Shaffer

Did anyone ever change their rear struts on their 90-94 LS400? If so, what brand strut did you use? Would a factory Lexus strut provide the softest ride? I just found a service record in the 90 LS400 I just purchased and it shows that the original rear struts were replaced with the "KYB" struts. My car does not have the air suspension. Not that my car does not ride good (that would be impossible for a Lexus), but it seems like the rear suspension is a little firmer than I would like for it to be- especially on this type of car. I was sure that my aunts 90 LS400 had a better ride than this. My cars rear suspension really absorbs the large bumps, but it seem to "transmit" too many small bumps in the road. I may have them changed soon. Any recommendations on the smoothest, softest strut I can find? My guess is that I should go with genuine Lexus struts for a factory ride. Thanks again for the information.

persian451

of course, if you went if factory struts then your ride would have the original factory ride. KYB is aftermarket, though it is softer than others, it is still not OEM lexus strut.

retrodrive

Even stock Lexus shocks won't feel the same if you lower your car. KYB is VERY close to stock if you just do a direct replacement with stock springs.

Shaffer

Thanks for the replies. I should have posted this in the "suspension" section- I guess it will automatically be moved.

So these KYB struts are about the same as the factory struts? I just do not want to replace them, with Lexus struts, if the ride quality will be the same. Also, I am not lowering the car. In fact, no modifications.

persian451

stick to lexus shocks then, go with kyb if you want to do further suspension mods

Shaffer

I will probably replace them soon with Lexus struts then. Perhaps I can sell these new "KYB" struts to someone. Thanks again.

persian451

try ebay, bet someone will buy them, because now they are 90 a piece i think on Tirerack..

Shaffer

I called my local Lexus dealer today and rear Lexus struts for my 90 LS400 are $51.00 each. I checked that sales ticket and the previous owner paid $79.95 each for them back in June. They have less than 2000 miles on them. If I could sell them for what I pay for the Lexus struts- I would be happy. Repair shop charged $50. to replace.
These struts are cheaper than they were for my old 93 Camry LE. They (Toyota dealership) wanted $150.00 per strut for that car.

Shaffer

Thanks for that information. They are basically new struts. I said that they have less than 2000 miles, but after looking at the receipt again where they were installed- they have less than 1000 miles on them. I will probably place them on E-Bay.
I called the dealer yesterday and had them order the Lexus struts. He said they would be here on Monday- and then I can take it to my local repair shop and get them to change them out. He said it would be $45.00 to change them.
Thanks again for the information.

Jasoneo5

iTrader: (4)

Are you saying that it is going to cost you $50.00 per strut for installation! I was under the impression that it would cost more around $500.00 (total) for installation. If it is only $50.00 then I will definetly be more willing!

-Jason

Lexkost

Jason your right ,a shop will not install a rear strut for $50 ............remember the rear seat has to be removed and that's $50 bucks just there!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Rod Millen quoted me $90 per axle for a strut swap. Same rate at Discount Tire when I inquired about another car. This may be going rate but I wouldn't want some greasy handed guy pulling up the interior of my Lexus.

Shaffer

You may think I am referring to the air-suspension model, but my car has the standard struts. And $45.00 was not per strut - that quote was for both. Also, the repair shop in Kentucky that installed the "KYB" struts back in June charged $50.00 for both according to the receipt.

Shaffer

I was under the impression that the rear seat is the only thing that has to be removed. Am I wrong?

Shaffer

To update- I guess you could say I am having "Toyota" struts installed, since that is actually what they are. I picked up the struts today and they are in "Toyota" boxes. You would think they would at least use "Lexus" packages.

Actually, our local Lexus dealer also sells Toyotas. They have a seperate showroom next door and share the same huge repair shop. You actually have to pick up Lexus parts at the Toyota parts counter- which is neat if you own a Lexus and Toyota- that way you can get your parts at one place.

Also- about the replacement cost. I called the repair shop that quoted me $45.00, to see when I can bring the car. I wanted to see if it was $45.00 per strut. I was wrong- It is going to be $90.00 to replace both of them- which is still $10.00 less than the last repair shop charged.