Aimhigher3

I'm still trying to decide on ways to lower my LS.....

I'm looking at the specs for the Tanabe DF and NF springs and they they look practically the same?? The REAR of the DF springs is ONLY 0.2 more and the front is the same? I would assume that the DF model would be lower for the front and rear?

So...my question is that if the specs is basicly the same....why wouldn't I get the NF model since they claim that they ride close to stock??

If the DF springs were like 0.5 -1.0 lower than the NF model then I can justify getting them since I may have to give up a lil bit of ride comfort?

I've seen some of the members riding on the NF springs and I wanted something just a little bit lower so I looked into the DF springs but they were the same height in the front.


Any experiences with DF or NF springs ??

I was leaning on coil overs at first but after doing some research I decided to look back into springs since I dont really want to slam my car, deal with squeaks (i read that a lot of people have these issues), and having to replace the coil overs cartridges after ONLY 30,000 miles.



Here are the spec from the Tanabe website

Tanabe - DF210 (Dress Form) Spring Kit, 1.0 Inch Drop for both (FR) & (RR),


Tanabe - NF210 (Normal Feeling) Spring Kit, 1.0 Inch Drop (FR) & 0.8 Inch Drop (RR)


Or anybody can give me another suggestion on another brand of QUALITY lowering springs that is lower than the Tanabe but yet has a good comfortable ride?

El Toro

I have the NF 210's and feel that they are perfect. Check my comments and pics from the thread below.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...oil-overs.html

SH430

I converted my '01 LS430 UL from air suspension to the NF210 springs with KYB shocks. The car is a little lower than I thought it would be, but it looks great. The ride quality of this setup is very good. You will need to replace the rear camber struts. Lexus offers 3 lengths. I used the shortest ones, and the rear camber came back in specs.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I converted my 05' LS430 UL from air suspension to the NF210 springs with OEM Euro Sport shocks, it is exactly what I am looking for. Sounds like you have the same preference as well. I didn't want coilovers for the exact reasons you stated, and most coilover's company don't sell each shock individually, you have to buy the entire suspension kit or have them rebuild every 30k~50k miles, it is a pain.

I picked the NF over the DF because like you said, the DF is only 0.2" lower on the rear, and mind you since the UL is heavier on the back, it brings down the NF just enough for the perfect rake look. I also don't want the DF's higher spring rate in fear of ruining the ride. The ride is perfect for me now, it rides pretty much the same as a stock sport suspension car, it is actually a hair less harsh because the stock sport suspension have firmer A-arm bushings that transmit more harshness from the road.

Initially when the springs was first installed, the car was sitting higher then I want, but after a few months, the springs settled down quite a bit more and the height is perfect now. It is slightly lower then most stock AMGs, which is exactly what I want

See pics of my car here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4973759-post1.html

CW2004LS43

I am interested in the NF's also, but want to keep my stock shocks since I only have 30k on my car. I could not find a thread discussing the installation of the springs. Is it a straight forward job?

Thanks for the input.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

There is no discussion thread because it is a very simple direct swap straight forward job, there is nothing to discuss about

CW2004LS43

Thanks for the info!

LS430black

@BNR34: I have a small question,I'm still wondering why you needed to convert from air suspension to springs? Are you worried about its maintenance? And are the springs smoother than the previous one or a bit harder?

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

You are welcome.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

There are only 2 reasons to have the air suspension:

1, Height adjustability, mainly for people who want to lower their car to the ground for that unique look.

2, For that flowing on air feel.

I don't need either of those features.

There are many negatives to the air suspension:

1, The strut is $1000+ each that usually last about 50k~60k miles.

2, The car is constantly changing height at each corner individually, and the height sensor/computer is too slow, too dumb......making the car sit crooked every time you look at it. It is very annoying.

3, The ride is too soft for my taste, even in sport mode.

I appreciate the firmer ride of the steel spring and the constant static ride height much more, not to mention the longer lasting conventional struts that are $150 each.

The Tanabe lowering springs ride about the same as the stock OEM sport suspension, which is still a very smooth ride. It is harder then the air springs of course.

LS430black

I got it. Thanks a lot

Aimhigher3

Thanks everyone! I installed the Tanabe NF springs on my car a few days ago...The ride is pretty close to stock to me.... I only wished that it was like a half inch lower or so but hopefully when it settles it be perfect!

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

No problem.

The air suspension was cool initally when I first got the car since it is a novelty, but after a while I realized I don't want it and got sick of all the hassles, then the 2 rear struts failed, so I ripped them out. I love the car much more now.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

It will come down another 1/2 inch or so when the springs settle, don't worry. I hated it in the beginning too because it wasn't low enough, but it is perfect now. Be patient, it takes 2~3 months for it to come down, but it will.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

What struts did you go with? I hit my 174K on my beast... If I lower, it wont be on these struts.