck.
the (relatively newly available) OEM lexus rubber bushings are a dream. but they do need to be indexed properly (tab facing down).
generally costs ~$10-20/bushing at most local machine shops since the bushings come sleeved so you don't have to burn the old ones out. my cost of bushing and labor (high side estimate) was ~$45-50. If you're DIYing its a no-brainer, aside from not having your car while the parts are at the shop.
the (relatively newly available) OEM lexus rubber bushings are a dream. but they do need to be indexed properly (tab facing down).
generally costs ~$10-20/bushing at most local machine shops since the bushings come sleeved so you don't have to burn the old ones out. my cost of bushing and labor (high side estimate) was ~$45-50. If you're DIYing its a no-brainer, aside from not having your car while the parts are at the shop.
06-16-12, 04:34 PM
#21
Lead Lap
generally costs ~$10-20/bushing at most local machine shops since the bushings come sleeved so you don't have to burn the old ones out. my cost of bushing and labor (high side estimate) was ~$45-50. If you're DIYing its a no-brainer, aside from not having your car while the parts are at the shop.
Hey, I thought everything was more expensive out there on the Left Coast. You guys have it good!
06-16-12, 11:24 PM
#22
I assume you are talking "per side". The cheapest I get get a set of OEM bushings (from Sewell with the ClubLexus discount) are $84.89 including shipping. And there no way anybody here is going to charge only $10-$20 to press them in.
Hey, I thought everything was more expensive out there on the Left Coast. You guys have it good!
Hey, I thought everything was more expensive out there on the Left Coast. You guys have it good!
dropped them and some spare arms off at a local shop I know, quoted at between $10-20/each depending if he has to burn them out, and doesnt think he does
I paid $8/bushing like 4-5 years ago when i put the poly bushings in ahahah.
06-18-12, 09:49 AM
#25
I was actually surprised so many of these cars can be found between 90 and 120000,
One has 120 and I felt that was pretty awesome... I was checking out autotrader and they have one in Atlanta with just 18000 miles.... They are asking 16900 and it has 8000 views haha..... Scary
One has 120 and I felt that was pretty awesome... I was checking out autotrader and they have one in Atlanta with just 18000 miles.... They are asking 16900 and it has 8000 views haha..... Scary
06-21-12, 09:59 PM
#26
I had my eye on my current 99 for 6 years. My friend finally sold it to me. Mechanical wise he kept up the basic maintenance. but major he hasnt done much. and the chrome on the wheels were peeling so the tires and rims were pretty much junk.
The thing that sold the car at first glace. Lsportline aero and three piece wing, lsportline exhaust, panasonic flip up indash. I remember driving it for 6months 3 years ago as well. It drove well.
But any car with age that hasnt had suspension or major maintenance done it would need to be done. Which is why I only bought this car for $2000.
I've taken care of the major maintenance.
Coilovers, and bushings are next. Re tint the windows, needs front windshield replaced, bumpers repainted, new head lights and corner lights since they are cracked.
So far I have $4000 into this car, wheels, and maintenance and purchase price of the car. This car has been a 1 owner car. couple more grand into it I'll be happy with it. It turns heads all day. Ive only seen 2 locals with 99+ Ive seen one 95.
If your mechanically inclined to fix buy one with a solid history that you can fix.
If not keep looking for the right one which will take many years. In my opinion.
The thing that sold the car at first glace. Lsportline aero and three piece wing, lsportline exhaust, panasonic flip up indash. I remember driving it for 6months 3 years ago as well. It drove well.
But any car with age that hasnt had suspension or major maintenance done it would need to be done. Which is why I only bought this car for $2000.
I've taken care of the major maintenance.
Coilovers, and bushings are next. Re tint the windows, needs front windshield replaced, bumpers repainted, new head lights and corner lights since they are cracked.
So far I have $4000 into this car, wheels, and maintenance and purchase price of the car. This car has been a 1 owner car. couple more grand into it I'll be happy with it. It turns heads all day. Ive only seen 2 locals with 99+ Ive seen one 95.
If your mechanically inclined to fix buy one with a solid history that you can fix.
If not keep looking for the right one which will take many years. In my opinion.
06-21-12, 10:04 PM
#27
I had my eye on my current 99 for 6 years. My friend finally sold it to me. Mechanical wise he kept up the basic maintenance. but major he hasnt done much. and the chrome on the wheels were peeling so the tires and rims were pretty much junk.
The thing that sold the car at first glace. Lsportline aero and three piece wing, lsportline exhaust, panasonic flip up indash. I remember driving it for 6months 3 years ago as well. It drove well.
But any car with age that hasnt had suspension or major maintenance done it would need to be done. Which is why I only bought this car for $2000.
I've taken care of the major maintenance.
Coilovers, and bushings are next. Re tint the windows, needs front windshield replaced, bumpers repainted, new head lights and corner lights since they are cracked.
So far I have $4000 into this car, wheels, and maintenance and purchase price of the car. This car has been a 1 owner car. couple more grand into it I'll be happy with it. It turns heads all day. Ive only seen 2 locals with 99+ Ive seen one 95.
If your mechanically inclined to fix buy one with a solid history that you can fix.
If not keep looking for the right one which will take many years. In my opinion.
The thing that sold the car at first glace. Lsportline aero and three piece wing, lsportline exhaust, panasonic flip up indash. I remember driving it for 6months 3 years ago as well. It drove well.
But any car with age that hasnt had suspension or major maintenance done it would need to be done. Which is why I only bought this car for $2000.
I've taken care of the major maintenance.
Coilovers, and bushings are next. Re tint the windows, needs front windshield replaced, bumpers repainted, new head lights and corner lights since they are cracked.
So far I have $4000 into this car, wheels, and maintenance and purchase price of the car. This car has been a 1 owner car. couple more grand into it I'll be happy with it. It turns heads all day. Ive only seen 2 locals with 99+ Ive seen one 95.
If your mechanically inclined to fix buy one with a solid history that you can fix.
If not keep looking for the right one which will take many years. In my opinion.
must be a good friend
06-22-12, 10:40 AM
#28
It was sitting since the plates expired in 2010 and before that it sat for a couple years with once in a while driving. The bumpers need to be fixed and the grill/hood has a dent. Its all fixable. It happens when you drive under the influence.
He got a DUI thats why he let the plates expire and never renewed. He didnt want to get the blow tube installed to the car he didnt drive everyday. But yes he is a good friend. I just need to find the time before August to get this thing painted and on coilovers.
07-16-12, 05:20 PM
#29
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I need to replace my fronts.. So which are the best... the OEM or the Poly?i got both mine for ~$65/pair last summer during a local dealer's employee pricing event.
dropped them and some spare arms off at a local shop I know, quoted at between $10-20/each depending if he has to burn them out, and doesnt think he does
I paid $8/bushing like 4-5 years ago when i put the poly bushings in ahahah.
dropped them and some spare arms off at a local shop I know, quoted at between $10-20/each depending if he has to burn them out, and doesnt think he does
I paid $8/bushing like 4-5 years ago when i put the poly bushings in ahahah.