Aftermarket shocks options for LS430?
#1
Aftermarket shocks options for LS430?
So one of my air strut went bad on my UL, @62k miles
Lexus corporate is very gracious and agreed to pay for 50% of the bill even though my car is out of warranty by 12k miles. But 50% of $1600 is still $800. One time is ok, but I don't want to keep replacing $1k per shock every 60k miles, I plan to keep this car for a very long time.
So I am considering converting to steel springs/conventional struts, because the whole set up would only be around ~$1000.
The problem is, there are almost no aftermarket shocks available for the LS430. Everyone make stuff for the LS400, but not for the 430
My favorite is Bilstein, but they don't make it
The only shocks I can find is KYB GR-2, which is not the coolest.
My previous coilover's experience left a bad taste in my mouth, so I want to stay away if I can. And I don't like the valving in TEIN's shocks.
My best option right now is the OEM sport shocks, with some lowering springs from Tein or Tanabe.
Please post all available shock and coilover options that you know of, and share your experience with them.
Also I want to know if there are shocks from other car model that would bolt onto the LS430. Like how 2nd gen GS shocks fit the SC430....etc.
Thank you very much.
Lexus corporate is very gracious and agreed to pay for 50% of the bill even though my car is out of warranty by 12k miles. But 50% of $1600 is still $800. One time is ok, but I don't want to keep replacing $1k per shock every 60k miles, I plan to keep this car for a very long time.
So I am considering converting to steel springs/conventional struts, because the whole set up would only be around ~$1000.
The problem is, there are almost no aftermarket shocks available for the LS430. Everyone make stuff for the LS400, but not for the 430
My favorite is Bilstein, but they don't make it
The only shocks I can find is KYB GR-2, which is not the coolest.
My previous coilover's experience left a bad taste in my mouth, so I want to stay away if I can. And I don't like the valving in TEIN's shocks.
My best option right now is the OEM sport shocks, with some lowering springs from Tein or Tanabe.
Please post all available shock and coilover options that you know of, and share your experience with them.
Also I want to know if there are shocks from other car model that would bolt onto the LS430. Like how 2nd gen GS shocks fit the SC430....etc.
Thank you very much.
Last edited by BNR34; 02-05-09 at 12:05 PM.
#3
Thanks. We all know it will fail sooner or later, just depends on when. Mine just went bad a little sooner then I hope.
Nope, just like always, the dealer is completely worthless, clueless, no help at all to me. I took my car there just to see how much Lexus is willing to assist.
The dealer did nothing but confirmed what I pointed out to them, that the shock lost all dampening ability. They can't give me a clue or reason why it went bad.
My case is kinda weird, that only the shock absorber lost all resistance. The air spring is functioning perfectly. It maintain height perfectly, no sag at all. And the car goes up and down perfectly when I engage the high setting. The weird part is, there is no leak at all on the shock body, it is 100% bone dry. I guess a shock can go bad without any leak. Obviously the dealer don't offer rebuild service. There are a few aftermarket companies that rebuild LS400's air struts, but they haven't progress to the 430 yet.
The dealer did nothing but confirmed what I pointed out to them, that the shock lost all dampening ability. They can't give me a clue or reason why it went bad.
My case is kinda weird, that only the shock absorber lost all resistance. The air spring is functioning perfectly. It maintain height perfectly, no sag at all. And the car goes up and down perfectly when I engage the high setting. The weird part is, there is no leak at all on the shock body, it is 100% bone dry. I guess a shock can go bad without any leak. Obviously the dealer don't offer rebuild service. There are a few aftermarket companies that rebuild LS400's air struts, but they haven't progress to the 430 yet.
Last edited by BNR34; 02-05-09 at 12:08 PM.
#8
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So that time has come
I should research more but what about the thread that you started regarding the rebuilt?
This did cross my mind for a bit:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...sion-sale.html
I should research more but what about the thread that you started regarding the rebuilt?
This did cross my mind for a bit:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...sion-sale.html
#10
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I'm thinking about these if my other air sus fails. I personally do not want to kill the air suspensions (so my choice will be Hybrid).
I've actually talked to the owner of you zealand before, and he is very very into the car's handling, so his product is not just for the lowered looks.
#12
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Hey BNR34, good luck on our decision on which way to go. For reference, if it were me, I would risk it and pay the $800 hoping that that will by me some time until the aftermarket guys who refurbish OEM Air Suspension start supporting the LS430.
#13
Yes I am schedule to take Lexus's 50% offer to put in that new air strut. I am hoping if my theory is right, that only the one strut in that corner wears out prematurely, so after this new strut, the other 3 struts would last for quite some time. And hopefully by that time, there are aftermarket OEM air struts available.
I am just starting my research, because if all the struts fail every 60k miles, I am definitely not paying $4k every 60k miles. I plan to keep this car for as long as I can, this is my favorite body style
I test drove a LS600hL last week for future reference of a possible next car, as nice as the 600 is, I still prefer the LS430.
Last edited by BNR34; 02-06-09 at 01:03 PM.
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