LS430Lexus

I will be replacing my air suspension and am looking or the opinions of those who have done it. What did you use (OEM, OEM Sport, Coilovers, etc)? Have you been happy with it? DIY or how much was labor? Generally, any tips, tricks or advice. Thank you. I know a lot of threads have covered some of these questions but I am wondering about the overall satisfaction of those who have done it. Thank you, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Replaced mine with OEM Sport suspension, plus added the sport sway bar.

If I had to do it again, I'd just go with OEM vs Sport. Not enough 'sport' to make it worthwhile over the stiffer ride. It's still not all that bumpy but I think I'd have been happier with a more plush ride.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I have not personally done it but from my own advice I would also stay with oem springs and either dealer struts or KYB from RockAuto / Ebay. KYB is oem. Don't forget all the other mounts you need and to not remove the height sensors. Disable the air compressor too.

KING

iTrader: (1)

I didn't have replacement done, but with a similar experience.

When I sold my UL, then later on when I bought the ML I currently have now, I learned what the difference is, an you can read all about it here in the forum. Lots of people with different experiences with both suspensions.

As for my experience, just from my stand and pint of view, I have found out that I really like the normal suspension more than air that came with the UL.
They are both very comfortable, but to me, the air setup felt a little wobbly at times, almost felt like a lincoln if you've ever driven one. That feeling of sitting on something like a cloud or a cotton ball, you almost loose road feel of how much it is stripping out the exterior road experience and dampening it.

Also, the air seemed to be a bit more fragile than the normal setup. I once went over s decent pot hole and lost one of my struts. While I might go on similar pots with my normal suspension and it seems to be a little bit more forgiving.

Although I miss the sport button on the UL

alanchad

iTrader: (1)

I changed my 2001 UL from air to oem and could not be more pleased.

Very smooth, stable feeling ride.

tiger02

Ditto. Bought struts, springs, mounts and bump stops for non-sport suspension and am very happy with the results.

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

I have done the conversion to sport shocks and Tanabe NF210 springs. Parts were $1k and labor was $300. Tanabe springs were ~$150 cheaper then stock spings.
I love the ride, it's more stable, less roll in corners and good looks.
Cons: now I have to watch for high curbs and bumpy roads since ride hight is 1" lower, full trunk and full car results in low and almost scraping rear end. If roads in your state are good you can do lowering springs, otherwise I would not recommend it.