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

Help...need softer ride

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Old 08-02-12, 07:47 AM
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toup
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Default Help...need softer ride

Hola guys
got a 2006 ls 430.. No t sure of model but.pretty standard..no nav, but parking sensors, heated /ac seats but has the 18 inch tires (245/45/18). I'm really need the most smoothest, quite, comfort and no bumpy rideand these wheels arent coutting it. Any way to either change the 18 inchers safely or go down to some 17 inch tire and wheel without affeting safety, brakes, sppedometer, etc, Any help appreciated.

Toup
Old 08-02-12, 08:35 AM
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VIPDrizzy
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Buy factory wheels that r smaller mine came with a 17 some even a 16 I believe.
Old 08-02-12, 10:32 AM
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RA40
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What tire pressures are you using on the current 18's? What tire? 17" wheels and a touring tire will have a more comfortable feel and a 16" will have an even softer feel.

A 17" wheel you'll want 245/50-17 and a 16" will be 225/60-16 tires.
Old 08-02-12, 10:46 AM
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hoonunya
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Originally Posted by RA40
What tire pressures are you using on the current 18's? What tire? 17" wheels and a touring tire will have a more comfortable feel and a 16" will have an even softer feel.

A 17" wheel you'll want 245/50-17 and a 16" will be 225/60-16 tires.
The base wheel/tire was 225/55-17 and that is what I have. With larger side profile, this will have very slightly softer ride than 245/50-17.
I agree that tire pressure is important. I run the pressure on the door jamb, 32 psi
Michelin Primacy MXV4, good tire, good ride.
Old 08-02-12, 11:14 AM
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MDEC
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I swap from 18" to 16" wheels and tires for the winter. There really isn't a big difference. The LS430 has a slightly stiff ride...certainly not compared to a BMW, but stiff if you're accustomed to American luxury/ full-sized cars.

My advice is to drive it and get used to it. The LS still has such a steady/controlled ride to enjoy, and it's still fairly supple, if a bit stiff. To me, the firm ride results in it feeling nimble compared to softer riding luxo barges, and you can't match the silky smooth engine anywhere.
Old 08-02-12, 02:44 PM
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AlexusAnja
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Default 18 to 17

Originally Posted by toup
Hola guys
got a 2006 ls 430.. No t sure of model but.pretty standard..no nav, but parking sensors, heated /ac seats but has the 18 inch tires (245/45/18). I'm really need the most smoothest, quite, comfort and no bumpy rideand these wheels arent coutting it. Any way to either change the 18 inchers safely or go down to some 17 inch tire and wheel without affeting safety, brakes, sppedometer, etc, Any help appreciated.

Toup
I don't know how going from 18 to 17 will affect things buy I went from 17 to 16 and I felt it softer running on MXV4.
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