notsure123

I'm sure this has been discussed a few times but my situation is a little different and I can't find a specific answer after searching. I have an 07 IS 350. 135k miles and the front struts and dust boots are gone. $462 my cost from lexus just to fix the front. Approx $700 to $1000 for coilovers. Let me just mention this is my daughter's car and she is not really looking for any performance upgrades. My quandary is should I spend the money for coilovers. Are there any coilovers that ride fairly close to factory. I really don't want to lower it at all...1 inch at the most. Unless I make 100 phone calls. .most manufacturers are not putting a minimum drop in their advertisement. Cliff notes. .don't really have the desire to lower it and want a similar ride quality. Who has experience with this?

scott1256c

if you go coils, you'll want soft springs, if your goal is to stay close to original. 10k front 8k rear is the softest that showed up in a quick search (megan ez street), but I think I've seen softer.

Be forewarned though, that is still stiffer than stock by quite a bit (6k/5k or so??? an progressive, I think). Also, the less expensive coils seem to be hit and miss on the "clunking" sound. Some seem to be able to correct it and some do not. Some claim it only happens with pillowball mounts. My coilovers have a clunk and no pillowball.

If your daughter likes the ride now, I think I'd take a deep breath and replace with oem. There are other aftermarket struts, but most talked about here buy them to correct some issue they have (i.e. better handling or lower car), so you may be getting some "feature" you don't want.

You could try advertising in the classifieds here and see if anyone has a set of decent struts that they have replaced with coils. I'd sell you mine, but you'd go broke paying the shipping to get them across the border.

notsure123

Good advice man. I'm just figuring the rears will be next to crap out...another 4 or 5 bills for the rear. Dealing with a spring compressor. .made sense to look at full assemblies..for the cost factor and installation. But like you said. .didn't know if I would be gaining any negative side effects so to speak. Thanks

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Another cheaper alternative is to search for OEM shocks on classified. People sell them dirt cheap. I'm currently selling Eibach performance springs (only used 10k miles) + Stock sport shocks (coming off from my 2012 IS250 with only 37k miles) whole set for $400 + shipping. I don't advice you buy my set though because it is lowered than OEM (1.4 inch front, 1.0 inch rear) but you can swap the springs and use your current OEM springs with these relatively new shocks.

If you are looking for comfort like in your case, nothing really beats OEM suspension. Get the replacement OEM shock should be the way to go. Coilovers are more for lowering and performance oriented route and it is generally stiffer than OEM.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Megan LPs ("The Street LP Series is our new Luxury Package, using similar specs & set up design as Street Series, (not too aggressive) offering spring rates for a more comfortable ride, but still giving you the sporty feel & control.") :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEGAN-Street-Coilover-Damper-Suspension-IS250-GSE25-IS350-GSE26-GS300-GS350-AWD-/231278503927?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3AIS350&hash=item35d945e7f7&vxp=mtr

AeroZ

iTrader: (1)

yes like others have said oem set on craigslist from wrecked cars or here in the classified section will be your best bet

getafewliv

If it's for your daughter's car, I would just get new shocks. Once you go aftermarket you start to introduce issues into the car, which is fine, if you have the time and knowledge to deal with it.