TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

When is a good time to replace the struts on the LS430? I broke 180K today on all my original parts.

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

I would do it entirely on function -- replace them when they stop working properly whether it's a lot of miles or a few.

LS430_Mike

Just remember why we bought these cars. Because they float. I lowered my Y33 Q45 when I owned it and will NEVER lower a car again. It looked nice but I was bottoming out and it rode about 40% worse.

And yes, everybody on the Q45 board swore up and down that they could hardly notice a difference in ride between stock and lowered with just springs.

My advice, if you like the ride, leave it alone. If you don't mind the sacrafice...........Slam it.

El Toro

[QUOTE=LS430_Mike;5167838]Just remember why we bought these cars. Because they float. I lowered my Y33 Q45 when I owned it and will NEVER lower a car again. It looked nice but I was bottoming out and it rode about 40% worse.

And yes, everybody on the Q45 board swore up and down that they could hardly notice a difference in ride between stock and lowered with just springs.

Interesting comments considering you gave us no information regarding the specs of the drop or the wheel/tire combo on your Q45. I have not experienced ANY bottoming out with my current set up (20 inch/245-35-20) and I would easily say that the stock set (18 inch/245-45-18) would be MORE than fine with the springs. In fact, the mathmatics of the switch (see the spring rates for NF210 vs. stock) points to this being the case.

Interesting also that "everyone else" on the Q45 board was fine...except you. Hmmmmmmmm, could it be that your set up was bad or that you are overly sensitive regarding comfort? The largest variable here would certainly be driver sensitivity and the quality of the items/installation.

Finally, I think the advice already given in this thread leads the person asking the question to an option that is far from slamming the car. Can you honestly say that my pics were even close to a car that is slammed? The springs are called NF (Normal Feeling) for a reason. Below is a link that shows slammed versions of the LS430. Quite a difference vs. my car on the NF 210's.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...have-pics.html

deweronick

I know this is an old link, but I'm hoping some are still reading....I picked up the Tanabe NF's and will be replacing the struts and strut mounts with oem as well. (I have 235K on my 03 non UL, non-sport, and everything is original)...I find no leaks to the struts, but I imagine they have to be "tired" by now and I do think I feel the smaller bumps in the road more than I should, hence the desire to do this....I know the drop is 1" and .8" F&R, but my question is , since I'm sticking with my 18" rims, does anyone know if I'm definately going to need to get the 5mm shorter oem lower control arms (or megan adjustables for that matter) in order to not get inner tire wear? I've been researching for a few days, and have not been able to come up with a definitive answer......I am concerned because of a review on amazon from someone who switched out his 05 UL struts with the NF tanabe's, He writes...:
"For anyone wondering why i would want to convert from air to springs. The primary motivation is cost and reliability. The air suspension was great when working properly, but looking at over $1000 per corner to replace. Not worth it in long run.

One tip for others doing the same thing... Invest in either shorter rear factory camber bars or aftermarket adjustable set. Install these at the same time! Your rear tires will thank you!"

So again, Am I going to have the camber issue without shortening the lower control arm, or is there enough tolerance built into the LS for me to get it properly aligned after the Tanabe NF coil update?.. Seems like I can get the 5mm shorter oems for about $300 or the Megan adjustables for about $250.....If I do need to get the shorties, I'm leaning towards getting the adjustable aftermarkets ...Thanks in advance for your input and advice