LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Replacing trunk lifting struts on LS 430

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Old 10-24-07, 09:05 AM
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FLAGator
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Default Replacing trunk lifting struts on LS 430

I need directions on replacing trunks listing struts on 2001 LS 430...can anybody help?
Old 10-25-07, 12:41 AM
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ES3
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Sorry can't help, but am curious whether the trunk is supposed to open on its own, after you give it a little push?
Old 10-25-07, 08:23 AM
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FLAGator
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Actually, I believe it is proper for it to open entirely and hold itself in that position (the struts are under pressure and when trunk is unlocked they extend; however, there is lots of talk about them failing after a less than reasonable duration). Mine will not lift the trunk at all. One has to manually lift the trunk to the complete open position or it will close. Not a good think when it is my wife's car. I've ordered some for about $90.00 that have a 5 year warranty and are designed after the replacement struts which are SUPPOSED to be better than original. Lexus charges between 100 and $150 PER strut. These are about $90 for the pair. I hope this isn't a case of "you get what you pay for. . ." LOL.

Still looking for instructions to remove and install.
Old 10-25-07, 12:53 PM
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lnguyenh
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I am thinking about changing mine too. It seems like it's not that hard to remove/install. Do let us know how the quality of your product on ebay. Thanks.
Old 10-25-07, 01:05 PM
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FLAGator
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Will do...here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...mZ180171517965
Old 10-26-07, 05:51 PM
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joe42276
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Check the hinges too... for binding, etc.
I changed the struts on my mom's '02 LS430, with oem lexus struts... they were only marginally better, and within a couple months, back to the way the original set was.... (barely opening... have to manually open the truck lid. Poor shock assist). This got me to think maybe it's not the shocks, but maybe the hinges... I gotta check it again someday.

As for changing the struts... it's not hard... I remember doing it on the street in front of the house. I'll check it again to see if I can remember what to do... maybe take pics too... but it's definitely a DIY part.
Old 10-26-07, 06:25 PM
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FLAGator
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Thanks...I'll check hinges but will also install new struts when they arrive. I, too, don't think it is difficult but I've never changed struts of any type before and when one looks at them it is not immediately obvious how to take them off. I'll keep check but thanks for your reply. Very much appreciated.

Last edited by FLAGator; 10-26-07 at 06:49 PM.
Old 10-29-07, 06:03 PM
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FLAGator
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Got struts in today. Installed them and trunk now remains where you leave it....almost regardless of height. Wife is happy....very easy to do. Prop up trunk, use small flat screwdriver to pry off snap rings, remove strut, line new one up and push it on (start at bottom first). Total cost = $90.00....Lexus wants $400.00.
Old 10-29-07, 06:43 PM
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TreeTops
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Are these struts something one could buy at a auto supply store or are they a special design just for Lexus LS 430?
Old 10-30-07, 07:52 AM
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See link on 10.25.05 from me. I'm reasonably sure the struts are nothing special thus you MAY be able to get them from an auto parts store. Know that these cost about $90.00 for the pair vs. about $200.00 each from Lexus. They work fine and are easy to install. We'll see how long they last.
Old 11-01-07, 06:55 AM
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dutch65e
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Smile Trunk struts 2001 ls430

I replaced the original struts with a pair of after market struts. ($90.00)
They worked much better than my old ones, and my wife was happy.
They were on the car less than 2 months and I removed them and
traded up to a 2004 LS430. I have them for sale if anyone is interested.
$50.00 + $8.00 shipping nerle@comcast.net
Old 03-09-09, 03:16 PM
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wwbd2004
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nerle@comcast.net
do you still have the 2001 ls430 truck struts?
I'm interested if so
wwbd2004@helloworld.com
Old 03-12-09, 06:30 AM
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speedemon
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Originally Posted by wwbd2004
do you still have the 2001 ls430 truck struts?
I'm interested if so
Dude, that post is a year and a half old, try ebay, I need some for my car and found this guy, free shipping too, I'm not associated with him just looking for struts myself.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Lift-Sup...LH_TitleDesc=1
Old 03-12-09, 10:23 AM
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lxus4xms
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I just did this last week. Instalation is very easy, the struts from Toyota will set you back $375.00 and not the trunk will not pop open it simply releases the latch. Too bad
Old 03-12-09, 11:48 AM
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junjdm
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I did it on mine, its not so bad on the install....also bought mine from ebay....works great....


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