LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Suspension spring discussions (The Mother Thread)

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Old 10-29-07 | 01:16 PM
  #151  
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It took me over a year to stuff the suspension parts in mine. I was in no rush because I wanted to enjoy the factory ride. Once installed, I knew it wouldn't be the same comfortwise.

Some long drives I'm actually happy to get out of the car...no tire noise (The BFG KDW-2 are LOUD!) and the bumps due to the stiff sidewalls and heavier wheels is I dunno about you...there are times I wish for the stock set-up.
Old 10-29-07 | 09:37 PM
  #152  
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Don;t cut them , you'll end up with a bent roof like my friend who did it to his 98.
Old 10-29-07 | 10:24 PM
  #153  
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Originally Posted by skperformance
Don;t cut them , you'll end up with a bent roof like my friend who did it to his 98.
was he bottoming out like crazy?

im on coilvoers at full low and i hit my fenders at least 4 times a day and i recently noticed a slight bend/dent? on my roof, am i being overly paranoid?
Old 10-29-07 | 11:23 PM
  #154  
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Not paranoid you are bending the frame by bottoming out. The LS does not have a rigid body and likes to bend by the sunroof on the right side especially.
Old 10-30-07 | 01:56 AM
  #155  
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Originally Posted by LexusToys
thx for all the info guys but i just picked up the car today and found out that it comes with stock air suspension. I just got home from San Diego and hop on here right away. So now my question is how hard is it to install the after market air suspension controller to this and should I do it or not. Oh BTW you guys are all right about the factory ride it was so smooth that it put me to sleep many times on the way back. it is way better compare to Tein HA on my GS. Overall, I'm happy with the car so far. Just need to touch up on the paint and minor stuff
3 things.

1-pretty much every controller will have Japanese instructions, so good luck installing/wiring it.
2-the air shocks are notoriously prone to leakage, and are ridiculously expensive to replace with OEM
3-its VERY possible that using the air susp. controller will kill 1 or more of the OEM airbags putting you in a very precarious situation.
Old 10-30-07 | 04:55 AM
  #156  
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^^ what he said. those air struts are $1000 per corner from the dealer plus install. of course you can install them yourself, they're easy, but they're still $1000.
Old 10-30-07 | 09:05 AM
  #157  
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hhahah if that the case Bag is the way to go.
Old 11-06-07 | 03:43 PM
  #158  
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A little off topic, but how long do your shocks usually last with lowering springs. I was thinking about getting tanabes and I know shocks wear out faster with them, but just how fast?
Old 11-06-07 | 04:40 PM
  #159  
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Originally Posted by Ls4hundred
A little off topic, but how long do your shocks usually last with lowering springs. I was thinking about getting tanabes and I know shocks wear out faster with them, but just how fast?
It really all depends on how miles your stock suspension has on it.. how it has been driven...if it's been replaced... all that good stuff..

I know a few people has ran lowering springs on stock suspension on here, so they will probably be able to give you a better answer.
Old 11-06-07 | 04:59 PM
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I was referring to aftermarket shocks, like tokico and kyb. How long do they tend to last on tanabes?
Old 11-06-07 | 06:13 PM
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KYBs prolly wont last long because they are pretty much OEM replacements and the tanabes are the most aggressive springs for the LS (2"+ lowering)

id say tokico but im on a whole different setup.
Old 11-07-07 | 02:20 PM
  #162  
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But how long, in years for example.
Old 11-07-07 | 03:14 PM
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you dont age parts like shocks/struts in terms of time, but in terms of cycles/useage.

ie-mileage.
Old 11-07-07 | 04:49 PM
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.....ok, then how many miles with a reasonable driving style.
Old 11-07-07 | 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Ls4hundred
.....ok, then how many miles with a reasonable driving style.
depends, how many miles do you have on them already?.......


il just take a random stab and say that super-soft lowering springs (such as tanabe) shorten the REMAINING life on your struts by 30%.

completely un-scientific but at least you have an answer



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