jonathancl

It's been a while since my l-tuned installation post, and I am getting ready to replace the shocks.

I am approaching 115k miles, and it is possible that I will sell the car before I replace the shocks again.

As is, the car has Lexus factory parts, L-Tuned shocks and springs.

Since I cannot buy them any longer, what is the nearest equivalent shock so I can still claim it has an L-Tuned suspension?

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

kyb
10 chara

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks ($460 for 4). About 25% firmer than stock, but very durable with a lifetime warranty. Bilstein is a German manufacturer that is OEM for BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, etc. The Bilstein Sport shocks (~$430 for 4) is about 50% firmer than stock (which is quite soft to begin with), but still relatively comfortable from what I hear--if you want a more aggressive shock.

Personally, I have the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks w/ the L-tuned springs, and I couldn't be happier with them. Comfortable like stock, but a little firmer and very confidence-inspiring around corners. You can't go wrong with these shocks. I've had them for 2 years without any issues. These shocks will probably outlast the rest of the suspension...

sockfocks

iTrader: (1)

Someone just posted that the Sportdesign shocks are the same as l-tuned shocks. So if you order sportdesign replacements your getting the same l-tuned shock. Can someone verify this?

csq860

When one of my L-tuned front shocks sprung a leak I replaced them with KYB. I don't know if it's fact but I've heard and read that L-tuned are rebadged KYB shocks in the first place. I can say they feel exactly the same as the L-tuned did.

RX729

As anyone tried Tokico Blue's...?

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

^ didnt know tokico made shocks for the 2GS

Faraaz23

The nearest one to L-tuned is most definitely the KYB shocks. In fact, I believe they are the ones who built the L-tuned's. I am not 100% that the valving is exactly to the same spec, but they are very very similar. You will probably end up getting the best price for them on Ebay.

I have the Bilstein HD's. I like them, but they are definitely going to have a firmer ride than the KYB's.

Faraaz23

Oh yea, I forgot. There is one other trick for you. Call your Lexus dealer parts dept. and say you need a new set of shocks for your "2003 GS300 Sport Design". These had the L-tuned's from the factory.

NiteOwl

I have the Bilstein Sports and like them a bunch...

Scott1258

What springs are you using with them?

NiteOwl

Tanabe NF210s. Give a nice drop without going too low for a daily driver. I could actually deal with a bit more stiffness, as I like my suspension pretty tight. Not sure how much more drop the DF210s give, but they would be worth looking at as well.

I got them from the place in Texas, TM Engineering (I think that's the name). The guy that works there is on this board, and I was very pleased with his service. Look them up, I am sure there is more info on them.

GSquicksilver

i second that