pmesfun

Does anyone know when these cars were relatively new if the 01-03s had a softer ride than the 04-06s? Specifically the standard coil suspension models. Thanks.

BigBoomer

All the ones I test drove 3 years ago all felt pretty much the same.
I drove LS400s on 16" rims, LS430s on 17" and on 18" rims and I couldn't tell any of them apart in terms of comfort.
The 04-06 feel slightly more sporty and I prefer the facelift look, but if I had found a good LS400 I would have bought that.
The LS400s I tested were on coil-overs and the LS430s were all air-ride as coil-overs were never an option on the LS430 here.
I can't comment on when they were new as I first drove one 5 years ago.

TriC

Any difference in ride quality will be the result of different aspect ratios in tire size. A 45 series tire with provide worse ride quality than a 55 series.

ChopsGS

Not always. It also depends on the weight of the new wheels as well as the tire compound and sidewall design. I went from the stock 225/60-16 to 245/40-19, and there's not a super huge difference in NVH. The new 19" wheel/tire combo weight just about the same as the stock 16's. I mean, there's a difference (firmer ride), but doesn't take away from the luxury of the vehicle.

Kansas

16x7 inch wheels with 225/60 tires were standard for 2001-2002 with 17x7.5 inch wheels and 225/55 tires being optional.
17x7.5 inch wheels with 225/55 tires were standard for 2003-2006.
18x7.5 inch wheels with 245/45 tires became optional for 2004-2006

There were two different coil spring suspensions available in all model years - standard and optional "Euro-Tuned Sport Suspension". The sport suspension option included different coil springs and shock absorbers. The "Euro-Tuned Sport Suspension" was available only with the 17 inch wheels for 2001-2003 and only with the 18 inch wheels for 2004-2006.

Ride attributes among the various wheel sizes and the two coil spring suspension versions varies significantly. There was serious unhappiness expressed back then from people who test drove LS430's with smaller wheels and the standard suspension and who were then sold LS430's with larger wheels and the sport suspension. I distinctly remember that one forum member who replaced the 18" wheels and tires that came on his LS430 with 16" wheels and tires to get a more compliant ride.

According to the parts lists, the standard coil spring suspension for the LS430 in the U.K. was the same as the sport suspension for the LS430 in North America. An optional "rough road" coil spring suspension is shown in the parts list as being available in the U.K. and it appears to be the same as the standard suspension for South America.

pmesfun

I appreciate the replies. I am planning to replace the rear struts with OEM Lexus struts and found standard struts for the 01-03 models are $50 cheaper per strut vs 04-06.

Should I gamble on the 01-03 struts to save ~$100 or just get the correct rear struts for my 04? I used KYB Excel-G in the front, they're not bad but I'm looking the softest ride possible in the rear. Maybe the 01-03s struts are softer?

ChopsGS

I don't know. I always upgrade to coilovers myself.

IF it were me, I'd go with the OEM "sport" shocks.

nvwls

This site indicates they are the same for 01-06 models: https://www.fitinpart.sg/index.php?r...uct_id=1319537

I believe someone in one of the LS430 FB groups indicated they are the same. A lot of people also like the sport suspension as someone mentioned above.

ls430w140

How did the Monroe struts perform in your car? Is it worth to replace them again?

pmesfun

I'll take a chance and get the cheaper 01-03 struts. If they are on the softer side that is ok.

The Monroe quick struts didn't work for me. I put the original assemblies back in. I thought since the 04-06s weigh just a little heavier it wouldn't sit as high as that 01-03 car in the other thread.

Here is what it looked like after putting weight and trunk and driving on different types of roads. Rear of the car was over an inch higher. I also measured using the service manual to check the original springs were still in spec for height. Also the strut mounts were clunking. I tried re-torquing but no change. The struts themselves did handle big dips or humps in the road pretty good but all the small bumps and uneven road transitions weren't dampened well. I wouldn't use Monroe again, KYB is better.

BigBoomer

Coil springs were supposedly the standard here for the 01-03 LS430s but I have yet to see one over here with OEM coil springs so I assume all those purchased in the UK had the air-ride.
I do know of a few here that have been converted to coil springs after their air-ride failed.

The following is from the UK Press Release for the facelift 04-06 models:
https://media.lexus.co.uk/wp-content...chpack2003.doc

The standard-fit electronically modulated air suspension uses nine different adaptive programmes and produces world-leading stability and ride quality.
The car’s 53:47 front to rear weight ratio and the development of the suspension have produced an exceptional ride and driving dynamics that are well-suited to European conditions.

Mono-tube shock absorbers have been employed for the first time in LS430, using oil and high pressure gas as damping mediums.
Their quality helps ensure natural, linear responses to steering input, optimum grip and a flat, composed ride.

pmesfun

So I assume the 01-03s have Twin-tube shocks, which should ride softer. I ordered them and will report back how they ride.

BigBoomer

I've attached copies of the 01-03 and 04-06 LS430 UK Press Releases.
They might interest someone. 😁

pmesfun

Thanks. I found in 01-03 Press Release, shocks are listed as low pressure gas sealed. That confirms they are most likely a twin-tube design.

JffGRY706

stick finger in light socket. free shocks