chuck58

So, can ya’ll help a fella’ take care of this awesome machine?
So, I’m seeking some wisdom & advice from the brain trust here. I’m a proud owner of a new-to-me LS-400. This one owner beauty had 67,000 miles on it when I got her (presently at 83,000 miles) The car was garage kept, and dealer maintained. Previous owner, a single little lady who doesn’t weigh 90 lbs soaking wet, and the interior looks like a 2-3 year old car. So, I’d like to attempt some hands-on, DIY work. I understand there are some front-end and suspension jobs that aren’t terribly difficult, but I’d rather play in the shallow end of the pool before getting in over my head. Again, the car has been well kept, but has an annoying, but very slight vibration at around 60mph. So, after reading about some of the idiosyncrasies of this make/model, i’m thinking about replacing-
•strut rod bushings
•lower ball joints & bushings
•sway bar bushings
•upper control arms
•motor mounts & transmission mounts
•tie rod ends
So, what end of this pool should I jump
into first?

JohnAndic

Mounts first. Welcome to the club. Very nice looking LS400, its a 00?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Nice find and congrats on a beauty of an LS!

Sway bar bushings and their end links are pretty easy. The tranny mount too.
Strut bar bushings inspect. Also check the rack bushings. The tie rods ends, lower ball joints upper and lower control arms at your miles are still likely good. Doesn't hurt to check them while under there.

chuck58

Got it. I’ve been on YouTube, and learning. Sway bar bushings look like something I can get into and out of well enough. Many thanks. Now, and I hesitate here bc I know I might be opening a can of worms.... Parts. Some here insist on OEM parts, others swear by another manufacturer-Moog, for instance. Oh, and where to buy.

Ideas?

again, many thanks to those who are experienced owners/operators/mechanics.

chuck58

Yes, a 2000 model.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i would first do the transmission mount which does get rid of most drivetrain vibes.
my $0.02 since it's super easy to do compared to the engine mounts.

if the vibes are still here, then tackle the suspension bits afterward.

deanshark

A little late in years to be doing your "first" DIY, ya think? 👴 Just messin witcha.
But yea, the tranny mount is pretty much the easiest thing to change on these cars and, like they've been saying, is the cause of alot of vibrations. If you're not experienced, I wouldn't try to tackle the motor mounts yet. If the tranny mount doesn't stop the vibrations, and you're not sure exactly what suspension parts are bad, then I would have someone else with more experience to check it out. No sense just throwing parts at it as experimental. Good luck.

mikaelse

Both my LS400 really needed new strut rod bushings badly and not much else at ca 20 years and 90 kmiles .
They looked quite fine visually but clonked a bit going over uneven parts slow,. shimmyed a bit when braking etc from highway speed. Fixed that problem good.
Here in sweden with salted roads etc half of the bolts for the bushings were seized solid. Made this a bigger job with more taking apart and a big grinder purchase etc.
Not difficult but a few hours work. Perhaps it is not so rust prone where you are. You still need a axess to a 10 ton press to get the bushing out and in.
Any garage. RTFM they need to go in turned correctly.. The bushings were about 35$ each

chuck58

Thanks Mikealse.
That is helpful.

Stroock639

great looking car! it even has the 17" wheels from the 2004 LS

now does this vibration happen at 60 regardless of rpm? wheel balance (and tire psi) should always be the first thing to check, worn suspension really won't cause any vibration unless you're hitting a bump, but will make the handling a bit sloppy and sometimes make various pops and clunks

if you want to maximize the lexusness definitely stick with oem suspension parts, considering they'll be in there for years i think it's worth the slightly extra cost, and some parts can even be bought at a 'regular' toyota dealer

i'd also give this post a read through, very informative stuff
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comme..._buyers_guide/

good luck with everything

chuck58

Thanks Stroik639. Great advice.

CLLEXUSS

I do like that reddit list buyers guide, I bookmarked it. Probably what I might differ a bit with is the valve cover gaskets, they should last a bit longer than that a lot of the time the bolts simply come loose as many of us already know, and need a bit of snugging down, of course its nice to replace them just 1/2 the time not needed.