nvwls

While this thread is bumped...My experience with the GSF/RCF bushings has been interesting. When I first installed them, the only new suspension component on my car at 135k miles was the front struts. At that time, installing these bushings helped tighten up the steering and gave a more confident ride, which was a welcome change. Prior to that, the car was indeed very boat-like and uncomfortable to drive at higher speeds. However, in the past 1.5 years since I have replaced the entire front end and the rear struts. I'm increasingly becoming of the opinion that the steering feedback and feedback from the GS-F/RC-F bushings are a bit too rough for the LS. I'm assuming their suspensions were designed with these in mind, but now that the bushings are no longer compensating for any slack elsewhere, they mess with the "synergy" of originally engineered suspension.

bigal426

novels, I suppose that could be true. I installed my bushings almost 3 years ago and some 30,000 miles, and have everything else stock on the suspension, but I have changed the lower ball joints with Genuine Lexus parts. I have purchased the upper control arms, but have not needed them as of yet. I have 156,000 on the clock on my 02 LS430. Good luck.

ls430w140

Try ISF bushings. This is the best decision i made so far to compliment the Tein shocks that i have in the suspension. Great responsive suspension, very comfy (correctly setup).

xjfish

I have put almost 20k miles on the GSF bushings now. I think they work great. For comfort maybe a bit harsher than stock? Handling, stability, steering, and steering feedback good IMO.

Tom57

Is there a specified torgue sequence for the large nut and 2 bolts that hold the LCA bushing and bracket? I assume the nut for the bushing should be tightened and torqued first since it is lateral to the bolts. How about the bolts?

Striker223

No the nut is last, and only tighten it when the car suspension is at normal ride height

Tom57

Thanks for your reply. Interesting that the nut is last. Tightening the bolts first prevent the nut from fully tightening down on the metal center hub of the bushing. Tightening at normal ride height is typical for suspension bushings / control arms. Thanks again.

Striker223

It shouldn't prevent that.....you can also very carefully mark where the arm sits relative to the bushing when loaded and tighten it there so that it corresponds to the car when sitting at normal ride if you want to tighten the nut first. You also are aware the bushing wants to be installed to the bracket in a particular orientation correct?

Tom57

I torque the LCA bushing bracket with the car sitting at normal ride height. And yes, I'm aware the bushing must be oriented correctly when squeezed into the bracket. Thanks again for your replies.

Tom57

I torqued the bolts first, then the nut on the LCA bushing with the car on its wheels. I'm getting an occasional creaking sound on light bumps.

ls430w140

This could be something In between the bushing bracket and subframe. Try to retorque those bolts again.

Tom57

I'll re-install and re-torque the bracket bolts and bushing nut tomorrow. Is there a torque sequence for the bolts? 101 ft.-lbs. for the outer bolt; 44 ft.-lbs. for the inner bolt. 101 ft.-lbs. for the bushing nut.

Tom57

Q: Are the LCA bracket bolts, LCA bushing nut and washer possibly one-time use only, like the brake caliper bolts?

911LE

No, they are not tty.

Tom57

11.(a) Tighten the bushing nut.
11.(e) Tighten the bracket bolts (inner and outer).