1991 Lexus LS400 - need new struts HELP!
#17
Intermediate
Thread Starter
What's amazing is that the KYB's are half as much as the Monroes AND they're better. Not a hard sell at all.
I'll go with the KYB's. I think I'll get the lower ball joints considering I have 177,000 miles on my car and it seems those tend to go out on high mileage LS400's.
#19
My old 1990 LS400 had KYB struts on the rear when I bought it. Someone had installed them before I bought it. I was very displeased with the ride comfort, because I remembered how nice my aunts 1990 LS400 rode with the original struts. I very quickly removed them, went to a local Lexus/Toyota dealer and bought OEM ones for $52. each.... then I took the car to my mechanics and they replaced them for $100. So, the total was about $180. after taxes. The ride was very smooth and supple. True, KYB makes the Toyota OEMs from what I understand, but the actual OEMs they make with the Toyota name on them are dampened to have a softer ride.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
KYB is a good strut. look for them on ebay, they might be cheaper. i'm not sure as to why the tokico's aren't recommended. i haven't seen much on them but that's what i was going to go for when i buy some. typically in sports car world, tokico's are pretty highly regarded....
unless you need the bearings, don't worry about it. just get hte struts. the bearings last a long tme.
unless you need the bearings, don't worry about it. just get hte struts. the bearings last a long tme.
#20
BahHumBug
iTrader: (10)
My old 1990 LS400 had KYB struts on the rear when I bought it. Someone had installed them before I bought it. I was very displeased with the ride comfort, because I remembered how nice my aunts 1990 LS400 rode with the original struts. I very quickly removed them, went to a local Lexus/Toyota dealer and bought OEM ones for $52. each.... then I took the car to my mechanics and they replaced them for $100. So, the total was about $180. after taxes. The ride was very smooth and supple. True, KYB makes the Toyota OEMs from what I understand, but the actual OEMs they make with the Toyota name on them are dampened to have a softer ride.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
and OEM LS4 shocks from the dealer are NOT $52, the ones closest to that price are in fact the KYBs.
#21
Lexus Champion
My old 1990 LS400 had KYB struts on the rear when I bought it. Someone had installed them before I bought it. I was very displeased with the ride comfort, because I remembered how nice my aunts 1990 LS400 rode with the original struts. I very quickly removed them, went to a local Lexus/Toyota dealer and bought OEM ones for $52. each.... then I took the car to my mechanics and they replaced them for $100. So, the total was about $180. after taxes. The ride was very smooth and supple. True, KYB makes the Toyota OEMs from what I understand, but the actual OEMs they make with the Toyota name on them are dampened to have a softer ride.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
I actually still have the KYB's that I removed. I had them listed on ebay for sale, but no one wanted them. They are still laying around here somewhere... they have like about 1000 miles on them... good shocks if you like a stiff and harsh ride like an old 4x4 short wheelbase truck or a Jeep CJ5/7. Even on a Lexus, a performance strut can provide a harsh ride, which is unfortunate, since Lexus is known for smooth rides.
how much for those kyb's? i need to stiffen up the rear anyway...
#22
I am assuming since they were only like 4 months old and that they had less than 1000 miles on them, that they were not blown.
I am not sure about there, but I know that in 2004 I indeed did pay $52.00 each for OEM struts from my Lexus dealer, which also has a Toyota dealer. I am assuming that they have either went up in price since I bought these, or they are higher out there, but I do clearly remember what I personally paid for them and it was $52.00 each. Thanks.
I am not sure about there, but I know that in 2004 I indeed did pay $52.00 each for OEM struts from my Lexus dealer, which also has a Toyota dealer. I am assuming that they have either went up in price since I bought these, or they are higher out there, but I do clearly remember what I personally paid for them and it was $52.00 each. Thanks.
#23
I replaced all 4 with KYB-GR2 in July because one oem in the rear were leaking. The ride definitely stiffer but the handling is better as well. The reason I choose KYB is due to cost. I rather have the OEM ride. Paid 239.5+12.00 shipping for all 4. From Ebay.
#24
I am assuming since they were only like 4 months old and that they had less than 1000 miles on them, that they were not blown.
I myself have the aftermarket ones, and my car doesnt handle like a 4X4 by any means. A little stiffer true, ride comfort,, not smooth lexus like,, but not far from it. Responsiveness alot better than stock. To each his own. Good luck with your choices people. I can only relate to my own pocket breaking experiences.
#25
BahHumBug
iTrader: (10)
I am assuming since they were only like 4 months old and that they had less than 1000 miles on them, that they were not blown.
I am not sure about there, but I know that in 2004 I indeed did pay $52.00 each for OEM struts from my Lexus dealer, which also has a Toyota dealer. I am assuming that they have either went up in price since I bought these, or they are higher out there, but I do clearly remember what I personally paid for them and it was $52.00 each. Thanks.
I am not sure about there, but I know that in 2004 I indeed did pay $52.00 each for OEM struts from my Lexus dealer, which also has a Toyota dealer. I am assuming that they have either went up in price since I bought these, or they are higher out there, but I do clearly remember what I personally paid for them and it was $52.00 each. Thanks.
list price for 95-00 LS400 front strut (ONE) is ~$134.
Strut, ls400, w/o pneumatic shocks - ls400 - LS400 95-00 $134.15
Strut, w/o pneumatic shocks, standard - ls400 - LS400 90-94 $120.22
#26
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Bottom line. I want the softest ride possible. I'm surprised there isn't an aftermarket strut that can duplicate the ride of a Lexus strut. This isn't rocket science is it?
Last edited by Sportznuts; 12-14-07 at 12:25 PM.
#28
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I see you have KYB struts. How does the ride compare to the stock ride?
Called Lexus, they quoted me $142 for the fronts, $172 for the rears.
Wait a second, I forgot to ask if the price was each or for the pair.
Probably each knowing Lexus.
Last edited by Sportznuts; 12-14-07 at 01:32 PM.
#29
I think I paid in the $52.00 apiece range for OEM but that was awhile back. Toyota has raised their prices quite a bit.
I have gone thru this process 4 times on 3 LS vehicles.
The oldest 90 model did 100,000 K or so on Tokicos but has now gone back to oem. I learned and went with OEM on my 94 LS.
The 96 LS in my family has replaced oem's as well.
I have gone thru this process 4 times on 3 LS vehicles.
The oldest 90 model did 100,000 K or so on Tokicos but has now gone back to oem. I learned and went with OEM on my 94 LS.
The 96 LS in my family has replaced oem's as well.
#30
Retired
iTrader: (32)
Just about every quote I've heard says the KYB are a "stiffer ride".
I see you have KYB struts. How does the ride compare to the stock ride?
Called Lexus, they quoted me $142 for the fronts, $172 for the rears.
Wait a second, I forgot to ask if the price was each or for the pair.
Probably each knowing Lexus.
I see you have KYB struts. How does the ride compare to the stock ride?
Called Lexus, they quoted me $142 for the fronts, $172 for the rears.
Wait a second, I forgot to ask if the price was each or for the pair.
Probably each knowing Lexus.