carguy75

What Bilstein shocks/strut part numbers did you use on your 2014 RX350? Bilstein website do not officially list any shock/struts for our model(2010-2015) RX 350?

I want to tighten up my 2015 RX350 ride if possible.

RX in NC

Several members here on the forum are running the Bilstein B6 series shocks or B4 series shocks that were designed for the Toyota Highlander. They are an exact fit in our 3rd generation RX vehicles. Bilstein tech support told me a couple of years ago that they do not list them for the RX because they have not tested them on the RX.

Clutchless

The Bilstein fronts that fit the RX are those from the 2008-2013 Highlander.
The Bilstein rears that fit the RX are those from the 2014 -2019 Highlander.
You can look them up this way on Rock Auto to find the part numbers. Both rear shocks are the same part number. The left and right front struts are different part numbers.

The B4 are for comfort and the B6 are stiffer for better handling (but they ride much better than the factory F Sport ones)

Note that these can be almost impossible to find and supply is limited. Try Rock Auto, Shock Warehouse etc.

Alternatives at Rock Auto are Sachs (or TRW which are the same parent co. but relabeled) which are also a German brand (made elsewhere) but geared more toward comfort. KYB is the most commonly purchased aftermarket strut and shock.
I recommend replacing the front strut mount bearing when replacing the struts.

MattRX

^ What Clutchless said.


As for further stiffening, I may be trying the Hardrace 8983 25.4mm rear sway bar next. I was thinking of trying the 28.5mm 2016-2022 RX front sway bar, but they changed the mounting brackets and bushing unfortunately. As for the bar itself, I think it should fit. I have some spare brackets and want to make some custom ones and get that bar in as I do believe it'll work. Would be nice as a pair of bars made a world of difference on my 2002 Highlander.

Part of me wishes I tried 2014-2019 Highlander fronts instead with 2016-2022 RX350 lowering springs to match the perches for experimentation sake

Clutchless

Does Hardrace supply bushings and or brackets with the rear bar? All the aftermarket bars I have bought supplied that stuff.

Gardel

The handling of the RX350 is excellent. Keep in mind the weight and size of the car and also the clearance. However, to achieve this, they compromised the ride. I feel like the rear springs are way too stiff, almost like a pick up. If the car is completely loaded, then there is a comfy ride, but for my every day going to work, I find it hard. Obviously, I like my cars comfortable, not a 3 series, but an S Class or an E class (not AMG).
I don't consider this car too refined either, since the direct injected engine can be noisy on cold days at idle, to the point that is sounds like a diesel. Some interior plastics, on the black combination, look cheap. The tan one or grey looks much better, but doesn't age well.
Overall I really like the looks of my car and the highway ride is good, but wish it was more refined. Subaru makes some comfy cars -except for the forester-

RX in NC

To my knowledge the 2GR-FE engines in these 3rd generation RX350 vehicles are not direct injection.

MattRX

Yep! Comes with brackets even



Correct, no DI until 2016+ with the introduction of the 2GR-FKS. My 2008 still sounds like a darn diesel on a cold start though. She's had a hard life


I suppose I was a little hard on the '14 RX. It does have a significant more amount of weight and ground clearance vs my 08. I feel they could have done a much better job on the suspension tuning though. My 2008 RX350 has even stiffer rear springs and is still a much better ride. Maybe it could be the design of the spring too. Agreed on the refined part, it doesn't hold a candle towards the LS or GS, but I suppose it's not big Lexus money like those. The interior is nearly identical to a 2012 ES350 I drove. I wish the leather would be a little nicer though and more attention paid to detail like our E46. Soft touch everywhere, super beautiful leather and absolute killer on track days. Overall, it's a nice car and I'd buy another one again, but I'd be more inclined to go with 2007-2009 if possible. I would buy up a wagon or SUV based on RWD IS/GS platform in a heartbeat.

WolfyLS460

I found out my tires on 19-inch wheels were over-inflated at 37 psi (owner's manual recommends 32). After changing it to 32 the ride is now much softer. The Gen 2 RX still feels more plush but has a lot more body roll. Each has pros and cons.