J2FUEGO

Hey all,

So I’ve done a lot of reading & still not completely sure about what kind of struts I need to put with lowering springs..

My Issue is, I bought the car @ 86K miles & it’s currently at 170K+ miles. I bought it @ 17 & had no idea it was lowered more than OEM height but eventually was told it was sittin on lowering springs. 2 weeks ago, Front Passenger Strut is shot & been going back n forth on forums trying to figure out exactly what kind of struts I need to pair with lowering springs. The springs should still be good right? (No idea if my struts were OEM or not)

I read you cannot pair stock or “basic” struts with lowering springs. You need something “sportier” so what exactly are my options? The car is @ 170K & has carbon build up issues (along with some other minor issues), so I’m not sure how much longer she is gonna last on me so I don’t wanna spend a lot of Koni’s or Coilovers. I heard a lot of people recommending KYB but most were still saying those were not enough to put with lowering springs.

Any input is appreciated thanks!

bbaugher47

You can absolutely use OEM shocks with lowering springs. It may not be ideal but oh well. Look into the Tein Endurapro plus. They’re adjustable and can help fine tune your suspension.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Keep in mind that if you're already spending $400-500 on 4 replacement shocks, that you're only a couple hundred dollars away from a coilover kit, which would give you matched spring rates to the shock plus the ease of installation without having to deal with removing the spring and transitioning it (and the top hat) over onto the new shocks.

Good budget coilover kits for the 2IS include :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Megan-Racing-EZ-II-Coilovers-for-2006-2013-Lexus-IS250-IS350-RWD/254477605790?epid=1956653930&hash=item3b400c1b9e:glcAAOSwZ3teGMln

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TEIN-GSL90-...rd!29651!US!-1

J2FUEGO

@bbaugher47 Thank you! Those Enduroplus look like a good option but now I’m thinking @Gville350 is right.. since my front strut went out I’m sure my rear struts are not that far behind so maybe I should consider getting a set of coilovers for an extra 100 or two. I just don’t think spending so much would be wise for a Lexus which may not last another 60K mi.

any thoughts on those $200 coilovers from eBay?

bbaugher47

Me personally: I wouldn’t use them. But a member here Senister has ebay coils and has a write up on them. Race consulting Agency has the cheapest price on the Tein FlexZ. About 600 or so. They’re better than the Tein Street Advance. ( they reuse your upper mounts I think). And many people have the Megan EZ.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Please don't waste money on those $200-$300 coilovers. Do yourself a favor and at least get the Megans or Teins.

J2FUEGO

@bbaugher47 @Gville350 I just wanted to say thank you for your advice, I have indeed decided to get the Megan EZ Coilovers! I decided that although my car is in sluggish shape, I don't wanna cheap out on it, so I'm gonna catch up on as much maintenance as possible & hope she continues running for me. But if she doesn't I'm sure it would be easier to part out some excellent quality parts as these coilovers rather than any other cheap parts! So I appreciate it !

bbaugher47

I think you’ll enjoy them. I’ve read that they ride like stock since they have softer spring rates.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Easier to install than aftermarket springs/shocks, easy to adjust, and matched springs to the shock. You'll love them! Like mentioned, they offer a factory-like ride quality...which then can be adjusted if desired.

TOPENDMS

You can use factory shocks upto 1" drop. After that you are risking quickly blowing out the dampers and having to do it all over again.

KONI Sport (Yellow) are very good for any drop, even low down. TEIN EnduraPro Plus will also work for most drops.

sinister2c

I've been on these for 15 months on daily driving (15k miles or so), so far so good. Not issues or noises.

banec13

I’m on F-Sport lowering springs with KYB shocks. Almost a year on them now and no issues. The ride is definitely more stiff and “sporty”. My only complaint is u can feel every imperfection on the road, especially w/ the 18in OEM wheels.

J2FUEGO

@sinister2c @banec13 I appreciate the info fellas, unfortunately I made up my mind & decided to get the Megan EZ's. I just got to drive it home today & I am already impressed.
@bbaugher47 @Gville350 I forgot to ask the shop to keep my old struts around to see if I was indeed on OEM Struts but the Megan EZ's feel better than the struts I had on, even when I first purchased it. It feels smooth for the most part! I know I have to give the coilovers time to "settle" & brake in, so yes I still feel most of the imperfections in the road (which I've been used to for a while now) & I kinda hear them rattle a little when I go over some weird road imperfections.. but is there anything else I should know? Besides keeping them clean which I try my best to do living in Bi-polar Colorado weather, are there any unspoken rules for caring for coil overs haha, Should I wait to wash my 250 as the coil overs settle?

Thanks

bbaugher47

Wow. You got those on quickly! I’m glad you are enjoying them. They really shouldn’t settle any. You can adjust the firmness/rebound on the shock bodies to meet your needs. I would wash them regularly to keep the threads clean and clear. Any pictures?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

On my BCRs, mine did settle a minor bit. But about the rattle, after giving them time to settle, grab your spanner wrenches and ensure the spring preload is properly set. If too loose from the start, the settling time will only increase the likelihood of a loose spring preload.

ENJOY!