RX in NC

I have had good results with Detroit Axle as well. My buddy and I refurbished my 1999 Ram's front suspension in November 2015 with new upper ball joints, lower ball joints, inner tie rods, and outer tie rods. Those parts all came from Detroit Axle and carry a ten-year warranty. We also replaced the front upper control arm bushings, front lower control arm bushings, and front stabilizer bar links. Those parts all came from Rockauto. We also greased the front wheel bearings at the same time. All those parts are still holding up quite well today.

WolfyLS460

If you scroll up (way up) you will see a screenshot of my original online order... $440 Bilstein struts and shocks. Indie shop charges $570 for the labor, $580 strut mounts + $200 labor + tax = Grand Total $1848

Now I am noticing a clunking noise in the back when going over rough pavement, I suspect it's the control arms. May go back to the indie $$$$ !!!!

I don't think I will be keeping this car for very long, because the loud engine exhaust really bothers me. So maybe I won't spend any more $ on it and just do basic maintenance. My old 2006 RX might handle like a boat but it was pillowy soft and whisper quiet. I'm not lovin' this Gen3 RX.

MattRX

Was your old RX a 400h with the 3.3 if I recall correctly? Mine is a 2008 with the 3.5L and I like a louder exhaust, but the lower frequencies below 2000 rpm to me are kind of annoying. I have an exhaust on my Highlander 3.0 I got made from a new y-pipe back and while it is way louder than my RX. There are no annoying frequencies coming from the exhaust.

Might just be in the nature of the 3.5 L engine to produce some ugly frequencies at lower RPMs, otherwise a great sounding engine. Maybe once I do my full exhaust and get rid of the stock stuff it’ll go away. I would try adding some lead dampers to the exhaust others have had major success with that. @WolfyLS460

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/694115-the-annoying-droning-engine-sound-6.html

WolfyLS460

Two weeks after the Bilstein 'upgrade', things have settled a bit and the struts and shocks 'broken in' (if there's such a thing.) I took it back to the shop and they apologized for not tightening some screws that were causing the clunking noise. All is well now. Only thing I am noticing is the Bilstein A4's are a lot firmer than the stock Lexus and the car leans less in the twisties. The shop owner told me they use KYB and the Bilsteins are better for German cars. I would have preferred a softer ride but oh well lesson learned. Can't trust everything you read on the internets even on these forums.
Thanks guys anyways.

MattRX

The KYBs won't be soft either, they're pretty stiff on my Highlander, I think you would have enjoyed Sachs the most as they are about OEM stiffness, maybe slightly softer. The Bilstein B6 still ride pretty smooth on my RX, but it could possibly be that the difference between a B4 and a B6 isn't much. The B4s on my friend's RAV4 are close to the B6 on the RX350.

These 3rd gens just don't ride too well, they're too heavy and lifted so the stock springs are trying to compensate for that by being overly stiff.

RX in NC

My take is that the overall build quality and robustness of the Bilstein shock (regardless of whether it is a B4 or B6) is well worth the firmer ride. Bilstein makes the best shocks on the planet and when I have to replace the factory shocks on any of our vehicles, I only want to have to do it once.

Sweeks2020

Appreciate all the updates.

I went the oem route and ordered everything genuine lexus parts. I should have it shipped next week and should install by the end of the month.

The genuine front shock come with mounts, boots etc. Will upload pics when I have it in hand.

JLSC

Same, all the updates are appreciated.

I went the Bilstein B4 route. The rear shocks have arrived and just waiting for the fronts, which have been shipped. Once they're installed I'll provide an update to report on the difference in ride quality.

WolfyLS460

I'm going to keep it for a year and trade it for a 2015 ML or 2017 GLS. I'm done with Lexus.

MattRX

Just having to work on a friend's 2012 GL450 was enough to tell me I'll never own a Merc. Oil leaks everywhere, air suspension problems - compressor & bags, starter going bad at low mileage, eating through batteries, sucking back gas and needing premium fuel w/ V8 and still slower than the 2014 RX350 not to mention Mercedes OEM parts being beyond overpriced. There's no free lunch, especially with heavier, bigger SUVs.

RX in NC

^^ Yep, I agree. A few years ago I came within an eyelash of purchasing a gorgeous platinum 2014 CLS550 that had been well-cared-for with about 40,000 miles on the odometer. Stunning lines, a massive twin-turbo V8 making nearly 500 hp, rode like a dream, every amenity available at that time, and my wife was drooling over it after the test-drive. Further research back at home that evening clued me in on what it would cost to keep that rocket ship roadworthy over the long haul. We did not need that car, we just wanted it in our stable, but I made the smart decision and passed on it. My wife still regrets my decision but I do not.

WolfyLS460

This is another reason to trade up... I doubt a RX would fare as well. You can't put a price on that.

GLS550 Why choose a GLS over others - Pic Heavy - MBWorld.org Forums

RX in NC

A GMC Denali XL would hold up even better in a head-on collision like that. If head-on collision survival is your most important factor, you may want to consider driving a Freightliner....