BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yeah it was A LOT of work doing it myself, I am not an auto mechanic, it is tough for me. But knowing it is done exactly the way I want it, and was done perfectly, is priceless.

My car is pretty much the same as yours now, not identical, give and take here and there, but pretty much the same. Your rear sway bar is a hair bigger, but I got lowering springs that are a hair stiffer. Same shocks and your upper A-arm bushings are firmer. In general, my car should feel pretty much like yours.

How much it lean/sway is a very subjective question, it depends on what each person is used to. The car lean less now compare to the air suspension before, but my other car is a WRX STi with very firm suspension, so in comparison, my LS still leans more. I am with you, I like flat cornering, I am going to drive it for a month or 2 and see if I want less lean, if I do, I might add the OEM sport rear sway bar, or buy some TRD front and rear sway bars. It depends on how much less sway I want.

campisi

Nuke em from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

Seriously, nice job. Post a review of how it drives versus stock after the springs settle in a little.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Definitely.

It is only the 1st day I have steel springs on this car, I love it way more then the stock air. The stock air always sit weird everytime I look at it.

Thank you, I appreciate that

The springs settle or not is not going to change how it drives, just like everyone who has the Tanabe NF210 springs said, it feels stock. In my case, it feels the same as a stock sport suspension car. Which is exactly what I want, I just have to work on making it sit lower.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Oooooh very nice Jeff. Congrats on a mission accomplished.
Definitely will check back when my air suspension goes out (crossing fingers and toes to hold out as long as possible)

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Thank you, I appreciate that

Best wish for your air suspension to be long lasting

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Thank you. As long as they last beyond the 75k since I didn't get the extended warranty, it's good enough for me

I might have to drive down to make a visit one day to see how your LS feels

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

yup, the extended warranty is pointless as the whole conversion is only $1500 for me.

No problem, anytime! To save you a trip though, just go find a stock sport suspension car near you and test drive it, it feels about the same right now, unless I get those TRD sway bars

The more I drive my car now, the more I love it, I feel like modding it now that it feels more sporty, I don't know if that is a good or bad thing

jman-LS430

Hey Jeff, just catching up on this thread. Congrats on the completion of the conversion. Can't wait to see the difference in ride as compared to how I have my settings on the data controller (and that you rode in to the meet in OC).

BTW, I am registered for the ToyotaFest May 11th. I will be taking my FJ40. Let me know if you want to go. I understand lots of CL members in SoCal will be taking their cars there.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Thank you J

The dampening feel pretty similar to your sport setting, the difference is the steel springs give a more soild feel compare to the air springs, which is what I prefer. I'll let you drive it when we meet again

You meant May 9th Yeah I think I am interested, I'll appreciate it if you let me ride in your FJ40, it would be fun. My schedule is open for that day right now, so I can go, unless something comes up. Thanks for the offer

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The ride height get lower and lower everyday, I am happy to see that.

I should be able to post some pics next week

And the car feels oh so good!

Boomer01

Awesome job! Nice to know that there is another option if the air fails.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Hey thanks.

Definitely nice to know. I plan to keep the car for 10+ years, 200k+ miles, I feel good to know my replacement shock is now $170 each, instead of $900 each!

The air is cool if you want to dump the car on the ground, but since I have no need for that, I don't need the extra cost involved.

Now I have the best of both world, all the gadgets from the UL package, without the costly problematic air suspension!

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I drove my LS fast for the 1st time today since I bought it one year ago, the steel springs definitely transformed the car, I never felt like driving it fast on the air before.

The car handle great for a full size 4000 lbs luxury sedan It actually go pretty fast, good power, good brakes, it is now a sports sedan. Not as sporty as my dad's GS300 Sport Design I drove today, but very good for a LS.

I am very happy

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

I think that with the right (but relatively minor) mods the LS could make a decent "sports sedan" but I'm not sure if the chassis is stiff enough. It's definitely light for a large sedan -- lighter than most anything in the classs, IIRC, indluding the Audi A8 with it's much ballyhooed aluminum construction LOL), the brakes appear to be up to the any reasonable street challenge, and I think the center of gravity may be a lot lower than one might suspect based upon the vehicle's appearance (for example, the tops of the cylinder heads are slightly lower than the tops of the tires, which indicates that the weight of the drivetrain is sunk relatively low in the chassis). All that said, a big car like the LS or an A8 or S-class is NOT a sports car, IMO. They are for traveling in comfort.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I6turbo, how ever you look at it, the LS430 is an excellently engineered automobile

It is quicker, lighter, handle better, better fuel economy, total comfort and luxury with the best reliability and longivity then all comparable cars in the market. Boy I sounds like a total fanboy but it is all true!!

The reason the A8 is so heavy is due to the Quattro, 4WD in a luxury sedan is pointless in my opinion unless the car is driven on snow

Yes the most important thing on the LS/A8/S-class/7 series is total comfort, but if it doesn't sacrifice any comfort, it doesn't hurt if it is a little responsive and handle good also.

Man I love the LS430