gewe21

Greetings fellow ClubLexus,

I am considering getting a set of 19" or 20" wheels for my ride ('02 LS430), my picks are either Maya DTS or Wald Duchatelet D13 (leaning more towards the later ones).
Now I know that to look COOL, I need to lower the car. And I have decided that if that's the way to go, then I'll go that way, although I don't want to lower it too low (still want quite comfy ride).... we still have snow during winter here in Madison, WI.
Now the questions:
1. Does anybody know a good lowering shop in Madison / Milwaukee / Chicago area that is competent enough to handle an LS ?
2. Any idea on the spring / shock setups ? I know the ride is going to be stiffer, but I don't want it to be TOO stiff... I want it to look (normal, not very) low, but still QUITE (not very) comfortable... Can I make do with just changing the springs, and leave the stock shocks ? Which brand should I get ?
3. Again for the quite comfy setup, would I be better off with 19" or 20" or no difference ?
Thank you...

Ecru

I lowered my LS430 too. Looks much much better. I used the Eibach springs specially designed only for LS430. I maintained the struts since theres just a 1.5 inch drop. Anything lower than that will surely decrease the life of your shocks. Ride is almost stock for 17 inch wheels, but it handles way better and feels more stable, Ride is firm with 18 and bigger. I can't tolerate that. Feels like my prev 2001 740il with 18in wheels. Thats just my feel. Everybody has different tolerance on ride quality. I hate very firm setup. I maintain the 17 in size but I change OEM wheels though with another 17 inch wheels, but this one is 8.5 wider, and change the tires to 245 set up. Now my ride is 95 % like stock with more agressive look.

J.P.

Eibach springs will be the cheaper way to go.

Coilovers will be more flexable, I think JIC makes some for the LS430