2012 Shocks and springs on 2008 ISF
02-08-13, 10:05 PM
#16
Stock isn't that bad..... I have bc coilovers and would never think of going back to stock. The ride is 100 times better and I can adjust the ride firmness. Interested to see how this works out for you and what you think of it when it's done. Imo, if you're going through all this work and are really that unhappy with the ride and steering, why not find a 2011 or newer? That way it's exactly how you want.
02-09-13, 04:59 AM
#17
I don't think anyone is going to convince the OP to go aftermarket or buy a newer ISF. Would most of us get some aftermarket coilovers to improve the ride quality and stance? Yes. Heck, most of us probably don't think the suspension is that bad in the first place. I know that I'd heard so much about how bad the pre-2011 suspension was before I got my car that I was a little worried. Coming from a lowered S2000 though, I find the suspension to be perfectly comfortable in its stock form. Then again, that's just me. The OP has it in his mind that he wants to retrofit a 2012 suspension on his car, and I am interested to see how much the project ends up costing him to be done correctly.
02-09-13, 08:31 AM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
02-09-13, 08:40 AM
#20
Not a bad idea. I think OP saved a significant amount of money by purchasing an earlier model F, and then putting the later-model parts in. All you would pretty much need is the newer suspension, LED headlights, new tach (probably tough to put in) and LSD. Interested to see how the ride is, although I would never change mine since I'm satisfied with it, and........if it ain't broke don't fix it.....IMO
02-09-13, 10:50 AM
#21
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Not a bad idea. I think OP saved a significant amount of money by purchasing an earlier model F, and then putting the later-model parts in. All you would pretty much need is the newer suspension, LED headlights, new tach (probably tough to put in) and LSD. Interested to see how the ride is, although I would never change mine since I'm satisfied with it, and........if it ain't broke don't fix it.....IMO
.I could have bought same set up I had (from 08) but why if you could get almost identically looking shocks but retuned.
2013 ISF will have even more refined shocks and different spring rates. Mainly I read that it will no longer have a shock rebound spring anymore for an added comfort in the rear. I am not getting into any details but it seems to be the case. 2013-2012 Shocks were designed by German company named ZF (sachs) unlike 2011. 2011 Shocks are made by Tokico and share same part numbers as 2008 (according to my parts guy). Go figure, maybe the only change on 2011 were spring rates ???? Anyways...
02-09-13, 01:50 PM
#23
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I bought 4 shocks and 4 springs...everything else is the same part number so that will be reused. I mentioned my parts list in the 1st post. LSD wont make a difference unless you are hauling a$$ out of the turn like a madman,launching your car at the drag strip, or trying to do donuts somewhere.
02-09-13, 02:09 PM
#24
I considered springs but after reading up on them it looks like they are only for cosmetics.....I figured body roll would be less but people who have them say that there is no difference from stock. And like you said it was probably the cause for the shocks blowing out. However with coils I think the car handles way better if I recall correctly.
02-09-13, 02:47 PM
#25
I bought 4 shocks and 4 springs...everything else is the same part number so that will be reused. I mentioned my parts list in the 1st post. LSD wont make a difference unless you are hauling a$$ out of the turn like a madman,launching your car at the drag strip, or trying to do donuts somewhere.
Mike
02-09-13, 02:59 PM
#26
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
The LSD makes a huge difference with how the eLSD interferes with handling in a corner. It is one of many improvements that can be done to an 08. For the most part lexus is just now understanding what it takes to build a production performance car and which manufacturing partners can get them there. The changes they have made are the same things things we started back in 2009 to our 2008. Stability also comes from a reduced bumpsteer rear suspension geometry, that is what our MEGA arms and toe links accomplish. Your 2008 can easily be better than the 2012 with a small investment.
Mike
Mike
If I accomplish what I am after from the OEM parts bin only then I will consider an LSD and yes, it will be OEM unit.
Please be kind enough to let me know why lower spring perches aren't notched in a 2012 ISF?
Last edited by MadCleaner; 02-09-13 at 09:19 PM.
02-09-13, 10:53 PM
#27
Instructor
Interesting, and I commend you for trying... Looking to hear your results...
In my 08, I don't mind the shocks too much but it is annoying in city driving in SF and down right harsh. However, having Tien HA's on my Aristo previously and HKS Supermax's D's on my mk3 supra, I can say that this is the softer of all three cars, albit the mk3's and it's accordion like body flex.
I haven't bought coil overs, because #1 I already scrape going in to my parking garage in SF (scrapes the hitch that was installed by the last owner) and #2 I'd rather spend the money on a LSD. I'm still furious that manufactures install this Ediff crap. It's worse then the first versions of drive by wire in mercs....
In my 08, I don't mind the shocks too much but it is annoying in city driving in SF and down right harsh. However, having Tien HA's on my Aristo previously and HKS Supermax's D's on my mk3 supra, I can say that this is the softer of all three cars, albit the mk3's and it's accordion like body flex.
I haven't bought coil overs, because #1 I already scrape going in to my parking garage in SF (scrapes the hitch that was installed by the last owner) and #2 I'd rather spend the money on a LSD. I'm still furious that manufactures install this Ediff crap. It's worse then the first versions of drive by wire in mercs....
02-09-13, 11:57 PM
#29
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Interesting, and I commend you for trying... Looking to hear your results...
In my 08, I don't mind the shocks too much but it is annoying in city driving in SF and down right harsh. However, having Tien HA's on my Aristo previously and HKS Supermax's D's on my mk3 supra, I can say that this is the softer of all three cars, albit the mk3's and it's accordion like body flex.
I haven't bought coil overs, because #1 I already scrape going in to my parking garage in SF (scrapes the hitch that was installed by the last owner) and #2 I'd rather spend the money on a LSD. I'm still furious that manufactures install this Ediff crap. It's worse then the first versions of drive by wire in mercs....
In my 08, I don't mind the shocks too much but it is annoying in city driving in SF and down right harsh. However, having Tien HA's on my Aristo previously and HKS Supermax's D's on my mk3 supra, I can say that this is the softer of all three cars, albit the mk3's and it's accordion like body flex.
I haven't bought coil overs, because #1 I already scrape going in to my parking garage in SF (scrapes the hitch that was installed by the last owner) and #2 I'd rather spend the money on a LSD. I'm still furious that manufactures install this Ediff crap. It's worse then the first versions of drive by wire in mercs....
02-09-13, 11:59 PM
#30
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter