SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

So I am looking to replace more suspension parts on my 98 Lexus ls400. I have replace the lower ball joint with oem, and outer tie rods with moog. Also I have replace the strut bar bushing with oem as well but I didn't know I had to install them oriented correctly. Will I be okay to press those out again and reinstall them correctly? Also I have read it will need to be torque down correctly while the car is on the ground. Now how can I torque it when the car is down when the car is lower where no room to get to the bolt/nut? Next on my list is to replace the sway bar bushings, sway bar end links both front and rear and then both inner tie rods. Any brand you guys recommend? What sites/places you guys are buying from and suggest I order them from?

LScowboyLS

I like OEM on everything.

but if you are forced to buy cheaper, Moog is no longer good, instead, I would look at Raybestos Pro

as far as torquing down with car's weight on it, on a lowered car, you will need a lift of the drive-on type - got a friend with an auto repair shop?

I don't think I would reuse the strut bar bushings that are were not oriented right, get another set of OEM, they are cheap online at Lexus of South Atlanta, Sewell, etc.

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

the car doesnt necessarily have to be 'on the ground' it just has to have its weight rested on the wheels/tires.

in example:

now in this photo, the car is CURRENTLY being supported by jackstands. but if you look under the wheels, youll see wooden blocks.

theyre called cribbing blocks. 2"x4", 2x6 or similar built in a criss cross pattern. mine are nailed together.

i use them either to support the car with the weight on the wheels, or in this case, as a back up if the jack stands were to fail.

so long story short, create space between the ground and the underbelly of the car yet still have the weight on the wheels.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

ProperD has a great idea.. when we replaced mine, we put a jack under the ball joint and jacked it up until it was lifted off the jack stand and torqued it down on both sides.. on your old ones, if you see any cracks in the rubber, throw it away and get new ones. we are replacing my other 99 this weekend... take a look!!

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the input guys! Well I guess I will just order new strut bar bushing I mean I don't want to press them out and it's no longer good and not have the new one to press in. I will have to do all this in just a day as It is my only car and I used it everyday. As for brands Etc I would love to go all oem but at same time funds is the issue. Reason why I want to replace them now is after replacing the outer tie rods, lower ball joint and strut bar bushing, it ride/handle differently. If feel like the car is drifting when turning, not sure if installing the strut bar bushing mighty wrong could be a cause because before I replace those parts it handle much better. Now I'm going to go ahead and get all the other stuff and replace it and then do an alignment

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Anyone heard or used the brand roca?

dc893

Moog sway links are very good. I have a set on mine and they are made in Japan. I am 100% sure for the 90-94 they are made in Japan and I'm fairly sure they are as well for 95+.

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

I will be ordering some parts tonight when I get home. So for lining up oriented on the strut bar bushing the tab should be 90 degree from center correct? I will be ordering sway bar links, inner tie rods and the strut bar bushing. I know to stay away from poly bushing etc and not sure if anyone used/tried roca strut bar bushing, I have emailed contacted seller of roca bushing and they said it is hard rubber. Just want to see if anyone had experience with then