Desperately need to replace the lower suspension on my 98 with over 200k miles. I've looked at the threads here (a wealth of information) but was wondering if any one has any info/experience with using Mac Auto Parts? I found this on Amazon and it's got everything I'm looking to replace (with the exception of struts and sprints). Thoughts?


Thanks so much for any input you care to share. This is a project I'll be waiting on til the weather cools. @ the start of hockey season. ;-)

 

I have used their upper A-arms and was perfectly satisfied with the quality. I used a needle gun to pump them full of grease to increase longevity, I think that's where most aftermarket parts companies cheap out. Can't speak for the whole kit, but they won't be Lexus quality. Don't expect 200k miles out of them.

 

I did a search for reviews and they were pretty good.Of course chinese so who knows how long they last.Look forward to your experience if you do use them and how they last,please do updates.

 

Did you look into RockAuto?

 

Thanks all. I did look at Rock Auto and found the Daily Driver, Premium and Economy categories helpful. My hesitation comes down to these differences as I've ordered parts and when put up against what I'm replacing, there is a notable difference in material and quality. I realize this would be the obvious argument to by original parts but was looking for some kind of relief on the cost. Not knowing enough about the companies the make OEM (I have seen the list on this site and found it helpful) but as I look at all the options for each part, my eyes kind of glaze over. The Mac parts are $300. The same parts on Rock are @ $1000 total (daily or premium). That's a substantial difference if the quality and life is even reasonable close. Forget about the dealer.

At this point I might go with the Mac parts and as Bylan said just beef up the geese. Still noodling on it though...

 

One comment I saw was a Ford tech saying the ford kit looked and fit just like the ford parts.

 

Thats a comfort. The price and convenience can't really be beat. I'm planning on putting $1k in new struts and springs and that should do me for some time (I hope). Other than some small cosmetic work. ;-)

 

It's a fairly simple equation- You get exactly what you pay for.
Some aftermarket brands are better than others but it's always a roll of the dice. You are basically shopping at the .99 cent store. The only time it will save you money is the day you buy, after that, it will cost more in the long run. I understand, not everyone has $1000 to $1500 laying around earmarked for front end parts but cheap parts are not the answer. Adding a little grease doesn't make a low-quality part suddenly worthwhile. The all-inclusive, low priced, package may seem CONVENIENT right now but in 10K miles when you're under the car trying to figure out which one is rattling...?

I doubt your springs need replacing. You might consider moving the money allocated for new springs to parts of a reputable brand.

 

I hear you loud and clear my friend. And the reason I'm still giving it more thought and asking advice. This car has been owned by me it's entire life, so I'm lucky enough to know what's been done and whats not been done to it. Being over 20 years old, I'd kick myself in the *** if I put $2500 into it and the transmission go's out. There are no guarantees though I realize. Those dealership parts are just way to high for me to swallow on a vehicle of this age. Maybe I should put more faith in the engineering and people that tell me the mileage is only half of it's life at 200K, but there you have it.

As for spring life, I'm not sure other then milage and plain guessing, how to check their status. Struts either for that matter. I figured they have put in their time and it would be easier replacing them when doing the needed suspension work. What an odd fellow I am, right? Wanting to save money on needed repairs but willing to spend money on something that may not need replacing at the same time.

Ultimately, I'm just trying to get the biggest bang for the buck. Maybe I should take your advice and just do the suspension work and see what it feels like. Than move on to the shocks. It would be nice to lower the car a bit but that is not necessarily a goal.

Thanks you for your input Bradland. It is worth considering.

 

LS400 springs rarely fail as modern metallurgy is rather impressive. Even a brand new strut/spring combo will have substandard springs compared to your 200k mile stock springs.
Struts, on the other hand, prob do need some attention if original...