93lexES300

iTrader: (1)

Hey all, new member on these boards. I joined ages ago when I had my ES but havent been back for 4+ years. Well I recently picked up a 91 LS400 with 100K miles.

Bought some 16" later year wheels for the car to replace the 15's. Currently running 225/60/16's.
And just installed the Tanabe Springs last weekend along with the Supra Turbo Strut tower bar.

Here are some pics of the car, before (Top) and after (Bottom).


Here is a comparison of the Stock springs (Left) to the Tanabe (Right)


Your Thoughts/Feedback is appreciated.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

love it , most def imporvement over stock

slamgrayls

i just put on my tanabe but cuted 1 1/2 coil yup

L_Sport

very nice, I am looking into Tanabe springs myself. So give us some details? Where did you get them? How much? Did you do shocks and struts also? How does she ride??? Your sittin pretty clean 93lexES300! Funny, I had a 1992 ES3 and was MIA for a while after she was totaled and back on the horse with a 1991 LS. We got a few things in common.

Good to have you back!

Rex Ruthor

Me too. Gave the '97 ES to the in laws and finally made it back to vintage Lexus flagship. How's the ride with the Tanabe DF210s? Did you use the stock dampers with the new springs? Thanks.

93lexES300

iTrader: (1)

I did keep the stock dampers for the time being, as I still don't know if I will go with Tokico or KYB.

The ride is great, pretty much like stock. We went to dinner with some friends and decided to take the LS, and they actually complemented at how comfortable the ride is. This was the same day I installed the springs.

The 225/60/16 is rubbing when I turn though as the springs for being this low have a lower spring rate than I expected, hence the comfy ride quality, so I think I'll have to go to a 215/55/16 since I'm happy with the stock wheels and going more for a semi-sleeper look.

steveski

The second gen wheels/tires really look nice - the drop really improves the look of the car. Tanabes are nice and soft - just like OEM

omarg

personally i think your car looked better with the stock springs and larger rims and tires.

I think the 16's fill up your wheel wells perfectly! Also it looks as if the tires are gonna start rubbing.

Thats just my opinion though. Nice clean LS either way!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

u need a smaller diameter tire iirc for ur pre MC 1st gen.

and yes, the Tanabes are EXTREMELY soft springs.

93lexES300

iTrader: (1)

Swapped out tires today since the 225/60/16's were rubbing a little while turning at full lock. So I went with 215/55/16's. Probably also dropped the car about another inch due to the lower sidewall.

RocKrawler

Now you can notice gap, but still looks decent. I just got my wifes tires & rims mounted/balanced today and yours is gonna ride a lot better with the relatively taller sidewall than my wifes 30 series!

chrisngo

iTrader: (1)

I have had both. Didn't have the KYB on long enough to comment. The Tokico's blew out on me with the Tanabe springs. Keep in mind that I had the DF210 springs.

Hope that helps you choose.

Chris

L_Sport

Sittin' clean 93Lex, I personally like the smaller tires on it, the gap is minimal and it has such a nicer stance then stock! I have 255's in the back of my 1st gen, so I think I am gonna have to do some fender rolling or cuttin' we will see. How much was your Tanabe DF210's and install? I got mine for $218 out the door which I thought was a good deal, they also quoted me 180 to install them. However I am waiting to do the shocks and struts to while there are in there, so I gotta save a little more $$$ before I drop her! What's next for you Tint???

93lexES300

iTrader: (1)

There really isn't even as much of a gap as the pic would suggest, you just can't see the top of the tire, what looks like the top is just the side where the light hits it. I'll try to take some better pics.

I did the install myself, as I've gone through so many cars and I've lowered them all I bought a professional strut spring compressor so I't an easy job, took me a few hours being careful, including back seat removal and re-installation.

I was thinking of replacing the rear mufflers with some Magnaflows, I have had magnaflows on all my cars so far and the sound is deep but has none of the highs that some do.
Here is an example of what I did to my previous car:
http://home.comcast.net/~polosport8/index.html

L_Sport

Yeah, my choice is magnaflows so far, I am doing all new pipes, highflow cats, new highflow resonators and polished universal cans. But that is after I drop my CAR!!!