Magia120

I wanna lower my 1st Gen LS about an 1" - 1.5" However, I want to keep a decent ride on it. Are there any particular brands that have kits for this? What kind of parts do I need to look for? I also want some chrome wheels. I was thinking 18s or 19s...five-spoke. What wheel size (height and width) would fit and look good with the lowering kit and what size tire would I run on them? If anyone has pics or suggestions let me know. Thanks.

P.S.- Check out RA40 's member profile to get an idea of what I'm looking for

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

I'd say your best bet is to get a set of Eibach springs and a set of aftermarket shocks (either Tokico or KYB).

http://www.tmengineering.net/suspens...ake/lexus.html
http://www.tmengineering.net/suspens...ake/lexus.html
http://www.tmengineering.net/suspens...ake/lexus.html

As for the wheels/tires, how much are you willing to spend? If you're trying to maintain a comfortable ride, 18's would be the way to go. If you're going for looks, then 19's would probably look best.

Magia120

Thanks BR1AN,
I called the guys at TM Engineering and they recommended the Eibach Pro-Kit with Tokico HP Shocks. Is installing the new springs and shocks a difficult job? or can it be done with minimal experience? I'm 17 and on a budget so I'm lookin for some wheels for $2000 or less with tires. Think its possible? I will probably go with the 18s (hopefully they will look decent). What about a tire size for those? Thanks

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

If you don't have any experience at all in installing/removing springs/shocks, then it's going to be a difficult and time consuming job...it would probably be better to just take it to a shop.

2 grand or less is definitely possible, you just have to look around and be patient for the right deals to pop up.

For instance, if you're interested in getting the same wheels that RA40 has for about $2000 with tires:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...4&page=2&pp=40

I should've added the link in my previous post, so you wouldn't have to call them back. Hopefully Todd will have a set of 18x8.5 in chrome left.

I'd go with 245/40/18 tires all around on 18x8.5 wheels.

Magia120

BR1AN,
Thanks, that link was a BIG help. I really like RA40s wheels and I e-mailed Todd about getting some. Hopefully he still has some chrome ones in my size. I am wondering if the 245/40/18 tires have a decent tread life on them. Do you know? and Are they thick enough to still give me a decent ride? Thanks for the help.

sonbum1

iTrader: (3)

Not trying to bash anyones sale but I would suggest 19" or even 20" The wheels I have are 18" and there is so much of a gap on the sides, I am constantly wanting bigger wheels.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

I agree 19's or maybe even 20's (if the car has a kit) would look best, but notice that Magia120 said....
And we all know that going past 18" will make a noticeable difference in ride quality.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

I believe you can get at most 20-25k miles depending on the make/model. If you're worried about the ride you could go with a 245/45/18 tire....I just suggested the 245/40/18 just to be on the safe side since certain brands are beefier than others. 245/45/18 should be fine since you'll only be lowering your car about 1.25".

Magia120

I do want a decent ride quality but do I dont want the 18s to look bad. Sonbum1, can you post a picture of your ride showing the wheels? and does anyone know how big RA40 s wheels are? I think his ride looks like what im goin for. Something smooth and clean but still looks good. thanks

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

They're 18x8.5.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Brian-

Another note to all this...make sure the suspension bushings and strut bars are up to the task. Otherwise, with the added weight/rotational mass, it will bring all those problems out in short order. Mine has been creaking, clunking pretty firece lately so I'll be having new strut bars installed on Thursday. Depending on what is found, there may be more like the ball joints, bushings in the A-arms and the bushings in the rear links too.

The ride with the factory 16's was nearly like stock after lowering. With the 18's, it is firmer and the added rotating mass has altered compression and rebound...it does not float over the bumps but will transmit them through the car. I knew what I was getting with all the mods so I expected it.

If you want the ride, you can still do a conservative drop but consider a 17" wheel instead.

Magia120

Thanks for the heads up. I think I'll go with the 18s though even if i might sacrifice a little ride quality ( I was kinda expecting to have to) but I think I might wait on the drop. I may not even drop it and just save the cash for other things if I like the look of the 18s on the stock suspension. Thanks again.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

Not a good idea if you ask me.

Magia120

So you think I should drop it and do the suspension at the same time? The problem with that is $$$. What benefits would I get out of the drop and the wheels?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The fender well gap will be larger with the 245/40-18 alone. This is not aestehtically pleasing by most...you car will have 4x4 like properties. I think that is like 4" of tire to wheel well gap.

A lowering job with springs, struts and install will roughly be about $800.

An alternate thought...if you may not lower, consider a 17" wheel with a 225/55-17. This is roughly the same diameter and you will get the imporved handling without altering ride characteristics too much.