DIAMOND777

I bought my 1st lexus on February 2010. Its a 1990 LS top of the line fully equiped with oem adjustable bags. Well like most all old ls400's the air suspension failed! My friends father sold me the car and told me the problem is with one of the air valves that run to one of the front bags. I have searched & searched and finally found someone local that has 1 almost new front air shock both oem rears and all the components along with valves and compressor and is offering em for like $250. I also found a guy offering oem shock set up "non Air" and is willing to convert my ride with parts for $300...
Im undecided weather to chuck the airbags and go with regular struts or keep with air ride!! I need help deciding. Wont my car loose value even more if i replace airbags for regular shocks??

Guys help me decide, the car is a jewel just sitting in my garage!!!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

If you haven't already, suggest you search this forum for 'strutmasters' replacement threads

DIAMOND777

i know about strutmasters, the question I have is if im gonna to replace the airstruts or keep the bags...

JimsGX

From all reports in these threads, I think you're fighting a losing battle with the air system. If you're looking for reliability, I'd switch it over to the Strutmasters or Arnott's... Since its a 1990, I wouldn't be concerned with the resale value when deciding between an air or conventional suspension. The car just isn't worth that much regardless.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

This is getting to be one of those border line repairs depending on the mileage of the car. By now, you can probably source the top hats from a dismantler and if still good, swap in some struts and the recycled springs. Or opt for new parts to be safe. You are probably in the rough neighborhood of $300-500 and there are likely many other worn suspension parts to go through if you want the car tight again. Don't be surprised if it needs ball joints, tie rods, strut bar bushings along with upper and lower control arm bushings.

If the engine or tranny are in the upper miles...how much longer is a gamble. You hate to drop $1K into a car that is worth $1.5-2K and get a year or two out of it. Depends on your wallet though.

Plastic and rubber/vinyl parts in the engine bay are also likely getting pretty dry so vacuum leaks may also be a new discovery to hunt down. Tubing is cheap so an afternoon replacing them is easy.

GL with the repairs...older cars can be challenging to bring back.

DIAMOND777

Thanks for the advice guys, I turned the car on and some smoke started comi ng from under the intake.. It smelled almost like plastic burning