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I had to google dynamic balance weights and came across this old thread on a 2000 LS400 that came with the same wheels that were standard on the 2001 LS430 and OEM on some 2002 LS430's.
I have an opportunity to buy a set of 16 inch wheels off a salvaged 2002 LS 430
the tires are 225/60R16.
after reading the above thread I dunno whether to chance buying these wheels given all the adjustments associated with balancing and if it will even work
I had to google dynamic balance weights and came across this old thread on a 2000 LS400 that came with the same wheels that were standard on the 2001 LS430 and OEM on some 2002 LS430's.
Replying here to your IM. I guess my ancient posts live on!
Over the years, I gave up on using hidden stick-on weights to balance my 16" 01-02 LS430 wheels and resorted to using traditional hammer-on balancing weights since most tire jockeys had difficulty balancing the wheels without the stick-on weights hitting the front brake calipers. One tire shop used chromed hammer-on weights which looked better since my 01-02 LS430 wheels were chrome.
I liked the 01-02 LS430 16" wheels a lot - conservative and classy. There were a number of threads on this forum back in the mid-2000's about switching from 18's to these 16's to get a nicer ride.
Congratulations of finding that wonderful, low miles 05 UL - especially nice since it has PCS and DRCC.
This afternoon I spoke with a Lexus dealership parts manager who said that the brake calipers were widen for the 2004 model year and therefore the 16 inch wheels would not fit on an ‘04-‘06 LS 430.
looks like I will be limiting my search to 17 inch wheels only.
anyone looking for 18 inch wheels for their LS 430, let me know
This afternoon I spoke with a Lexus dealership parts manager who said that the brake calipers were widen for the 2004 model year and therefore the 16 inch wheels would not fit on an ‘04-‘06 LS 430.
looks like I will be limiting my search to 17 inch wheels only.
anyone looking for 18 inch wheels for their LS 430, let me know
That's odd. Member LA Wheel used 01-02 LS430 16" wheels on the 04 LS430 UL that he used to have. Here is the thread that contains his post about it riding like a cloud on the 16's: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...n-a-01-ul.html
I get so tired of dealing with so-called professional auto dealer employees. I'm retired from an auto industry company and almost always know infinitely more than they do about the vehicles they sell. And I get tired of providing instructions from Techinfo that described how they should have performed the work they screwed up.
My 02 16" wheel definitely fit on our 04. The stick on wheel weight rubbed on the brake caliper, but I went from rear 01 to front 04. There did seem to be a bit less clearance, but that was just me eyeballing the 01 to the 04.
That same wheel weight likely will rub on the caliper on the 01 when moved from rear to front. When I get a tire rotation, the shop had to rebalance and move some weights. Kind of a pain.
I just called two other Lexus dealerships, parts dept. One said the bolt patters are the same and doesn't believe the calipers have changed. The other said he is unsure; his computer won't tell him if the non-spec '02 wheels would fit on the '05 and to try it out and see if it clears the caliper. So of the 3 Lexus dealers: one said yes it will fit; one said no; the other didn't know.
I left a message with LA Wheel for clarification or a picture, but he hasn't logged in since 2011. My own mechanic was uncertain if the 16s would fit on a 2005 LS430; he suggested that I drive over to the seller of the 16s and ask in advance that he switch one of the front wheels on the spot to confirm (which is frustrating because the seller offered to deliver them; he's not going to deliver if its conditional on fitting). But even that might result in the rubbing on the caliper that bloomwckjl experienced. Again, whether it is because it does not fit or because it requires balancing I will not know on the spot.
I just called two other Lexus dealerships, parts dept. One said the bolt patters are the same and doesn't believe the calipers have changed. The other said he is unsure; his computer won't tell him if the non-spec '02 wheels would fit on the '05 and to try it out and see if it clears the caliper. So of the 3 Lexus dealers: one said yes it will fit; one said no; the other didn't know.
Not too surprising since our cars are 12-17 years old and rare that your type of question arises....
Our '01 was equipped with the "upgrade" of 17" wheels. We have never had any issues with clearance or been advised of challenges with wheel balancing. It may have been a factor why Lexus stop using the 16s. My guess is there would be little to gain by going with 16s vs 17s and as you pointed out most have gone to 18s with mixed reports on ride comfort.
When the current Michelins on the LS430 wear down I plan to move to 18 inch wheels with wider tires... 245s likely.
If it makes any difference, I've put 17" wheels from my 2001 on my 2005 and inversely, I've put the 18s from the '05 on my '01..
I do have the original spare (16") for the 2001 so I could toss that on my 05 this weekend...