keepit

Alright looking to get into an LS400 a 97 to 2000 more then likely, im coming from the VW scene and i plan on lowering it. Coming from the VW scene i had to worry about oil pans and subframes getting destroyed.

Ive read a little about the LS and how the exhaust hangs low and the UCA has to have hole cutt for proper movement once you get to a certain point. My question is what other major things are there to worry about when lowering the car.

I plan on dailying this thing 80 miles atleast a day and the roads around here arent horrible but like every where they have their problems. Just trying to figure out if im headed in the right direction.

Thanks
Chris

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

95-97 or 98-00??
standard stuff for when lowering a car. you're more likely to scrape the frame than subframe. exhaust hangs low off the cats. UCA clearance is straight forwards.

buy coilovers, and search

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to CL.
PD has welcomed you in his grand way by "Search"...that is a high compliment BTW. Hahahaha...

How low are you talking about? Might check these threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...of-ur-car.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ed-thread.html

LSproject

The only problem I have lowering my car 3in. in front and 3 1/4 in. back is the exhaust will start scraping over speed bumps and my car won't make it up certain driveways because the frame get stuck.

Then if you're like me, and drove over a construction plate, this happens...

RA40

iTrader: (6)

For exhaust mods...many of us have a more conservative approach.
You were just looking for an excuse to get stainless pipes and a nice set of mufflers right?

LSproject

Haha yes my girlfriend and 2 of her friends were speechless when I was actually happy when this happened :P. Saved me time from unbolting all the couplings and hangars.

Ended up getting a 2.5" piping with some decent tips.

Back to OP, I wouldn't suggest slamming the LS on 18s, maybe at least 19s with a mild 2.5" drop? Also depends on how much your city hates lowered cars.

keepit

I meant 98-00 sorry messed up the years there. But still not 100 percent set on that year as the more i see the older body style the more it grows on me.

Coilovers and 19's are what im looking at as far as how low i guess its all in how practicle it will be driving, i have never owned a big body lowered just a few GTI's and an older jetta. Just wanted to see what type of things i need to be ready for, since the GTI had an aluminum subframe it was kinda nerve racking hearing that thing scrape the ground and pound against things every now and then.

Heres a picture of my GTI for reference:

Static:


Then Did the air thing for a bit:

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Have you figured what wheel set-up you want? The price of 19 and 20" rubber, the 20's are less, also there are a bit more choices. For consumables like this, this is why my buddy's have been pushing me to get 20's.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

mmm rotiform. lol

20s fit the 2LS quite well

keepit

2LS would be?? sorry for the dumb question . . .

As far as wheels just have a few ideas was looking at LM reps in 19 by 9.5 et 12 and 19 by 10.5 et 12. Seemed do able, 20's havent seen a ton that i like honestly but havent done a ton of looking as i dont have the car yet and dont want to get wayyyy ahead of myself lol.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

95-97 and 98-00 are all second gen ls400s. 95-97 is pre MC (minor change) and 98-00 is post MC. both are UCF2x chassis codes. (x=1 or 0)

keepit

Thank you for clearing that up for me, hopefully will be able to post some pics up soon of an actually LS thats mine