deuce189

I'm happy to say i am the new owner of my 2000 Lexus LS400. I was lucky enough to come across this family owned car and it's IMO a great example of a well maintained early model car. My plan is to refine it and making it a great hwy driver leaning towards a sport touring build. So opinions needed on what parts to buy. Right now i'm really searching high and low for info on best recipe on suspension. Really just trying to enhance the experience of the car. I don't plan on "Stancing it out" really wanting some nice 18s/19s that's really square on the car with a hint of camber. But don't want to go so extreme that i can't enjoy driving it on a regular basis.

I'd really like to do a nice lowering spring and strut replacement but don't know of any options that could give the car a more sport touring feel. Opinions? Who is are leader on suspension refinement parts for our cars?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

welcome and congrats! how many miles are on your car?

before doing much modding, I would take care of the maintenance of the engine first. there is no point in getting it riding well if it's not running well.
timing belts should be done every 90k. a fresh change of fluids would be next if unknown. some suspension bushings wear out like the front strut rods and start to clunk, and transmission mount tears at around 100k shown by vibrations in the cabin at speed.
once the basic stuff is covered you can start tackling your touring goals.

increasing the wheel size to 18" will significantly change the plush ride quality so keep that in mind. it all depends on your tolerance and desire of comfort.
I've ran 19s in the past, and even 20s at one point, and it wasn't too bad in my opinion.
however nothing beats this hwy cruiser on stock springs and OEM tires...butter!

deuce189

So the guy i bought it from had got it off his uncle who had had the car since 2001 when he bought it used with 20k miles... he had it serviced regularly at lexus of kentucky including the 30k,60k, and 90k service according to the carfax... everything was traceable up til 125k miles... after that the nephew got it in 2011 for his wife who worked from home and just needed a car to run out and get groceries and what not.. it now has 155k... since then it had gotten a new fuel pump and new battery. I'm taking it to a local lex tech mechanic shop that has stellar reviews to give the car a oil change and a quick once over. Car runs smooth, all electrics work, and no strange noises have emitted from it. I plan to refresh everything that is needed on the car. I'm already shopping for struts because the ones on the car now i think need to be replaced. But it's all in strides. I'm just eager to get her nice and ready to tackle the road.

Legender

Congrats on the great find and welcome to the club. Can't give you any advice on the mods as I just like to keep mine stock. Sounds like you've got a great start to get what you want. I'm with Timmy... I like the stock ride on the highway.

deuce189

Thanks! Yeah, i mean it will go through some transformation but nothing more in the form of bolt ons... I don't plan to cut or hack anything on the car. It's really just wheels and suspension because i want it to have a good touring feel.