LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

ul air strut conversion question

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Old 04-22-12, 05:38 AM
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gs4bkny
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Default ul air strut conversion question

Well I have decided to bite the bullet and change my ul air suspension into regular struts. My right rear wheel failed about 2 years ago but am still able to drive on it cause it still goes up and down it just seems to collapse every-time i hit a pothole. I only drive once very couple of weeks so it really wasn't a concern to me. But now that the summer is coming I would like to drive the car more often so. My questions are. I my right rear strut repairable and if not how much would it cost to convert the whole system to stock. I would also like to hear some suggestions on what regular struts/coilovers have you guys used that you are happy with and what are the cost. I know its alot to ask but I really would like some good advice for this project.

Thank you in advance!
Old 04-22-12, 06:07 AM
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sojah
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i bought bc racing coilovers for like $900 i believe (with the CL discount from the vendor), and paid like $150 for the install. just remember to pull the compressor fuse or you will have an error on the dash.
Old 04-22-12, 08:09 AM
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gs4bkny
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@sojah how do you like ride quality with your setup?
Old 04-22-12, 08:23 AM
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sojah
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It was a pretty drastic change from the stock air susp. It was like going from an old mans cadi to a 5 or 7 series bmw. I now prefer the sporty handling feeling but on rare occasion still would like that floaty cadi feel, like when ur hungover

I've heard the jic magic's are still really luxo feeling and soft but they were like $2200 for a set and I couldn't find anyone who had tried both, just JM owners saying it was awesome and BC owners saying it was awesome.
Old 06-08-12, 07:59 AM
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drpatel77
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sojah .. what are the spring rate for bc for LS.... also how low does it allow u to go??
Old 06-08-12, 08:09 AM
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Cronic
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How do you think swapping to coilovers effects resale value?

The "modder" in me says when my air goes, I want to go CO's but the sensible side tells me to just go with OEM sport struts, and a mild spring like the swift for resale purposes. I feel like a lot of people may be turned off by CO's.
Old 06-08-12, 09:48 AM
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waijai
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I will be selling my OEM air struts soon.

Both my rear air struts are basically brand new...replaced under warranty a few months ago.
Old 06-08-12, 10:12 AM
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Cronic
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Originally Posted by waijai
I will be selling my OEM air struts soon.

Both my rear air struts are basically brand new...replaced under warranty a few months ago.
What are you replacing it with?
Old 06-08-12, 10:54 AM
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waijai
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Originally Posted by Cronic
What are you replacing it with?
Accuair E-Level & AirRex
Old 06-08-12, 04:00 PM
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Cronic
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Originally Posted by waijai
Accuair E-Level & AirRex
NICE! My buddy runs the air-rex in his STI and loves it.

Can you run the air-rex with stock air management system, as a direct replacement to the OEM air shocks? Would be a decent priced alternative to those wanting to stick to air, once the OEM goes.
Old 06-08-12, 06:07 PM
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waijai
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Originally Posted by Cronic
NICE! My buddy runs the air-rex in his STI and loves it.

Can you run the air-rex with stock air management system, as a direct replacement to the OEM air shocks? Would be a decent priced alternative to those wanting to stick to air, once the OEM goes.
I'm sure there's a way to rig up the OEM air management to aftermarket bags/struts, but to me that defeats the purpose of going aftermarket....namely the increased control allowed.
Old 06-08-12, 06:28 PM
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Cronic
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Originally Posted by waijai
I'm sure there's a way to rig up the OEM air management to aftermarket bags/struts, but to me that defeats the purpose of going aftermarket....namely the increased control allowed.
It defeats the purpose of ditching a fully functioning oem air system but offers an upgrade option to those wanting to stay on air when the stock struts fail. The airrex is like 2k vs over double that for oem. That is pending there isn't a bunch of bs involved of course.
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